Yoga in the heart of the city

Ashtanga Vinyasa

The Yoga Academy was host to Sri Pattabhi Jois's New Zealand Tours in February 1999, and November 2002. The Yoga Academy has daily classes in the Mysore Style in correct sequential order without deviation from the traditional form of asanas as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Research Institute (AYRI) in Mysore South India. The teachers at The Yoga Academy are committed to following the teaching of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois through visits at regular intervals to his Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore India. The name Ashtanga is derived from the eight limbs of yoga as laid down by the great sage Patanjali.

Jude in Tittibhasana

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois) is a dynamic system which gracefully synchronizes breathing and movement. Its objective is to promote a strong flexible body and focused mind.

The benefits of regular practice are almost immediate. You will sweat during practice, as this is necessary for elimination of toxins - an important aspect of this type of Yoga. At the same time your attention will be focused inwards, so you will have a deep and effective relaxation at the end of the session.

Regular practice of Ashtanga Yoga will result in improved cardiovascular ability, physical strength, flexibility, breath control, balance muscle tone and loss of excess weight.

Beginner classes are a fixed series (Primary Series up to Navasana) of talked through basic poses simplified to suit the absolute beginner. The basics of breath, vinyasa (connecting poses), sun salutes and the bandhas (locks) are taught in atmosphere to suit beginner students. Students who have trouble with jumping back can step back, trouble with holding the plank (push up) can drop to the floor etc. Students with back and knee problems are kept safe through simple modifications to the more difficult poses.

Mysore Style Classes are suitable for students who have completed 4 beginner classes. Mysore classes are not talked through. The student works alongside other students on their own program of set poses ( refer to the Ashtanga sequences below) supervised and kept safe by their teacher. This is the traditional way yoga has been taught for thousands of years and is recommended for students to experience their own developing practice. You don't have to be an experienced practitioner to enjoy these classes, just a desire to take control of your own yoga practice.

Sanskrit Primary Series Classes are suitable for Mysore students. These led classes focus on a flowing practice, counting the vinyasa's (jump backs) and breaths which emphasizes the cardio vascular element of the practice, helps tune up your vinyasa's and creates a steady breath and rhythm to the practice.

All classes completed with a 10-15 minute relaxation period to relax the body and still the mind.

There are six sequences in the Ashtanga System. The Primary Series detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The Advanced Series, A, B, C,and D integrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.

For more information about Ashtanga Yoga visit: www.ayri.org and www.ashtanga.com

Click see Ashtanga Vinyasa Timetable