(As seen on TV (KSEE 24, NBC, CBS 47, kmph26) Chaz has been enjoying yoga for well over 14 years.
Chaz was introduced to the benefits of yoga as an adolescent when she joined Nicole Mode’s Yoga Studio (of France). As a 14 year old model rife with body image issues and various eating disorders, Chaz found peace on her yoga mat. Somehow the world she tried to control through what she ate seemed less scary while doing yoga; her body started to come alive. Chaz learned that her sense of home was always inside her.
While in college and still having perfectionist tendencies, yoga taught Chaz that all she could do was her best. She channeled this newfound balance into her poetry, acting and singing careers. Chaz graduated from Rutgers College with Highest Honors with a degree in Genetics and high hopes of a PhD. Although she enjoyed the discipline inherent in the academic research world, she felt a deeper calling. For a while Chaz was a successful real estate agent. Although lucrative, the real estate business seemed unnaturally stressful to Chaz. It had always been Chaz’ intention to bathe in calmness, even though her life seemed to constantly provide struggle.
Chaz then met the most important man in her life-- co-owner and husband, Trent Russ. Trent drew Chaz back to her calm roots and re-energized her compassion calling. Chaz then met her guru Mike Noury, (Gurmukh) of Yoga of India, who saw a unique light in her. Gurmukh went on to convince Chaz to become a yoga teacher and later named her Bhanu, or bringer of positive energy. Bhanu considered this the highest accolade as well as the biggest responsibility. It is with this conviction that she teaches creative yoga classes today—to shed the happiness and light onto her fellow female students. It is also her intention to show the yogini world that yoga does not need to be serious, that furthermore, we can listen to fun music and allow our souls to pirouhette into the beaming light that is within us all.
Chaz is registered at the 500 hour level with Yoga Alliance (Village Yoga Center, Modesto). In addition to studying with Master Gurmukh, Chaz has studied with Jordin and Martin Kirk, Desiree Rumbaugh and has received training in prenatal yoga from renown prenatal yoga guru, Janice Clarfield of Vancouver and others. Another constant source of inspiration is Steve Ross, owner of Maha Yoga (Beverly Hills) and author of "Happy Yoga" (http://www.mahayoga.com).
E-mail Chaz!
Testimonials
"We love, love, love your yoga class! You make it fun but we are working hard at the same time. I can personally see little changes in my body and I love it! Thank you!" --Lori, Rick, Jessica and Amber Moya
"I love your classes--they arent so serious and make yoga fun--it's good to have a smile on your face while relaxing and working out all at the same time."--Jessica
...Today I attended yoga class. It was great. I felt energized and strong (which surprised me)..." --Rebecca
"I'm currently going to school to become a doctor and am majoring in biology and was thrilled when I read that you have a degree in microbiology. It's been a pleasure taking your classes and I can't wait till I have some time to take private lessons. Thanks for all that you do. Peace." --Kim
Don't be discouraged if you can't quite get into a pose. If you fall down during a balance pose, LAUGH at yourself! Just don't laugh at your falling neighbor!" --Chaz
