“Taking the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training with April Martucci has been one of the best things I have ever done in my life. After meeting April in Tulum, Mexico where she was teaching a one-off class that I just happened to be in – a divinely-given encounter -I knew I wanted to study with her. From the moment she stepped into the room, I felt her confident vibrancy – an energy that transformed whole room within moments – I was uplifted + inspired. Her hands-on assists put me into a space of blissful connectivity. It was that class where I said to myself, whatever this woman does, wherever she lives, I want to go, learn from her, be apart of all of what she is. I was absolutely thrilled to later find out that April has one of the most renowned Yoga teacher trainings in NYC. So this LA-based girl, packed up shop and moved to NYC for training. I was not let down. Throughout the TT, I was deeply moved, challenged yet nurtured and constantly inspired on a physical, mental and spiritual level. The training was no light-weight experience – it was all-consuming, as we learn yoga is, encompassing all of life. In addition to April’s amazing support and guidance, the format, the teachings, and the amazing group of people made the training a truly memorable experience. I can now teach a 90-minute class with all the hands-on assists – the training lives inside me way beyond the graduation!”
After embarking on a spiritual journey through the Southwest, I was guided to enhance my yoga practice and explore teaching yoga. Upon returning home, it was kismet when I came across the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training program. I was excited to see the program included reiki and other healing modalities, such as massage, crystals, qigong, and chanting. I then took a yoga class with April, which was amazing! Her style includes dynamically sequenced asanas with an inspiring, energetic, and calming essence, as well as hands-on assists that create a deep connection. One can sense that April has high standards and values rigor while simultaneously understanding that each student is unique and needs to be met where s/he is in order to move beyond self-imposed boundaries. I knew immediately I would train with her. I am very fortunate to have done so as everything I felt in our first encounter was raised exponentially in all areas – physical, mental, emotional, and psycho-spiritual. April, a true guru, recognizes the guru in others and empowers them on their paths. I’ve learned to practice equanimity, appreciate impermanence, and be courageous through vulnerability, all on and off the mat. Through those caveats, we not only practice yoga, but become it. The training has given me the confidence to pay this work forward by gifting yoga classes with thoughtful asanas, hands on assists, dharma, massage, and the soft intensity of the FireDragonYoga™ method.
“April’s FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training has not only made me a more capable teacher but has given me a better sense of identity. Being able to accept who we are “neurosis” and all is yoga. Finding a perfect balance between philosophy, asana, anatomy makes this training unique. April truly prepares you to become a well-rounded Yogi. From chanting the Guru chant to practicing handstand and the assists, you will find your passion and calling in this training. Calling this a teacher training does not do it justice. You are immersed in the practice of yoga – the practice of life! Even when you think you are ready, you’re not. Nothing can truly prepare you for this experience — you just have to be willing to say, yes!”
“I took April’s classes for over seven years before committing to teacher training, because I appreciated her uncompromising style and her commitment to challenging her students to move beyond false boundaries in the practice. So I felt confident, going into it, that teacher training would be equally rigorous in preparing me to teach in April’s tradition of building dynamic sequences, offering meaningful assists, and including every major group of asanas within a single class. It did all of that, but much more. What I could not anticipate about teacher training was that the experience would lay groundwork for profound, dramatic personal growth in my life afterward. I won’t say how grateful I am for April’s healing teachings, since words would fail. I will say that that if you are considering training with April, do it. It may change your life.”
I am originally from Korea and encountered the amazing April Martucci. I fell in love with her at the first sight! I connected with her passion for yoga that inspired me into deeper practice. Consequently I successfully completed Firedragon™ teacher training and her yoga retreat at Bali. Her ‘soft intensive’ is the most genuine Vinyasa flow I have ever seen and her teaching style incorporates both Western and Eastern elements; such as Iyengar, Astanga, hands-on assist, Swedish massage and Reiki. She took me directly into a state of physical, mental and spiritual well-being and elevated me into the higher level which awoke my true nature. She believes that Yoga is not only limited to the physical practice but also affects the psyche and development along the spiritual path. After training I was able to discover the depth of my pre-existing wounds and conversely the power of healing that I have always had to heal others and myself.
“I clearly remember taking April’s class for the first time and leaving knowing that I would be back every week without a doubt. She is truly the heart of this program. As the opportunity came for me to join the FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training I was indescribably excited because I knew that it would be an amazing learning experience, but I never imagined the depths that the program would help me reach, not only in my yoga practice but also in terms of self-study. April’s method of teaching and her undeniable gift to recognize where you stand on your life path, allows her to help you look at who you are and to reexamine many aspects of your life. And all of it happens through the practice, in a healthy and nurturing way. You will finish the training with a strong foundation on the philosophy, poses, and hands on assists plus many other subjects, feeling empowered and with all the necessary tools to teach a full class. Fair warning, be ready to reconnect with many feelings and emotions and never regret it!”
“April Martucci’s teacher training thoughtfully integrates an intensive vinyasa approach to yoga with the notable, hands-on element of her teaching style. The FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training program is an extensive and rigorous introduction to teaching yoga that will leave the student feeling confident to teach. By the end of the 3-month training, students have valuable experience teaching and assisting in studios across Manhattan. I have been a student of April’s for my 2-year tenure in New York and decided to participate in her first teacher training because I was ready for a career change. Though each of her students has come to yoga for a different reason, April differentiates lessons so that they apply to each individual yogi. April caters to the needs of all of her students- whether you aim to become a yoga instructor or are simply looking to deepen your yoga practice. Her unique style of fusing massage and movement create an incredible, thorough curriculum for aspiring yoga instructors. April’s energy and enthusiasm for yoga are unparalleled and she devotes considerable one-on-one attention to her students. Additionally, the members of the FireDragonYoga™ faculty are the foremost in their respective fields. Each instructor has carefully planned their material with April to supplement the curriculum and support student needs. There is absolutely no other training program like this in New York! The 3-month yoga immersion will leave you with a profound understanding of the yoga traditions of movement, meditation, language and lifestyle.”
“Prior to meeting April, I spent a number a years search for a teaching training program. April’s soft intense class really resonated with me, unlike any other class has in the past. It was after this class, that I decided to enroll in the FireDragonYoga™ 200 Hour Teacher Training. I enrolled with the expectation of deepening my practice –I did not think that actually teaching a yoga class would be something within my reach. The FDY program taught me more about myself as a person then I could have ever imagined. April’s thoughtful assignments and readings ended up being my navigation through a very difficult time in my life. The time that I spent in training will always be precious to me. Not only did this class deepen my personal practice, it also prepared me to go out and teach a class immediately after graduation. I am so grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to attend FDY Teacher Training instructed by April Martucci.”
“April is a beautiful, strong vibrant and yet amazingly approachable person. If you have ever taken a class with her you know that all of these things, and much more, emanate effortlessly from her as a yoga instructor. To have that kind of energy and inspiration in your life is a gift, to have it as a mentor and teacher will take you on a journey within yourself that truly surpasses all expectation. The FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training is very indicative of April’s yoga style. It combines power with sensitivity, down-to-earth reality with spiritual aspiration. However the journey is not limited to asana practice, as a teacher trainee you are exposed to all aspects of the yogic path and beyond, including Reiki and mediation, diet and anatomy, and the two key branches of western yoga – Iyengar and Astanga. The education is comprehensive and deep, allowing you to integrate what you learn into whatever place yoga holds in your life. On our first day of class April said, “from this moment on you are a teacher.” To be honest I thought she was a little crazy – we had barely been there 5 minutes how could I already have something to teach? But what I have come to realize is that we are, all of us, teachers. We all have something to offer, just different mediums through which to share. If teaching yoga calls to you, I urge you to listen. You won’t regret it. Promise.”
“If you want to change your life and embark on a journey you never could have prepared for, this is the program for you. I promise you that you will not be the same person when you’re done. April is genius. She truly embodies the soft intensity mantra and it permeates all that she does. You will discover strength as she guides you in dismantling mental constructs which stand in your way. I now am a believer that our lives are of our own design. April will open your eyes if you are willing to see, open your ears if you are willing to listen with more than just your ears, and soften your heart if you are willing to be open. This experience will teach you to trust your gut and live your truth. You will travel this journey with amazing people by your side and build bonds that will forever leave imprints on your heart.”
“April Martucci’s FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training is a comprehensive, jam-packed, thought-provoking journey into the practice and teaching of yoga. The exhaustive curriculum reflects April’s own deep knowledge of the anatomical and subtle body, the spiritual and philosophical yogic traditions, and the teaching techniques that make her unique vinyasa style so compelling to yogis of all levels. April’s ability to challenge each student individually while providing a supportive and creative learning environment is remarkable. Every student will expand their understanding of the practice through the disciplined approach and learn how to impart that knowledge to others in their own voice. I strongly recommend FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training to any student who is ready to deepen and share their practice.”
“On a spiritual journey several years now, I am always working on finding new ways to deepen myself. When I came to the teacher training, I had no idea what to expect, however, I knew from the first day that I was in the right place. Every day and every assignment took me to new places in body + mind. A new dimension was revealed in my teaching and in my own spiritual practice as a result. The training FireDragonYoga™ facilitated a beautiful relationship between my personal needs and my soul’s purpose. I can now lead a class with full confidence and sensitivity. April is a very special person – she knows how to lead you into yourself; she knows how to give you the right tools for yourself growth. It is with those tools that you can go out into the world and begin a practice that leads others powerfully and gracefully.”
“After living in Manhattan for two years, I had been unsuccessful in finding a studio that offered a genuine vinyasa program that really spoke to me. I was fortunately introduced to April and the soft intensity of FireDragonYoga™ and immediately knew that her style was the one for which I had been searching. I cannot begin to express the gratitude I have for the delightfully integrated and comprehensive program that I was blessed to experience. April’s program is so much more than just a teacher training program; not only do you graduate with the tools and confidence to begin teaching immediately, you go through a life changing experience from which you do not surface the same person you began. The teachings/readings and thoughtfully assigned homework lead you to a better understanding of not only yoga but of others and yourself. I would highly recommend April’s FireDragonYoga™ teacher training program – if everyone completed the training, the world would be a much better place.”
“April’s FireDragonYoga™ teacher training is a robust and well-rounded program. Her emphasis on hands-on assists and bodywork makes her training unique. She pushes you out of your comfort zone and sees the potential within all her students. April helps her trainees/students play up their strengths guiding them to find their individualized teaching styles. I am glad I made the decision to train with April in her FireDragonYoga™ method.”
“When I relocated back into NYC, I had a strong passion to continue my yoga practice but I couldn’t find a teacher in the city who had a style I truly could mesh with. After being lost in the city, I consulted with my former teacher who said, “If you’re going to practice in NYC, there’s only 1 teacher you should see….April Martucci”. From the first day I rolled out my mat in her class I was captivated by her spirit and her knowledge of yoga. Her “soft intensity” style has been implanted in my foundation for my practice and I will take it with me everywhere I go. I will always be a devoted student of hers and I am honored to have trained under her in the FDY Training program; I learned to not only perfect my practice but I learned how to teach “soft intensity” to others. I am truly grateful for all her support and everything I have learned and will learn under her tutelage. Find a way to make it to April’s class…you will thank yourself.”
“After 25 years of a busy acting career, I was ready to take my love of yoga to the next level. I was able to do just that by studying with April Martucci. The FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training is a unique and rare program. Very few classes leave you feeling a deeper understanding of yourself. The weaving together of Eastern philosophy and challenging asana create an incredibly enriching practice. April teaches a totally comprehensive training. After completing the Spring 2014 program, I feel facile in Sanskrit, anatomy and how to teach a FireDragonYoga™ class. The hands-on assists are unbelievable, as well as the bodywork and shiatsu she brings to the table. As April says, “Yoga is not a therapy- it’s a discipline, a practice.” If you’re looking for a spiritual, mental and physical program that deepens your understanding and/or prepares you to teach right away, this is the program for you. FireDragonYoga™ truly opens the door to the path of the spiritual warrior!”
“April Martucci’s philosophy of soft intensity is truly inspirational. She incorporates the traditional rich eastern roots of Yoga with a very real western approach making it relevant to modern life. She maintains the seat of a trusting teacher while still being humbling and approachable. FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training is a comprehensive approach to teaching Vinyasa yoga. FireDragonYoga™ is an intense, athletic, inspirational, energizing experience. You are given an education in all the necessary and sometimes neglected components of being a true Yogi. The lessons in philosophy and history are invaluable. You develop a deep intention behind each practice. You are not only learning proper form, technique and assists, but a deep spiritual knowledge that you can pass along to your students and apply to life in general. Her hands on approach focuses on form and detail making sure each student feels safe and taken care of no matter what their needs. She prepares you for every possible scenario and student that may walk in your door. Through my training I have taken my practice of yoga to a whole new level and most importantly I have really grown as a person. April’s passion for yoga and life is infectious and motivational. I am confident that after completing this training, in a society oversaturated with yoga teachers, you will stand out as one of the great ones.”
“If you are looking for hands-on, experiential learning experience that includes individualized attention by a devoted teacher that knows how to bring out the best in her every student, FireDragonYoga is the program for you. Led by April Martucci and a gifted panel of experts possessing a wide variety of views, students are nurtured intellectually, spiritually and physically, developing from the inside out. In fact, the caliber of instruction is easily as high as that which I received while earning my Master’s degree in a traditional academic setting. I am extraordinarily grateful to have been a part of the first FireDragonYoga™ teacher training cohort and wholeheartedly recommend the program to both those who wish to transition into life as a professional yoga teacher as well as those who merely wish to deepen their personal practice.”
“April Martucci’s style has that rare blend of addressing the needs of mind, body and spirit. Her classes are always physically challenging, but they’re never only about exercise. From the intuitive way she uses her massage background to guide students into proper alignment, to her consistent return to the spiritual and philosophical aspects of yoga, April’s classes are truly nourishing. I am so grateful to have experienced her teaching.”
“I moved to New York City three years ago with one goal: to help others discover the many benefits and challenges of yoga. After I took my first class with April, I just knew: I had to enroll her FDY Teacher Training. I knew I’d entered a powerful new phase towards achieving my goal. I knew it was the key to further unlocking my passion for sharing the many benefits of yoga, both on and off the mat. It’s been an awesome journey—one that continues — and the gratitude I feel towards the experience is immeasurable. I am more confident than ever before in my ability to help others set and achieve their own goals, and realize their own dreams through yoga, and the many gifts that come along with the practice.”
“April has a distinct vigorous style of class, which complemented my active lifestyle and preferences. The 200-hr training provided me the opportunity to begin my journey into the world and teachings of yoga on a deeper level, and opened doors for future exploration and development on a professional and spiritual level.”
“The FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training Program is a one stop shop that leaves you wanting more. It enforces an action based learning approach that has students teaching and assisting within the first couple of weeks. This hands-on method is what helped everyone in my class successfully make the transition from being a student to a teacher. The program is well-rounded because sessions are not only infused with April’s knowledge and experience, but also the knowledge and experience of other renowned teachers and practitioners in the community. I learned more about various yoga styles such as Iyengar, Ashtanga and pre-natal and was introduced to anatomy, nutrition, Sanskrit and Qi Gong. Not to mention, I made such wonderful, deep connections with my classmates who I consider good friends I happen to continuously learn from. April is remarkable instructor whose ability to combine a soft intensity with a challenging Vinyasa flow practice inspires me to keep pushing myself to the limit. I encourage you to take the plunge and make room for this new and exciting experience that will change your life for the better. Don’t be afraid, rise to the challenge, and as my guru sometimes says, ’empty your cup’.”
“The FireDragonYoga™ Teacher Training program is an eye opening and life changing experience. Within a three month time frame, April creates an innovative learning experience by exposing students to the philosophical + physical aspects of yoga, and their application in a classroom setting. I have taken many yoga classes in NYC, and April has a distinct talent for fusing a challenging Vinyasa flow with yoga philosophy + dharmas sprinkled throughout, making the FireDragonYoga™ technique stand out from other yoga styles in NYC. What separates her from other teachers as well is her ability to inspire students to take the yoga practice off that mat and apply it to various life situations. April aspires her students to always learn – that even once we become teachers we are always still learning & constantly growing, a message which resonates profoundly with her students. I am grateful for having taken FireDragonYoga™ training program – I will apply all that I have learned to my students and my own practice”
“I had been wanting to take April’s teacher training for two years before finally signing up, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Already privy to her unique style of teaching – harnessing active vinyasa flow alongside realistic and applicable-to-life healing dharma – I assumed the experience would be illuminating on multiple levels. But the Fire Dragon method isn’t just eye-opening, it’s heart-opening. Unlike many other teacher trainings, April manages to distill an overwhelming amount of information on anatomy, yogic philosophy and physical assists into digestible doses while also offering an all-encompassing, spiritually-immersive experience. At a pace that builds her trainees’ increasing stamina and poise, she calls upon a phenomenal team of outside faculty members throughout the three-month training to add to the well-rounded curriculum and incorporate education on nutrition, other forms of yoga, and healing-arts modalities. Echoing the program’s motto of “soft intensity,” April literally embodies the supportive, approachable role of a mentor while maintaining a guru-like presence that is both serious and wise. While delving into the phenomenally structured syllabus, April and the training also helped me on a deeply personal level as well; in our safe class environment, I learned to trust my instincts and slowly began overcoming fears of public speaking — an achievement I never thought possible, and something I will forever be grateful for. Fully prepared to teach yoga classes after being handed my certificate, I walked away from this training with the means and confidence to immediately put my new skills to use. What are you waiting for?”
“I’ve studied with April Martucci for two and a half years by taking her classes at Reebok and Life in Motion, joining her on two retreats, and now currently completing her FireDragonYoga™ teacher training program. April has been an outstanding educator in all capacities. She has consistently inspired and challenged me to develop in directions even I didn’t even predict for myself. It is clear that she cares deeply about teaching and works hard to encourage her students’ progress. The FireDragonYoga™ program itself has been incredible; The carefully organized program trained us both in April’s specific teaching method but also exposed us to different aspects of yogic discipline like anatomy, Sanskrit, and different yoga disciplines. It also incorporates a lot of teaching and assisting practice, so by the end of the program, I already feel comfortable in a teacher’s role. The program also has greatly expanded my understanding of yoga, giving me a new perspective of my own regular practice (including how to take it deeper without risks of injury!). I started out as just a recreational, once-a-week yoga practitioner and since then, April has planted the seeds for what will be a lifetime study of yoga for me. I am truly grateful for all that she has taught me and I highly recommend the teacher training program for yoga lovers at any level!”
