From Japan to Copenhagen: An Interview withYTT Student,  Nanako

When Nanako decided to join yum’s Summer Yoga Teacher Training in Copenhagen, she followed a feeling rather than a plan. Traveling from Japan to Denmark for an intensive YTT was not the obvious choice, yet it became a deeply transformative journey that continues to shape her life and teaching today.

In this interview, Nanako shares her experience in her own words, reflecting on what inspired her to travel across the world, the challenges she faced, how the yoga teacher training changed her relationship with yoga and herself, and how her time at yum prepared her to step into teaching internationally.

1. What inspired you to travel all the way to Copenhagen for your YTT at yum, and what kept you motivated during the training?

I wanted to choose a studio where I could feel inspired and connected, and a place where I could pour my heart into the training rather than just going to a place where everyone chooses.

I wanted to learn from teachers with a wide range of experiences and diverse perspectives.

For me, that was YTT at Yum. So, I followed my heart and decided to fly to Copenhagen for my YTT at Yum.

I had never been to Yum and had never heard of it before then. However, I somehow sensed that this training at Yum would change my life, open doors to new possibilities, and help me grow as a person.

During the training, I had many difficult moments, both mentally and physically.

When I felt overwhelmed and wondered if I could even make it to class. But my colleagues and my teachers were always there for me, supporting me and accepting me for who I was. Their kindness and warm support kept me going, and I kept showing up every day, even when things were really tough.

2. What were the biggest challenges you faced during the training, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenges I faced during the training were times when I didn’t see any growth and when I truly struggled to express my true self through yoga.

Here are some ways to overcome them:

1, Taking as many teachers’ classes as possible every day. The reason why is that I wanted to learn through practice and I wanted to learn how teaching is different from teachers. And I made that my own knowledge.

2, Trusting the process, even when I’m not seeing my progress. Marianne who is our anatomy part teacher always told us this mantra, and it has stayed with me throughout the training and even now.

3, Asking myself a question “Why am I here?” which we were asked on the first day of our training. This reminded me to stay present and of the purpose of this training.

4, I poured my Japanese personality and spirit into my teaching. This is the advice that I received from our Lead Teacher Kostis when I struggled to have confidence in myself.

This helped me to find my own voice again and gradually show myself in my teaching.

I’ve received a lot of support that I can’t even write about everything. That support has helped me overcome any challenge.

3. How did the YTT experience change your perspective on yoga, teaching, or even yourself?

It has truly transformed in meaningful and positive ways.

I signed up for the YTT because I wanted to deepen my understanding of yoga and explore my possibilities.

From the very first day to the last, my views on yoga, teaching, and myself changed completely.

When it comes to yoga and teaching, I realized that what I thought about what they are like and my knowledge about them were different from the true essence of yoga. Even my understanding of Vinyasa yoga was initially mistaken.

I’ve learned that everyone’s body and structure are different, and it’s perfectly normal for our asanas to look different.

I could realize that more than seeking perfection or pushing through pain, listening to your body’s voice is what truly matters.

Not just about that, the way I see and treat myself changed in a better way. Through the training process, I rediscovered not only my good things but also things that I need to grow.

I used to think that I had to be hard on myself and to be perfect all the time. I came to think that taking care of myself is not selfish and it’s okay not to be perfect or okay to be open about who I am.

I’ve gained a new perspective on facing the world with more kindness, both towards myself and others.

I’m still on this journey of learning to accept myself as I am, and I believe I’ll continue to grow. I feel that the person I was before the training and after was different in a good way.

I am grateful for these positive changes.

4. After completing your certification, what was the process like finding your first teaching job, and how did you stay motivated despite any setbacks?

Firstly, I went to attend other teachers’ classes to build connections. I didn’t have any connections in Kyoto, so especially for me, making connections was the first key leading to the new opportunities. And besides, by going to take classes, I can feel the studio’s atmosphere and know the kind of teachers they hire.

Secondly, I talked to them about myself and that I’m looking for a job even if I know they’re not hiring at the moment.

I continued this process for about 3 months. One day, a yoga teacher I attended her class shared hiring information with me. I contacted the studio and I did a trial class for the studio managers. Finally, I landed my first job in Kyoto.

I knew it would take some time to get a first job as a new certified yoga teacher because our teachers told us so. And indeed, it wasn’t an easy process and setbacks were hard. But the reason I stayed motivated is that I have the support of my colleagues and teachers. They sent me supportive messages even after the training. These special and heartfelt supports kept me moving forward and believing in myself. I couldn’t have done it without them.

I’m genuinely grateful and feel privileged to have met all the wonderful people through the training, from the bottom of my heart.

5. Can you share how your experience in Copenhagen prepared you for teaching yoga internationally, specifically landing a job in Kyoto?

Especially my hometown, Kyoto, is one of the most international cities in Japan, so I was fortunate to learn in a diverse environment and gain broad perspectives, which truly has a great impact on me.

The studio where I currently work was looking for a new yoga teacher who could teach classes in English and have international experience to attract students from various countries.

In my opinion, All of my experience in Copenhagen, including being able to have an opportunity to teach a freshman class at Yum after receiving my certification, was huge for me to land a job.

6. What advice would you give to someone considering signing up for a YTT but feeling hesitant about traveling abroad or committing to such an intensive program?

This training is definitely life-changing, not only for a yoga teacher but also as a person. To be honest, the training is tough, and sometimes there are moments when you feel vulnerable and feel a lot. So, it’s important to be ready to commit to this journey.

However, the teacher team always supports you with loving encouragement and honest, tough feedback. They embrace you as who you are, no matter where you’re from or how different your backgrounds are.

And most of all, what I’d like to tell you is, “Trust the process even if you feel your pace is slow or you’re not improving. It will definitely come at the right time. Be kind to yourself.”

If you’re thinking of joining the training even a little bit, you should take the opportunity and open your new life door.

7. Looking back, what is the one moment or lesson from your YTT experience that stands out as life-changing or unforgettable?

Our last test day remains one of the most unforgettable moments in my YTT and my life.

I wasn’t able to present myself as well as I wanted, and I felt disappointment with my performance.

My colleagues noticed my worry and quickly rushed over to cheer me up. And our teachers also accepted and acknowledged me and my journey up to that day, and offered me heartwarming encouragement.

They told me, “It is just a start. You don’t need to be perfect,” and, “Be kind to yourself.”

They also said, “We need someone like you.”

Their every single word continues to support me both as a yoga teacher and as a person.

Every moment, feeling, and lesson I experienced during this training journey has stayed with me.

I’d like to keep making my yoga journey better from now on with holding them in my heart.

Nanako’s story is one of trust, commitment, and quiet courage. From following an inner pull across continents to standing in front of her first class in Kyoto, her journey reflects what a yoga teacher training can become when it is held with care, honesty, and human connection.

Her words speak for themselves. And for those considering taking the step into a YTT at yum, they offer a glimpse into what can unfold when you choose to listen to that small voice inside and follow it all the way.