winter RETREAT W/ NIKKI VILLELA & ME

OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA - february 3-10, 2024

Cost includes: Lodging*, Food (veg & non-veg options), & 2 vinyasa classes daily. Prices do not include the cost of airfare. Prices range from $1550 – $2450.

There is a reason that the Osa lays claim to the origin of Kula. The peninsula is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth and has changed the lives of many who have walked curiously into its lush jungle canopy. Leave the concrete, chapped lips, and unmet New Year’s expectations behind, and join us as we TRULY unplug and prepare for 2019 by centering ourselves around clear intentions and space for creation. Warning: epiphanies have been known to happen, in the most unexpected of ways! Who this retreat is for: any seeker who gravitates towards the rustic, unadulterated, glitz free nooks of the world, and welcomes living as close to nature as they can get. Prepare to spend the week living on the wild side, most likely in your bathing suit and with bare feet.

Lodging options: – Ramp up your nature experience in a Jungle Yurt (thatch roofed platform tent) – Open air beach front houses (private room or shared accommodation).

About Nikki Vilella: Nikki has been going to the Osa for the past 10 years, starting as a retreat participant on one of Kula’s Maiden voyages (think old skool Alison+Schuyler)! She has ushered into her life more than a few new things while hanging out on this very Peninsula, and cannot think of a better place to celebrate the New Year. Nikki is a long time Kula teacher and co-director of Kula Williamsburg and the new Kula Soho. Whether in the halls of Kula or on retreat, she strives to create precise physical movement, intelligence and intention into one sweaty, uplifting experience.

About Rebecca Ketchum: Rebecca fell in love with the Osa Peninsula and Kula around the same time. She considers Kula her family and is thrilled to teach with her sister/inspiration Nikki in this most magical of places. Rebecca has been teaching movement and body awareness in the form of dance, meditation, and yoga for over 15 years. Drawn to yoga's non-competitive and healing nature, she asks her students to use yoga as a practice of quiet self-observance without judgement. Structured around breath and space, her mindfully aligned vinyasa classes include elements of her background in Iyengar, Ashtanga, dance, therapeutic yoga, and Kundalini. Her classes are known to leave students full of new information yet clear-headed, light yet grounded, strong yet nimble. One major part of the retreat experience is obviously the place and you can't beat the Osa Peninsula. The other piece is the people. Rebecca can’t wait to see what great group comes together this year. 

FOR MORE INFO / REGISTRATION: EMAIL JEN@KULAYOGA.COM.

WHAT TO EXPECT

A vigorous yoga practice in the morning and a more mellow practice in the evening. In between there is abundant time to peep the brilliant fall foliage, swim in the pond, or hike the many trails in the area. We’ll be nestled between the Shawangunk Mountains, Lake Minnewaska Preserve, and many orchards and wineries. You’re welcome to venture out and experience the surrounding upstate fall vibes or indulge in deep relaxation on the gorgeous private property. After dinner each night, we’ll gather around the outdoor fire pit and stargaze to our hearts content.  

WHAT’S INCLUDED

2 nights of lodging, 3 days of yoga classes, some optional yoga workshops, and all the local and fresh food prepared by our insanely talented friend and chef Paco. 

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Travel to and from the house (we can connect you with other guests who are driving to carpool or assist in arranging transport from the train/bus station), excursions or alcohol (this is not a dry retreat - you are welcome to bring your own for our delicious dinners and fireside chats!) 

EMAIL ME AT REBECCA@KETCHUMYOGA.COM WITH ANY QUESTIONS!

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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING- PORTUGAL MAY 1-24, 2020

Study with me & the Sacred Fig

I'll be teaching with the tremendous brainiacs Anton Brandt, Matt Corker, and the rest of The Sacred Fig faculty. Please do come study with us. The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We don’t provide answers (and we’re wary of any teacher or school who claims that they do). Instead, we welcome & provide different viewpoints, we stir lively discourse. We set the circumstances to challenge notions about what yoga is, what it might feel like or look like, and why we practice. We create an accelerated learning environment, where trainees gain the confidence to discover their own “truths” about yoga, about their bodies and their practice. There’s no memorization, no mimicry, and no script. From this place, trainees find their authentic voice… sharing their knowledge & their practice naturally.  Our rigorous program is approved by The Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from all around the globe. Here is where you can sign up and get more details.

Email me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com or om@thesacredfig.com with any questions at all.

2 chances to study w/ The Sacred Fig & me - Bali, Fall2018

200 Hour Teacher Training Info Here - Nov 14 -Dec 9, 2018 OR 75 Hour Advanced Teacher Training Info Here - Dec 9-19, 2018

Here are more details:

I'll be teaching with the tremendous brainiacs Jules Mitchell Yoga, Anton Brandt, Matt Corker, and The Sacred Fig faculty. Please do come study with us. I've got lots I want to talk about. The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We firmly believe that the strongest attribute any yoga teacher possesses is themselves.  And so we emphasize things like personal development, confidence, and speech (and don’t worry, you’ll still learn kick-ass alignment, too.)  Our rigorous program is approved by The Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from all around the globe. The Sacred Fig Yoga Teacher Trainings produce confident, knowledgeable, articulate, and empowered yoga teachers. 

Email me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com or om@thesacredfig.com with any questions at all. 

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Study with me in Goa, India - Nov. 11th - Dec. 5th, 2016

I'm on the faculty of the 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training of Sacred Fig Yoga in Goa, India. Here's some more information on the training:

The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We firmly believe that the strongest attribute any yoga teacher possesses is themselves.  And so we emphasize things like personal development, confidence, and speech (and don’t worry, you’ll still learn kick-ass alignment, too.)  Our rigorous program is certified by The Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from literally all around the globe. The Sacred Fig Yoga Teacher Trainings produce confident, knowledgeable, articulate, and empowered yoga teachers.  Sign up here or Email rebecca@ketchumyoga.com with any questions. 

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Come see me in Montreal @  Le Studio de Yoga de Wanderlust from 10/7/15-10/11/15

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Contact 347-463-9886 to register...

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Red Cross Benefit Class for Nepal @ Kula Yoga Project Williamsburg

I'll be teaching a benefit/fund raiser Kula Hour class on Saturday, 5/2/15 - 9:30-10:35 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross disaster relief for the Nepal earthquake. 

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Spine + Yoga Workshop

Join me in hometown of Warwick, NY 1 and 1/2 hours from NYC.  Saturday, May 9th, 10:30- 1 p.m. $45. Get to know your spine and how to move it in ways that heal. Bring your mom as a Mother's Day gift. Click here for more details.

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Special Class + Live Music

March 6th, 2015 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. I'm teaching Yoga Soundcapes at Kula Yoga in TriBeCa  More info here and below.

Yoga Teacher Rebecca Ketchum + Dan Kurfirst on frame drums // Tom Chess on Oud + Ney flute 


Make space inside and out with a sweet night of percussive flow,  energizing rhythms and inspiring music from around the world. Rebecca, a resident Kula yoga teacher in Brooklyn, believes our bodies are an accumulation of past experiences/actions/emotions/thoughts and sees yoga as a way to re-pattern our bodies so they return to their inherent nature of balance. As she leads tonight's yoga practice, her voice and sequence will encourage you to cultivate a balance between these polarities to create steadiness and ease. Guiding the musical component of the journey is percussionist/composer/improviser Dan Kurfirst on frame drums, and multi-instrumentalist/improviser/composer virtuoso Tomchess on Oud and Ney flute. Dan's music reflects his upbringing amongst a diverse and eclectic community, which sparked an interest in music from all corners of the world. His playing incorporates aspects of middle eastern, west African and Indian music, while clearly rooted in the jazz and rock traditions he grew up with. Tom Chess has played and recorded with some of the heaviest players in the improvisational scene (Dewey Redman, Butch Morris, Pharoah Sanders, Drew Gress, Ronald Shannon Jackson), performs globally, on NPR and PBS, and has played on Grammy Nominated recordings. Join this trio for a deep sonic movement journey full of spirit and a harmonizing sweaty yoga flow. 

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Benefit Class @ Loom Yoga

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Happy New Year. Added classes for winter of 2014:

I'm honored to sub for my teacher, Schuyler Grant, at Kula Yoga Project in Williamsburg every Tues. and Thurs. from 12:30-1:35 until mid-March. I'll be frequently subbing the Weds. 5:45-6:50 p.m. class for Ariel Karass as well. 

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Join my  200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training at House of Jai in Manhattan from January 11th - April 4th, 2015. Here is all of the information you'll need. The registration is still open. Email me with any questions.

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Absolute Beginner Workshop

Come to my beginner (or curious yogi) workshop series either at Loom Yoga Center or Kula Yoga Project - Williamsburg. My dreams have come true (no exaggeration!) and life has allowed me to share my ideas about yoga with my community. This will be a workshop with room for questions and discussion about alignment, breathing, and the shift that yoga can bring to your life. Please join me. Tell your friends. Ask me any questions. All details are below for both workshop series. 

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Absolute Beginner Series in January @ Loom Yoga

 Date: Jan 10, 2015 to Feb 01, 2015 From: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Week 1 - Jan. 10, 2015 - Sun Salutations
Week 2 - Jan. 17, 2015 - Standing postures
Week 3 - Jan 24, 2015 - Seated postures
Week 4 - Jan 31, 2015 - Inversions and arm balances

This hands-on workshop breaks down yoga poses through precise instruction on alignment, anatomy, and breathing. This is not a typical group flow class; instead, it's workshop setting complete with time for you to ask questions. While this is designed for brand new yoga students looking to learn the basics, it's is also the perfect workshop for seasoned yogis looking to refine their practice. After the workshop you'll feel confident going to group classes.

Participation in the full series is recommended, but drop ins for single sessions are possible too. Series is $70 or Single classes are $20. Email me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com for more information.

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I am honored to be part of the Loom Yoga Center 200 Hour Teacher Training Staff this fall and winter 2014-15. I can't wait to share all that continually intrigues me about this complex practice. If you are interested, contact me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com. More information about the training here. 

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Schedule Changes in Fall 2014:

I'll being teaching at Equinox Gyms and Pure Yoga throughout NYC. Keep an eye on my calendar for classes.

I'm adding 2 new classes at Kula Yoga Project in Williamsburg. Watch my schedule page for updates. 

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YOGA & AYURVEDA RETREAT - June 6-8 2014

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• at the wildly beautiful Outlier Inn located 2 hours NW of NYC

• fiery, expansive vinyasa yoga in the mornings and sweet, restorative practice in the evenings

• hike, forage for foods, and learn to cook with Ayurvedic principles. Or, just sit under a tree and meditate...

• prices TBD - check this website for the exact itinerary

• here's the Facebook invite with more info

TEACHERS

• Margherita Tisato - soulful, wise, and philosophical wonder of the yoga world who will be leading some of the yoga classes.

• Hira Lesea - Ayurvedic genius chef who will be mindfully preparing all of our food and teaching us about Ayurveda. She may even lead some sweet yin yoga classes.

• Rebecca Ketchum - you know me

Please let me know if you are interested -  rebecca@ketchumyoga.com - Space is limited. I would be so grateful to have you there. 

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I am honored to be part of the Loom Yoga Center 200 Hour Teacher Training Staff. I can't wait to share all that continually intrigues me about this complex practice. If you are interested, contact me at rebecca@ketchumyoga.com. More information about the training here. 

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Schedule change in 2014 - I'm teaching a new intermediate class at Loom Studios on Wednesday nights from 7-8:15 p.m. Hope to see you there. 

New Class! - This fall I've added a Vinyasa 2 class at House of Jai on Tuesday nights from 7-8:15. Come and join us.

Summer Subbing - Teaching for Ariel at Kula Williamsburg from 7/17/13 until 9/4/13 on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:05. 

Teaching Sunday Salutations @ lululemon (Madison Ave) June 30th, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Teaching Sunday Salutations @ lululemon (Madison Ave) April 21st, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Teaching Sunday Rising @ Athleta, UES March 24th, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Teaching on March 6th and 13th, 2013 @ 8:30 for this

Charity Event for The Rockaways: