About Us
Hiroko Mangut
As a certified yoga instructor with a 500-hour yoga teacher training, I’ve experienced firsthand the life-changing healing power of yoga. It’s through yoga that I transformed my life — healing both my body and mind. Now, my mission is to share that same healing energy and knowledge with others.
As the host of this transformative yoga retreat, I am deeply passionate about sharing the beauty of Japanese culture with people from all walks of life. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to share the beautiful culture, rich traditions, and peaceful surroundings of my country, Japan, with you. My mission is simple: to provide a transformative experience where you can connect with yourself, nature, and others, all while expanding and deepening your yoga practice.
Yoga, derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, means "to join," "to yoke," or "to unite. This retreat goes beyond just yoga; it is about uniting people from all over the world to share in this profound practice and foster deep connections. In the peaceful surroundings of Kyoto, we come together as one, exploring the beauty of the land and the spirit of Japan while deepening our practice and connection with others.
Whether you seek self-discovery, relaxation, or to immerse yourself in a new culture, this retreat will help you find balance, peace, and unity. Join us in this unique journey as we practice yoga, reflect on life, and embrace the beauty of Kyoto’s heritage and landscapes. I can’t wait to meet you and share this experience together!
Cavi Gaona
Cavi Gaona, originally from Paraguay, South America, has called New York home for nearly 20 years. Cavi views her yoga classes not only as a means of personal growth but as a form of service to her community. She feels a deep sense of fulfillment in guiding others through their practice, creating an energy that is palpable both before and after each class. Witnessing students of all ages leave feeling more centered, grounded, and grateful is what continues to fuel her heart. As a mother of two, Cavi also loves to connect with children, using yoga to plant seeds of mindfulness, strength, and self-awareness in their young bodies, minds, and spirits. She believes that the practice of yoga can be a transformative tool for children, helping them develop a deep sense of body awareness and emotional resilience from an early age. With a heart full of gratitude and a continuous hunger for learning, Cavi remains dedicated to her journey as both a student and a teacher, always striving to share the healing and transformative power of yoga with others.
Duncan Wong
Duncan Wong, the originator of the Western warrior flow movement in California, He is the creator of the Yogic Arts™ synthesis system and is considered the worlds leading proponent of the integration of yoga, martial arts, and massage. YogicArts™ was established in San Francisco, California, in 1990, attaining fruition in NYC in 2000, and has since become a global system of practicing communities. Born from the heart of yoga, the intuition of dance, the spirit of martial arts, and healing mind of bodywork; YogicArts is best defined as cross core counter spiral wave motion source power flow therapy. Duncan sensei’s passion and purpose are to encourage people to discover their true nature by returning to their human power from the stick and stone age.
ARICA
ARICA is a FLOWSHIKI inventor Yoga instructor and Ayurveda therapist. and the mother of two children.
Flowshiki is an unique approach to yoga, blending traditional practices with the use of a furoshiki (Japanese cloth). It’s refreshing to see her vision of making yoga accessible and enjoyable for everyone. She offers a creative way to engage with yoga, making it more playful and grounded in culture while still focusing on the inner, mindful aspects of the practice. The loving energy she spreads is definitely inspiring.
The concept of “yoga for all” aligns with the universal nature of yoga, where it’s not about perfection but about the joy and flow of being present in the moment.