Aya was born into a Buddhist family, and was raised with a daily practice of Nichiren Buddhism (Mahayana). She recognizes the rarity of such a thing, and is grateful for the strong spiritual foundation her parents provided her with. She feels that the practice of Buddhism has delicately groomed her for the Yogic Path.

The seed of Yoga was early planted in Aya. She first encountered Asana in high school, when a dancer friend taught her how to articulate the poses. Although Aya continued to meet Yoga throughout her life, it wasn’t until a friend brought her to a class at Moksha Yoga Center that she took on the practice in earnest.  Aya’s practice has been strongly influenced by direct instruction from Daren Friesen, Kim Wilcox, Lani Granum, Rich Logan, Todd Boman, Daylene Christensen and Blanca Aviles. She is greatly inspired by the teaching of Kino McGregor as well and now has a personal practice of Ashtanga Yoga (8-limb Yoga).

Ashtanga is a rigorous practice that cultivates daily discipline and devotion.  Aya begins each day with the practice of the Ashtanga Primary Series, a prolonged period of silent meditation, and study of the Yoga Sutras. She recognizes the immense benefits of her daily practice, and understands “the amount of bliss you can experience is in direct proportion to the amount of discipline you have.” (M. Govindan)

Through the practice of Yoga, Aya accesses passion, grace and clarity in her life, and offers these same aspects to her students while teaching. With passion, one moves forward, with grace one recovers from mistakes, and with clarity one can see and learn from it all.  Aya’s teaching style is inspired and light. Her classes provide students with an opportunity to expand beyond their perceived limitations, be they physical or mental. By giving detailed cues and focusing on proper alignment, Aya helps to make each pose accessible to each body in it’s own way. Through demonstration and clear instruction, Aya exemplifies the strength and flexibility of body and mind that surely comes to those who devote themselves to intense practice.

Aya is grateful to the many wonderful teachers who have supported and inspired her to move forward. She hopes to be as powerful an inspiration to each person she has the opportunity to teach.