Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodhah. tatra sthitau yatno-‘bhyāsaḥ. sa tu dirghakala nairantarya satkarasevito drdhabhumih.
First, to restrain the mind in the Chitta form, the inner practice is the effort for being firmly established in oneself to prevent its going out into waves. You have to practice for a long period of time; second, your practice must not be interrupted—you must do it regularly; Only by repeated practice and non-attachment can one control the fluctuations of the mind and third, you must do your practice abhyasa and sadhana with love and respect.
~ Yoga Sutras, Patanjali 1.12 - 1.14
About the Shala
Shala Santosha was established in 2009 by Christina Martini — owner, director, teacher, and lifelong practitioner — a direct student of Manju P. Jois and Sathu Jois.
The Shala honors, respects, and teaches the authentic system of Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda in their traditional, ancient, and eastern philosophy. Rooted in both the Rāja and Haṭha Yoga lineages, Christina’s teaching integrates these two sister sciences — Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda — to support complete wellbeing through a holistic, therapeutic approach.
Together, these practices offer the foundations, structure, and discipline that lead to deep healing and transformation for the body, mind, and spirit. Christina shares her teachings through an eastern perspective and application, emphasizing movement, breath, meditation, and mindfulness.
In Sanskrit and yogic tradition, these principles manifest as:
Āsana – the physical practice of Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore method)
Prāṇāyāma – breathwork and energy control
Vedic Śānti Mantras – Sanskrit chanting for vibration, healing, and peace
Āyurveda – mindful living and self-awareness beyond the mat
The Shala’s teachings follow the Eight Limbs of Yoga as one unified system for inner and outer wellbeing. Christina transmits this knowledge directly from her many years of mentorship, apprenticeship, and dedicated study under her Great Master Teacher Sri Manju P. Jois, and now under his daughter Sathu Jois.
In addition to her traditional training, Christina holds a western medical background as a licensed nurse, specializing in oncology and chronic disease management. Her deep understanding of both eastern and western healing systems allows her to guide students and clients toward balance and transformation through body, mind, and spirit.
Christina’s journey has also been shaped by the teachings and inspiration of David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, Maty Ezraty, David Swenson, Ken Harukuma, Jo Ichihara, Tim Miller, Dr. Deepak Chopra, and Dr. Vasant Lad, each of whom has contributed to her vision of living with purpose, faith, spirituality, and holistic wellness.
Ashtanga Yoga
Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of yoga dating back several thousand years, originally taught by Vamana Rishi(depicted in the Yoga Korunta). The teachings were passed through a long lineage of gurus — from Sri T. Krishnamacharya, who studied with Rama Mohan Brahmachari, to his student Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India.
The tradition continues today through his children Sri Manju Jois, Sri Saraswathi Jois, and his grandchildren, including the late R. Sharath Jois, Sharmila, and Sathu Jois, as well as authorized teachers around the world who uphold these teachings with respect and devotion.
Ashtanga Yoga, as taught by the late Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, synchronizes breath and movement (vinyasa) through a set sequence of postures. This method generates internal heat, leading to purification, improved circulation, and a strong, light body. Each posture prepares the practitioner for the next, developing strength, flexibility, and mental balance.
The practice is personalized — suitable for all ages, abilities, and conditions. Students begin with the Primary Series, a therapeutic foundation that naturally guides them toward deeper practice when ready.
Ashtanga Yoga requires discipline, patience, and consistency. With time, it becomes a transformative, lifelong practice — cultivating clarity, vitality, and joy that extend beyond the mat into daily life.
At the Shala, classes are taught in the traditional “Mysore” style: students practice at their own pace within the group room under the direct guidance of the teacher, who offers individual instruction and hands-on adjustments. This creates a unique, personal connection between student and teacher, allowing the practice to evolve safely and authentically.
The Shala follows the traditional approach — no artificial heating is used, as students learn to generate their own internal heat through breath and effort. Practitioners are encouraged to refrain from mixing methods from other yoga styles or online sources to maintain the integrity of the lineage and method.
The Shala’s Lineage and Roots
Yoga is India’s greatest gift to the world, and at the heart of Shala Santosha’s lineage is Sri Manju P. Jois, who has shared this wisdom in the United States since 1975.
Manju Jois continues to play a vital role in preserving and teaching Ashtanga Yoga Therapy, a holistic system uniting Ashtanga and Ayurveda — sister sciences that promote healing, balance, and spiritual growth.
A direct disciple of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Manju emphasizes the importance of breath (prāṇa) and inner fire (agni) in every movement and posture, guiding students to experience yoga as a complete, therapeutic, and spiritual practice.
Through his teachings and those of his students, including Christina Martini, this lineage continues to uphold the authentic roots of Ashtanga Yoga — devoted to breath, healing, and transformation.
Resources and Authorized Ashtanga Teachers , direct students of Manju P. Jois and Ashtanga Yoga Certified, Authorized Teachers
