Jasmine Punzalan was first introduced to yoga in 2000, while living and working in Tokyo, Japan. She immediately saw the benefits her practice provided in managing the stress of a demanding corporate career. Her career eventually brought her to NYC and her first day at work was on September 11, 2001. Breathing and moving through practice helped her to clear her mind and cope with the chaos and sadness of this national disaster.
While initially being drawn to the steady breath based practice of Ashtanga yoga, Jasmine appreciates the precision and alignment of the Iyengar method. Her teaching style reflects the best qualities of both methods. Jasmine also believes that yoga should have the elements of both steadiness and ease. With her precise instruction on alignment, students feel strong in their bodies. Her compassionate, inviting approach and constant attention to breath also allows her students to find the sweetness of their practice.
Jasmine is a 500-hour certified yoga instructor. She has assisted her teacher and mentor Natasha Rizopoulos with the 200 hour YogaWorks teacher training since 2009 and credits this experience for deepening her knowledge of alignment and anatomy. She continues to assist Natasha's weekly classes and workshops. Jasmine is also a trained doula, and has completed a prenatal yoga teacher training through YogaWorks.
Jasmine currently lives in Boston with her husband Paul, their two sons Lucas and Theo, and two very shy cats.