My Journey & Practice
I first discovered yoga in London in 2011, initially drawn to the synchronicity of breath and movement to de-stress from a demanding corporate life. My teaching is rooted in the Ashtanga Yoga tradition, a practice I first began in 2012. Today, I am still discovering this practice as a powerful teacher of gratitude, humility, and resilience—qualities essential for navigating life off the mat, and instilling a subtle, inner transformation.
My personal practice has evolved through many significant life changes—including career shifts, relocating countries, working with vulnerable communities, and caregiving. The physical aspect (asana) became a vital container, holding space for my mental and emotional landscape throughout this journey. When I moved to Hong Kong in 2022, facing a period of intensive personal challenge, my practice provided a steady ground that allowed me to meet those challenges head-on.
I teach authentically from my own non-linear journey, emphasising the mental, emotional, and physiological benefits of consistent asana, pranayama, and vipassana meditation practice. I approach teaching with the understanding that the path to consistency and growth is a process, not a starting point.
Image used with permission from Hamish Hendry, Astanga Yoga London.
How I Teach
My teaching approach is light-hearted, practical, and individualised. Using the breath to anchor the mind, I guide you to maintain focus and ease, encouraging you to stay present within the challenge of effort. I believe we learn best together, from each other, and I strive to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and non-judgemental space that invites:
Curiosity and self-awareness.
Kindness and compassion.
Clear communication with the self.
© 2023 Stefanie Wai. Mysore, India
parampara & Ongoing Studies
In honouring the tradition of parampara (lineage), I am profoundly grateful to all the teachers who have illuminated my journey. My Ashtanga journey began with Ursula Scott and Adam Keen. I was also privileged to study at the source with R. Sharath Jois in Mysore in 2023.
As well as my main teacher, Clayton Horton, I maintain close connections with my other primary guides, including Hamish Hendry, Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, and Shantala Sriramaiah (Vedic chanting).
I remain a committed lifelong student, continuing my studies in yoga philosophy, breathwork and pranayama, Vedic chanting, and yoga anatomy.
200-hour YTT in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with ItsYoga Nica (2015)
30-hour TT Pranayama & Breathwork with Wendy Wyvill (2023)
200-hour YTT in Ashtanga Yoga with Clayton Horton, Greenpath Yoga (2023)
20-hour TCTSY Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Foundation with Alex Cat (2024)
29-hour Himayalan Singing Bowl Therapy & Practicum with Tsering Ngodup (IAOTH, 2024)
24-hour CET Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff (2025)
Teaching Experience
Assisting & Mentorship
My most rigorous training is rooted in the Ashtanga tradition through direct mentorship and teaching.
Mysore Room Assistant under Clayton Horton, Pure Yoga, Hong Kong (2023–Present)
Studio Teaching
I maintain an active schedule and relationship with several established studios and teachers in Hong Kong:
Teacher at studios including The Practice, Madera Yoga, and Lemon Drop Studio, Hong Kong (2024–Present)
International Experience & Community Initiative
My early career was defined by hands-on initiative and adaptability, delivering classes in both English and Spanish across diverse environments:
Yoga & Sports for Refugees sharing yoga with youth and women from camps on Lesvos, Greece (2019)
Cover Ashtanga Teacher at 108 Yoga, Medellín, Colombia (2017–2018)
Activity-Specific Yoga: for Rock Climbers at Refugio de la Roca in Santander, Colombia (2016), and Surfers at Reef Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica (2015)
Studio Management & Teaching Internship at Flying Tree Yoga, Medellín, Colombia (2015)
Let's Connect!
Whether you are looking to start yoga, deepen your practice, or seeking a reliable teacher for your studio, I welcome the connection.
