about ritual niseko

Our Story

Timeline

About Ritual

All of our instructors and therapists share a combined love for yoga, fitness, health, wellness and the great outdoors. We have made a commitment to living our best lives here in Niseko and we are grateful to be able to teach what we love while getting to enjoy the natural surroundings of Hokkaido. 

Our international instructors have a range of experience and qualifications and studied at many reputable schools around the world. Each instructor brings their own unique style to their classes but each is underpinned by a common thread of quality, commitment and dedication. 

Ritual Niseko was founded by Marika & Charlie, both Niseko locals with a passion for bringing yoga to the local community and visitors alike. find out more about our founders below…

the ritual team

Our Founders

Marika

ritual founder

I first had an interest in yoga when I was a teenager, the mystical side of the practice always intrigued me. I tried initially to practice from books, attending my first yoga class in my late teens.

Following a couple of serious breaks in my leg and my back from snowboarding I thought I should try something therapeutic to heal my body. I practiced all sorts of yoga styles, however, I still distinctly remember my first Ashtanga class, the flow, the energy and the challenge coupled with the peace I felt afterwards completely drew me in.

After working in London for a few years, and disillusioned by my city life, I decided to take a break and travelled to India to further my practice, training with teachers in Mysore. 

I moved to Japan, and started teaching in Niseko over 12 years ago, since then I have grown a community of students here and hosted many international teachers in the area. Whilst living in Japan I met Nancy Gilgoff, who I continue to study and train with today.

Charlie

ritual founder

I have always been fascinated by the human mind and body. Through my journey to discover more, I found myself in the Himalayas of India studying to become a yoga teacher, and the practice has been an integral part of my life ever since.

Yoga set me on a path of personal discovery, development, and self-healing that has helped me to overcome many challenges in my life. Through my teaching I aim to share that which inspires me in the hope of helping others to on their own journey.

I am an E-RYT 500, Vinyasa-Ashtanga, Yin, Meditation, Breathwork and Yoga Therapy instructor. I have also studied the practice of Ayurveda and holistic massage both in India and Thailand.

My classes combine meditation, breathwork and physical asana, dynamic classes are often sprinkled with a little challenge and lots of fun, while restorative classes are grounding and more meditative.

Email

bookings@ritualniseko.com

Phone

+81 070 4192 5949

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