top of page

sayuri 

Swan on Ladder Barrel

How did Kintsugi pilates come to life?

Kintsugi Pilates was born from a dream encouraged by someone who believed deeply in me.

 

Shortly after my late husband, Aaron, and I were married, he supported my vision of creating a space where movement could help people reconnect with their bodies, build strength, and feel supported in their wellbeing. His belief in me gave me the courage to begin building what would become Kintsugi Pilates.

Not long after opening the studio, life brought profound challenges. Experiencing the heartbreak of miscarriage and later losing Aaron changed the way I understand strength, healing, and compassion.

 

During that time, the philosophy of Kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold — took on a deeply personal meaning. Kintsugi teaches us that what has been broken can be repaired with care, and that the repaired piece becomes even more beautiful because of its history.

That philosophy reflects not only my personal journey, but also the spirit of this studio.

​

Through Pilates, I rediscovered strength, resilience, and a deeper connection to the body. Kintsugi Pilates became a place where movement supports healing, growth, and transformation — reminding us that our experiences, even the difficult ones, can become part of our strength. Through this journey, we learn to redefine ourselves and appreciate the new versions of who we become.

 

Kintsugi Pilates continues to grow from that belief — that even through life’s cracks, we can rebuild with strength, compassion, and purpose.

0719_SPP_034_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited.jpg
Swan on Ladder Barrel

Why do I teach Pilates?

I started  Pilates after a Thai massage went wrong. I experienced excruciating pain for many years, along with pain from an unknown scoliosis.  After trying many doctors, orthopedists, chiropractors, and various therapies, I was so frustrated with being told that my only option was painkillers or just learning to live with pain.​ It has been a long recovery process but most of all, one of the most humbling and fulfilling learning experiences.​

​

I'm passionate about helping people find FREEDOM in their bodies, prevent pain, regain strength, transform, and love themselves.

 

Through MOVEMENT MEDITATION, I celebrate "imperfections", highlight inner beauty, and train ALL BODIES, with a focus on the VULNERABLE.

 

Understanding the importance of SMALL ACTS OF SHOWING FOR YOURSELF, I guide people on their JOURNEY, emphasizing SLOW and STEADY PROGRESS over quick fixes.

 

Motivation gets you started, but HABITS keep you going.

Let's build HABITS that last a lifetime!

Ladder Barrel

What teacher training have I taken ?

Training & Education

  • Business Administration (Mexico)

  • Master’s in Spanish Applied Linguistics

  • Early Childhood Education (UCLA Extension)

  • BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training (Japan)

  • BASI Master Program 1 & 2 (BASI Japan)

  • BASI Mentor Program (BASI Korea)

Specialized Pilates Education

  • Pre & Postnatal Pilates (Leah Stewart, Ashley K. Ritchie)

  • Pilates for Scoliosis (Madeline Black)

  • Pilates for Injuries & Pathologies (Samantha Wood)

  • Pilates for Men (Rael Isacowitz)

  • Scapular Stabilization Workshops (Rael Isacowitz)

  • Kids & Teen Pilates (Brett Howard)

Workshops 

  • Advance Screening (Dr. Brent Anderson)

  • Pelvic Floor (Dr. Brent Anderson)

  • Lumbo-Pelvic Pain  (Dr. Brent Anderson)

  • Hip & Back Pain (Dr. Brent Anderson)

  • Back Care (Dr. Brent Anderson)

Additional Education

  • Play-based early childhood education 

  • Jolly Phonics training

  • Hormones & Metabolism education

  • Ongoing training in anatomy, biomechanics, and movement science

  • Learning never ends — I continue to study every year and always return to the basics.

What do I want for my clients?

My ultimate goal as an instructor is to support and help people become the best happy version of themselves. 


I want everyone to come to a session with an open mind, ready to see and find themselves without judging.  Ready to rediscover themselves and allow them to have that "me time" they deserve.
 

I want them to experience how Pilates can
bring you back to life, give you hope, and allow you to enjoy the things you love doing that you couldn't do anymore. 


I want them to walk in/out of the studio knowing that a consistent small act of showing up for yourself can create bigger changes over time. It can improve one person's well-being and therefore impact their entire community.​​

0720_SPP_313.jpg
0720_SPP_243_edited_edited_edited_edited.jpg
0720_SPP_234_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited.png

Fun Facts

  • Born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico

  • Started teaching as an early childhood educator for 9 years

  • Lived in Washington DC, New York, and San Francisco

  • I love forests, nature, and camping

  • I grew up in a big family — the third of four siblings

  • I’ve shared my life with many pets (7 dogs, 4 cats, 2 parrots, 2 hamsters, 2 turtles!)

  • I speak Spanish, English and Japanese

  • Brené Brown’s work deeply inspires me

  • I enjoy watching Grey’s Anatomy, fantasy films,  and listening to latin music

  • Some of the hardest moments of my life deepened my compassion and inspired the resilience that guides my work today.

  •  Always learning and evolving

bottom of page