Asia Pacific Yoga Teacher Trainers
Asia Pacific Yoga Teacher Trainers
Yoga Alliance Certified New Zealand Yoga Teacher Trainers
Meet Your Yoga Teacher Trainers
Meet the dedicated yoga teacher trainers at Asia Pacific Yoga, passionate professionals with extensive experience and deep-rooted knowledge in the art and science of yoga. Our teacher trainers are not only certified experts in Hatha, Vinyasa, and beyond but are also committed mentors who are here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way.
Each teacher trainer brings a unique perspective, blending traditional yogic wisdom with modern, evidence-based approaches to help you understand the practice on multiple levels. Their teachings go beyond postures, incorporating anatomy, philosophy, meditation, and the energetics of yoga, offering you a holistic foundation for your journey as a teacher.
With a deep respect for the individual path of each student, our trainers are dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive environment where you can freely explore, learn, and grow. Their compassionate and personalized approach ensures that you leave not only prepared to teach but also transformed by your own experience.
Why Train With Our Teacher Trainers
✔ Yoga Alliance registered training faculty
✔ International teaching experience from New Zealand, Europe to Asia
✔ Strong foundation in anatomy, philosophy & intelligent sequencing
✔ Small group mentorship and individual feedback. No one size fits all.
✔ Real-world teaching preparation — not just theory
Our teacher trainers don’t just teach poses — they develop teachers.
Our Yoga Teacher Trainers
Our faculty brings together diverse backgrounds — from traditional yoga study to modern movement science. Each trainer contributes a unique strength to the program, creating a well-rounded and internationally respected teacher training experience.
Steve Hall
Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer – E-RYT500, RYT200 (Kundalini)
Senior Yoga Alliance–registered teacher with 40+ years of practice and over 20,000 teaching hours across New Zealand, Bali, and internationally.
Specialisations
- Fascial system & somatic awareness
- Spinal health & nervous system resilience
- Applied yoga anatomy
- Philosophy & embodied movement
- Intelligent Vinyasa & integrated sequencing
Teaching Approach
Steve’s teaching is rooted in connection — breath, awareness, and integrated movement.
He creates a supportive, non-competitive environment where students are encouraged to explore variations that honour their individual bodies. Rather than imposing rigid alignment rules, Steve guides trainees to understand why movement works — empowering them to teach from intelligence rather than imitation.
His classes emphasise:
- Full-range spinal movement
- Whole-body integration
- Joint vitality & longevity
- Nervous system regulation
Students leave not only stronger, but more internally aware.
Experience & Credentials
- Yoga Alliance E-RYT500 (highest classification)
- RYT200 Kundalini Yoga Teacher
- Aerial Yoga Teacher
- 20,000+ teaching hours
- Nearly a decade leading Yoga Teacher Trainings
- 17 years teaching in Bali
- International teaching experience in Thailand, Spain, London & Pakistan
Steve’s background spans Iyengar, Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, and Ashtanga Vinyasa, having studied with teachers around the world.
Since returning home to New Zealand in 2018, he continues to mentor and train yoga teachers through Asia Pacific Yoga with his relaxed yet deeply thorough approach.
“Steve doesn’t just teach poses — he teaches understanding.”
Joleen Lunjew Hall
CO TRAINER – E-RYT500, Ashtanga Parampara
Dedicated Ashtanga practitioner and senior Yoga Alliance–certified teacher with 20+ years of practice and international apprenticeship lineage.
Specialisations
- Themed class development
- Intelligent asana breakdown
- Alignment & hands-on adjustments
- Teaching methodology
- Ashtanga Mysore-style practice
Teaching Approach
Joleen brings a calm, graceful, and nurturing presence to every training.
Her approach blends disciplined traditional yoga roots with a holistic understanding of breath, movement, nutrition, and lifestyle. She excels at breaking down complex postures into accessible progressions — helping trainees develop confidence in cueing, adjusting, and sequencing.
Students appreciate her ability to:
- Create purposeful, themed classes
- Refine alignment with clarity
- Teach both structure and intuition
- Build safe and effective adjustments
Her mentorship supports both physical development and emotional growth.
Experience & Credentials
- Yoga Alliance E-RYT500
- RYT200 (Vinyasa Krama – Bali)
- Ashtanga Parampara apprenticeship under KPJAYI lineage teachers Sara (Level 2) and Fernando (Level 1) Pacheco.
- 300 Hour Ashtanga YTT in Koh Phangan, Thailand with Kes Kennard (KPJAYI Level 1).
- Certified Les Mills Body Balance Instructor
Joleen teaches Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Ashtanga (Mysore & Led) and regularly facilitates trainings, studio classes, and festivals.
She co-leads teacher trainings at Asia Pacific Yoga alongside Steve, combining depth of lineage with modern methodology.
“Joleen creates a space where you feel supported to grow — physically and personally.”
Malcolm Nicholls
Anatomy Teacher – RYT200, Myofascial Therapist
Anatomy specialist, bodyworker, and meditation practitioner bringing embodied science into yoga teacher training.
Specialisations
- Functional anatomy for yoga teachers
- Myofascial release & integration
- Somatic awareness
- Nervous system literacy
- Leadership & group facilitation
Teaching Approach
Malcolm teaches anatomy differently.
His philosophy: “Feel it — don’t just memorise it.”
Rather than presenting anatomy as abstract theory, he guides trainees to experience the body as an interconnected, dynamic system. Through experiential learning and movement exploration, students develop a practical understanding of structure, fascia, and integration.
This embodied method helps trainees:
- Teach safely and confidently
- Understand compensation patterns
- Develop intelligent sequencing
- Build awareness beyond textbook knowledge
Experience & Credentials
- RYT200 Yoga Teacher
- Practicing Myofascial Release & Integration Therapist
- Background in Buddhist meditation & philosophy
- Leadership and group unification facilitator
Malcolm also brings strong facilitation skills into the training environment. His transparent, grounded teaching style fosters trust, cohesion, and authentic connection within each training at Asia Pacific Yoga.
“With Malcolm, anatomy becomes a lived experience — not just information.”
Supportive Mentorship
Small groups. Personal feedback. Real growth.
International Recognition
Graduate with a globally respected certification.
Life-Changing Experience
More than a qualification — a transformation.
Join Us on a Yoga Teacher Training
Choosing a yoga teacher training is choosing your mentors. At Asia Pacific Yoga, we take that responsibility seriously.
Whether you’re beginning your yoga journey or deepening your teaching skills, our teacher trainers are here to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to learn from experienced, grounded, and passionate educators — we’d love to support you.
Email : [email protected]
WhatsApp (Joleen) : +64225800523
Mobile (Steve) : +64276097039
Find us on Facebook – Asia Pacific Yoga
Follow us on Instagram – @Asiapacificyoga
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who leads the yoga teacher trainings at Asia Pacific Yoga?
Our Yoga Teacher Trainings are guided by senior faculty Steve Hall and Joleen Lunjew Hall — experienced mentors who have collectively dedicated decades to the study, practice, and transmission of yoga.
Steve brings depth in philosophy, pranayama, meditation, and embodied anatomy, drawing from over 40 years of personal practice and more than 13,000 teaching hours worldwide. His sessions cultivate awareness, internal connection, and intelligent movement.
Joleen leads teaching methodology, sequencing, alignment, and asana breakdowns — empowering trainees to evolve from practitioners into confident, articulate teachers. Her mentorship supports clarity, confidence, and authenticity in every graduate.
Malcolm Nicholls joins the immersion for an intensive anatomy and physiology module, guiding students to understand the body not just intellectually — but experientially.
Together, the faculty creates a balanced, integrated, and deeply supportive learning environment. You are exposed to multiple perspectives, teaching styles, and strengths — preparing you to develop your own voice as a teacher.
Q: Are your teacher trainers Yoga Alliance certified?
Yes.
Our lead trainers hold the highest E-RYT500 Yoga Alliance designation and meet international standards for registered yoga schools. More importantly, they embody the responsibility that comes with training future teachers.
Beyond certifications, our faculty remain lifelong students — continually refining their knowledge in anatomy, philosophy, sequencing, and facilitation. Your training is guided by educators who are actively evolving, not simply relying on past credentials.
Q: Do your teachers train international students? What if my English is not strong?
Yes — the majority of our trainees join us from overseas.
We understand that yoga is a global language. Many of our students speak English as a second language, and we foster a supportive, patient, and inclusive learning environment.
Trainees are encouraged to practice teaching in their native language during the course so they feel fully prepared to return home and lead with confidence in their own communities.
Clarity, repetition, small group mentorship, and embodied learning ensure that language never becomes a barrier to growth.
Q: Can I speak to a trainer before enrolling?
Absolutely — and we encourage it.
Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training is a meaningful commitment. We invite you to connect with us personally to explore your intentions, experience level, and readiness for the journey ahead.
This is not simply a course — it is a transformational immersion. Ensuring alignment matters.
Upcoming Yoga Teacher Trainings
Our small group trainings fill fast so choose your preferred date to secure your space early.
Spaces are intentionally limited to maintain personal mentorship and high teaching standards.
200 Hour YTT, Mar 2026
9 - 27 Mar 2026
Taupo, New Zealand
Deepen your practice and graduate with an internationally recognised yoga teacher certification.
Train during Taupo’s stunning Autumn season, where golden landscapes create the perfect environment for deep immersion and personal transformation.
1 last off site space left!
200 Hour YTT, Apr 2026
20 Apr - 8 May 2026
Taupo, New Zealand
Turn your passion for yoga into a meaningful teaching pathway and gain your first internationally recognised certification.
Experience Taupo in Late Autumn where crisp air and golden light support focused learning and steady growth.
Hurry, only 2 spaces left!
Malaysia 200 Hour YTT
26 Jun - 2 Aug 2026
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We will be heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the first time to offer our established 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in a convenient 6 weekend format.
Warm weather and good food, what more can you ask for!
200 Hour YTT, Oct 2026
13 - 30 Oct 2026
Taupo, New Zealand
Do what you love for a living. Step into teaching with our internationally recognised yoga teacher certification.
Late spring in Taupo brings fresh energy and renewal — a beautiful time to begin a new chapter in your yoga journey.
Early bookings are already in.
200 Hour YTT, Nov 2026
16 Nov - 4 Dec 2025
Taupo, New Zealand
Complete your internationally recognised yoga teacher certification in a focused, small-group environment.
Summer in Taupo offers long days, warmth, and an uplifting environment to fully immerse in your training experience.
Book early to secure your spot.