Photo by Krystina Vangner
IRANTZU REKALDEEmbarked on her yoga journey in 2013 with her first Ashtanga class at Ashtanga Yoga Madrid. Originally drawn to yoga as a complement to her dance career, she discovered a passion that reshaped her path. Assisting yoga classes became a new outlet for her, allowing her to channel her focus into this transformative practice.
Under the guidance of mentor Alexia Pita, Irantzu's journey with yoga deepened. She has also studied with notable teachers like Laura Griskeviciute, Mati Guerra, Peter Sanson, Hamish Hendry, Lucas Carvalho, and Olivier David, whom she assisted and taught for in his absence at his Shala, Ashtanga Yoga Sunshine Coast.
Irantzu's commitment led her to the source of Ashtanga Yoga in Mysore, India, where she has practiced under Sharath Jois since 2019, immersing herself in tradition with a diverse community from around the world. On her last trip to Mysore, she received Sharath Jois’ blessing to teach the traditional Ashtanga method, Level 2.
“Blending my dance background with yoga, I like to create a unique and dynamic approach to each of the student. My journey with this Ashtanga Yoga has been one of profound personal growth. Today, I share this transformative practice, embodying the union of mind, body, and spirit.”
Photo by Tassi Moreschi
INGRID KEPPLERIngrid began her yoga journey in 2010 while living in New Zealand, where she discovered the transformational power of yoga in her life and self-growth. Upon moving from New Zealand to Australia, she started practicing vinyasa yoga and soon felt inspired to deepen her understanding. In 2012, she completed her teacher training in Bali.
Soon after, Ingrid found herself drawn back to the Ashtanga practice, where her passion and commitment have only grown each time she steps onto her mat. Upon moving to the Sunshine Coast, she began practicing Ashtanga under Olivier David and continued with Irantzu Rekalde, who offered her the chance to assist and deepen her passion for yoga and sharing it with others.
Today, Ashtanga yoga has transformed Ingrid’s life on multiple levels—physically, mentally, and energetically—giving her the balance and grounding essential for her work as a massage therapist and Reiki practitioner. She believes that self-practice is the foundation of being able to help others fully.
BROOKE VARDIHi, I’m Brookie. I’ve been practicing Yoga since my late teens and teaching Yoga since 2011. I was first introduced to Yoga as a kid, watching my mum do a little at home. It was in my late teens when a friend invited me to a local Yoga class that taught a modified Ashtanga Primary series with chanting, pranayama and meditation, that I connected with Yoga. I remember noticing how I felt inside after practicing. Much calmer, quieter, a bit more grounded, so I continued to practice daily ever since.
A couple of years later I met my primary Teacher Mark Togni, a senior Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and Zen Monk, with a background in Iyengar Yoga and Ayurveda. I have continued to practice, apprentice, assist and study with Mark ever since. I also met my other Teacher Suzanne Grey, director of GCYC when I formally apprenticed with her and Mark for over 3 years at Gold Coast Yoga Centre. I taught alongside them at GCYC for many years, prior to relocating to the Noosa Shire.
I’m a keen practitioner and student of Ashtanga Yoga (my main Yoga practice), Iyengar Yoga, Ayurveda, Zen Buddhism (my sitting practice), Yoga therapy and philosophy. I have been an avid student of Ayurvedic medicine and psychology for many years, and am studying with Dr David Frawley to be an Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant. I also connect with Gestalt therapy and the Teachings of H.W.L Poonja (Papaji). I bring my experience in these areas into my teaching of Ashtanga Yoga, as well as my personal practice and lifestyle.
My teaching and practice are inspired and influenced by Pattabhi Jois, BKS Iyengar, Richard Freeman, Maty Ezraty, David Swenson, Nicky Knoff, Mark Togni and Suzanne Grey. I thoroughly enjoy working with students in the method of Yoga, whilst keeping it fun along the way!