
About Ayşegül Damla Arslan

Ayşegül Damla Arslan
2024 yılında Maya Yoga ailesindeki yolculuğuna öğrenci olarak başladı, sonrasında Hikmet Gürbüz’den 200 saatlik Temel Yoga Eğitimi aldı. Yoga pratiğini derinleştirmenin yanı sıra bir mizah dergisinde yazarlık da yapmaktadir.
The Birth of Maya Yoga
In 2007, she took over the yoga studio her mother had founded in 2000 under the name "Nirvana" and rebranded it as "Maya Yoga".
Maya Yoga became more than just a yoga studio; it evolved into a center for body and mind awareness, a training hub for yoga instructors, and a space for deepening yoga knowledge
Growing up with YOKA, the system her father, Yogi Kazım Gürbüz, developed to overcome paralysis, Hikmet focused her studies on the therapeutic applications of yoga.
In 2008, she completed Viniyoga Therapy training with Gary Kraftsow.
In 2011, she was introduced to Svastha Yoga Therapy, developed by Dr. Ganesh Mohan and Dr. Günter Niessen, based on the teachings of A.G. Mohan, a direct student of Krishnamacharya for 18 years.
She found this approach particularly aligned with her philosophy, as it emphasizes a holistic and personalized view of the body.
Maya Retreat Center: A Sanctuary in Nature
In 2020, she fulfilled her dream of creating a retreat center in the Kazıklı village of Milas, a space fully immersed in nature.
Maya Retreat Center, surrounded by a 360° view of trees, is composed entirely of wooden houses, offering a unique environment for yoga, meditation, and self-discovery.
As the founder of Maya Yoga, Hikmet Gürbüz continues to share her yoga journey and expand awareness through her teachings.
Hikmet Gürbüz – Education & Expertise
Hikmet Gürbüz has built a strong foundation in yoga, integrating scientific principles with traditional wisdom.
Over the years, she has trained in therapeutic yoga, movement anatomy, pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy, working with renowned teachers from various traditions.
Certifications & Trainings
2005
Vivekananda Yoga University – Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Kundalini Yoga Workshop – Gurmukh
Sivananda Ashram (Netala) – Yoga Q&A Sessions
Dayananda Ashram (Rishikesh) – Yoga Discussions
S-VYASA University, Sri NV Raghuramji
Pranayama Seminar
Concentration Seminar
Mantra Workshop
Bandha Workshop
Stress Management Workshop
2006
Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Workshop – Manju Pattabhi Jois
2007
Yin-Yang Yoga & Mindfulness Meditation Workshop – Sarah Powers
Iyengar Yoga Workshop – Paul Cabanis
Ashtanga Yoga Foundation Course – Eric Powell
2008
Viniyoga Therapy – Gary Kraftsow, USA
Yoga for Lower Back, Neck, and Spine Health
Yoga for Insomnia
Yoga for Depression
Yoga Teacher Training for MS – Monte Sinai Hospital, USA
Prenatal – Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training – USA
2009
The Hot, Hip, and Holy Workshop – Sharon Gannon & David Life, USA
Hips and Twists Workshop – Rodney Yee & Colleen Saidman Yee, USA
Our Much-Needed Knees Workshop – Aadil Palkhivala, USA
Inversions, Backbends, and Sitting with Your Breath Workshop – David Swenson, USA
200-Hour Prana Flow Yoga Teacher Training – Shiva Rea, USA
2010
Body as Temple Teacher Intensive (50 Hours) – Shiva Rea
Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training – David Swenson
2012
Mythic Yoga Flow – Sianna Sherman
Inversions and Arm Balancing – Ana Forrest
The Mysterious Sacroiliac Joint – Judith Hanson Lasater
Yoga for Your Neck and Shoulders – Marla Apt
Embodied Anatomy: Bony Landmarks & Fascia Geography – Jill Miller
Seeing and Understanding Bodies – Aadil Palkhivala
Unlock the Power of a Healthy Spine – Aadil Palkhivala
Aim True – Kathryn Budig
Thai Yoga Massage – Saul David Raye
2013
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Swaha Aerial Yoga Teacher Training Course – Swaha Yoga Center, Athens
Svastha Yoga Therapy Program
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Module 1 – Washington DC, October 2011
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Module 2 – Prague, May 2014
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Module 7 – Prague, October 2014
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Module 3 – Helsinki, January 2015
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Module 4 – Helsinki, June 2015
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Module 6 – Berlin, July 2015
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Module 5 – Graz, May 2016
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Yogic Mindfulness – The Essence of Yoga – A.G. Mohan & Indra Mohan
2014
The Power of Touch – Giselle Mari
Tending Our Heartfire – Shiva Rea
Vinyasa Krama – Rod Stryker
Yin Yang Flow – Vinnie Marino
Therapeutic Yoga for the Feet, Knees, and Hips – Nicki Doane & Eddie Modestini
Maha Shakti – Dharma Mittra
Yoga and Ayurveda – Scott Blossom
2016
LIVE Pillars of Power – Baron Baptiste & Leah Cullis
Vinyasa Mimics Life – Noah Maze
Three-Dimensional Spirals in Asana Practice – Leslie Kaminoff
Advanced Studies in Myth & Symbolism – Alanna Kaivalya
2018
Isha Hatha Yoga – Angamardana
2020
Master’s Degree in Yoga Therapy – S-VYASA Yoga University, India
2022
Ayurveda Advanced Program – AVP Ayurveda Hospital, India (360 Hours)
2023
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Inside Flow – Bali (212 Hours)
Hikmet Gürbüz blends scientific knowledge with traditional yoga teachings, integrating movement, breathwork, and therapeutic approaches into her practice.
For more information about training programs or private lessons, contact us today.
