Eriko Iwatate

Yoga Instructor

Hometown: Yokohama, Japan

Languages: Japanese, English

Birthday: March 15

Training/education:

  • Gaia Flow Yoga Teacher Training (500-hour Yoga Alliance Certified)

  • PhD in Epidemiology, University of Texas, TX

Mentor: Crystal Rae and Andres IIIera

Favorite prop? Block

Primary practice? Asana, focusing on arm balances, handstands, and controlled transitions (especially using eccentric contractions)

Teaching style? Energetic and dynamic, blending a safe, anatomy-based approach with evidence-based practices. I focus on the process and mindset rather than just the final pose. My classes fuse the creativity of Rocket Yoga (modern Ashtanga) with vibrant American-style energy!

What poses do you always teach? Compression and core-focused poses for inversions and dynamic transitions

Favorite pose? Bound Twisted Grasshopper Pose and Handstand to Crow or Flying Man (not a pose but a favorite transition!)

Least favorite pose?  Staff Pose

Favorite Tokyo neighborhood? Ameyoko (my brother runs an amazing tapas restaurant there!)

Favorite fruit? Watermelon

Favorite tunes for yoga? Mantras! I love incorporating crystal bowls and chanting into my practice

What do you always do when you ride the train? Plan workshops, practice breathing techniques, meditate, or sometimes just fall asleep!

Most embarrassing yoga moment? Falling out of a handstand onto another student’s mat during a workshop… It turns out the student next to me was my husband! It was a great reminder to respect personal space and stay controlled during transitions.

Interests outside of yoga? Cats, Cats, and more Cats (I am known as the “cat lady” and I have four at home)

Special talent? Teaching handstands with minimal effort by focusing on alignment, biomechanics, and balance rather than brute strength.

Hunter or gatherer? A yogic hunter with grits

What word do you always say or spell wrong? Elbow (Hiji) and knee (Hiza) in Japanese, I always mix them up …

Anything else you want to add? My brother’s tapas restaurant, “Uokusa,” is amazing! You definitely have to check it out after a Nami Yoga class!

Social media/website: IG: @epidemiyogini