I had never imagined that I would move to the US to teach yoga and be part of a community of yoga studios. Like most Indians, I came here to study computer science, get a good job, and make a comfortable living. That was the plan—a good salary, stability, and the "American Dream."
But in the summer of '98, everything changed. I randomly joined a Bikram Yoga teacher training, mainly because it was a summer program and I had nothing better to do. Little did I know, that decision would change the trajectory of my entire life.
I can’t quite explain how I ended up where I am now, other than to say it’s pure grace. Life is filled with choices, and at times, it feels like we’re steering the ship—making decisions and carving our path. But sometimes, it seems like no matter what you choose, life keeps nudging you back to who you really are and what you’re meant to do.
Looking back, I realize I couldn’t have imagined a life for myself other than this Yogi way. Whether I chose my destiny or my destiny chose me, I am grateful beyond words for the gift this path has given me. And if I hadn’t taken that random leap in the summer of ‘98, who knows where I’d be today. Life has a funny way of guiding you where you need to go, even when you least expect it.
The other day, after sending out my last email where I shared my connection with Bikram Yoga, I received a few curious replies asking about the history of that connection. It's a story that means a lot to me, and today, I’d like to share it with you in a bit more detail.
As some of you know, there’s a family connection between Bikram Choudhury and myself. Bikram, the man behind the name, was like family, but interestingly enough, I didn’t grow up knowing him closely. I grew up in Bombay (now Mumbai), while Bikram had already established himself in the U.S. We had different paths, but destiny has its own plans.
A Frustrating Start in India
I was pursuing mechanical engineering in Mumbai, and to be honest, it was an incredibly frustrating time for me. Not just because of the rigorous studies, but because of the long, exhausting commute that left me drained. I felt stuck and uninspired, and I knew I needed a change. That’s when I crossed paths with Bikram.
After meeting Bikram, he offered me the opportunity to come to Los Angeles. It was a big decision, but one that changed the course of my life. I moved to LA, and I’m grateful for the experience because not only did Bikram let me stay at his studio, but I also got to work closely with him—managing the front desk, helping with the studio operations, and being a part of the day-to-day running of the business from 1997 to 2000.
Moving to Arizona: A Leap of Faith
In 2000, I moved to Arizona and transferred to ASU. But, deep down, I knew I wanted to open my own yoga studio. The dream was there, but I didn’t have much money, and no landlord was willing to lease space to someone who had no solid financial backing.
That’s where Bikram came in again. With his help and a co-sign from him and his wife, Rajashree (my aunt), I was able to secure the lease for my first Bikram studio on Tatum and Thunderbird. I’ll never forget that moment because without their support, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to start this journey. It was a sense of obligation mixed with gratitude that pushed me forward.
Building Community and Making Choices
Over the years, I became deeply involved in Bikram Yoga, not just as a studio owner, but also as part of his Bikram yoga Teacher Training. I opened another studio in North Scottsdale in 2003, on Pinnacle Peak and Miller. It was there that I met some amazing people who would later become integral to my journey—like my favorite teacher, Kim Ewan, my ex-business partner Patty, and Lynn, a teacher many of you might know who has built a great following in Arizona.
But as with all journeys, there were ups and downs. In 2004, after making some business and personal decisions that didn’t go as planned, 2003 , I had to sell my studio in Paradise Valley (which is now The Foundry). Though it felt like a setback at the time, in hindsight, it turned out to be a blessing. It forced me to step away from Bikram Yoga and start thinking about what was next for me.
The Birth of Sumits Yoga
In 2004, I began experimenting with a new class. I didn’t want to simply recreate another Bikram studio out of respect for my history with the practice and for Bikram himself. I also felt the pull to innovate and create something of my own. So, I started teaching at Mountainside Fitness, where I experimented with new styles, combining the therapeutic poses of Bikram with the fluidity of vinyasa flow. For months, I trialed different sequences, added music to the classes, and tweaked the flows until something clicked.
I had created something that resonated with students—it had the discipline and therapy of Bikram, but it was infused with more fun and freedom through flowing sequences. Initially, I called it "Yoga Fusion," since I felt it was a blend of hot yoga and vinyasa flow.
At the time, I was the sole owner, teaching up to five classes a day. Students would constantly ask what kind of class it was, and I found myself spending 20 minutes explaining the unique fusion I’d created. It became clear that the class needed a name of its own. With no other choice, I decided to call it Sumits Yoga, not out of ego, but to make it easier for people to understand what it was.
2004 is when Sumits Yoga was created and then i moved to open a new studio on Thompson peak and Flw Scottsdale.
In 2005, I opened Sumits Yoga Scottsdale with Patty ( True Hot Yoga now) By then, I had been teaching the class for a year, and its growth felt natural. It was amazing to see how quickly the community embraced the practice, and that’s how Sumits Yoga was born.
Reflecting on the Journey
Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for all the people who helped shape my journey—from Bikram and Rajashree, to my colleagues and teachers, and the students who believed in the practice I created. It’s been a path full of twists, unexpected turns, and lessons learned, but each step has brought me closer to where I am today.
To those of you who asked about my connection to Bikram Yoga, that’s the story. From LA to Arizona, from frustration to inspiration, it’s been a journey of growth, transformation, and finding my true path.
Love
Sumit
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