About Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga, as we practice it today, goes back to the teachings of Sri K Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009). It bears a strong relation to the teachings of his teacher Sri Trimulai Krishnamacharya, and therewith to a far-reaching lineage of important Yoga teachers and Rishis. Pattabhi Jois’ family as well as a group of senior teachers who´ve been close students of Pattabhi over decades, are continuing the lineage of this specific Hatha Yoga form.
The term Ashtanga is Sanskrit: Ashta means eight and Anga means limbs. Practising Ashtanga means practising the Eight Limbs path, which has been defined in an ancient text called the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali.

Ashtanga Yoga is an energetic practice, a dynamic meditation. It is a powerful system that, when practised on a regular basis, leads to more flexibility, strength and health in various aspects of our lives. The sequences of postures (called Asanas in the Sanskrit language) of this Yoga form are composed in order to align the muscular and skeletal system, purify the nervous system and detoxify the body so that Prana (energy) can move freely within it. The different sequences are: The Primary Series – Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga therapy), the Intermediate Series – Nadi Shodana (cleansing of the energy channels within the body) and the different Advanced Series – Sthira Bhaga (strength and grace). Ashtanga Yoga uses a unique method known as Vinyasa – the connecting between breath and movement. The Vinyasa determines the way the different postures are dynamically linked together. The practice fully unfolds its power when it is combined with the breathing techniques and the energetic muscular "locks" called Bandhas. To calm the mind and to deepen the practice even further, the eyes focus on specific points depending on the Asana. Traditionally, Ashtanga Yoga is taught in Mysore-Style and led classes.

Mysore Style classes
In this teaching system each student is individually taught the series of Ashtanga Yoga step by step, but within a group class setting. This enables the teacher to guide each student safely through the practice and to be responsive to everyone’s individual issues and learning pace. Information and corrections that support the practitioner and ensure safe practice are communicated verbally and through hands-on adjustments.

Led classes
In the led class, the group is being instructed by the teacher to move together through the series following the original rhythm of the Sanskrit counting. A full practice of the Primary Series takes about 1,5 hours. This class is suitable for students practising in Mysore Style on a regular basis. It can also make sense for a group of beginners to be led through the standing and some of the sitting postures as well as the finishing Asanas in order to become familiar with the format and from there enter self-practice.

Private classes
The private classes are available by appointment. They are another opportuity to build up selfpractice or to deepen your Ashtanga Practice further. For more information and costs please feel free to contact me via e-mail.

I reserve the right to cancel Yoga or Dance classes on the day itself.