“She listens to each practitioner and accommodates for all levels but also inspires new growth in them. She is experienced, advanced and knowledgeable. Her teaching is very authentic and she’s learned from many master teachers and follows a very traditional way. She is devoted and passionate about sharing this practice but also living a healthy, wholesome life and genuinely cares about people.”
— Sarah H. Los Angeles California
“I have been practicing yoga for over a decade. I have lived in many countries and met many teachers, Christina is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I have ever had. She holds the space in the mysore room in a very unique way. Many people can teach asana but very few people can teach ashtanga Vinyāsa in a holistic and traditional way. She does it perfectly. If you are looking to get into the practice, whether you are a beginner or experienced practitioner, this is the place, you will find guidance in a Traditional, holistic approach. Christina always considers your needs and will work with you one on one. Thanks Christina”
— C. B. Maui Hawaii
“Christina is a brilliant and kind Yoga teacher, and a true expert in healthy living. She creates a joyful, lighthearted atmosphere while teaching with integrity and attention to detail. She cares immensely for each student and offers a personalized practice (beginning, intermediate and advanced Ashtanga with modifications) to help them grow. The Shala is a space of infinite love and happiness, and the community (in person and on Zoom) is vibrant and supportive. ”
— M.Z. Santa Barbara, California
“My practice grew tremendously through getting to practice at Shala Santosha. It feels like a rare, special, authentic yoga experience that cannot be found at many of the western yoga studios. Christina is a deeply dedicated teacher and a deeply dedicated yogi and she helps you strengthen your practice with grace, strength, and always joy. Anyone who gets the opportunity to practice with her is very lucky. Great for anyone from very beginners to very advanced yogis - she will work with you from wherever you are to help you grow. ”
— E. B. Kihei, Maui Hawaii
“Yoga is a systematic guide to living. A yoga teacher who only teaches yogaasana does not provide this. A yoga teacher must possess wisdom, guided by the teachings and traditions. These are hard criteria to meet, and, sadly, are rarely met. Christina is the yoga teacher (guru) who possesses the necessary wisdom (from a deeply experienced life). She clearly lives the teachings and the traditions, and imparts them, more than just verbally, to her students. I am always pleasantly surprised (although it is not so “surprising”, given Christina’s expertise), at the “gems” of wisdom and sage advice that come out of her mouth. As for the yogaasana practice, it is pedagogically sound: provide the right impetus, at the right time, in a way which is right for that student. Challenge, but don’t dissuade from practicing. Just enough bite to keep one motivated, but surrounded in kindness, to provide the sense of safety we all seek. I highly recommend Christina to all seekers of a higher practice. But I also highly recommend her to all who have no idea what they are seeking. Both will feel the same under her instruction, and both will grow. मोक्ष”
— K.C. Maui Hawaii
“Christina is a phenomenal yoga teacher. She cares deeply about her students and genuinely wants them to be the best yogi they could possibly be. Her mastery of yoga - both in theory and practice - is fantastic. I can wholeheartedly recommend training with her.”
— Kevin , Long Beach California
“My time at this Shala was immeasurable in terms of knowledge, compassion, and welcoming energy. Christina’s expertise in the Ashtanga practice is beneficial to all level practitioners. The space that is held here allows all practitioners to grow and develop their practice, at their given level. It is a very warm and welcoming community, you will certainly be greeted with a warm smile and powerful energy in this beautiful space! I recommend learning and growing from this Shala if possible. I can’t wait to be back!”
— Rachel B, Las Vegas
“Christina is am amazing instructor and quite the amazing soul in general. I know her from the Pacific Cancer Foundation series on Yoga for Cancer Patients. Her approach is one that helps participants find the voice that leads them to comfort in their body and safety of the space around them. ”
— D. Wailuku Maui Hawaii
“Christina is committed to every student so that they leave her Shala better in mind and body. After my teacher training, I started to notice how the practice manifested courage, compassion, and peace in other areas of my life. Shantosha -yes!!! contentment grows here! Christina and the other teachers at the Shala shares her deep knowledge of Ashtanga yoga in a nurturing way that is transformational. I feel I gained a deep understanding of the asanasa but one the lasting benefits was “riding the breath” with a smile. There is so much joy in this Shala.”
— Kate P. Colorado
“f you haven’t tried yoga this is the best place to learn ! Christina is the best instructor I have ever had, I lost 14lbs in 2 weeks! She also teaches you how to eat right and how to cleanse your body the right way so you can have a healthier life style ”
— Mary G. Placentia, California
“I started practicing with Christina approximately 6 months ago. Christina is one of the most kind and compassionate people I know. She combines a deep knowledge of Ashtanga yoga with a sunny disposition to make one’s yoga practice fun and invigorating.
I credit Christina’s teaching with helping me overcome many emotional and physical injuries. ”
— Jacques L, San Francisco, Ca.
“Christina has been the most knowledgeable and incredible Ashtanga yoga teacher. I have had the honor of being her student for over two years and she has changed my life & has helped my physical and mental well-being. So grateful for her services in the community. ”
— N. Marshall, Haiku Maui
“Christina is amazing as she guides you through authentic ashtanga traditional yoga. Its already been over a month for me and I have literally lost inches and over 10 lbs! This has literally helped me and my self care and I have made this a part of my everyday life and practice.”
— Lee B, Wailuku, Maui Hawaii
“Such a gift to find this wonderful teacher during my stay on Maui! I have an Ashtanga practice in San Francisco, but I learned so much from my week practicing with Christina. She is kind, wise, gentle but strong, attentive, and incredibly knowledgable. Highly recommended, no matter what level you are at.”
— San Francisco, Ca.
“My time on Maui working intensively with Christina Martina and the Ashtanga Shala Santosha was life-changing. Her solid expertise, decades-long commitment to the practice, and emphasis on teaching it properly was paired with her boundless, smiling energy, kindness, patience, and daily encouragement making for an indelible learning experience. She is able to impart her in-depth understanding of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, functional anatomy, correct alignment, and other aspects of the traditional Ashtanga practice in a highly comprehensive manner. These are key elements of her tremendously effective approach which I feel offers a vastly different experience from other programs which only partially capture what this ancient practice has to offer us on so many levels. I will be grateful for, and continue to benefit from, this educational immersion with Christina Martini for many years to come!”
— Kiki P, Brentwood, California
“I have been extremely fortunate to call Christina my teacher for going on five years now. She is a passionate, selfess and inspiring teacher and human being. She has dedicated herself to learning and sharing the Ashtanga yoga practice and lineage with students who are similarily inclined and willing to make the necessary commitment. Christina and Ashtanga have positively impacted my life and I will be forever grateful. ”
— J.G. Canada
“Christina is so amazing. She is so great at helping you advance your yoga practice. She has learned from some of the best teachers in the world like David Williams, Richard Friedman, and Nancy Gillgof who are now in their 70s. Christina has the energy of a 25 year old (but is probably 5-8 years older) but the wisdom of an 80 year old. I’ve worked with over a dozen teachers over the past decade pls and Christina is by far the best. She has a huge heart and really cares. She also as a pediatric oncology nurse really understands anatomy. She won’t hurt you or push you too far. She also has been willing to let my kids join my private lessons and she is GREAT with kids. In short, don’t miss out on Christina. He Shala in Maui is also super nice. Very spacious and nice place. ”
— Matt H., San Francisco California
“Christina Martini is an outstanding Ashtanga Yoga teacher as well as an exceptional human being. She cares deeply about her students regardless of their respective levels. She promotes healthy living habits and a good life balance. Christina’s approach to Ashtanga Yoga is physically, mentally and spiritually transformational. She is also a very generous person with her time and advice giving. I started my practice with her 15 months ago as a complete beginner and it has been an amazing journey. I have had the privilege to experience both her Shala in San Francisco and her Shala in Maui and they both offer very fulfilling experiences. ”
— Youcef M, San Francisco California
“Depth of knowledge This was not what I expected it to be from a previous experience that I had going to India to do a teacher training, it was MORE then what I expected. I learned so much about the practices of yoga and left the program way more confident, not only in my ability to teach but to talk about and understand the philosophy of yoga. They have created an amazing community there at Shala Shantosha and made me feel at home. ”
— Jacquelyn T.
“Christina is an amazing teacher when it comes to adjustments and pushing you past your own physical barriers. Additionally, she was tremendously helpful when I was working through some of the more difficult postures given her own advanced practice. Lastly, and most importantly, she has a kind heart and an infectious happiness that spreads to those around her. ”
— Corey M. Canada
“Best decision I ever made Cristina is an excellent and very knowledgeable teacher with years of experience in practicing and teaching yoga. I am very grateful that I have been accepted into this program and for the opportunity to study with Cristina in Maui. Throughout this training she has helped me progress in my practice more than I ever thought was possible, while at the same time always making sure I was safe. Cristina does teach only in small groups, which made me get the maximum out of the training, as she can really focus on each individual‘s needs for both practicing and teaching yoga. The teacher training program is very well-rounded with lots of in-depth training on anatomy, yoga philosophy and history, asana practice and breathwork. Cristina is also a nurse and has a strong background in yoga therapy, so she will always know the adequate teaching style for each individual and/or group. The shala is beautifully located in upcountry Maui . If you get the chance to go study with Cristina I can only encourage you to do so, it will change you for a lifetime! Nothing ”
— Anna Lena, Germany
“An amazing experience with the best teacher . I had wanted to do a YTT for almost 20 years, and I’ve heard when the time is right, you will find your teacher. Christina was the best teacher for me, but she also introduced us to Master Teachers who helped us to refine our practice even more. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to take the Yoga Teacher Training from such an amazing human and to also get to do it in a beautiful location. The Shala is very warm and inviting, and Maui is incredible. Christina’s knowledge of working with the military and Veterans was also super important to me, and the fact that she is not just a yoga teacher but a nurse and a yoga therapist. I’m so grateful for this experience and look forward to spending more time studying with Christina. ”
— Nicki S
“Christina radiates sunshine & positive energy from the minute you meet her. She is so welcoming. She made me feel right at home! I chose this program mainly because of Christina’s impressive background which includes many years of experience as a Yogi, Teacher, Therapist, and Nurse. Christina is an excellent teacher and mentor. Get excited for this awesome experience that lies ahead of you with this beautiful Yoga Guru Master!”
