Izumi

Izumi Sato is a lifelong adventurer and dedicated yoga practitioner who explores the art of sharing joy and freedom through movement and mindfulness. As the founder of Being Joy, LLC, she empowers students to uncover their potential and learn from their own lived experiences. Rooted in the understanding that everything happens for a reason, Izumi views challenges and hardships as vital parts of the journey shaping who we are meant to become. Through mindful exploration of the body, mind, and heart, she nurtures inner courage and strength, inspiring each person to shine, embody love, and embrace their unique gifts. 

With an M.A. in Dance Education and over 30 years of performing and teaching the classical Indian dance form, Bharatanatyam—including extensive study in India under the guidance of Padma Bhushan Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan—Izumi brings deep embodiment to her offerings. Through her classes and immersive global wellness retreats in India and Japan, she integrates dynamic flow and meditative stillness, creating a nonjudgmental space where students can explore the body-mind connection and find their authentic expression.

Her yoga journey began in 2000 at a conference in Himachal Pradesh, India. Teaching flow-based classes since 2013, she holds an E-RYT 500 certification. She has trained extensively in Meditation and Awareness Practice (100-Hour JOY of Yoga) with Jennifer Prugh, and Therapeutic Adjustment in Ashtanga Vinyasa with Mojdeh Zahira Zahiraleslamzadeh. She offers her deepest gratitude to these mentors, as well as to influential teachers such as Noel Clark, Tias Little, Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor, and Jai Uttal. 

Her devotion to the Ramayana led her to serve as a choreographer for Mount Madonna’s annual production, where she has taught Bharatanatyam since 2018. Beyond the studio, Izumi shares her passion across the U.S., visiting schools and juvenile centers to inspire youth to embrace diversity and connection. She believes that by planting seeds of appreciation for all cultures, we nurture a more compassionate and harmonious world.

Izumi supports Tibetan Children Education Foundation.