TRADITIONAL ASHTANGA YOGA
Four-Year Progressive Apprenticeship, Practice & Mentorship Program
Traditional Lineage • Mysore Method • Therapeutic Yoga • Holistic Wellness • Professional Teaching Development
DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE. BUILD KNOWLEDGE. DEVELOP CONFIDENCE. TEACH WITH PURPOSE.
For Dedicated Practitioners, Aspiring Teachers & Experienced Yoga Educators
In Person on Maui, Hawaiʻi | Live Online
MORE THAN TEACHER TRAINING
A LIFELONG EDUCATION
At Breathe Maui Wellness | Ashtanga Yoga Maui, Christina believes that becoming a knowledgeable, confident, skilled, and responsible yoga teacher requires more than memorizing postures, completing training hours, or receiving a certificate.
True understanding develops through years of dedicated personal practice, observation, practical experience, continued education, and mentorship.
The Four-Year Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship & Mentorship Program is rooted in Parampara—the traditional transmission of knowledge from teacher to student.
This progressive educational pathway combines the traditional Ashtanga Yoga system with individualized therapeutic applications, functional strength, resistance training, mobility, stability, breath awareness, resilience, and holistic wellness.
Whether your goal is to deepen your personal practice, become a traditional Mysore teacher, lead guided classes, offer individualized one-on-one therapeutic yoga sessions, or establish your own Ashtanga shala, our program supports continued learning and professional development.
The intention is to cultivate knowledgeable, confident, compassionate, and competent practitioners and teachers who understand not only what to teach, but why, when, how, and for whom a practice is appropriate.
OUR FOUR-YEAR EDUCATIONAL PATHWAY
YEAR ONE — FOUNDATIONS OF TRADITIONAL ASHTANGA MYSORE
Half & Full Primary Series | Observation | Beginning Students | Foundational Assisting
12 Months | $1,800
Year One establishes the foundation of traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice and teaching through consistent self-practice, close observation, assigned study, and supervised practical experience.
What You Will Learn
Traditional Half and Full Primary Series
Breath, vinyasa, drishti, and sequencing
Ashtanga lineage history, philosophy, and traditions
Anatomy, physiology, and foundational movement principles
Functional strength, mobility, stability, balance, and coordination
How to introduce beginning students to Mysore practice
How to establish appropriate individual starting points
The responsibilities of the teacher, apprentice, assistant, and student
Traditional shala etiquette, teaching ethics, and professional conduct
Foundational verbal and consent-based hands-on assisting
Appropriate modifications for injuries, limitations, and individual needs
Introduction to one-on-one therapeutic yoga and personalized movement education
Introduction to guided Half and Full Primary Series
Progressive Apprenticeship
Months 1–4: Observation & Study
Observe the Mysore teaching environment, student movement patterns, traditional instruction, individual limitations, and appropriate adaptations.
Months 5–8: Foundational Assisting
Develop verbal instruction, introductory hands-on assisting, beginner guidance, and therapeutic modifications under supervision.
Months 9–12: Applied Teaching Development
Continue supervised assisting, introduce guided class teaching, and develop practical confidence through observation and feedback.
Year One Tuition: $1,800
Includes unlimited scheduled Mysore self-practice, observation, and apprenticeship participation for 12 months.
YEAR TWO — INTERMEDIATE SERIES & THERAPEUTIC TEACHING DEVELOPMENT
Established Full Primary | Introduction to Intermediate Series | Multi-Level Mysore | Individualized Teaching
12 Months | $1,800
Year Two builds upon the foundations established in Year One and introduces the traditional Intermediate Series, known as Nadi Shodhana.
The emphasis is on understanding the purpose of Intermediate Series, recognizing individual readiness, and developing the skills to guide students with different abilities and levels of experience.
What You Will Learn
Refinement of Full Primary Series
Introduction to Intermediate Series
The traditional purpose and relationship of Primary and Intermediate Series
Appropriate progression and individual readiness
Strength, spinal mobility, stability, and coordination
Teaching beginners through Full Primary Series
Observing students beginning Intermediate Series
Managing a multi-level Mysore environment
Refining verbal and consent-based hands-on assisting
Individualized therapeutic modifications
Functional strength and resistance training principles
Personalized practice planning
Breath, relaxation, and recovery education
Guided Half and Full Primary Series instruction
Developing stamina, awareness, observation, and professional teaching judgment
Progressive Apprenticeship
Months 1–4: Beginning Student Development
Learn to introduce students to Mysore, establish appropriate progression, and recognize when modifications are necessary.
Months 5–8: Multi-Level Mysore Teaching
Develop observation, awareness, verbal instruction, and assisting skills while working with students at different stages of practice.
Months 9–12: Supervised Guided Teaching
Practice leading guided Half and Full Primary Series and assisting in multi-level Mysore sessions.
Year Two Tuition: $1,800
Includes unlimited scheduled Mysore self-practice, observation, and apprenticeship participation for 12 months.
YEAR THREE — INDEPENDENT MYSORE TEACHING & ONE-ON-ONE HOLISTIC WELLNESS
Traditional Mysore Leadership | Guided Classes | Private Therapeutic Sessions | Professional Development
12-Month Advanced Apprenticeship
Year Three focuses on developing the practical competencies necessary to establish and lead traditional Mysore and guided classes while learning to provide individualized one-on-one therapeutic yoga and holistic wellness education.
This stage emphasizes teaching confidence, knowledge, professional responsibility, and the ability to support students of different ages, abilities, and experience levels.
What You Will Learn
Traditional Mysore Leadership
Organizing and managing a traditional Mysore room
Teaching beginners alongside experienced practitioners
Understanding individual progression
Maintaining traditional sequencing and teaching principles
Developing appropriate verbal and hands-on guidance
Holding space for students with different abilities and needs
Establishing a consistent teaching schedule and community
Guided Class Teaching
Leading Half Primary Series
Leading Full Primary Series
Traditional Sanskrit counting
Breath, vinyasa, sequencing, and pacing
Clear verbal instruction and communication
Managing multi-level group classes
Providing appropriate modifications
One-on-One Therapeutic Yoga & Holistic Wellness
Client intake and wellness goal setting
Individualized movement observation
Personalized therapeutic yoga practice planning
Adaptive Ashtanga Yoga applications
Functional strength and resistance training
Mobility, stability, balance, and coordination
Breathwork, relaxation, and recovery
Therapeutic modifications and movement alternatives
Working appropriately with physical limitations and changing abilities
Session planning, progress reviews, and client education
Ethical practice, professional boundaries, and referral awareness
Establishing Your Own Mysore Program or Wellness Practice
Developing traditional Mysore and guided class offerings
Structuring private therapeutic wellness sessions
Organizing schedules and student progression
Building a supportive practice community
Understanding professional responsibilities
Maintaining the integrity of the traditional Ashtanga system
Supervised Teaching Practicum
Year Three emphasizes supervised teaching, class leadership, individualized client-session planning, observation, feedback, and mentorship.
The goal is to develop demonstrated teaching competency and readiness to guide students independently—not simply to complete a predetermined number of years.
Year Three Tuition: Available Upon Inquiry
YEAR FOUR — ADVANCED SERIES & COMPLETE ASHTANGA SYSTEM STUDY
Advanced Practice | Traditional Progression | Teaching Methodology | Lifelong Education
For Dedicated Practitioners & Experienced Teachers
12-Month Advanced Study & Mentorship
Year Four explores the traditional Advanced Series, known as Sthira Bhaga, and its relationship to the complete Ashtanga Yoga system.
This stage welcomes experienced practitioners who wish to deepen their personal understanding and teachers seeking to expand their knowledge of advanced practice, traditional progression, and individualized teaching.
What You Will Learn
The Complete Ashtanga System
Primary Series — Yoga Chikitsa
Intermediate Series — Nadi Shodhana
Advanced Series — Sthira Bhaga
Traditional sequencing and progression
The purpose and relationship of each series
Breath, concentration, stability, and movement awareness
Advanced Series Practice
Advanced strength, mobility, and stability
Balance and complex movement patterns
Progressive backbending and arm balancing
Advanced transitions and coordination
Physical readiness and appropriate preparation
Sustainable progression and individualized adaptations
For Dedicated Practitioners
Deepening personal practice
Understanding advanced movement patterns
Developing awareness and discernment
Recognizing when to progress, maintain, or modify
Supporting sustainable practice through different stages of life
For Experienced Teachers
Traditional Advanced Series teaching methodology
Recognizing student readiness
Observing experienced practitioners
Appropriate verbal and hands-on guidance
Consent-based assisting
Advanced therapeutic modifications
Understanding physical limitations and safety considerations
Developing professional teaching judgment
Advanced Therapeutic Applications
Refining individualized movement observation
Understanding advanced practice limitations
Adapting traditional movements appropriately
Integrating functional strength and stability
Breath, mobility, and recovery education
Developing sustainable individualized practice plans
Year Four Tuition: Available Upon Inquiry
ONE-ON-ONE THERAPEUTIC YOGA & HOLISTIC WELLNESS EDUCATION
DEVELOP THE KNOWLEDGE. BUILD THE SKILLS. TEACH WITH CONFIDENCE.
Our apprenticeship extends beyond teaching traditional Mysore and guided group classes.
A central part of the program is learning how to work individually with students and clients through personalized therapeutic yoga, adaptive movement, breath education, functional strength, and holistic wellness practices.
Core Areas of Education
Individualized Observation & Assessment
Understand a client's goals, movement abilities, experience, physical limitations, and wellness needs through appropriate intake, observation, and communication.
Personalized Therapeutic Practice Planning
Develop individualized yoga and movement practices incorporating traditional Ashtanga principles, therapeutic modifications, functional strength, mobility, balance, stability, and breath.
Injuries, Conditions & Physical Limitations
Learn how to adapt movement for individuals experiencing physical limitations, recovery needs, or age-related changes, while recognizing professional boundaries and when medical clearance or referral is appropriate.
Hands-On, Verbal & Therapeutic Assisting
Develop confidence in observation, clear communication, appropriate verbal instruction, consent-based touch, and individualized movement adaptations.
Private Session Development
Learn how to structure one-on-one sessions, including intake, goal setting, practice planning, progression, reassessment, client education, and follow-up.
Professional Confidence & Teaching Competency
Build practical teaching skills, communication abilities, sound judgment, and professional responsibility through observation, supervised experience, and continued mentorship.
Our emphasis is not simply on knowing the posture, but understanding the person practicing it.
The apprenticeship provides yoga teaching and therapeutic movement education. It does not independently confer clinical yoga therapy credentials, healthcare licensure, or authorization to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
PARAMPARA — THE TRADITION OF TEACHER & STUDENT
Our program is rooted in Parampara, the transmission of knowledge through the relationship between teacher and student.
Apprenticeship requires dedication, consistency, humility, observation, and seva—service to the practice and the shala community.
Continuing Areas of Study
Ashtanga lineage history and traditions
Yoga philosophy and the Yoga Sutras
Anatomy and physiology
Breath, concentration, and meditative practice
Ayurveda and traditional yoga psychology
Professional ethics and teaching responsibilities
The role of the apprentice, assistant, and lead teacher
Therapeutic movement principles
The importance of self-practice and lifelong education
The Role of the Teacher
To guide with knowledge, patience, humility, integrity, compassion, observation, and respect for both the individual and the traditional system.
The Role of the Student
To develop commitment, consistency, curiosity, self-awareness, personal responsibility, and a willingness to remain a lifelong learner.
Great teachers remain students. Great students continue learning.
APPRENTICESHIP PREREQUISITES & COMMITMENT
Our traditional teaching apprenticeship is intended for dedicated practitioners committed to consistent self-practice and continued education.
Teaching Apprenticeship Requirements
Applicants pursuing the teaching pathway are generally expected to have:
A minimum of five years of dedicated traditional Ashtanga Yoga practice
A consistent practice, typically five to six days per week
An established Full Primary Series practice
An introduction to Intermediate Series
Experience studying with Christina Martini or another traditional Ashtanga teacher
A commitment to continued personal practice
Willingness to observe, assist, study, and participate in the shala community
Respect for the traditional teacher-student relationship and professional ethics
Applicants transferring from another teacher or shala may be asked to provide a recommendation or information about their practice history.
Dedicated students interested primarily in personal development or advanced study are welcome to inquire about the appropriate educational pathway.
Participation Expectations
Teaching apprentices are generally expected to:
Maintain a consistent personal practice
Participate in scheduled Mysore self-practice regularly
Attend approximately two to three Mysore sessions weekly during active apprenticeship
Participate in assigned observation and assisting opportunities
Assist in the shala when scheduled, generally at least once weekly
Complete assigned educational studies
Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and respect for students and teachers
Online observation and study are available where appropriate. Hands-on assisting requires suitable in-person supervision.
CONTINUED STUDY WITH SENIOR & LINEAGE TEACHERS
We encourage lifelong learning through continued personal practice, apprenticeship, and study with experienced senior and lineage teachers.
Opportunities may include workshops, intensives, and educational study with Manju P. Jois and Sathu Jois, subject to their schedules and individual eligibility.
These experiences provide opportunities to deepen understanding of the traditional system, continue personal development, and cultivate meaningful relationships with experienced teachers.
Participation in this apprenticeship or external workshops does not guarantee lineage authorization, certification, a teaching position, or a recommendation.
Any recommendation for further lineage study or recognition is based on demonstrated readiness, practice history, experience, professional conduct, and the independent decisions of the relevant teachers.
Our intention is to encourage sincere study and lifelong development—not simply the pursuit of titles.
PROGRAM FORMAT & TUITION
Four Progressive Years | Minimum 12 Months per Year
ProgramTuitionYear One — Traditional Mysore Foundations $1,800
Year Two — Intermediate & Therapeutic Development $1,800
Year Three — Independent Teaching & Holistic Wellness Upon Inquiry
Year Four — Advanced Series & Complete System Upon Inquiry
Years One and Two include unlimited scheduled Mysore self-practice in conjunction with apprenticeship participation.
Learning opportunities are offered online and in person on Maui, depending on the educational component, schedule, and individual readiness.
Travel, accommodations, and external workshops are separate unless specifically included.
FOUR YEARS OF PROGRESSIVE STUDY. A LIFETIME OF PRACTICE & WISDOM.
YEAR ONE — ESTABLISH THE FOUNDATION
Traditional Mysore, Primary Series, observation, assisting, and foundational individualized therapeutic applications.
YEAR TWO — DEEPEN YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Intermediate Series, multi-level Mysore, therapeutic teaching, and supervised guided class instruction.
YEAR THREE — DEVELOP TEACHING COMPETENCY
Traditional Mysore leadership, guided classes, one-on-one therapeutic yoga, holistic wellness education, and professional teaching confidence.
YEAR FOUR — EXPLORE THE COMPLETE SYSTEM
Advanced Series, traditional progression, advanced teaching methodology, and continued personal and professional development.
MORE THAN CERTIFICATION A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
At Breathe Maui Wellness, our intention is to preserve and share traditional Ashtanga Yoga while encouraging thoughtful teaching, individualized care, and lifelong education.
We believe a knowledgeable teacher is developed through practice, study, observation, service, mentorship, and experience.
Not every practitioner needs to complete the Advanced Series.
Not every student aspires to become a teacher.
And no certificate alone replaces the experience required to guide others responsibly.
Practice develops awareness.
Education builds knowledge.
Apprenticeship develops skills.
Service cultivates humility.
Mentorship strengthens confidence.
Experience develops wisdom.