Aloha! I’m Kay Kay
As an E- RYT 500 Yoga Teacher and Practitioner, it’s my mission to help you create a deeper level of self-awareness and cultivate a healthy, loving relationship with your mind, body, and soul.
Over the years, yoga has been watered down to more of a “workout” that’s detached from ancient wisdom and science.
My intention is to help you to create a daily yoga practice while experiencing yoga’s rich history and applying its ancient wisdom to manage stress, improve health and connect to the rhythm of life around you.
What is KK Yoga? In yoga, lineage is very important; that’s why I want to share my journey and all of my teachers with you. Ultimately, my years of experience is what makes my teaching unique.
How I Found Yoga
I took my very first Bikram yoga class in 1996 in an effort to rehabilitate a back injury I got from the sport of Hawaiian Outrigger canoe paddling.
After that first class, I was instantly hooked and began practicing Bikram Yoga regularly. Over time, my back not only healed but I also began noticing that my yoga practice was impacting every other facet of my life. For instance, my canoe paddling times and overall athleticism improved; I was able to concentrate more; I felt more connected in my relationships and I felt an improvement in my mental and physical health.
My 1st Yoga Certification
In 2001, I went to Bikram Yoga College of India and got certified to teach the Bikram method directly from Bikram himself (long before his fall from grace).
His form of heated yoga taught me about the foundations of a strong yoga practice: focus, determination, mastering the mind and healing the body with the breath. The use of mirrors in the Bikram Yoga method helped me develop a very keen eye for proper alignment in the poses.
Shortly after, I returned to Hawaii and began to teach yoga full-time.
Opening My Own Yoga Studio in Boston
In 2003, I moved cross country from Hawaii to the Boston area, my hometown, to open my own studio. I turned an old Machine Shop on Main Street into a Yoga Sanctuary in the heart of Charlestown, Mass.
This is also where I began to explore other styles of yoga and build a wonderful yoga community to serve the people of Charlestown and the surrounding areas of Boston.
Ashtanga Yoga In India
After nurturing a daily Ashtanga Practice, I traveled to Mysore, India to learn from the master of Ashtanga Yoga, Shri K Pattabhi Jois.
I spent time at Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute studying the 8 limbs of yoga philosophy, the heating elements of the sun salutations, the strict sequence of the primary series, and developing a daily meditation practice.
Began Studies With Ana Forrest
In 2005, I met my beloved teacher, Ana Forrest, at a workshop in Boston which inspired me to go to study with her in Santa Monica at the Forrest Yoga Circle.
Her method of Forrest Yoga taught me how to hold an incredibly HEALING space for both my students and myself on the mat, how to work with my students with hands-on adjustments, and how to work with the human heart.
She gave me a deeper understanding of intelligent sequencing and developed my competency in working with injuries. I deeply resonated with her teachings on the importance of taking care of your Core & Spirit.
Sold My Studio + Joined Pure Yoga Hong Kong
After a loving student bought the yoga studio, I joined the Pure Yoga team in Hong Kong.
While in Hong Kong, I met the most extraordinary teachers from all over the world. I began to study the Anusara Yoga Method under the guidance of Patrick Creelman along with the practice of Yin Yoga from the incredible Paige Faraci.
I was constantly surrounded by other influential teachers from all over the world who shared my passion for the ancient practice. Hong Kong was a life-changing experience!
Moved To New York + Joined Equinox & Pure Yoga
In 2007, I made another cross-country move to New York City. I helped launch Pure Yoga and became the Lead Teacher Trainer for their 200 Hour Teacher Training. It was such an honor to help build the strong community of students and teachers at Pure in NYC.
I taught in some of the most iconic places in New York City — Times Square at the Summer Solstice Celebration; we turned Grand Central Station into Grand ZENtral Station; I led the 7th inning stretch at Citi Field with Mr. Met; and taught at The Edge (the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, to name a few!)
I also had the honor of being a two-time Lululemon Ambassador for the Upper East Side and Upper West Side Lulu Locations and was selected to attend the elite Ambassador Summits twice for both stores.
Taught 1st Manifestation Workshop
I taught the 1st annual New Year’s Manifestations workshop that continues to blossom and grow to this day. This manifestation workshop would become a regular practice for me that I continue to share with my students.
Over the years of teaching this workshop, I’ve developed a methodology to organize all of your thoughts and things that you want to create in the different sectors of your life.
Join me every new moon to journal, practice, and meditate on planting these seeds of manifestation together.
Launched The Pure Yoga Teacher Traning Program
In 2010, we launched the Pure Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training Program which is a huge passion of mine. Passing along the teachings that my teachers have passed along to me to those inspired to teach. It’s so awesome to see the transformation each individual goes through in this program. I am incredibly grateful for the talented team of teachers I get to be with for every training that so generously shares their expertise.
I am thrilled to still be the Lead Teacher Trainer for Pure Yoga’s 200-Hour Program to this day. Over the years, I’ve taught over 30 trainings and certified hundreds of powerful teachers from all over the world.
Advancing My Studies
I am always expanding my education and understanding of Anatomy studies – in both the gross body and subtle body.
In 2012, I became deeply interested in Anatomy Studies and was introduced to Gil Headly. Gil’s method of the study of Inner Space and facia fascinated me so I attended his intensive Hands-On Human Dissection Workshop at Tufts Medical Center in Boston.
In 2015, I had the opportunity to study the Art of Reiki in the Usui Shiki Royo Tradition. This gave me more insight on working with energy and the chakra system to heal.
In 2018, I studied the Visionary Craniosacral Work with Hugh Milne. This is a deep study of the human body and spirit which has been profound in my personal healing process over the years. I also got to study with my dear friend, colleague, and teacher Yogi Charu and his traditional form of Tantric Meditations & BreathWork.
Joined Corporate Team at Equinox
In 2018, I joined the corporate team at Equinox as the Senior Manager of the Yoga Experience for all 108 clubs worldwide.
During this time, I worked to elevate the setting in our yoga studios and special Yoga experience overall. I traveled to various clubs all over the county to work hands-on with the incredible yoga teachers and help create a greater sense of community. I also created Signature Yoga Formats with the Group Fitness team and helped to keep our yoga at Equinox Authentic, Modern & Varied.
Moved To Hawaii + Opened My Virtual Studio
In 2020, the world shut down due to Covid-19 so my husband and I left New York City and returned to Hawaii to take advantage of being in nature and with family.
I began teaching virtual classes over Zoom and realized the immense value of meeting people on their mat at home.
Today, I continue to teach and lead my students from around the world in my virtual studio. If you’d like me to guide you on the mat, I’d love for you to join me.
Namaste.
