James D’silva

Garuda Matwork

James D’Silva was born and raised in Goa, India, before moving to England to train in classical and contemporary dance.  As a professional dancer James performed, choreographed and taught all over Europe and the USA.

Throughout James’ career Pilates and Body Conditioning were an integral part of his training routine.  Over the years he added Yoga, Gyrotonic, and influences from Feldenkrais and Alexander Technique to his repertoire and fused the different methods into a unique, holistic and integrated style of movement and exercise.  James specializes in an exercise regime, which strengthens and tones muscles, develops co-ordination, increases flexibility and improves structural fitness. 

The multifunctional GARUDA is ideally suited to support James’ unique, focused and organic method of exercise.  Feeling limited by traditional studio equipment James set out to develop his own versatile exercise apparatus, the GARUDA, in collaboration with engineer Glynn Barber.  It is aptly named after a mythical bird in Hindu mythology, which can change its shape according to purpose.  This exceptional development in studio equipment perfectly translates James’ movement philosophy into motion by serving to support a targeted yet completely flexible movement repertoire.  The GARUDA combines and extends the Pilates Reformer and Cadillac and adds the precision of the Wunda Chair.  It thereby offers a near endless range of exercise options for all levels and abilities.

In his work James focuses on form, breath, fluidity and the dynamics of movement, catering for all age groups and abilities to allow everyone to find joy in exercise and expression.  He believes that all exercise should be performed mindfully, as movement without awareness is wasted energy.  This philosophy has guaranteed him many devoted clients ever since he opened his own pilates studio in London’s St John’s Wood over 10 years ago.