Biography

Ken Thompson : A Brief Biography

I was first introduced to the Alexander Technique in 1971. At that time I was a yoga teacher, having practised yoga since 1955 and taught classes since the mid sixties. My good friend and yoga colleague Chris Stevens had had some Alexander lessons and kept telling me how good the experience was, and how I could benefit from a series of lessons, too. After a time his enthusiasm got the better of me and I booked up for a lesson . From the first session, I was hooked - I was walking on air for the next three days ! I wanted to learn much more about this Technique, and to be able to pass the experience on to others.

I applied for and was accepted onto the training course run by Walter & Dilys Carrington and I qualified in 1979. Since then I have been teaching both privately and on training courses, and have travelled and taught throughout the UK and around the world including Europe, Africa, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. In 1988 I set up the Essex Alexander Training School: to date, 53 students have qualified and are now practising Alexander Teachers.

My yoga background is still very much a part of my life. I have been involved in the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY) since its inception in 1966, serving as a teacher member throughout that time, including a stint as Chairman (1985 - 88), and since 1971 I have been a BWY Diploma Course Tutor with responsibility for training other yoga teachers. Recently retired as BWY Trustee after 20 years service. I am particularly interested in the use of the Alexander Technique for improving Hatha yoga practice, helping students to avoid developing bad habits and misuse. My emphasis is on natural breathing and restoring the natural poise of the head neck and spine, thus helping the students to maintain the working integrity of themselves in yoga practice and to be able to enjoy the satisfaction of well co-ordinated movement.

I have contributed to and written numerous articles for leading yoga magazines, and have collaborated with Harvey Day on several books on yoga. I have also produced a series of audio tapes on relaxation and hatha yoga practice. My first book on improving co-ordination was called "The Movement Book" and was published by Bibliotek in 1996. You can buy this book from Angela's Yoga Books 70 The Hornet, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7JJ.
My latest book is called "Are you a Natural Hatha Yogi?". See the Yoga link for more details

For further information on books and tapes,  email me at: ken_thompson@lineone.net