Yaelle Wittes is a Level II Authorized Teacher from the K. Patthabi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI) in Mysore, India.
Yaelle started attending yoga classes early in life with her mother, and was always drawn to Ashtanga for its tradition, intensity, and the many challenging aspects of the practice. She began Mysore-style practice with KPJAYI Certified Ashtanga teachers Mark Darby and Joanne Darby, and completed their teaching training in 2009. Seeking to deepen her understanding of yoga and develop her practice, she began travelling to Mysore, India to practice at KPJAYI under Sharath Jois in 2010.
As a yoga teacher, she works with all levels of students, from experienced Ashtangis to newcomers to yoga. Her approach is inclusive, and working from a base of Ashtanga, her classes are adapted to be accessible and challenging according to the needs of each student. She encourages students to work at their personal edge, exploring their limits while respecting their physical, energetic and emotional capacity. She fosters a supportive and challenging dynamic, creating an environment for students to focus, play, gain insights into their practice, and to grow on and off the mat.
Yaelle is also an Adaptive Bodywork practitioner, a movement therapy stemming from Rolfing and Anatomy Trains, that realigns the connective tissue support system for improved mobility and pain relief. Her interest in healing movement, and the interplay between physical and emotional wellbeing led her to certifications in Adaptive Bodywork and Functional Movement Systems in 2015. She considers these modalities to be powerful healing tools, as well as a complement to asana practice.
