I have been studying martial arts for over twenty years, and yoga for fourteen years. In my martial arts training, I have earned a Sandan in Aikido and a Shodan in Shorin-Ryu Karate-do. I have extensively complemented my training with Juijutsu, Judo, and Wing Chun. For the last six years, I have exclusively studied Kalarippayattu with Gurukul C. Mohammed Sherif in Kerala, India - focusing on the Northern style, with some basic training in the Southern style. In my yoga training, I have primarily studied Iyengar Yoga with Ramanand Patel in San Francisco, and Geeta and Prashant Iyengar in Pune, India.

The martial arts teach the practitioner fighting attributes which can be applied to daily life. Consistent practice develops outer awareness and skills for relating with others as well as for resolving conflict. Hatha Yoga opens the door for inner exploration of the self. It prepares the body and mind for meditative absorption, for examining one's negative patterns, leading to fundamental questions about the Self. Personally, my toughest challenge has been to extend my practice beyond the confines of the practice mat, into my relationships with others. But the artform comes alive when there is a flow of rich life experience which feeds it. Similarly, one feels alive and present in every moment as a result of one's daily sadhana. It is very much an organic process of growth. Then, a Trikonasana is no longer just a well aligned posture, but a place of reflection, a brief glimpse into the infinite Self, an act of transformation.

In my teaching, I create a sense of community amongst the students in my class, and encourage progress of each student at their own pace. I guide my students to develop awareness of the body and recognize its connection to the mind. My goal is to be a guide in the development of balanced and healthy individuals who are equipped to face life's challenges with courage and compassion.