Rolf is the author of the acclaimed book on yogic philosophy Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga (Random House) and conducts Vinyasa Intensives and Teacher Trainings throughout the US and abroad. His classes are a synergy of the dynamic freedom of a powerful vinyasa class with the structural integrity of precise alignment. Named in Travel and Leisure's Top 25 Yoga Studios Around the World and Boston's Best Yoga Teacher, he has been featured in numerous publications to include Yoga Journal, Natural Health and People Magazine, and has also filmed a yoga series for Comcast. In 2005 Rolf produced his first Vinyasa audio CD. A former social worker and US Airborne Ranger, Rolf brings his eclectic background to his practice and his teachings and is also a featured speaker at corporate trainings on "The Inner Path of Leadership."*

Born in Manhattan, Rolf Gates grew up in the Boston area as an avid marathon runner, long distance cyclist and champion wrestler. As the descendant of six generations of ministers, he gained an understanding of service and dedication at a very early age.
He studied American History at American University in DC and in 1987 received his commission in the U.S. Army Infantry from Georgetown University. As a military officer he served with the U.S forces in Germany. Rolf went on to work as an emergency medical technician serving the Boston Community and an addictions counselor, working with the most difficult teenagers in the system. Exploring his growing interest in yoga and meditation, he received his early training in Kripalu Yoga from The Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. He has also been profoundly inspired by his training in Ashtanga, Vinyasa and Anusara Yoga.

Rolf now lives in Santa Cruz, CA with his wife, Empowered Kids Yoga Teacher and Director, Mariam Gates, and their two children.

References: *Joseph Jarworski, Synchronicity: Inner Path of Leadership