Mariia Katkova (she/her) is a graduate of the BASSC Teacher Training Program and has been an active member of the BASSC system since 2015. She has trained in stage and screen combat internationally, in Russia, the UK, Germany and Italy.

Mariia graduated from the St. Petersburg Academy of Theatre Arts on Mohovaya Street with a degree in Puppet Theatre Directing, and also holds a professional music qualification from the D.D. Shostakovich Lyceum in St. Petersburg. As a director, she creates original puppet theatre productions that have been selected for festivals in Russia, Spain, and Turkey. She is also a professional actress with "Hand Made Theatre," a physical theatre company that has toured across Russia, Europe, and Asia.

Beyond her theatrical work, Mariia has devoted many years to movement practices. Her deep understanding of human biomechanics is grounded in long-term studies of yoga and foundational acrobatics. These disciplines are not merely personal pursuits but have become an integral part of her directorial and pedagogical approach, allowing her to work with the body with precision, awareness, and a refined attention to movement.