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Meet the

Teachers

Thina Chat
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Founder, Owner & Yoga Teacher

Thina Chat

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"A true yoga teacher doesn’t just guide the body but holds space for the soul to remember its strength, softness, and sacred inner sound and rhythm."

Amidst the ebb and flow of existence, Thina Chat (Thomais Aikaterini Chatzigianni)navigates the labyrinth of life with the wisdom of a seeker. As a certified E-500RYT  and a YACEP (Continuing Education Provider) registered with Yoga Alliance her journey unfolds as a captivating exploration of the profound tapestry woven by Hatha yoga traditions, Sivananda, and Ashtanga, along with the serenity found in Yin. Beyond the yogic realms, Thina is a certified Ayurvedic and Classic massage therapist and training provider, acknowledged by IPHM - International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine. Yet, her identity extends beyond the mat; she is a voice and movement artist, a performer whose existence resonates with the harmonies of life.

From the early wanderings of her nomadic youth and a life marked by perpetual transitions, Thina discovered an anchor within herself, a sanctuary amidst the transitory tides of the external world. Yoga, a beacon of transformation, illuminated her path at the tender age of 12, offering solace in the aftermath of a deeply traumatic event. Subsequently, a spinal injury became the crucible that refined her perspective, delving into the profound dimensions that transcend the mere physicality of asana practice. Within this turmoil, Thina unearthed comfort, inner peace, and an unwavering belief in boundless possibilities.

Her passions extend to the realms of singing and performing, culminating in a professional journey in classical singing, dance, and musical theater in the Netherlands. A two-year Sivananda yoga teacher training with Rama Shakti Janine Brall at Yoga Vidya in the Netherlands/Germany became a pivotal chapter, setting her on the path of teaching in 2013. The influence of Ma Bela Burgos Lipat, a KPJAYI authorized Ashtanga teacher, ignited a profound love for this tradition, prompting Thina to pursue a teacher training course with Manju Pattabhi Jois on the Ashtanga tradition later on.

In 2017, guided by intuition, Thina embarked on a transformative journey, "The Cycling Sutras." Pedaling a bicycle across numerous countries of Europe raising funds for "The Smile of The Child" charity, rekindling her connection with Greece and planting the seeds for the birth of ''Yoga Fusion Shala'' and ''Urban Yoga House Hostel & Retreat''.

Now nestled in Ioannina of Northern Greece, Thina immerses herself in the serenity of her shala when not engaged in her multifaceted pursuits. A vocal and instrumental presence in the Urban Yoga Collective Kirtan band, orchestrates her life's melodies amid nature's embrace—camping in mountains, rafting down rivers, and cycling along picturesque coastlines. Her dedication extends to organizing teacher training courses, workshops, and retreats, perpetually nurturing the growth of her students anywhere around the world.

A perpetual learner, constantly developing her expertise in various yoga styles such as Sivananda, Ashtanga, Yin, Vinyasa, Aerial Yoga, Acro yoga, Nada and Yogadance. She has also delved into the realms of Yoga anatomy, Alexander technique, Voice and movement Integration. Her quest for knowledge extends beyond the physical, into the deep research and study of Yoga, Advaita Vedanta and Tantra Philosophies, blending insights from different Hatha yoga traditions to inspire her classes and teacher training courses.

Currently, she continues her practice under the guidance of Vairaygya Ranko Level 2 KPJAYI authorized Ashtanga teacher and Bela Lipat, visiting their shalas Ashtanga Yoga Belgrade and Ashtanga Yoga Shala - Jyväskylä (AYSJ to further fueling her passion for Ashtanga Yoga. Furthermore she attends workshops & retreats of various other teachers such as Laruga Glasser & David Fredriksson.

Thina continues her yogic odyssey. Her journey, a testament to the transformative power of yoga, unfolds as an unyielding spirit of exploration and creativity that permeates every facet of her life.

You can delve deeper into her reflections and projects through her interviews and blog, inviting you to explore the intricate layers of Thina's philosophical journey HERE.

Guest Teacher

Danai Gartz

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Danai Gartz
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"Through discipline, devotion, and presence, a teacher doesn’t just teach yoga — they invite you to come home to yourself, one breath at a time."

Danai is a dedicated and passionate yoga teacher (RYT 500h, YACEP – Yoga Alliance), devoted to the art of movement, discipline, and inner transformation.

Her journey began with a strong foundation in physical expression through 10 years of ballet, 5 years of track & field, 3 years of volleyball, and an early start in gymnastics. These formative experiences shaped her deep appreciation for the body’s wisdom and the power of mindful movement.

Since 2014, she has been sharing the joy of movement through Zumba, and in 2017, she found her true calling in teaching yoga. She had the honor of guiding students in her hometown, Ioannina, Greece, and for over five years in Kraków, Poland — where she led classes for international communities in English.

As a devoted Ashtanga Yoga practitioner, she follows the traditional lineage of Sharath Jois, under the mentorship of Level 2 Authorized teacher Vairagya Ranko. Her Mysore-style practice is the heart of her daily life, and she travels regularly to India and around the world to study with authorized and certified teachers, always learning, always evolving.

Her teaching is inspired by the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita:
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
Danae aims to help her students cultivate self-awareness, build trust in their own path, and experience transformation through consistent, dedicated practice. As the late Pattabhi Jois said, “99% practice, 1% theory.”

🌿 She holds a degree in Mathematics, and she finds joy in biking, being immersed in nature, and volunteering with animals.
🐾 A lifelong animal lover and advocate.
📍 Danae is based wherever the practice takes her — always exploring, always learning.

✨ Motto: “Practice, and all is coming.”

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Guest Teacher

Emre Vechi

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Become a Yoga Alliance ryt-200 teacher with Yoga Fusion Shala
Emre Vechi
Emre Vechi Nada Yoga Teacher at Yoga Fusion Shala

“Sound is not just something we hear—it is something we become. In its purest form, it dissolves the boundaries of the self and brings us home to the vibration of our true nature.”

 

Emre Vechi is a 200-hour certified Yoga Teacher, Nada Yoga practitioner, sound healer, and handpan artist who bridges the ancient wisdom of yoga with the transformative power of sound. Through sacred vibrations, rhythmic melodies, and resonant harmonies, he guides listeners into profound states of meditation, self-awareness, and inner alignment.

Drawing from his training and personal devotion, Emre weaves together the practices of asana, mantra, and sound healing to create immersive experiences that support both personal transformation and collective awakening. Whether through performance, therapeutic sound sessions, or Nada Yoga teacher trainings, his offerings are rooted in mindfulness, spiritual depth, and a deep belief in sound as a gateway to healing.

As a passionate educator and guide, Emre also empowers aspiring practitioners by offering handpans, sacred instruments, and thoughtful mentorship on integrating sound into yogic and spiritual practices. His approach is grounded in joy, integrity, and a reverent connection to the vibrational essence of life.

Vagelis Ntakis

Pilates Teacher Trainer

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Vagelis Ntakis

The Holistic Journey: Vagelis' Path from Track and Field to Pilates Mastery and Beyond"

 

Vagelis, a graduate from the Aristotle University of Greece with a specialization in Track and Field coaching and General Physical Condition training, embarked on a transformative journey to delve into the holistic realm of fitness. Recognizing the profound impact of Josef Pilates' technique, he completed rigorous training in Pilates mat & props and Reformer, aiming to bring the benefits of this method to both professional athletes and individuals seeking to enhance stamina, strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility.

Beyond his role as a trainer and Pilates teacher, Vagelis extends his expertise to Thai massage therapy, Personal training, and Lifestyle coaching, holding diplomas from the International Training Massage School (ITM), North Academy of Fitness, and ERC. His commitment to continuous learning led him to attend specialized workshops, including those focused on "LLM Care" – a method combining physical and intellectual exercises for memory loss prevention, healthy aging, and mindfulness in movement – as well as the "Braille Code," which he applies in his work with elderly individuals and special groups.

In collaboration with physiotherapy specialists, Vagelis is currently engaged in groundbreaking research on a Kinisiotherapy model tailored for injury recovery and rehabilitation techniques. He remains actively dedicated to his own development through ongoing participation in educative workshops and training. When he's not immersed in his professional pursuits, you'll find Vagelis off the grid, indulging his adventurous spirit with activities such as paragliding, scuba diving, sailing, hiking, mountain biking, and expressing his creativity through music

Guest Teacher

Dimitris Kolias

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Become a Yoga Alliance ryt-200 teacher with Yoga Fusion Shala
Dimitris Kolias

''Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ" — “Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.''

 

For Dimitris, this ancient aphorism from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali became a life-altering compass during a time of mental restlessness. In a world fueled by instant gratification, social media overload, and the high demands of academia and modern work life—especially within the field of Epidemiology and education—Dimitris found himself overwhelmed and seeking clarity.

It was his first teacher Maria who introduced him to this timeless teaching, planting the seed that would eventually blossom into a dedicated and transformative yoga journey. Inspired by the calming depth of the practice, Dimitris went on to complete his 200-hour Teacher Training Certification. Since then, he has been sharing the practice with others, teaching a variety of styles including Ashtanga, Yin, and Vinyasa Flow.

Dimitris approaches each class with the intention of weaving in the essence of Sutra 1.2—supporting students in quieting the mind, cultivating presence, and returning to the still point within. His classes reflect both structure and softness, discipline and compassion, offering space for both physical exploration and mental stillness.

Rooted in experience, sincerity, and a deep respect for yogic philosophy, Dimitris continues to evolve as both a student and teacher, holding space for others to reconnect with themselves through breath, movement, and mindful awareness.

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Jonas Vellas
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Guest Teacher Trainer

Jonas Vellas

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“Through the union of breath, movement, and awareness, we don’t just learn the body—we meet the self.”

Jonas’ path to yoga began unexpectedly, shaped by his background in medicine and a deep-rooted passion for martial arts and calisthenics. While pursuing his medical studies in Germany, he discovered Ashtanga Yoga and was immediately drawn to its structure and depth. Integrating his medical knowledge with daily practice, he began to explore the profound effects of movement and breath on physical health and mental well-being.

Eager to deepen his understanding, Jonas embarked on a  seven-month journey to India. There, in the birthplace of yoga, he cultivated a deeper connection between breath, movement, and the psycho-emotional body. This period proved pivotal, expanding his perception of yoga as both a science and an art of self-awareness.

Upon returning to Greece, Jonas began teaching yoga, blending scientific insight with lived experience. His academic foundation, combined with a sincere dedication to ongoing learning, soon led him to guide others not only in asana but also in anatomy, pranayama, and meditation.

 

Today, as the Founder of Studio 108 Jonas shares his evolving knowledge through workshops, seminars, and teacher training programs—offering students a grounded, holistic approach to body-mind integration.

Teacher's Gallery
Yoga Fusion Shala School Ioannina

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