26–29 November 2026 | Fitzrovia, London
For the first time in the UK and Europe, we’re incredibly excited to welcome Chaz Knight to James Shaw Pilates London for four days dedicated to the Classical Pilates method.
Across four days, Chaz will lead four Mat classes and eight three-hour workshops, bringing his experience, knowledge and perspective on the Classical work to our London studio.
Each morning will begin together on the Mat before moving into two workshops exploring different areas of the method, the apparatus and the wider Pilates system.
Chaz Knight Workshops
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Chaz Knight Workshops & Classes
Workshops £250 per 3 hour workshop
Group Mat Class £35 per class
Mat class and workshop are individually bookable, giving you the flexibility to create your own experience across the four days.
Join us for a class, workshop, full day or build your own programme with Chaz across the weekend.
Thursday 26th November
9:00am- 9:50am - Classical Mat - The OG
Back to where it all started. Taking inspiration from Joseph Pilates’ original 34 Mat exercises, this class explores the Classical Mat as a complete practice, building flow, control, strength and connection through the whole body.
10:30am–1:30pm - Mastering the Mat Workshop
The mat work is the essence of the traditional Pilates system. In a landscape where instructors can obtain certification in “mat Pilates” in just one weekend, simply knowing the sequence and basic cues is no longer enough for dedicated professionals to set themselves apart from enthusiasts. Understanding the how and why behind each exercise, as well as the appropriate timing for teaching them, is essential to rise above fleeting trends. In this workshop, Chaz Knight will share constructive processes and progressions for each exercise in the intermediate series, along with the optimal order for instruction. This deeper comprehension of layering and application not only enhances participants' understanding of the method but also fosters confident teachers who stand out in an oversaturated industry, becoming valuable assets to any studio or team. Move beyond basic cues and become one of the best teachers in the room.
2:30–5:30pm - Intermediate Reformer Transitions Workshop
The transition from the basic system to the intermediate system can feel daunting. Not only does the volume of material more than double, but the heightened demands on technique, strength, and overall organisation can overwhelm both clients and teachers. The challenge often lies in conflating the concepts of order and system, instead of recognising them as distinct ideas. We utilise the system to establish the order and use the order to assess technical proficiency.
In this workshop, Chaz Knight will explore the how, when, and why of intermediate reformer order. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the introduction sequence for exercises, the construction exercises within the studio, and effective spotting and teaching techniques once these exercises are incorporated into the reformer sequence. While many in the industry have memorised the order, the future of the method will belong to those who possess a deep academic understanding of the system and an artistic eye to effectively shape bodies, building on the invaluable legacy left by Joe and the elders.
Friday 27th November
9:00am- 9:50am - Classical Mat + Magic Circle
Start the day with a Classical Mat class led by Chaz Knight. Take the Classical Mat deeper with the Magic Circle. Using resistance and feedback from the circle, we’ll create stronger two way connections throughout the body and bring a new understanding to familiar Mat exercises.
10:30am–1:30pm - The Armchair Workshop
The armchair is one of the most underutilised and misunderstood pieces of equipment in the traditional studio. Mr. Pilates drew inspiration from boxing and gymnastics, both of which emphasise specific training techniques for the shoulders and their connection to the body. Unfortunately, many leading instructors in the traditional Pilates method come from a dance background and have applied their knowledge to the use of the armchair and the overall system. This has contributed to the prevalence of neck tension and shoulder injuries among practitioners of the traditional repertoire.
In this workshop, Chaz Knight explores the history of the armchair, demonstrates the correct techniques for executing exercises, and provides guidance on when and how to teach them. He will cover progressions that lead participants from a foundational understanding to integrated intermediate execution. Teachers will leave with a more nuanced comprehension of the shoulder complex, moving away from vague cues like "plug the shoulders in" and "shoulders down and back." The armchair progressions workshop is essential for any instructor seeking clear answers and practical applications for this remarkable piece of equipment.
2:30–5:30pm - Advanced Reformer Workshop - Build the Skills
The advanced exercises of the traditional system are not centered on sheer strength or extreme flexibility; rather, they focus on a mindful layering of skills and concepts that rely entirely on solid foundational techniques. Each advanced exercise integrates foundational ideas, stacked strategically to enhance understanding and execution.
In this workshop, Chaz Knight will guide participants through a step-by-step process for progressing and spotting the exercises in the advanced reformer order. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to teach various groups of related exercises, how to spot them effectively, and the logical progressions to ensure sound technical execution. This thoughtful approach to building each exercise empowers clients to grow stronger and to find joy in their practice. Mastery of this order embodies Joe's vision of Contrology, uniting mind, body, and spirit.
The Programme
Saturday 28th November
9:00am- 9:50am - Classical Mat + Magic Circle
Start the day with a Classical Mat class led by Chaz Knight. Take the Classical Mat deeper with the Magic Circle. Using resistance and feedback from the circle, we’ll create stronger two way connections throughout the body and bring a new understanding to familiar Mat exercises.
10:30am–1:30pm - Mastering the Mat Workshop
The mat work is the essence of the traditional Pilates system. In a landscape where instructors can obtain certification in “mat Pilates” in just one weekend, simply knowing the sequence and basic cues is no longer enough for dedicated professionals to set themselves apart from enthusiasts. Understanding the how and why behind each exercise, as well as the appropriate timing for teaching them, is essential to rise above fleeting trends. In this workshop, Chaz Knight will share constructive processes and progressions for each exercise in the intermediate series, along with the optimal order for instruction. This deeper comprehension of layering and application not only enhances participants' understanding of the method but also fosters confident teachers who stand out in an oversaturated industry, becoming valuable assets to any studio or team. Move beyond basic cues and become one of the best teachers in the room.
2:30–5:30pm - Classical Pilates - Strategy’s for Active Aging
The traditional Pilates system is a compilation of deconstructed exercises that can be practiced and developed using various apparatus, ultimately leading to the mastery of mat or advanced reformer exercises . At its core, the Pilates method focuses on breaking down exercises to cater to individual needs. This is particularly valuable when working with senior clients, enabling even the most rigid or fragile bodies to experience and benefit fully from each exercise.
Senior clients come to the studio with diverse needs, but they often seek to maintain independence and enhance their quality of daily life. During this workshop, participants will learn a variety of sequences utilising mat and reformer exercises as references, ensuring clients receive a well-rounded workout that aligns with the traditional method. This approach not only boosts instructors’ confidence in training active seniors but also fosters visible improvements in strength, coordination, and balance.
Our senior population represents some of the most consistent and dedicated clients any instructor or business could wish for; they deserve thoughtful instruction and the joy that a comprehensive Pilates practice can offer.
Sunday 29th November
9:00am- 9:50am - Reformer on the Mat
Start the day with a Classical Mat class led by Chaz Knight. No Reformer? No problem. Taking inspiration from the Classical Reformer order, we’ll bring the work onto the Mat, exploring how the exercises, transitions and connections translate without the apparatus.
10:30am–1.30pm - Intermediate Reformer Transitions Workshop
The transition from the basic system to the intermediate system can feel daunting. Not only does the volume of material more than double, but the heightened demands on technique, strength, and overall organisation can overwhelm both clients and teachers. The challenge often lies in conflating the concepts of order and system, instead of recognising them as distinct ideas. We utilise the system to establish the order and use the order to assess technical proficiency.
In this workshop, Chaz Knight will explore the how, when, and why of intermediate reformer order. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of the introduction sequence for exercises, the construction exercises within the studio, and effective spotting and teaching techniques once these exercises are incorporated into the reformer sequence. While many in the industry have memorised the order, the future of the method will belong to those who possess a deep academic understanding of the system and an artistic eye to effectively shape bodies, building on the invaluable legacy left by Joe and the elders.
2:30–5:30pm - Advanced Reformer Workshop - Build the Skills
The advanced exercises of the traditional system are not centered on sheer strength or extreme flexibility; rather, they focus on a mindful layering of skills and concepts that rely entirely on solid foundational techniques. Each advanced exercise integrates foundational ideas, stacked strategically to enhance understanding and execution.
In this workshop, Chaz Knight will guide participants through a step-by-step process for progressing and spotting the exercises in the advanced reformer order. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how to teach various groups of related exercises, how to spot them effectively, and the logical progressions to ensure sound technical execution. This thoughtful approach to building each exercise empowers clients to grow stronger and to find joy in their practice. Mastery of this order embodies Joe's vision of Contrology, uniting mind, body, and spirit.