A philosopher by training, Ty Landrum arrived on the mat feeling numb; he then discovered something that would change the course of his life. Twenty years later, he's the founder of Black Lotus Yoga, a teacher who travels the world with his family of four, and a devoted student of the practice he's spent two decades refining.
Below, Ty shares what drew him to yoga, the philosophy behind Black Lotus, and why the breath is at the center of everything he teaches.
What first drew you to yoga and movement?
I came to yoga feeling numb and disconnected. I was in graduate studies in academic philosophy and spent too much time in my head. Through breath and movement, I began to feel back into my body, and around my heart I discovered a heavy mass of unprocessed grief. Yoga helped me feel into that mass without dissociating, and it taught me to hold sorrow with an open heart. Slowly but surely, the mass fell away, leaving a sense of lightness, exuberance, and gratitude. That was more than twenty years ago, and I have continued to study and explore yoga with deepening passion ever since.
How has your teaching evolved over the years?
My teaching is based on the traditional Indian idea of balancing the two phases of the breath to encourage the vital force, prana, to circulate more openly through the body. This quickens the spirit, sharpens the senses, stimulates creativity, supports natural healing, clears away mental stagnation, and leaves us feeling refreshed and renewed. In my teaching, I invite students to find this balance, cultivate it, and explore it lovingly.
You're the founder of Black Lotus Yoga. How would you describe this style, and what makes it unique?
Black Lotus Yoga is a vibrant and fluid vinyasa style, unique for the clarity with which it moves the vital force. The system is comprised of seven scalable sequences designed to provide a firm and supportive structure through which to evolve.
What do you hope students take away from practicing Black Lotus Yoga?
I hope that Black Lotus Yoga helps students rediscover the inherent joy of embodiment. I hope that it helps them feel more spaciousness and ease within themselves. And I hope it helps them connect to creativity and lead a more soulful life.
Mental health is an important part of your work. How does yoga support it?
Black Lotus Yoga balances prana (upward & inward energy) and apana (downward & outward energy), and that is a key aspect of mental health. When these two forces are balanced, we find a natural inner warmth and stability.
What's one common movement habit you see students struggling with?
We students generally have a hard time staying connected to the apana pattern, which gives inner strength and stability. The Black Lotus practice cultivates the apana pattern quite deliberately, and that shows itself to be of immense benefit.
What's the biggest misconception people have about yoga?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you have to be flexible to do it. There are no requirements of the sort. Even bodies that are quite stiff can reap the benefits of yoga.
You travel constantly to teach and lead workshops. What are your non-negotiables on the road?
Tea, water filter, and my Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. I always have these things with me.
About Ty
Ty Landrum is the founder of Black Lotus Yoga and a sought-after teacher whose work bridges traditional yoga philosophy with deeply embodied movement. He's been practicing on his Manduka PRO Yoga Mat for 20 years, carrying it to workshops, retreats, and studios around the world. He travels the globe with his family of four, teaching workshops and retreats along the way.
Explore his work at blacklotusyoga.com and tylandrum.com, and follow him on Instagram at @tylandrumyoga.
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