about ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga Vinyāsa Yoga is a traditional method of yoga in which students practice at their individual pace while being supervised and adjusted by the teacher. This ancient system was taught by the ancient Sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta and was passed down to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois during his studies with the yogi and Sanskrit Scholar, T Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927.
In the practice of Ashtanga Vinyāsa Yoga, breath is aligned with movement (vinyāsa) and attention to create a meditative and purifying style of yoga. Vinyāsa is all about continuous movement and breath (for cleansing and purifying). The breathing technique performed with vinyāsa is called ujjayi.
It is the length of the breath, either an inhale or exhale, that determines the length of time transitioning between asanas. The breath and the journey between asanas becomes the primary focus rather than perfecting body alignment.
Asanas (postures) are learnt in a sequence starting with the Primary Series and new postures are given when the student is ready to move on. The whole experience of learning is very unique to assessing the needs of the individual student. Through a regular self-practice the sequence of postures taught by the teacher will be memorised, allowing more of an internal focus and deeper into the subconscious mind. Remember though that not every practice will be the same, some days the practice may go deep and others a more gentle practice is all that is needed. This variation will help you to listen to the body and by increasing internal awareness help to prevent injuries.
Other terms that you may hear from the teacher while learning:
Looking place or Drishti is the gazing point to focus on while transitioning through a posture. There are nine drishtis; nose, navel, thumb, hands, feet, left side, right side, third eye and upwards.
Bandhas meaning "lock" or "seal". It's purpose being to unlock pranic energy and to direct it to the nadi or energy channels. Bandhas give the feeling of being light in the body as well as being strong.
ashtanga yoga method
Traditionally, Ashtanga Yoga is practiced six days a week. As a complete beginner this may start as 2-3 days a week with a 30 minute practice each day.
The Primary Series builds up sequentially starting with sun salutations (Surya Namaskar A and Surya Namaskar B), five rounds of each. There are nine transitions or vinyasa in Surya Namaskar A and seventeen transitions or vinyasa in B. These help to warm up the inner fire, calm the mind, release the hamstrings and stretch/strengthen the back in preparation for the six standing postures and through to the primary series.
After the sun salutations there are six standing postures followed by 41 postures forming the primary series. The primary series ends with a further 16 postures forming the finishing sequence for a cooling, restorative end to the practice.
Once the sun salutations and standing postures have been learnt postures from the primary series will be given one at a time and in sequence. Each new posture is taught by the teacher with lots of instruction. It is very important to focus on the posture and be present and mindful to how your body reacts. If necessary modifications are shown to help prepare, build strength and flexibility until the posture is mastered.
When you get to the end of the primary series and if the ability, strength and flexibility is there, intermediate series postures will be given. This doesn't necessarily mean your practice becomes longer, just that the previous postures become smoother and transitions between become shorter.
Hands-on adjustments are integral to an Ashtanga yoga practice. The teachers here at Ashtanga Yoga Bromley are very experienced at adjusting and have learnt to adjust intuitively from understanding the body from their very own Ashtanga yoga practice. Over time the teacher will observe the body type of the student and adjust according to the needs of the student. Adjustments can often transform a yoga student, offering insight and deepening which can be satisfying and exhilarating. Remember, You know your body and if the adjustment doesn't feel right let the teacher know.
AYB teachers
Lee has been teaching yoga for quite a few years now RYT500 and BWYQ L4 500hr teachers who have all completed Teacher Training with world-renowned teachers John Scott and Lucy Crawford. They teach using experience and compassion from their own personal practice to nurture, develop and support your own practice.
lee monk
RYT-500 Yoga Alliance Professional Senior Yoga TeacherBWYQ L4 500hr yoga teacher
believe in yourself!
yoga is not about self improvement, it's about self acceptance..
class timetable
At AYB we welcome students who are complete beginners to yoga through to the more experienced Ashtanga practitioner, or if you are transitioning from a led class to discover your own potential and learn a sustainable, exhilarating yoga practice.
To all new students please email us first using the contact form below
Saturday
6, 13, 20, 27 April 2024Self-practice
- time 09:00-10:30
- teacher Lee
- location Chantry Studios - Ground Floor
- £10 per session
Sunday
7, 14, 21, 28 April 2024Self-practice
- time 08:45-10:15
- teacher Lee
- location Chantry Studios - Ground Floor
- £10 per session
Wednesday
3, 10, 17, 24 April 2024Guided Primary / Yoga Nidra
- time 19:30-21:30
- teacher Lee
- location Online
- £6 per session
Health Questionnaire
AYB teachers would like to know about your general health, medical conditions or sensitivities. All information is treated in STRICTEST CONFIDENCE. Download the form, print and complete before coming to your first class. We do have paper copies in case you are unable to print one.
Who are the classes suitable for?
If you are new to yoga or new to Ashtanga Yoga and want to find out more about how self-practice classes work drop me a message using the contact form below and I'll be happy to talk to you about how to get started in Ashtanga Yoga. All classes are suitable for complete beginners to more advanced practitioners.
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