Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga yoga is a beautiful fluid practice flowing from one posture to the next, creating a strong yet graceful sequence.
In ashtanga yoga, the asanas (postures) are linked together with the breath and are synchronised in a series of movements. As you learn the sequence you will naturally go deeper into the series and with time and commitment your practice becomes a moving meditation and you will become more aware and present.
“Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind.”
-Patanjali
Our ashtanga yoga classes
You can begin the ashtanga series with a very slow gentle practice. In time as you build your strength, flexibility, stamina and understanding of the primary series you will grow into the whole yoga sequence, your body will become lighter and healthier and the mind and senses are calmed.
The ashtanga yoga sequence is based on the breathe, movement synchronisation. This heats the body, removes toxins and purifies the body, mind and nervous system. Shavasana, is a time period of silence at the end of the yoga session, to allow the integration of the healing to take place, and to allow the body, mind, and spirit to re-calibrate, into a new state of harmony and alignment. To ensure you are fully grounded before you leave, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Ashtanga yoga is a beautiful spiritual practice. It is recommended that you start with a gentle beginners class and build up over time. If you have been practicing another style of yoga for a while it is important that you have knowledge of the sequence before you join an advanced class. This will not only prevent injury but will also be mindful of your energy levels.
We have a guild line of one to one and a half years before joining the advanced class and practicing the full primary series. Your yoga teacher will support you and if they can see you are ready to change the pace they will discuss this with you to see what you would like to do.
Yoga is non competitive, its about being relaxed and fully present in each asana (posture) while keeping the breath steady. This is far more important than advanced asana’s (postures) and should be the main focus of any yoga class. If the breath is steady, the mind will be steady and your energy levels will build, this will all help aid in the healing process and cleansing of the mind, body and soul.
Beginners ashtanga yoga course
Our beginners yoga classes run in 6-week blocks, and are ideally but not essentially, followed after attending the beginners workshop.
We will introduce the basic principles of the ashtanga practice, coordinating breath and movement in a mindful way, and each week will add new asana or postures.
Ashtanga yoga is a powerful tool for self transformation. It is suitable for all ages, body types and fitness levels. Students will over time develop a self practice, that is developed at a pace that is suitable for each individual.
Individual modifications and adjustments will be offered to allow you practice in a way that is suited to your body. These classes will be taught as a led class, giving you a taste of the graceful flowing movement and meditative aspect of the practice. When you feel ready and are comfortable you can move on to the next level or to join in the Mysore classes.
The only requirements to attend these workshops and classes are enthusiasm, an open mind and a sense of humour!
Ashtanga class types
Brief History of Ashtanga Yoga
There is simply no other discipline quite like yoga as it utilizes the body, mind and spirit, all in one practice. Yoga is indeed a spiritual path that is based on ancient sacred philosophy, but one does not need to make an ethical decision when practicing yoga, rather finding your own path is wholly accepted.
The holistic benefits of yoga are suitable for the young or old, sick or well, with any religious background. The secrets of yoga are inwardness, concentration, and purification of mind and body with cleansing thoughts and food.
The word “Ashtanga” means eight limbs and refers to the eight limbs of Classical Yoga. Traditional Ashtanga is the name given to a set of practices compiled by the sage Patanjali, some time around 200 BC. The eight limbs are described by Patanjali as eight limbs of a tree. Each limb is as important as the next and all share the same purpose, to grow towards the light. The goal of yoga is to merge the mind to the true self. To achieve this objective there are eight practices known as the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga.
The Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
“Niyama” (Self Purification and Study)
“Asana” (Posture)
“Pranayama” (Breath Control)
“Pratyahara” (Sense Withdrawal)
“Dharana”(Contemplation of one’s true nature)
“Dhyana” (Meditation)
“Samadhi” (Absorption in the Self).
Ashtanga yoga that is widely practiced today
Rama Mohan Brahmachari taught Krishnamacharya in the early 20th century all aspects of Yoga, including the ancient text Yoga Korunta. These teachings were passed on through oral traditions, Yoga Korunta was several thousand years old founded by the ancient sage Rishi Vamana. Yoga Korunta is the basis that was developed by Pattabhi Jois that formed the sequence of asana’s (postures) known today as Yoga Chikitsa (Primary Series) Nadi Shodona (Intermediate Series) and Sthira Baga (Advanced Series). Yoga Korunta gives instruction of pranayama (breath), asana (posture), vinyasa (movement), drishti (focus) and bandhas (energy locks) as well as philosophical teachings of Patanjali and is suited to the lives of people with families and other responsibilities, making a daily practice available to everyone.
K. Pattabhi Jois taught this form of Hatha yoga for 65 years and believed it is essential to enter the eight limbed path through asana’s (postures). The mental training of this Yoga challenges students to be self aware and conscious of the messages the body is sending, this is the transition from Hatha Yoga to Ashtanga (Raja) Yoga. As you commit to a regular personal practice, with patience these eight limbs of yoga naturally evolve.


