Instructors
Rene
Coming from an athletic background of almost 10 years of karate, swimming and gymnastics; I found Yoga to be the best alternative form of physical activity away from competition.
I began my spiritual quest around the age of 16, in the midst of the adolescent’s identity crisis. Immersed in reading and journaling for an alternative way to the catholic spirituality, I found a beautifully illustrated version of the Bhagavad Gita and St. Germain metaphysics books that belonged to my mother. That’s how I found out about Yoga and other philosophies that awakened my curiosity and yearning to seek who I AM.
I moved to Miami Beach in the year 2000 and met my first teachers and influences for Ashtanga. Reed Taylor and Gretchen Weise at It’s Yoga Miami are who inspired and motivated my practice and to become a teacher. They also gave me the first job as a teacher in their studio after completing my teacher training in San Francisco on January of 2003.
I was trained by Larry Schultz who became an adored teacher and friend who gave me incredible insight and advice about my Yoga practice and spiritual path. And Katie Cariffe to whom I’m grateful for all the valuable information and care given. Another loved and meaningful teacher is Wayne (Hanuman) Krassner whose teachings and training style are unforgettable and defining in my life.
In pursuit of growth and development of artistic talents I’ve been also in school for singing, acting and dance. I integrate some elements from art training in my classes.
Miranda
I first came to yoga as a complement to ballet and modern dance training. Yoga allowed me strengthen my body in a more balanced and general way that I needed to excel as an athlete.
As the years went on, I started to notice the effects of the yoga practice that unfolded that were not just physical. A spiritual practice began to develop, a deeper understanding of the body and mind connection, and a more well rounded and holistic experience with the world was awakening. I began to search for a place where I could expand my experiences and share them with other like minded individuals.
In October of 2009, after practicing different forms of yoga for almost 15 years, I came upon the It’s Yoga Astanga Vinyasa system and enrolled in the Teacher Training Program as a beginner. Since my teacher training I have enjoyed an ever expanding and deepening love for the practice. Watching the nuances and correlations of what happens on and off the mat is a pleasure. Seeing changes, awakenings and awareness unfold in myself in others is a joy. I love practicing yoga and love sharing the practice with others, learning from others and developing a community, a communication and a shared language.
Life’s a trip, life’s a journey, enjoy the ride and watch from the Rocket ship. This path is just one of many, but I love this path.
Steve
To be healthy, the body craves regularity. In your sleep habits, in your diet, in your level of activity. What takes you away from health is the mind’s craving for change. To satisfy your mind, the body is constantly suffering, deteriorating, becoming less sensitive and aging. Satisfying the desires of the mind with a spirit of respect and appreciation toward the body is the balance that Yoga can offer.
My philosophy is that a Yoga practice is that which reins in the mind. I am also of the mind that Yoga comes to you, not the other way around. It is not a fad. It is a lifestyle. It is a conscious decision to end suffering and bring back vitality. To that end, I share a practice that works for me.
The great thing about it is that the practice speaks for itself. I don’t need to put together a cool playlist, or talk about opening your heart, or run the disco ball or barbecue you with the heater. It is not my job to entertain you or do any of the work for you. I provide the space and my own experience from my practice to share this beautiful Rocket Vinyasa system with you. Doing the Rocket, you will come to understand what asana practice is all about.
It will change your body. It will change you mind. It will change your life. Insights will flow to you that nobody could have told you because they only come when you’re ready to receive. I encourage you to show up no matter how you feel, because showing up is the hardest part. Once you start moving and breathing, the practice takes over. My hope is that all San Franciscans, and yogis everywhere, will transcend their dependency upon their teachers. When you come, please come for yourself. I am simply here to serve you, learn from you and honor the work that you are doing to heal yourself and the world.
I have tremendous gratitude for Larry Schultz for developing this amazing series of Yoga routines and sharing his philosophy that Yoga is about creating the life you want. I am grateful for his teacher, Sri. K Pattabhi Jois and all of the teachings of Ashtanga. I am grateful to my partner Rene for introducing me to this exactly when I needed it and I am grateful to all of them for never putting their names in front of Yoga, because it is something that you share, not something you possess.
Tara
Dr. Tara Danli’s ashtanga inspired class encourages core strength and stamina while focusing on mind and body alignment to purify, empower and refresh the nervous system. Her balanced approach to health and wellness combines the healing principles of chiropractic wellness and yoga.
She received her yoga teaching certification in 2007 through the Purusha School of Yoga and completed the Rocket Vinyasa training with Larry Shultz of It’s Yoga in 2011. Dr. Danli has been serving the health and fitness industry for over 15 years and owns Danli Chiropractic & Wellness in Burlingame, CA.
Go get your back fixed!: www.danlichiropractic.com
Todd
Todd leads his classes with the intention of students finding the more subtle nuances and hidden gems in their own practice. Although the asana sequences are vigorous his goal is for students to find a balance of “ease and effort” each time they step on the mat. Todd subscribes to the notion that technique and breath are a better route than just “pressing harder”.
Todd embarked upon his yoga journey through life under the influence, friendship and teachings of the original yoga “dude” Larry Schultz. Todd found yoga in San Francisco at the end of the windsurfing season over 10 years ago. The September days were getting shorter and he was in search of something to do after work to replace his adrenaline fix for the next 9 months. The goal was to find something different that was healthy, physical, had a semblance of community and was healing in nature. Through the suggestion of a friend he tried Ashtanga Yoga. He found “Its Yoga” on the internet. It was close to his office and turned out to be life changing. It was within a mile of his job but a world away from the stresses and mindset of selling advertising. Todd found Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to be more than he had hoped for. It provided the same requirement for focus and physical challenge that he found in skiing, windsurfing, and mountain biking. What he didn’t expect to find was a system of practice that provided a roadmap for self reflection and relationship to others. He found a system of practice that helps navigate a path through life. He knew it was for him. Todd has since found Asta Yoga to be the environment where he, Rene, Steven and so many people inspired by Larry Schultz are able to keep the positive essence of what he gave us alive.
He practices Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in the traditional Mysore method. His practice of Ashtanga has been shaped by teachers including Magnolia Zuniga, John Berlinsky, Leah Watkins, Richard Freeman, David Swenson, Maty Ezraty, and Chuck Miller. All are of the Ashtanga Vinyasa lineage brought forth by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
More about the Wonderful World of Yoga with Todd: yogawithtodd.wordpress.com
All of our instructors come from different backgrounds and have had life-changing experiences that turned them onto the path of Yoga.
All of them were trained directly by Larry Schultz, founder of It’s Yoga San Francisco and the creator of the Rocket Vinyasa System.
United by many years experience living and teaching yoga, they all have an intense passion to help their students make the journey that they have found so fulfilling.
In dedication to our Teacher and Friend
