Surya Johnson

Surya is a yogi, traveler, and eternal student of breath, movement, and devotion. With years of experience teaching, practicing, and living around the world in Thailand, India, Korea, Japan, and Cambodia, he now calls Wilmington, NC home, bringing with him a deep passion for yoga. His intention is to create spaces where people feel empowered, free, and deeply connected.

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He first encountered yoga in the ashrams of Rishikesh and Goa, and in turn, yoga found him. What began as a practice soon evolved into a lifelong path of devotion, discipline, and transformation. Surya trained extensively in Hatha, Vinyasa, and meditation, earning his second RYT-500 certification from Vikasa Yoga Academy in Thailand. His journey has taken him from teaching in studios and leading retreats to co-founding Urban Yogis, a breath-centered, modern yoga space built on community and innovation.

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His classes are an invitation to play, explore, and drop in. Students can expect a dynamic blend of sweat, stillness, and laughter—because yoga should feel good in both the body and the heart.

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Beyond the mat, Surya loves guiding deep, immersive experiences through classes and retreats. Some of his favorite workshops include Vipassana and Breathwork for cultivating deep presence and compassionate awareness, Tumo Breathwork and Somatic Practices to blend movement, breath, and grounding techniques for resilience and release, Gong Sound Baths and Vagal Toning for nervous system regulation through sound, and Ecstatic Dances and Bhakti Flow Workshops where mantras, instruments, and movement unlock authentic expression.

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Two asanas play a defining role in his practice. Mayurasana (Peacock Pose) serves as his go-to for strength, purification, and balance. This arm balance challenges him to find stability in intensity, reinforcing patience, control, and the power of breath. It stands as a reminder that transformation happens when one leans into the challenge rather than away from it. Padmasana (Lotus Pose) is the foundation of his daily sadhana—the seat where he chants, breathes, and grounds himself. Here, he connects with mantra japa, Hatha kriya, and breathwork, using stillness as a gateway to something deeper. He always concludes his practice with Svādhyāya, the study of sacred texts, believing that yoga extends beyond movement—it is a way of living the teachings both on and off the mat.

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When not teaching, Surya can often be found leading men’s circles, participating in Kirtan, or exploring Wilmington’s beaches. He holds a deep love for Krishna and Bhakti traditions, and he is never without a matcha in hand and a mantra on his mind. Passionate about building community, sharing stories, and helping others find joy in their practice, he creates spaces where breath, movement, and meaningful conversation come together.

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He looks forward to practicing with others, offering the opportunity to move, breathe, and grow together.