Teachers
Founder of HIYOGA - Rebeckh Burns
Rebeckh is the founder of HIYOGA and a lifelong student of the practice. With over three decades immersed in Yoga, she holds a deep reverence for all styles and traditions, believing that every form of Yoga offers something meaningful and transformative for those who meet it with an open heart.
Founded in 2012, HIYOGA is an expression of Rebeckh’s devotion to community, connection, and conscious living. She is deeply dedicated to the incredible people who make up HIYOGA and to the ever evolving journey of the brand one shaped by change, growth, and shared experience.
A lover of travel and human connection, Rebeckh is endlessly inspired by meeting new people and weaving stories across cultures and communities. She approaches daily life through a metaphysical lens, grounded in the power of positivity, intention, and awareness. Her teaching style is energising, intuitive, and heartfelt blending practical technique with subtle philosophy.
With an innate ability to see how people can create meaningful change in their lives, Rebeckh has guided the HIYOGA community through countless transitions, trainings, and retreats. She is known for gently leading people into the vortex of transformation. Where insight, courage, and possibility meet.
Rebeckh believes that stillness is a superpower, and that Yoga is not a destination, but a living journey one that continues to deliver, deepen, and evolve over time.
Everyone is welcome. Come as you are, explore Yoga and Pilates with us, and discover what unfolds.
Isabella Qiu
I've been hooked on Bikram hot yoga since 2007 when I first started practicing, and have kept it up ever since. Over the years, I've studied Ashtanga yoga, Cross-fit, and Pilates. I took a Hot HIIT Pilates instructor training in 2019, and have taught Victoria Secret workouts as well. In the meantime, I've been studying physical therapy yoga and personal training coaching sessions in 2020. As a mandarin native speaker, I can coach you in English or Mandarin—whatever you prefer! In addition to all of that, my background includes aerial(flying) yoga and R.E.P.'s certification (Registered Exercise Professional). I do personal training sessions based on Victoria Secret inspired workout methods to helps those who want to get fit and gain muscle whilst losing fat!
Sensei Abtin
Sensei Abtin started Kyohushin Karate in 1995 and has remained active ever since. Abtin began teaching in Auckland in 2019, opening a Dojo and founding Auckland City Kyokushin. A multiple national and international champion, he holds the rank as 2nd Dan Black Belt.
Brian McCormack
Hey folks, I first practiced Bikram yoga in August 2017. I left the room with a resounding sense of 'that's me'. Four years later, I completed my first training for 26+2. Practicing consistently working through many injuries, my body and mind began to heal. October 2024, I completed the nine week Bikram yoga teacher training. Completing twelve weeks of training, totaling over 800 hours for 26+2. Turn up, put the mat down, and try your best! See you in the hot room!
Adriana Symonds
I first discovered hot Pilates while at university, and it quickly became more than just a workout. It gave me mental clarity, boosted my confidence, and helped me feel truly connected to my body. Two years later, that passion led me to become an instructor.
I'm now starting my studies to become a psychotherapist and have an even deeper passion for physical wellbeing. I believe movement is one of the most powerful tools for supporting the mind - helping regulate stress, build resilience, and reconnect with yourself. My classes aim to mirror this and are an invitation to step out of your head and into your body.
Jahlal Ibrahim
Jahlal Ibrahim is a fully qualified Personal Trainer, Strength
and Conditioning Specialist, Hot Pilates Instructor and
Kettlebell Instructor. With a background as a former
professional basketball player, he has trained some of NZ’s
top players and future stars.
Jahlal is the founder of Yahiest, which stands for “Your
Highest Self”, a holistic lifestyle brand that encompasses an
integrated philosophy and system of Mind, Body, Spirit
training.
With over 20 years of training experience within the
Auckland fitness community, Jahlal combines structured
training plans with a motivational approach that supports
clients through every step of their fitness journey.
His dedicated approach to holistic fitness is designed to
empower individuals of all ages and levels of abilities, from
beginner to advanced, building confidence, strength and
mobility that has a lasting impact.
Jahlal will be introducing Strength and Power-Flow classes
to HiYoga
Nikki Minhas
After completing my 26&2 training in 2014, New Zealand was the first place I came to teach, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return and come full circle. Since my first visit, I’ve studied multiple styles of vinyasa and meditation, continuing to expand what feels like a lifelong education.
Through traveling and teaching, I’ve found endless inspiration in the diversity of new communities. I also opened a studio in New Orleans that holds its own beautiful community, and I always look forward to sharing the friendly, celebratory spirit of the city.
My teaching style is lighthearted, with an emphasis on nuanced instruction, intentional movement, and presence. Like life itself, yoga is constant and evolving—and I strive to move with those changes.
Julia Francino
I’m a nature lover, artist, and mental health advocate who believes deeply in the healing power of presence and mindful movement. I’m also a Hatha Yoga teacher, Yoga Nidra guide, and Hot HIIT Pilates instructor, sharing practices that support both body and mind.
My journey with Pilates began as something very personal. Through consistent practice, I experienced firsthand how cultivating presence in the body can create greater focus in the mind, deeper relaxation, and more sustainable energy. That connection between body and mind became transformative for me, and naturally evolved into a desire to share these benefits with others.