The 2026 Ashtanga Yoga 200 Hour Apprenticeship with Krista Shirley: A Life-Changing Path to Deeper Practice and Teaching

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 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. I was authorized for 11 years and teaching for more than that before my nerve damage and had been teaching yearly apprenticeships since 2007.

Why I Created the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship

The 200 Hour Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship 2026 is designed to be different from other programs. It’s not just a “teacher certification” — it’s an education, a mentorship, and a living tradition. This apprenticeship is ideal for students who want to go beyond poses. Whether your goal is to become a yoga teacher or simply deepen your understanding, it honors your unique path and offers a transformative experience.

I began my own yoga journey in 2002, but it wasn’t until 2007 that I started offering the apprenticeship at Yoga by Extension in College Park. The owner, recognizing the need for a more authentic and traditional program, asked me to create one. At the time, I was one of the only teachers in Orlando who had studied extensively in India, and she wanted to offer students a training that reflected the true Ashtanga lineage.
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Since 2005, I have traveled to India over 11 times and spent more than 24 months studying directly with the source. In 2009, I became a Level II authorized teacher at the Krishna Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute, which later became the Sharath Yoga Centre after the passing of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, when his grandson, Sharath Jois, took over the leadership.

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

I had been teaching the Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship program uninterrupted since 2007, until my nerve damage in 2019. As I began planning for the 2026 program, I felt a deep need to integrate more of the science-informed healing practices that had played such a vital role in my own recovery. My goal was to preserve the integrity of the Ashtanga lineage while also incorporating modern tools like nervous system science, somatics, and trauma-informed approaches. The result is a nine-weekend immersive experience that dives deeply into the physical, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of yoga, offering a well-rounded, holistic approach for both aspiring teachers and committed practitioners.​
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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 & BreathworkPranayama, 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:
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• 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.
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📩 To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.