This month we’re honored to spotlight Jan Erazo, a teacher whose journey began high in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador and evolved into an intuitive practice that blends strength, mindfulness, and self-discovery. Jan first encountered yoga through meditation at just 16 years old. Over time, his practice expanded to include dynamic asana, driven by his love for movement and a deep curiosity about the body’s potential. From balancing handstands to guiding students through moments of stillness, Jan’s teaching is rooted in the harmony of effort and ease.
How did you find yoga and what was your path from student to teacher?
My path began growing up in the middle of the Andes Mountains, South America, in the city of Quito, where the world’s equator line runs through this amazingly biodiverse country of Ecuador. Outdoor sports have always been a part of my life, challenging me to become the best version of myself and showing me that there are no limits.
At the early age of 16, I began to discover yoga, the 7th limb – meditation. Together with fitness and movement I explored my own body’s capabilities in a different way. With 18, I started my new journey in Germany, where I began my studies of mechanical engineering. Here I discovered the 3rd limb of Yoga – asana.
Handstands and arm balances were part of my motivation to do asana yoga every day. Throughout this amazing practice, I understood the key essence of the deeper connection between body and soul. Through this powerful and transformative practice, I began to understand the deeper connection between body and soul. Handstands also made me realize the importance of flexibility in my own body, which led me to fully integrate asana yoga into my daily routine.
As I rapidly saw and felt transformational progress in both body and mind, I always had the feeling that I wanted to share my practice and learnings with my family. That’s why I soon began teaching classes to my loved ones. After several classes, teaching and experiencing the teacher’s side, I felt that this was something for me even without really knowing the significance of teaching. I just started.
In early 2020, the opportunity to teach yoga online appeared right in front of me. That’s when I officially started teaching. At the time, I didn’t really know if it was right or wrong, or whether I should be teaching at all. I had a lot of doubts but I kept going, because deep down, it felt right.
After each class, I noticed how I was improving in my teaching and in sharing the beautiful connection between meditation and asana yoga. That was the moment when I truly started practicing to teach all while I was studying mechanical engineering.
Since time was limited during my studies, I could only use my vacation periods for any future training. That’s why, one year later, I enrolled in my 200h yoga teacher training.
I’m passionate about teaching yoga to everyone, especially the beautiful lifestyle that it inherits. Mindfulness, balance and focus are the key aspects for a healthy and happy life.
This is my goal: to help you find your own yoga practice so you can fall in love with it.
Can you share how your journey into both strength-focused yoga and calming practices began? What drew you to explore these two aspects?
Yoga is also about yin and yang. I first started with calming yoga practices like meditation, and thanks to that, I began to discover a whole new world beyond physical reality. It opened a door to self-discovery.
As someone who has always been passionate about sports, I constantly look for new challenges. The handstand, something I had never been able to do, caught my attention. That’s when I started practicing more asana-based yoga to strengthen my body in new ways and gain flexibility.
I also believe that meditation teaches you about your true capabilities physically and mentally. Practices that flow between strength and control are proof that with discipline and intention, anything is possible. That’s one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from working together with meditation and asana yoga.
How do you personally balance the energetic aspects of your active practice with the serene nature of your calming practices?
I always teach what I personally practice. For me, the energetic balance between active and calming practices is the key to a meaningful yoga experience one that meets you exactly where you are in each moment.
In my classes, you’ll experience both aspects combined, so your body and mind can fully absorb the benefits of each. The result is a sense of wholeness and fulfilment that stays with you long after the practice ends.
What lessons from your strength-focused practice have you applied to your more calming practices?
I’ve learned that there are two types of strength, and each one teaches me something different about how I can apply it in daily life. The combination of both mental and physical strength is what I believe to be our true power as human beings. After all, we also need our physical strength to fully navigate and embody our experience here on Earth.
Who or what inspires you to blend these two sides of your practice, and how has that shaped your teaching style?
I’ve learned incredible techniques and lessons from many amazing teachers, but in the end, my greatest teacher is my intuition. It’s that inner feeling that shows me, in each precise moment, what my students truly need.
That’s why my teaching is deeply guided by intuition I always tune into the energy of the space and adapt to what is most needed in the moment.
What’s your go-to technique for transitioning from a high-energy class to a calming meditation?
My go-to tool is the breath. Using pranayama techniques is one of the most effective ways to shift and guide the energy levels of my students throughout the practice.
What drew you to begin hosting retreats internationally?
With roots in both Ecuadorian/Latino and German/European cultures, and fluency in four languages (Spanish, German, French, and English), I have always felt a strong calling to connect with people across borders through my teaching. In Germany, I began leading my first yoga retreats. After graduating and returning to Ecuador to build my own business as an engineer, I expanded my retreat model into a more immersive experience, offering longer formats that incorporated self-development practices beyond the traditional spiritual scope.
During that pivotal time, three transformative opportunities presented themselves. I co-assisted a seven-day retreat in Bali, was booked as a retreat leader for a six-day private luxury wellness experience in Bali, hosted by a German influencer agency, and led my first consulting project in the wellness field for a luxury hotel in the Galápagos Islands. These experiences confirmed that my path is to create and lead international retreats.
Tell us more about your upcoming retreat in the Galapagos Islands.
For over a year, I have been fully dedicated to bringing a long-held dream to life: a retreat in the Galápagos Islands. This project reflects my passion for sharing one of the most breathtaking places on Earth combined with the power of yoga, mindfulness & healing. (Learn more about the retreat here)
Thanks to the practice of yoga, which means "union," and a touch of universal alignment, I teamed up with Nadine Kolbe to co-create retreats. Together, we are dedicated to learning, growing, and evolving as individuals and retreat leaders. We are two teachers with one vision. Through our synergy, where we complement each other, we create retreats that are much more than just a simple getaway. There are spaces for deep connection, self-exploration, and purpose. Each retreat specially Bali or Galapagos is a unique experience an invitation to be seen, to reflect, and to realign with your true self, all within a supportive and personalized space.
Our mission is simple and sincere: to create experiences that help you reconnect through true healing and empower your soul to reach its fullest potential all around the world.
How has teaching in diverse locations like Ecuador, Germany, and Bali influenced your perspective as a yoga teacher?
One of the most important aspects of teaching in different locations is learning to integrate and align with the energy of each place. For me, this connection to the environment deeply influences the way I lead retreats. I always take time to tune into the energy of the land, the people, and the atmosphere, and it never ceases to amaze me how distinct and powerful each location feels. It has taught me how essential it is to choose retreat settings that truly support the vision I want to bring to life. When the place and the purpose align, the transformation becomes even more profound.
What advice would you give to yoga teachers who dream of leading international retreats but don’t know where to start?
My advice to aspiring retreat leaders is to start simple. Before organizing a retreat abroad, take the time to experience your own retreat style locally. When planning, ensure you have flexibility with your venue’s payment and cancellation policies. I’ve had to cancel several retreats due to low attendance, but I never gave up. There are countless details to consider, including choosing the right timing. Be willing to adapt, change your strategy, and continuously improve. The key is perseverance. Never give up!
Which Manduka product do you currently practice on, and what makes this mat your go-to choice?
Since I started practicing yoga, my first yoga mat was the Manduka PRO Series. I instantly fell in love with it and began exploring more of Manduka’s products, including the bricks, cushions, and the eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat for my trips, among others. The Manduka PRO is still one of my top choices because, as a yoga teacher practicing early at home, it’s the perfect fit for my needs. I even use it every morning for my fitness workouts, incorporating kettlebells and resistance bands. Despite all this, my mat still looks and feels like new, with no scratches or signs of wear, no matter how many times I step onto it each day.
Listen
Connect
- Website: www.jan-yoga.com
- Instagram: @janerazoz
- Upcoming Retreats:
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Vórtice Retreat 2°edition
- Location: Quito, Ecuador
- Date: June 21, 2025
- Learn: jan-yoga.com
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Awakening and Healing
- Location: Bali, Indonesia
- Date: October 20–26, 2025; April 26–May 3, 2026
- Learn: nadinekolbe.de/bali-retreat
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Adventure Meets Yoga
- Location: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (on a Catamaran)
- Date: March 29-April 5, 2026
- Learn: yogalapagos.com/nadine-jan
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Vórtice Retreat 2°edition
- Upcoming Festivals:
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Yoga Festival Mühlviertel
- Location: Hotel Guglwald, Austria
- Date: May 22-24, 2026
- Learn: www.yogafestival.at
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Yoga Festival Mühlviertel
- Special Initiative:
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PopUp Yoga
- Location: Aachen/Online
- Learn: jan-yoga.com
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PopUp Yoga
