Michael Fukumura: Anusara

Michael’s classes will be ending on Dec.29th 2010- He will be continuing to teach special events at the Shala!

Certified Anusara Yoga™ Instructor

Michael’s yoga journey has been one filled with curiosity, exploration, growth, and expansion- from the most traditional yoga to the more innovative forms of yoga practice and philosophy. He began yoga in 1997 and dived into Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, and forms of vinyasa yoga. He has been blessed to have studied with many gifted teachers including Tim Miller, Shiva Rea, Anna Forrest, Roger Cole, Aadil Palklivala, and Judith Lasater.

Since 2000, he has immersed himself in the study, practice, and teachings of Anusara Yoga under the guidance of his most influential teacher, John Friend. Michael is deeply honored to have gained direct teachings and transmission from John and his senior certified Anusara teachers who have clarified the Anusara principles and techniques that awaken and celebrate the highest universal understandings and yogic practices. The foundation for Michael’s practice and teaching is his study of the broad-based, life affirming tantric philosophy that he studies with scholars Douglas Brooks, Carlos Pomeda, and Paul Muller Ortega.

Michael is known for insightful and clear teaching that threads precise biomechanical techniques with the most universal and transformative understandings that apply on and off the mat. He encourages students to honor and expand their edges to build awareness of everything that they have and evolve it. He brings an enthusiastic and uplifting attitude to support and challenge each student’s individual unique growth. He teaches in accessible ways that enable students to gain knowledge of their highest qualities and to celebrate their individual expressions to such a refined degree that it can become art.

Michael is constantly reminded of his intention of becoming more integrated and to learn how to cultivate every variation of light in embodiment. He is grateful to the unwavering support and wisdom of his artist wife – Pam Wells. He balances a “day job” with his yoga practice and play. His play includes all kinds of hikes/runs/walks with Pam and his three dogs (Karma, Lila, and Gypsy Rose) in the great outdoors of San Diego. He is also inspired by the dynamic meditation and dance on the ocean when either stand up paddle boarding or surfing.

“The heart is the hub of all sacred places, Go there and roam.”

—Bhagavan Nityananda