tapas [tuhp-uh s]
noun Yoga: 'to burn’,
evoking 'fiery discipline', ‘internal fire’ or
'passion'.
Mel Waters
About Yoga Tapas
Dynamic, yet meditative yoga classes, based on the Ashtanga method. A practice designed to cleanse the body & mind. Offering a series of face-to-face & online classes throughout the week. Private classes also available. All levels welcome.
Be steady. Be comfortable.
Mel Waters
My Ashtanga journey began in 2005 and I have continued to reap the rewards of this dynamic yoga system ever since.
With regular practice and a touch of patience I began to notice improvements in my overall physical and mental wellbeing, on and off the mat. From strength & flexibility to focus & concentration.
I'm delighted to have the opportunity to pass on the wonders of this practice to you. Give it a go. Let good things happen.
Hi there, I'm Mel
I'm a dedicated Ashtanga Yoga practitioner.
I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga sometime around 2005 in London when my sister suggested to 'just give it a go'. Prior to this I was a full on gym bunny. If I wasn't lifting weights, pushing myself to my absolute physical limit, panting & sweating, then it wasn't exercise.
Cue my first Ashtanga class... Done. Hooked on that post-yoga high! It pretty much had me at 'Ekam Inhale'.
Safe to say, my gym brain was pleasantly surprised at the strength & effort required (not to mention the sweat element) for a yoga class. For the 6-12 months, Ashtanga for me was very much a physical practice - a form of exercise, but as time went on, I developed a more consistent practice. I started attending Mysore classes, which allowed me to really turn my awareness inwards, focusing on what really mattered - the breath. And like that, Ashtanga became the meditative practice it truly is. This in turn enabled me to progress further through the sequence at my own steady pace.
Now I'm here in beautiful Jervis Bay doing what I love.
Overcoming hurdles physically & mentally, on and off the mat.
By this point, my gym membership was safely filed in the bin.
Fast forward a few years, a couple of stumbles and other unfortunate stuff life throws at you along the way and I'm finally here in Australia and lucky to be in a position to take on a new direction in life.
One day, my husband just casually said 'why don't you teach yoga?' It made sense. I have always been grateful for how the practice has helped and supported me - why not pass these great benefits on to others?
It wasn't long until I met Alyson Johnson and began practicing at Thirroul Yoga Shala. It felt like home and in 2018 Alyson kindly took me under her wing and I was enrolled on her Teacher Training apprenticeship.
Now i'm here in beautiful Jervis Bay, just me, my husband Bob and an army of cats, doing what I love. Offering a series of classes, all led with passion & intention (Tapas).
Come and try one see how quickly you get hooked.
"Just give it a go".
Contact Us
Yoga Tapas
Classroom 2, Jervis Bay Maritime Museum, Dent Street.
Tel: 0422 674 797
Email: