Led Class and Mysore Style Class
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic and structured form of yoga that has gained popularity worldwide. Below is a brief overview of its history, key components, and evolution:
Origins:
1. Ancient Roots:
– The roots of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga can be traced back to ancient India and the teachings of the yoga sutras by Patanjali (circa 400 CE). The Yoga Sutras outline the philosophy and practice of yoga, focusing on the eight limbs (Ashtanga) which provide a framework for spiritual growth and self-discipline.
2. Hatha Yoga Influence:
– The practice incorporates elements from Hatha Yoga, focusing on the physical postures (asanas) and breath control (pranayama). Hatha Yoga texts, such as the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika” (15th century), laid the groundwork for the physical practices used in Ashtanga.
Modern Development:
3. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois:
– The modern form of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was popularized by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009), a student of the legendary T. Krishnamacharya. Jois began teaching in the 1930s and established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, in 1948.
4. Teaching Style:
– Jois developed a structured series of postures combined with breath (vinyasa), which links movement with breath in a flowing sequence. His method emphasizes a specific sequence of poses, moving through them with a focus on the breath, resulting in a vigorous practice.
5. Systematic Approach:
– The Ashtanga system consists of six series (Primary, Intermediate, and four Advanced series), each building upon the previous one in complexity and intensity. Practitioners must master one series before advancing to the next.
6. Global Spread:
– In the 1970s and 1980s, Ashtanga began to spread to the West, particularly through the influence of American teachers such as David Swenson, Richard Freeman, and others who studied directly with Jois. This helped popularize the practice in the United States and beyond.
Key Characteristics:
7. Vinyasa:
– Ashtanga emphasizes the synchronized movement of breath and the body through a series of poses, known as vinyasa. This creates a flowing sequence and builds heat in the body.
8. Tristhana:
– The practice is based on three fundamental aspects:
– Posture (Asana): Physical poses.
– Breath (Pranayama): Breathing techniques to control energy and enhance focus.
– Drishti: Eye gazing points to help concentration and maintain inward focus.
9. Cultural Impact:
– Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga has had a significant impact on the development of contemporary yoga styles, influencing many modern practices, including Power Yoga and other styles.
- Ashtanga led class refers to a style of Ashtanga Yoga class in which the teacher leads (guides) the students through a fixed sequence of postures, called a “series,” by calling out the names of the poses and the associated breath count.
- Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional, structured system of yoga developed by K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. It uses a set sequence of poses linked by breath and movement (vinyasa).
- There are series in Ashtanga (Primary, Intermediate, Advanced), and each has a fixed order of postures.
- In a led class, the teacher guides everyone through this sequence in a synchronized way. Students practice together at the same pace, following the teacher’s count.
- This is different from a Mysore-style Ashtanga class, where students practice the sequence individually at their own pace while the teacher gives one-on-one adjustments.Benefits of led classes:✔ You learn correct breathing and rhythm✔ You memorise the sequence✔ It builds discipline and stamina✔ Practicing together creates a motivating group energy.
Ashtanga Mysore style class is a traditional way of practicing Ashtanga Yoga, named after Mysore, India, where this method originated. Here’s how it works:
✅ Self-paced practice: Students move through the set sequence of Ashtanga postures individually at their own pace, rather than being led pose by pose by the teacher.
✅ Teacher support: The teacher is present in the room, but instead of leading everyone at once, they give individual guidance, adjustments, and instructions to each student as needed.
✅ Memorized sequence: Students gradually memorize the sequence over time. Beginners might start with only a few poses and build up week by week, learning more of the series as they develop strength, flexibility, and familiarity.
✅ One-on-one attention in a group setting: You get the benefits of personal instruction (like a private class) while still practicing in a supportive group.
✅ Flexible timing: Mysore classes usually have a window of time and students can arrive anytime within the time window to start their practice.
Mysore class: you practice independently, teacher helps individually.
Mysore style is considered the traditional way to learn Ashtanga, and it’s an amazing method to build self-discipline, self-awareness, and a lifelong practice.
Experience a transformative journey with our Ashtanga Intensive Program, designed to deepen your practice and elevate your skills.
What’s Included:
✅ Structured Practice
Follow a carefully planned month-wise schedule with Full Primary Series, Half Primary Series, or Intermediate Series classes, offered in both Led and Mysore-style formats.
✅ Personalized Guidance
Receive expert, one-on-one support to help you achieve your unique yoga practice goals.
✅ Breathwork Techniques
Learn powerful and effective breathing methods to enhance focus, stability, and energy.
✅ Asana Alignment & Adjustments
Master proper asana techniques with hands-on adjustments and alignment corrections to ensure safety and deepen your postures.
✅ Mobility & Strength Support
Gain specialized guidance on knee and spine mobility to help you approach and conquer more challenging asanas with confidence.
