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Avraham "Avi" Elkayam - Personal Biography

Avraham "Avi" Elkayam met his guru, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, on Maui in 2001. Since then, until Guruji's passing, Avi spent a few months every year in Mysore, India, studying at the Ashtanga Yoga Nilayam with Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois and his family Sharath Rangaswamy Jois, Manju Jois and Saraswathi Rangaswamy.

He also studied extensively with his American teachers in Hawaii: Eddie Modestini, Nicki Doane and Nancy Gilgoff. Avi took Ashtanga yoga trainings with Eddie and Nicki and continued to study with them for many years afterwards. He also participated in Nancy's primary adjustment clinic in Hawaii and went to Goa to assist her as well.

Avi started his teaching in Hawaii at Nancy's shala with a free led primary class, two afternoons a week for two years. From there, he taught his first daily class for Eddie and Nicki until an opportunity came up to teach at a new studio in Paia called Paia Yoga. He started an Ashtanga program in Paia Yoga 6 days a week for a year and a half before getting the amazing gift to open his own shala, Maui Mysore Style, in the heart of Paia town, with his girlfriend Shari Berman. The shala has been opened for 4 months and has a beautiful group of students that are growing every day. Avi believes in teaching as he was taught with a focus on connecting to each student as a unique individual. 

Besides yoga, Avi is a student of Kabbalah and loves to spend time surfing. He tries his best to live in the moment through breath, awareness and connection to his community. Ashtanga yoga has led Avi to a life of well being, knowledge, freedom and joy.    

"I dedicate and offer my teaching to my Guruji, who passed away in Mysore, India on May 18, 2009. It is with his grace and love that I am able share this ancient tradition and practice. OM SHANTHI."