A Journey of Practice, Purpose, and Transformation

At the heart of The Yoga Shala, nestled in Maitland, Florida, is a deep commitment to authentic yoga practice, personal transformation, and whole-person wellness. This is more than just a studio—it’s a sanctuary where dedicated students are empowered to move better, feel stronger, and discover the power of breath-led, lineage-based practice.

I’m Krista Shirley—an Authorized Level II Ashtanga Yoga teacher, functional movement educator, and founder of The Yoga Shala. My journey into this work began not in strength, but in struggle. Years ago, I faced debilitating chronic nerve pain. It was yoga—combined with functional movement, nervous system education, and radical personal commitment—that helped me reclaim my life, my mobility, and my purpose.

And it’s from this space of resilience, expertise, and devotion that I’ve created something extraordinary:
The Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship 2026.
An immersive, intimate, and transformational 200-hour experience for serious students and aspiring teachers who are ready to deepen their path.

Why I Created the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship

In 2002, when I began practicing yoga seriously, I was seeking answers—physical relief, mental clarity, and a connection to something deeper. Over the years, I studied in Mysore, India, with the Sharath Yoga Centre, became a Level II Authorized teacher, and started guiding others on their journey. But I realized that most yoga teacher trainings were either too commercial or too generic—missing the heart of what yoga truly is: a lifelong relationship of self-discovery, discipline, and transformation.

That’s why I designed the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship 2026 to be different. It’s not just a “certification”—it’s an education, a mentorship, and a living tradition. This program is built for students who want to go beyond poses. Whether your goal is to become a yoga teacher or simply to deepen your understanding, this apprenticeship honors your unique path.

The Journey: Building a Program Rooted in Tradition and Personal Growth

Creating this program was no small feat. I wanted to preserve the integrity of the Ashtanga lineage while also integrating modern tools—like nervous system science, somatics, and trauma-informed approaches. The result is a nine-weekend immersive experience that goes deep into the physical, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of yoga.

Participants commit to six days of personal practice per week, attend Mysore classes (in-studio or online), and take part in intensive weekend modules covering:

• Asana (Primary & Intermediate Series)

• Anatomy & Breathwork

• Pranayama, Chanting, Meditation

• Adjustments, Sequencing, Cueing

• Yoga History & Philosophy

• Teaching Methodology & Ethics

• Somatics, Neuroplasticity & the Mind-Body Connection

But more than anything, they enter into a relationship of apprenticeship—with me, with the practice, and with themselves.

👉 To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.

Pivotal Moments: What Makes This Program Special

A few decisions shaped the Apprenticeship into what it is today:

• Capping class size: This ensures every student receives close mentorship and personal feedback.

• Offering lifetime audit privileges: Graduates can re-attend the entire program in future years—for free—as a way to revisit, evolve, and stay connected.

• Making space for real transformation: The program requires consistency, honesty, and effort—but meets every student where they are, creating space for physical, emotional, and spiritual breakthroughs.

This is not a quick-fix certification—it’s a rigorous, heart-led container for serious students who want to embody yoga on and off the mat.

The Impact: What You Can Expect

Since launching this program, I’ve witnessed incredible growth in students—from practitioners gaining clarity and confidence in their personal practice to new teachers stepping into their role with integrity and skill. Graduates leave with:

• A deep understanding of Traditional Ashtanga Yoga

• The ability to teach responsibly and confidently

• A toolkit for healing, resilience, and lifelong practice

• Lifelong friendships and a supportive yoga community

• A 200-hour Certificate of Completion from The Yoga Shala

Whether you’re a dedicated practitioner, a wellness professional, or someone simply longing for deeper connection and purpose, this program is designed to meet you where you are—and take you where you want to go.

The Invitation: Is This the Year You Say Yes to the Deeper Work?

If you feel the pull to deepen your yoga practice, receive mentorship, and walk the path of embodied teaching, this is your invitation. The Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship 2026 is open to sincere students ready to commit to personal growth, intelligent movement, and the wisdom of lineage-based learning.

Class begins in January. Space is limited to preserve the depth and intimacy of the experience.

📩 To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.