Namaste Yoga was founded in 2010 by Keshav Rupakheti to bring the yoga techniques he grew up with in Nepal to Belfast — clear, practical, and genuinely effective.
The focus here isn’t on trends or spirituality, it’s on helping people move better, feel stronger, and stay healthy through consistent, well-taught practice.
At Namaste, yoga is structured, progressive, and accessible. Classes are organised by challenge so you can build strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence step by step. Many begin with Yoga for Recovery and stay in that class while others gradually develop their control and understanding and move into more challenging classes. It’s not rushed, and it’s not about performance, it’s about steady improvement and long-term health.
Over the years, a strong and welcoming community has grown around the studio. Our Yoga on Sunday class in particular has become something special — familiar faces practising together week after week, encouraging each other, sharing progress, and enjoying the rhythm of consistent practice.
“I’ve never stuck with exercise this long — the structure really works for me.”
Keshav is a native of Nepal and discovered yoga in his teens after attending a talk by Swami Satchidananda Bishuddhadev, who ran a yoga ashram in Kathmandu. That meeting changed the direction of his life.
He joined the ashram and spent two years immersed in traditional yogic living, practising daily asana, pranayama, meditation, yoga therapy, and cleansing techniques, while studying classical methods and discipline. Life at the ashram was simple and self-sufficient, grounded in routine, effort, and shared practice.
Since leaving the ashram more than twenty years ago, Keshav has taught regular classes continuously. Now based in Belfast, he teaches hundreds of students each week.
When asked what style of yoga he teaches, his answer is simple:
“I just teach yoga.”
His classes reflect that approach — structured, progressive, and focused on helping people become stronger, more balanced, and healthier through consistent practice.
“I have loved yoga for many years. Keshav is the most authentic and experienced yogi I have ever practised under. I trust his knowledge and expertise implicity.”
Orla is passionate about movement, wellbeing, and creative expression. A dedicated practitioner for 20 years, she brings a wealth of experience to her teaching and has been a beloved instructor at Namaste Yoga Centre for over 7 years. She is qualified in Adult Yoga, Kids Yoga, Yoga for Teens, and Yin Yoga.
Beyond the mat, Orla is a Psychodrama Psychotherapist and Child Counsellor with 20 years of experience supporting children and adults. She also holds a degree in Performance and Drama Facilitation and has worked extensively in professional and community theatre for over 25 years as a singer and performer.
An avid lover of fitness and the outdoors, you can often find Orla taking the plunge with year-round sea swimming!
“Orla's classes are just perfect for me. The atmosphere she creates is fun and relaxing.”
