About Shala Santosha Ashtanga Yoga & AYURVEDA 

The shala was established in 2009 by owner, director, teacher/ practitioner Christina Martini, a direct student of Manju P. Jois and Sathu Jois. The Shala honors,  respects and teaches in its authentic system. Therefore the practice of Ashtanga Yoga and Ayurveda is its traditional, ancient , eastern philosophy approach and methodology of both Raja and Hatha Lineage.  Christina’s teaching and Ayurveda wellness / health  programs are rooted in the foundations of the two ancient authentic practices , Ayurveda and its sister, Ashtanga Yoga.  

Both practices provide the holistic therapy, foundations, structure, discipline, fundamentals and long history of success towards healing and transformation to many conditions of the mind and body.    Christina shares her teachings explained and presented with the eastern mindset and  application.  One of the elements of how eastern practice have changed many lives is through movement, breath, meditation and mindfulness  In Sanskrit and yoga eastern terms these are known as :  On the mat, Ashtanga Yoga Physical Asana Practice ( Mysore ) , Pranayama  ( breathing techniques)  Vedic Shanti Mantras  ( Sanskrit chanting medication, vibration & energy)  and  off the mat, Ayurveda ( Mindfulness Living ) and the guidelines for both practices include the knowledge and practice of the eight limbs as one system to improve our wellbeing as passed onto Christina to her students from many years of dedicated direct mentorship, apprenticeship, training, studies and self practice under tutelage of her Great Master Teacher, Manju Jois and now with his daughter , Sathu Jois.  

Christina also holds a credential in western medicine health care practice as a licensed nurse specializing in oncology - cancer and chronic disease management.  Christina’s other great teachers and mentors that have shaped and paved the path to advocate living life with greater purpose through faith, spirituality, health and wellness are David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, Maty Ezraty, David Swenson, Ken Harukuma, Jo Ichihara, Tim Miller, Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. Vasant Lad. 

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

Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga, an ancient system of Yoga that goes back several thousand years taught by Vamana Rishi (Depicted from Yoga Korunta). This practice, teachings and its text was passed on by a history of gurus; Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900’s by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari and later passed onto Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the respected founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India, then passed onto his children, Sri Manju Jois, Sri Saraswathi Jois and and his grandson the late R. Sharath Jois and granddaughters teaching , Sharmila and Sathu Jois . And passed onto the adopted extended teachers from USA, Europe, Asia , etc , trained, learned, taught in its formal lessons, teachings and traditions.

About the Roots of the Shala’s Lineage : India’s greatest gift to the world is Yoga. My Great Teacher, Sri Manju P. Jois and his presence in the United States began in 1975 and to this present day. Manju P. Jois continues to have a vast significant effect on the growth of Ashtanga Yoga in its Therapeutic system. Yoga is Therapy then and today. Ashtanga and Ayurveda are sisters that help us towards a healthier, happier way of life. Manju’s intention is to teach the ancient tradition of this yoga therapy lineage in a way that was taught and passed onto him by his father, Pattabhi P. Jois referred to as the father of Ashtanga Yoga who learned from the great Guru, master of healing yoga practice, Tirumulai Krishnamarchaya, referred to as the "Father of Hatha Yoga" . Manju P Jois has significant contributions to the revival and transformation of yoga practices most especially in these modern times where he continues to remain authentic, unchanging to the practice as is from its roots. Manju emphasizes the importance of Breath with Agni - Fire and Movement of Prana while in postures to experience the result of its purpose, intention, spiritual growth, joy, healing, therapy, wholistic benefits internally for every individual student/client/practitioner and teachers.