We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Japa Kullar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Japa, what do you attribute your success to?
Ralph Waldo Emerson beautifully captured the essence of success when he wrote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

This sentiment defines the heart of my work and the success of Japa Breathwork. My mission is to guide people back to the parts of themselves they’ve lost, suppressed, or forgotten. Every breathwork journey I facilitate, every transformational experience I create, is infused with a deep sense of purpose and authentic connection. I bring my whole self to this work, ensuring that each individual feels truly seen, supported, and empowered to embark on their own healing journey.

This authenticity stems from my personal transformation. Breathwork became my lifeline during moments when I felt lost in darkness, burdened by grief, and unable to breathe. It helped me break through emotional blocks, release unexpressed pain, and find clarity in my mind and heart. Breathwork didn’t just change my life; it became my lifestyle—a practice I carry with me in all that I do. I’ve experienced its profound ability to heal not just the body but the mind and spirit, and it’s this transformative power that I now share with others.

When I work with clients, authenticity is at the core of every interaction. People can sense when something is real—when it’s rooted in genuine care rather than an agenda. This authenticity allows me to create a space of trust and safety, where clients can release the energy that no longer serves them and open themselves to profound transformation.

My approach goes beyond simply guiding breathwork techniques. I craft experiences that encourage deep emotional breakthroughs, using advanced breathwork methods, dynamic coaching, and unwavering support. Together, we uncover layers of resistance, heal old wounds, and reconnect to the truth of who they are. This work isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about fostering meaningful, lasting change.

The trust I build with each person is the foundation for these breakthroughs. In this safe, supportive environment, transformation unfolds naturally and powerfully, allowing each client to rediscover their fullest potential and breathe easier in every sense of the word.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Japa Breathwork is about guiding people through transformational experiences that promote emotional healing, release suppressed pain, and reconnect them with their true selves. Each session, whether individual or group, combines advanced breathwork techniques, dynamic coaching, and a supportive environment to create real, lasting breakthroughs. It’s an integrative practice that truly brings mind, body, and soul into harmony and alignment.

Building Japa Breathwork has been a journey of resilience. Leaving a traditional career to follow this path required faith in my purpose and the courage to face uncertainty. One of my biggest challenges was helping people understand the power of breathwork. To overcome this, I shared my own story of transformation and focused on educating others, building trust along the way.

What I value most is seeing the impact of this work—witnessing people achieve breakthroughs that bring them clarity, lightness, and freedom. I’m proud to contribute to the growing recognition of breathwork as a powerful tool for healing and personal growth.

This journey has taught me to stay authentic, remain connected to my purpose, and meet people where they are. Challenges have deepened my commitment to sharing breathwork because not only have I experienced its transformative power in my own life, but I have also witnessed incredible transformations in my clients’ lives.

Japa Breathwork is for anyone ready to heal, grow, or reconnect with themselves. It’s a life-changing experience, one that begins with a single breath and can lead to profound transformation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend didn’t already live in Los Angeles and came to visit for a week, I’d want to show her a side of the city that feels more grounded, authentic, and healing. LA has so much more to offer than its glamorous reputation, and I’d want her to experience its quiet magic.

We’d start with a walk at Griffith Park, maybe heading up to the Griffith Observatory for those sweeping views of the city. It’s the perfect place to ease into the week, creating space to connect and soak in the beauty of nature. Breakfast might be at Sqirl in Silver Lake—light, fresh, and perfect for fueling the day. Lunch would take us to Grand Central Market to explore a variety of local flavors, and later, we’d enjoy brunch at The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker, a spot that always has just the right energy.

Time outdoors would be a must. We’d hike Runyon Canyon for its scenic views or escape to the serenity of El Matador Beach in Malibu—one of my favorite peaceful spots away from the crowds. For moments of reflection, we could visit the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine or the Los Angeles Buddhist Temple. Somewhere in the week, we’d carve out time for breathwork—a moment to ground ourselves and process all the emotions that naturally arise when you slow down.

One afternoon, we’d explore The Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, with its stunning gardens and art that feels like a step back in time. Or we’d wander the Los Angeles County Arboretum, letting the beauty of nature remind us how to just *be.* For meals, I’d take her to Gracias Madre for plant-based Mexican food or grab authentic tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas in Koreatown. To close the evening, maybe we’d find ourselves at The Varnish, a cozy downtown speakeasy, or sharing tea and deep conversation at The Tea House in Santa Monica.

A yoga class at Santa Monica Yoga or The Yoga Collective would offer a moment of mindfulness in the middle of the week. We could also visit the Zen Center of Los Angeles—a peaceful place to reconnect with stillness. As the week comes to an end, we’d finish with a final breathwork session, anchoring the experiences and emotions we’ve shared. Dinner at Night + Market Song, with its vibrant Thai flavors and laid-back atmosphere, would be the perfect way to wrap it all up.

This wouldn’t be the flashy LA you see on postcards. It would be the soul of the city—quiet, restorative, and filled with moments to heal, reflect, and connect. That’s the LA I love, and it’s the side I’d want to share with her.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As Rumi so beautifully said, *“The wound is where the light enters.”* I’ve come to embrace this truth deeply, and I can say with all my heart that I am grateful for my own wounds. They’ve been the catalysts—the push I didn’t know I needed—that led me to breathwork, especially in those moments when it felt like I was at my lowest.

But I didn’t walk this path alone. There are a few incredible souls who have profoundly shaped my journey, often in ways they may not even realize. Panu Wassu was the one who first introduced me to the transformational power of breathwork—it all started there. Swathima and Roy guided me through my spiritual awakening, helping me see the bigger picture of life. Scott Robinson recognized gifts in me long before I could see them myself, and his belief in me sparked a curiosity to share those gifts with the world.

Carol Passmore brought me into the Women’s Circle, which became a cornerstone of my personal growth, and Kerri Wenner offered guidance and support that impacted not only my life but also my work. Jon Paul Crimi showed me that I could facilitate breathwork in a way that feels authentic to who I am, and that’s been a game-changer. Out of all the teachers I explored, his approach resonated with me the most.

Alan Watt taught me how to tell my story in its rawness and vulnerability, helping me own the beauty in it. Sosie Sagherian, my dear friend, has stood by me and shared in this journey, even joining me on two retreats. And then there’s Ganesh and Gary, who are right here with me as I step into this next chapter of my life.

I carry immense gratitude for each of these mentors, teachers, and friends. They’ve reminded me of two profound truths: when the student is ready, the teacher appears, and when the teacher is ready, the student appears. Their wisdom and support have been invaluable, and I feel so blessed to have had them by my side.

And lastly, I want to honor the life and legacy of the late Ram Dass. His teachings have been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me to keep turning inward and searching for the light within. His words, *“We are all just walking each other home,”* have been a guiding force in my life, and they continue to remind me of the beauty of this shared journey we’re all on.

Website: https://www.japabreathwork.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japabreathwork

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/japakullar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/japakullar

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@japabreathwork

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@japabreathwork

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.