Jyl Marie Kutsche

ERYT500, LMT, Senior Prajna Yoga Instructor
FRC mobility specialist, Craniosacral Therapist,
SATYA Somatic Movement Instructor, Student

I took my first yoga class in 1990. To say that I was hooked right from the start would be highly inaccurate! A mover by nature, I found that first class painfully slow and boring, But, something still piqued my interest enough for me to continue to explore this thing called Yoga…different teachers, different styles (hatha, ashtanga, vinyasa, iyengar, even bikram (!)), over the next 11 years, eventually led me to the two who have been my primary teachers for the last 20+ years, Tias and Surya Little.

Since 2014, I have been a Senior Instructor of Prajna Yoga. After beginning my studies with Tias & Surya in 2001, I proudly received both my 200 hr (2001) & 500 hr (2004) certifications through their school. I was also one of the first graduates of their SATYA (Somatic Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement) training, a subtle, but profoundly potent, approach to somatic movement; and a powerful ally to yoga asana (or any movement, for that matter!)

With tremendous gratitude for the clear, skillful, deeply healing, high-quality instruction, and profound wisdom I received over so many years of studies with Tias and Surya, I was called to also direct my focus in different, yet complementary, directions. Carrie Owerko, Erin Jade (Applied Neurology), Djuna Mascall and the work of Gary Ward (Anatomy in Motion) are currently immense influences, as is the work of Moshe Feldenkrais, Thomas Hanna, and Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen, all of which I’ve been studying and practicing since 2010. I also have trained in Yin Yoga with both Sarah Powers and Theresa Murphy and Functional Range Conditioning with Greg Lehman, becoming a certified Mobility Specialist for FRC in 2019.

Each of these visionary movement leaders inspires me to continue to think outside the box and to weave together a multitude of different approaches to movement, and healing, with the hopes of inspiring those who practice with me to do the same. A “yes, and” versus “either, or” approach, you might say.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist (since 2010) and a Craniosacral Therapist, a student of another visionary, Hugh Milne; and am also trained to practice Visceral Manipulation through The Barral Institute.

I find tremendous inspiration in the dharma teachings of Thanissara and Kittisara of Sacred Mountain Sangha School of Kuan Yin Dharma and recently completed a year long dharma study program with them.

My classes weave it all together: yoga asana, somatic movement, functional movement, applied neurology, contemplation and self inquiry; resulting in fun and creative sequences which are designed to increase our sense of embodiment, move the body through its full ranges of motion, improve how we move (on and off our mats), and generate an overall sense of vitality and joy.

My aim is to honor both the science and the mystery of the practice in all that I offer.

A firm believer in yoga being a practice for everyone and anyone, I co-founded the Austin-based non profit organization, Community Yoga Austin, with Alyson Fox in 2010 and am passionate about modifying the practice of yoga so that anyone who is interested may have the opportunity to experience it's healing benefits. I have been honored to share yoga to prisons, schools, veteran centers, recovery centers, shelters & senior centers; and have trained with Street Yoga, Little Flower Yoga, Bent on Learning, M.D. Anderson Integrative Medicine & The Prison Yoga Project. I am also certified to teach prenatal & postpartum yoga, and am a graduate of the Social Action Teacher Training with Jill Satterfield (2007).

After dividing my time between the United States and Peru for over 6 years - leading workshops, trainings, and retreats in both countries - I now call Huaran, Peru home and have taking on ownership of a lovely boutique retreat space called The Green House Peru, a space where I am able to bring in all that I love…yoga, movement, craniosacral work, caring for land, and chocolate. If you ever feel the call to visit, or host a retreat in Peru, let me know!

some kind words...

"Jyl's classes have completely changed my life.  I've regained mobility in my right shoulder thanks to her deep understanding of anatomy and therapeutic yoga practices.  She has taught me methods of managing my chronic pain that fit into my daily routine and my body is noticeably stronger.  There's more to her teaching than the physical.  She meditatively guides you through the inner process of conversing and journeying with the body.  When you leave her class, you've observed, learned and acquired tools from your body, to change your body." -MC

"As a 50 something with scoliosis, I was too intimidated to just walk into a yoga studio and start classes. I knew I needed a more personal touch.  I started classes with Jyl 4 years ago.  I have correctly learned the poses and flow. Jyl has taught me to listen to my body and to breathe. My back is in great shape and I have been able to join other yoga classes with confidence. Jyl is truly a gifted and intuitive teacher." -OG

"I wish I were more articulate so I could truly express what a wonderful Yoga Teacher Jyl is. When I started I felt like I would never be able to do yoga because of my flexibility issues and my size. Jyl immediately made me feel positive and that I was capable of accomplishing anything. She is a master teacher, she teaches every nuance of the poses. She has a way of always conveying exactly how to feel and get into each pose. She uses creative and helpful techniques in modifying poses you need modified. Jyl also always makes you feel positive about yourself she is so loving and accepting. She is a gift that I happily give myself." -GM

"Your guidance & teaching has been an integral part of the healing process for my hip and low back. I've really enjoyed your style of teaching; the way you start each class with some background and inspiration; the way you remind us about the little details to really experience the asanas; and your cheerful and calming demeanor." -UG

"You really taught me a lot and you are such a wonderful teacher.  You are able to communicate so much information in a clear and succinct manner.  You have such a wonderful calm kind presence as a teacher.  You always made us laugh and really enjoy our classes.   So much of what you teach is actually so subtle but it just helps our practice move to another level." -BV