ASHTANGA YOGA

Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a traditional system of yoga that originated in India by its founding teachers Sri T Krishnamacharya & Sri K Pattabhi Jois. Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a flowing style of yoga that emphasises lightness of movement, strength, flexibility and quality of breath. Each asana (posture) is done in a set sequence, Ashtanga yoga is a very physical form of yoga that asks for patients, softness and humility. 

 

In its traditional form (Mysore style), ashtanga yoga caters for the individual, because each student has different needs, limitations, energy levels and focuses in life, this is why Mysore style is perfect for people with little or no knowledge of yoga. In a Mysore class, a senior teacher is always present to guide, adjust and support students, students work in a group but have individual attention with the teacher, in a regular Mysore style class there is usually a mixture of students from beginner to advanced.

 

There are six sequences in the Ashtanga system, the first sequence is called the ‘primary series’, which is designed to iron the creases of the body, including any imbalances, stiffnesses or injuries. It is a sequence that requires attention to detail, patients and internal strength. Each posture is individually taught, so students have the opportunity to understand correct alignment, anatomy, breath and bandha relations. Beginners usually start with a short practice around 30 - 40 mins which typically increase over time as new postures are introduced. As new asanas are added, it challenges the body to open in different ways, each asana prepares the body for the next asana in the sequence, this is the key to ashtanga yoga. The reason why we don’t get students to do too much too quickly is that it puts pressure on the body which is likely to cause injury. Any current injuries are taken seriously and may require a modification of the sequence; also additional asanas, breath work or strengthening exercises that may help may also be provided to aid in the opening or healing process.

 

In other styles of yoga you mainly work in a class with many others at the same level; thus, it is tough to get individual attention and be able to focus on specific imbalances, postures that challenge or be able to refine the intermediate poses like headstand, handstand or backbends. Mysore style gives students focus, a path to follow in a physical, mental and spiritual way. When we first start Ashtanga yoga, the physical body is usually the first obstacle (stiffness, injuries, weaknesses), but as we progress the mind becomes the second obstacle, (desire, anger, delusion, greed, envy and sloth). As we advance through our practice, we learn to settle the body and mind, flow with the breath and let go of obstacles that limit us from experiencing life free from pain. This leads us to the spiritual path of Ashtanga yoga where all the hard work has paid off, we have trained our bodies and minds to overcome physical and mental hardships, the outcome from this is that the struggles of life do not impact us as much and experience becomes our teacher. 

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Dan runs Mysore Style intensives

Intensives usually run for 5-7 days but can be sortened over a weekend

These intensives focus on developing a deeper understanding of the ashtanga system, it philosophy, anatomy and physiology of asana, injury awareness and rehabilitation.