Each teacher at Bend it Like Buddha Yoga brings their own unique journey, weaving together a tapestry of experiences from mindfulness coaching and psychological insights to an array of specialized yoga styles and holistic healing practices. Their personal stories of transformation, healing, and discovery infuse every lesson with depth and authenticity. Here, you’ll find not just guides but also mentors who are dedicated to enriching your journey towards self-awareness and holistic well-being. Dive in and discover the inspiring souls who will be guiding you on your path to wellness.
L. Farrah Furtado
Farrah Furtado is a remarkable figure in the world of yoga and wellness, embodying a blend of Canadian-Portuguese heritage with a profound global perspective. She stands as a testament to the transformative power of yoga, having not only founded the Bend it Like Buddha Yoga in Portugal but also the Kaohsiung Yoga School in Taiwan. Her journey in the realm of yoga and spirituality is marked by an impressive array of accomplishments and experiences.
As an E-RYT 500 certified yoga instructor, Farrah’s expertise spans across various styles, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha, and Vinyasa. Her deep connection to the practice is further enriched by her extensive studies in the healing arts, including time spent in Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan, energy healing in Ubud, Bali, and rigorous training in the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa system in India. Her training under the tutelage of BNS Iyengar, a direct lineage of Pattabhi Jois and Krishnamacharya, in Mysore, India, is particularly noteworthy.
Farrah’s contribution to the field extends beyond teaching; she is a prolific author with three spiritual best-selling award-winning books and a notable presence in the film industry as an award-winning filmmaker. Her documentary, “Atha Gamma,” focuses on the intersection of yoga and mindfulness, showcasing her deep understanding and passion for these practices.
Her academic background, with a BA in Psychology from the University of Victoria and a certificate in International Development from the University of British Columbia, adds to her holistic approach to yoga and wellness. As a third-degree Usui Reiki master, she integrates various modalities of healing into her practice and teaching. As well as trauma recovery processes via pranayama and the portals of the chakras through releasing unconscious blocks.
Farrah’s accolades also include being published in prominent yoga blogs and magazines, contributing significantly to the discourse on yoga and wellness. Her direction and teaching at RYT 200 and RYT 300 hour programs in various locations globally, including Taiwan, Portugal, Bali, and India since 2014, have impacted many. Notably, her studio in Portugal was recognized as the Best Yoga Studio in 2019 by UK Luxury Travel magazine and Most Transformative Yoga Teacher training in Europe by Corporate Vision, UK in 2025.
Her dedication to sharing the wisdom of yoga is rooted in a deep appreciation for her teachers and students. Farrah’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of compassion and the pursuit of inner peace, embodying the true spirit of yoga in both her personal and professional life.
As the lead instructor and creative director of Bend it Like Buddha Yoga, Farrah continues to inspire and guide countless individuals on their path to wellness and self-discovery.
Yoga Instructor
Author
Film Maker
Mafalda
Mafalda is a deeply skilled and versatile practitioner in the realms of yoga, sound healing, and shamanic therapy. Her extensive experience and unique approach position her as a guiding force in personal transformation and self-discovery.
As a trainer, shamanic therapist, sound healer, and yoga therapy specialist, Mafalda’s primary mission is to empower individuals to tap into their inner strength, connect with their true selves, and discover their life’s purpose. Her techniques, rooted in ancestral wisdom and vibrational healing, are designed to help individuals uncover and overcome the internal blocks, beliefs, and fears that hinder their true potential.
Mafalda’s commitment to personal growth is evident in each of her practices, which she views as journeys of liberation, healing, and self-discovery. These experiences are crafted to be deeply transformative, enabling individuals to be fully present in life and realize their dreams.
One of Mafalda’s notable contributions to the field of yoga is the development of her own yoga method, SoulYoga. This unique approach goes beyond traditional yoga postures, focusing instead on the journey of self-discovery and walking one’s unique soul path. SoulYoga incorporates various breathing techniques, physical and mental stimulation, and meditation, creating a meditative and contemplative space within. This method is especially beneficial in today’s fast-paced world, helping individuals to focus, be present, and reconnect with their inner selves.
Mafalda’s expertise is not limited to the yoga mat. She also leads transformational retreats that combine yoga, meditation, breath work, and sound healing, among other practices. These retreats are designed to facilitate a deep connection with one’s authentic inner self, offering a roadmap for a future aligned with one’s true desires and life purpose. Participants have the opportunity to engage in a variety of healing and self-development activities, including shamanic healing journeys, sound healing ceremonies, and the creation of personal talismans.
In essence, Mafalda Rodrigues is a multi-faceted healer and teacher whose work is dedicated to guiding individuals towards a life of fulfillment, balance, and authenticity. Her holistic approach to wellness, combining yoga, sound therapy, and shamanic practices, offers a unique pathway for those seeking to transform their lives from the inside out.
Berta
Berta, a Portuguese native, is an inspiring figure in the world of yoga and Ayurveda. Her journey, deeply intertwined with her passion for nature and the mysteries of the human body, mind, and soul, began with a foundation in Nursing. This background laid the groundwork for her holistic approach to wellness.
Embracing her yoga path in 2008, Berta absorbed knowledge from various teachers and masters, delving into styles such as Ashtanga, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga, and complementing this with a study of Ayurveda. This diverse educational journey led her to become a Yoga Teacher and, subsequently, an Ayurvedic Therapist.
Berta’s unique teaching style is a harmonious blend of her extensive travels, personal practice, and a deep understanding of traditional yoga foundations. Her approach is therapeutic, focusing on releasing traumas through the body. This method reflects her commitment to addressing the holistic needs of her students, ensuring a balance of mind, body, and spirit.
As an Ayurvedic practitioner, Berta has a profound grasp of Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. Her approach is comprehensive, prioritizing diet, herbal remedies, exercise, meditation, breathing, and physical therapy to treat the root causes of emotional, mental, and physical imbalances. Berta’s expertise extends to educating others about the principles of Ayurveda, including understanding the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and their impact on one’s health.
Her work in Ayurveda is not just about healing but also about empowerment. She guides her clients towards understanding and listening to their bodies, thereby fostering a deep and intuitive connection with their own wellness journey.
Berta Couto’s dedication to yoga and Ayurveda is a testament to her passion for holistic healing and her commitment to helping others find balance and wellness in their lives. Through her teachings and therapy, she continues to make a significant impact on the wellness community.
Daniela
Daniela is a multifaceted professional who embodies the spirit of mindfulness, healing, and yoga, based in Portugal. Her journey has taken her from the realms of social education and activism to the deep and transformative world of yoga and meditation. Daniela’s extensive travel experiences have been more than just a personal journey; they have been a mission to empower various communities and underprivileged groups. She has been instrumental in co-founding and managing social projects in diverse locations such as Mozambique, Italy, and Australia.
As an International certified mindfulness coach and healer practitioner, Daniela’s expertise is not confined to one discipline. She is an experienced meditation and yoga teacher, who has developed a rich blend of styles in her teaching. Her repertoire includes Yin, Restorative, Aerial, Pregnancy, and Kids Yoga, along with a meditative and flowing style of Vinyasa Yoga classes. Daniela’s approach to yoga is breath-focused, integrating concise technical alignment and yoga philosophy. This holistic approach reflects her belief in yoga’s transformational power, which she deems should be accessible to as many people as possible.
Daniela’s commitment to wellness and healing extends to her involvement with international organizations, where she has been organizing and participating in Wellness and Healing retreats, events, and workshops. Additionally, she provides individual guidance on a therapeutic level, further demonstrating her dedication to personal and community well-being.
Her life philosophy views existence as both an outward and inward journey, rich with discoveries awaiting those who have the courage to seek. Daniela’s work is a testament to her belief in the power of yoga and mindfulness to transform lives.
David
David originally from a rock music background, has creatively merged his musical talents with the spiritual realm of yoga and mantras. His journey in Kundalini yoga led him to develop and devote himself to mantras, infusing them with his unique melodies. David expresses his deep connection to these spiritual chants through his music, which currently is available in Portuguese. His work reflects a harmonious blend of his musical roots and his profound immersion in the world of yoga and meditation mantras.
Johanna
Johanna, a New York City native now calling Portugal home, is a passionate yoga instructor with over 18 years of experience. She is well-versed in various modalities, including Vinyasa Flow, Restorative Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Reiki, Ayurveda, and Mobilization Therapy, which she skillfully blends to create unique and transformative experiences for her students.
Johanna’s journey began at a young age with meditation, blossoming into a love for Vinyasa Flow yoga. She holds a 200-hour certification from Laughing Lotus in New York City and has deepened her knowledge with additional trainings in Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra.
Driven by her own experiences with healing from trauma, Johanna developed the AMOR program, a unique approach that combines Ayurveda, meditation, self-offerings, and Reiki to empower individuals on their path to self-love and inner strength.
Recognizing the diverse needs of her students, Johanna created her signature Balance + Strength Yoga method. This practice goes beyond physical postures, aiming to rebuild not only physical strength but also confidence and emotional well-being for individuals with physical disabilities.
Macedonia
My name is Macedoni and I have always been very connected to nature and animals since a kid. Being in touch with nature always made me feel happy and at peace. I am a Scuba Diving Instructor since 2010 and while working in Santa Maria, Azores i started yoga classes, falling in love with Vinyasa Flow, and it’s movements. This was in 2015 and i continued practicing yoga by myself, and i always felt inside this is the path i should follow. While in Maldives working on diving i also did a 2 week retreat of yoga in thailand. After being mom, going through drug addiction and depression i found Bend it Like Buddha and did my Instructor course. Farrah pours her heart into this courses, and i have learned so much from her. My life has changed and i am so grateful that i can share yoga and improve people’s life.
Victoria
Victoria, originally from São Paulo, Brazil has been a passionate yoga practitioner since 2013. Over the years, she has developed a deep love for yoga and its transformative power, believing that it has the potential to positively impact those who embrace the practice.
Victoria RYT 500H teaches a variety of yoga styles, including Vinyasa-inspired sequences, Yin, Prenatal yoga, Kids Yoga, and Ashtanga Vinyasa. She draws from her diverse background and experience to create well-rounded and inclusive classes suitable for practitioners of all levels.
Victoria is a traveler and lifelong learner of yoga philosophies, she is committed to expanding her knowledge and understanding of the practice. She often returns to India, the birthplace of yoga, to deepen her studies and connect with the roots of this ancient tradition and loves to share what she learns with such passion and compassion for her students.
Victoria believes that yoga is far more than just a physical practice; it is a path of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. She sees yoga as a powerful tool for personal growth, one that can positively influence individuals of all ages and backgrounds, allowing each practitioner to cultivate greater awareness, balance, and understanding in their lives.
Liling – A Journey of Yoga, Self-Love, and Connection
Liling, born in Austria, has embarked on a transformative journey that has taken her to Portugal, where she has fallen in love with the Algarve—now her second home. With a decade of dedicated yoga practice and a deep spiritual connection nurtured over the past four years, she discovered the true essence of self-love through yoga.
Her journey is defined by trust—in life, in the rhythmic beauty of nature, and in the inner wisdom that guides every step. As a devoted mother, Liling finds profound enrichment in balancing family life with her passion for nature. This harmony inspires her to guide others toward a mindful lifestyle that embraces both physical strength and inner peace.
Completing her Yoga Teacher Training Certification (YTTC) with *Bend It Like Buddha* was a pivotal moment, opening new pathways to share the heart-centered gift of yoga. Liling’s mission is to empower individuals and families by cultivating open hearts and resilient spirits. She is specialized in building resilience in families, children, and teenagers, using yoga as a tool to foster mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
In her practice, Liling focuses on Vinyasa and Hatha Yoga, seamlessly integrating breath, movement, and mindfulness. Her holistic approach is enriched by Ayurveda massage and Reiki healing, creating a comprehensive framework for physical and energetic balance.
Her work in yoga has not only transformed her own life but also positively impacted her community. By incorporating practices that nurture resilience and connection, Liling creates supportive environments where individuals and families thrive. Always evolving as a teacher, she remains committed to learning and sharing insights that empower others to embrace life’s journey with authenticity, love, and resilience. Through her compassionate guidance, Liling continues to inspire countless individuals and families to find strength, balance, and joy in every aspect of their lives, empowering them to live with purpose and fulfillment.
What Our Students Say
“I am very happy and satisfied with Bend Like Buddha teacher training . First the teachers were very diverse and professional. They has their way each of them to propose their own class so it was really interesting for us.The structure of the different module was well done and the zoom classes super well done! I indeed learnt a lot through the joyful classes and sharing experiences. I would like to thank all teacher for your relentless efforts and valuable advices in guiding me throughout this challenging yet enjoyable journey. It was an excellent experience for me and thanks for this.”
Viivika Kalma