My Journey & Practice
I first discovered yoga in London in 2007, drawn to the synchronicity of breath and movement to de-stress from a demanding corporate life. My teaching is rooted in my long-term Ashtanga Yoga practice. Today, I am still discovering this practice as a powerful teacher of gratitude, humility, and the paradoxical freedom of acceptance—qualities essential for navigating life.
My personal practice evolved through significant life changes—including career shifts, living across multiple continents, working with vulnerable communities, and caregiving. Asana, pranayama, and vipassana meditation became a vital container, holding space for my mental and emotional landscape. When I moved to Hong Kong in 2022, facing a period of intensive personal challenge, my practice was a steady ground that allowed me to meet it head-on.
I try to teach authentically from my own non-linear journey. I hold space with the understanding that yoga is a practice in presence and being: not to perfect on the mat, but rather a method through which we learn to be off the mat.
Image used with permission from my dear teacher Hamish Hendry, Astanga Yoga London.
How I Teach
My teaching is light-hearted, practical, and individualised. Anchoring mind and body with the breath, I guide you to maintain focus and ease, encouraging you to stay centred within the effort.
We learn best together. I value curiosity over perfection. I invite you to practice with kindness, non-judgement, and compassion.
ॐ सह नाववतु।
सह नौ भुनक्तु।
सह वीर्यं करवावहै।
तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै।
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
✳︎
ॐ सह नाववतु। सह नौ भुनक्तु। सह वीर्यं करवावहै। तेजस्वि नावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै। ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥ ✳︎
© 2023 Stefanie Wai. Mysore, India
parampara & Ongoing Studies
Honouring parampara (lineage), I am grateful to my earliest teachers: Ursula Scott, Adam Keen, Shamita Ray.
I currently practise with Clayton Horton. I maintain close connection with my guides and inspirations: Hamish Hendry, Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor. I was privileged to practise in Mysore with R. Sharath Jois in 2023.
I remain a committed, curious student, continuing my studies in philosophy, breath and pranayama, Vedic chanting (Shantala Sriramaiah), and anatomy.
Certified RYT-500
200-hr YTT Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with ItsYoga Nica (2015)
30-hr TT Pranayama & Breathwork with Wendy Wyvill (2023)
200-hr YTT Ashtanga Yoga with Clayton Horton, Greenpath Yoga (2023)
20-hr TCTSY Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Foundation with Alex Cat (2024)
29-hr Himayalan Singing Bowl Therapy & Practicum with Tsering Ngodup (IAOTH, 2024)
24-hr CET Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff (2025)
200-hr TT Breath & Prānāyāma with Dr. Paul Dallaghan (2026)
100-hr TT Functional Anatomy & Injury Prevention with Arielle Nash & Centered Yoga (2026)
Teaching Experience
Ashtanga - Mysore Room, Assisting & Mentorship
My most rigorous training is in the Ashtanga tradition through direct mentorship and teaching, as well as my daily practice.
Mysore Assistant with Clayton Horton, Pure Yoga, Hong Kong (2023–Present)
Holding Mysore Class twice a week at Surya Studio, Hong Kong (2026-Present)
Studio Teaching in Hong Kong
Present: Weekly classes at Surya Studio and Workshop Ten.
Previously: The Practice, Madera Yoga, and Lemon Drop Studio (2024–2026)
International Experience & Community Initiatives
My early journey 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 and Vinyasa Teacher at 108 Yoga and Flying Tree Yoga, Medellín, Colombia (2016–2018)
Yoga for… Rock Climbers at Refugio de la Roca in Santander, Colombia (2016), Surfers at Reef Hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica (2015), Hikers in Patagonia, Chile (2016) and Huaraz, Peru (2018)
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.
