Manuel Oria

English & Español 😉 De Puerto Rico pal’ mundo!

Hola, I’m Manuel Oria, mentor to hundreds of yoga teachers across Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain, and the world. With over a decade of experience in Ashtanga and Rocket Vinyasa, I teach from a deep understanding of the body, rooted in intention, integration, and presence. My purpose is simple: to help you teach with confidence, clarity, and genuine care every time you step into class.

“Teach the best yoga class that has ever been taught”

Here’s a bit more about me…

More than a yoga instructor, I am a curator of movement experiences. For over 12 years, my dedicated practice has shaped a unique approach that blends the ancient technologies of Ashtanga, Vinyasa, and pranayama with contemporary science-based movement and breathwork.

My journey with Ashtanga Yoga deepened after the sudden loss of my father—a moment that turned my world upside down. In the years of emotional instability that followed, the discipline of daily practice became my anchor. It gave me structure when everything else felt uncertain, and a safe space to process grief, rebuild resilience, and reconnect with myself. Over time, what began as a lifeline grew into my most valuable discovery and the foundation of the passion I now share with my students.

I began teaching in 2014 after training under David Kyle at Progressive Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and earning my Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Sciences with a focus on Human Biology from the University of Puerto Rico. Since then, I have trained extensively in Progressive Ashtanga Vinyasa (ERYT-500 Hour) and Classical Ashtanga with renowned teachers including Sharath Jois, Manju Jois, David Swenson, David Williams, Richard Freeman, and Tim Feldmann.

I am also a certified Functional Range Conditioning mobility specialist and Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor, tools I integrate into my classes and teacher trainings to make them safe, effective, and transformative. Since 2017, I have trained hundreds of teachers worldwide and am a licensed Rocket Vinyasa instructor.

You can practice with me daily at Ashtanga Yoga Puerto Rico or at international trainings, retreats, and workshops. From Puerto Rico to Peru, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and beyond—wherever the practice calls, I go. On and off the mat, it’s pure flow, and I’m always ready to share my unique perspective on yoga and movement.