Aris Kapetanakis
Founder & Director of Ashtanga Yoga Athens
Aris brings decades of dedicated practice and teaching experience in yoga and internal arts.
From 2012 to 2023, he was the founder and director of Ashtanga Yoga Athens, a respected yoga shala in Greece focused on traditional Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama, and Zazen Meditation. The shala also hosted workshops with renowned teachers such as Tim Miller, Nancy Gilgoff, David Garrigues, and Zen Monk Shokan.
In 2025, Aris relocated to the island of Mykonos and established Yoga in Mykonos as a new home for practice, growth, and mindful living.
He is highly qualified, holding the following certifications:
Aris also holds a 2nd Dan in Aikido and is certified in Second Degree Reiki. His background in martial arts influences his unique teaching approach, especially when guiding students in overcoming fear related to inversions – through the art of falling and rolling safely.
Between 2012 and 2023, Aris led teacher trainings, workshops, and retreats across Greece and internationally. He was also a monthly resident teacher at Ashtanga Studio Berlin, contributing to the European yoga community.
In Mykonos, Aris teaches:
- Ashtanga Yoga
- Vinyasa Krama
- Hatha Yoga
- Backbending Techniques
- Traditional Pranayama
- Zazen Meditation
His teaching philosophy centres around individualised guidance. Aris believes that each student carries a unique combination of potential, temperament, and needs – and therefore should be taught accordingly. He sees yoga as a holistic and personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all prescription.
Aris is also part of a select international group of practitioners who lead and preserve the practice of Misogi Harai, a rare form of purification through breathwork.
Beyond the Mat
Aris is the proud father to Phoebe and Aris Jr.
Outside of yoga and internal arts, he is a passionate multi-sport enthusiast and holds several qualifications and achievements:
- Private Pilot Licence holder
- USPA A Licence (Skydiving)
- Certified Sailing Skipper and former catamaran racing athlete
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- Rock climber, former water-ski athlete, and active beach volleyball player