ashtanga yoga

Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a style of yoga developed by Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. ashtanga yoga is still taught and learned through this teacher-student lineage, or ‘parampara,’ all over the world. 

If you have practiced vinyasa, flow, or power yoga, you have already practiced pieces of ashtanga yoga. These modern styles are rooted in the foundation of ashtanga, from which stems the practice of flowing from one posture to the next in sync with the breath. 

Ashtanga consists of a series of poses which are generally practiced in the same order day after day. Each pose is practiced with focus on the external and internal alignment, breath and muscular/energetic “locks” (bandhas), and a soft gaze (drishti). Instead of focusing on our thoughts or external sounds or sights, we focus our attention on these three focal points. With this method we generate an internal stillness through the control and internalization of our senses (this is called pratyahara).

Students typically start ashtanga with an abbreviated form of primary series, also called ‘yoga chikitsa,’ or yoga therapy. This is a logical flowing sequence designed to strengthen the body and calm the mind through the cultivation of pratyahara. 

Learning Ashtanga yoga gives us the tools for a lifelong self-practice. Once we learn the fundamentals of Ashtanga, our practice is always with us, even at times when we don’t have a shala or teacher. Through the discipline of a regular practice with the time, space, and physical ability available to us, we can cultivate equanimity, compassion, and joy. This is the heart of yoga. 

We could spend years learning and discussing yoga philosophy, and there are many resources to learn more. While some of the concepts in yoga may sound esoteric at first, they can be learned through direct, experiential knowledge. The best way to understand yoga is to practice it. Pattabhi Jois often said “yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory.” Come and join us.

new to ashtanga? start here.

Ashtanga is a set sequence taught in an individualized way. The best way to learn ashtanga is in Mysore-style class (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings). This class is probably unlike any other studio class you have taken. Students practice together but at their own paces with 1:1 guidance. In this way, you will learn how to practice guided by breath. This is the traditional way ashtanga is taught and is accessible for students who have never practiced yoga before to those with an established practice. 

Guided half-primary is held every other Sunday afternoon. In this class, the teacher guides the class through half of primary series together.

When you feel comfortable practicing, you can join for follow the yogi (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings). In this class, the teacher practices primary series and some pranayama and calls out each pose in Sanskrit. Everyone practices together with a rhythmic, collective breath. 

We begin and end ashtanga practice with opening and closing chants.