ASHTANGA MYSORE STYLE

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What is Ashtanga Mysore Style?

Mysore classes are the original way to practice ashtanga vinyasa yoga. This method of practice and learning brings the most benefits, from both the point of view of the personal progression in the sequences, and of the understanding of the internal aspects of this technique. It allows the interiorization necessary to the goal that is committed to any yoga practice. In these classes, everyone practices at their own pace, following their breath, and receives personalized attention. The sequences are learned in the long run, which allows a sure progression and a better personal evolution. You can come to Mysore as soon as you have memorized the sun salutations of ashtanga yoga. Everyone starts and ends their practice independently, within the time slots for these courses, meaning that you are welcome to arrive and leave at your convenience within the class hours. In the practice room, you will find cheat sheets and we are here to help you learn the sequence as much as to assist you in your practice. The teacher is there to adjust you in the postures, give you individualized advice and exercises . A shower is available to Mysore practitioners.

In Mysore classes, what do we do?

In Mysore classes, we practice the Ashtanga vinyasa yoga series at our own pace – it is not a led class. One learns to practice by oneself in an individualized relationship to the teacher. You can progress at your own pace and receive advice tailored to your abilities, while during led classes instructions are general guidelines suitable for the greatest number. If the led classes are mainly used to teach a sequence - postures, movements and breaths - the Mysore courses allow you to focus on your own feelings, on your breathing, to develop an interiority that allows you to observe the spirit as much as the body. Therefore, the practice of yoga begins to be a part of you, whatever your level is. By seeking to unite the body and the mind, one gains a better awareness of the self and of the world on a daily basis.

"Mysore", where does it come from?

Mysore is the name of the city where T. Krishnamacharya started teaching yoga in 1924 at the invitation of the Maharaja of Mysore. In his school (Yogashala), he developed a dynamic yoga model based on a continuous sequence of postures where each movement is linked to a breath (vinyasa) and whose learning is progressive (krama). While teaching the practice of yoga, Krishnamacharya emphasized the importance of combining the work of the breath (pranayama) with the postures of yoga (asana) and meditation (dhyana) to achieve the desired goal. K. Pattabhi Jois studied with Krishnamacharya in Mysore. He then taught according to Krishnamacharya's method, slightly modifying and sequencing the postures over time. In 1948, he founded the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, now known as K.P.J.A.Y.I. (K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute). Sharath R. Jois, Pattabhi Jois’grandson, now holds the institute.

In Mysore, are there any rules?

Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is practiced early in the morning, ideally six days a week. This is the moment when the energy of the body is at its peak and where the mind is clear and ready. Traditionally, one does not practice these sequences on full moon and new moon days, as this can disrupt the body or mind. Women do not practice Ashtanga for the first 3 days of their cycle. Apart from these days, regularity in practice is the first factor of progress and brings many physical and spiritual benefits. The student memorizes the sequence and according to his progress, new postures will be added. The sequences are constructed in such a way that each posture must be performed correctly before apprehending the next one. We do not always want to work on the things that we most needed, so it is important to focus both on what attracts us and other aspects of the practice. The teacher is here to show you modifications and preparations to postures that are difficult for you, to build a safe path towards the complete form of the practice.

Why do we teach Ashtanga in Mysore?

Because we have experienced the benefits of this method. Practicing in Mysore has profoundly changed our lives. Antoine began practicing Mysore style in 2006 and has never stopped since, devoting several hours a day to deepen this practice. He studied for several years in India, with Sharath R. Jois in Mysore and Rolf Naujokat in Goa, then spent long periods in Toronto studying with Ron Reid. Amelie discovered ashtanga yoga in 2012 and after starting practicing in Mysore classes in 2013, she has never stopped. Everyone can feel the benefits of the practice in Mysore, and it is for everyone, no need to be flexible or sporty. It just takes the desire to undertake. The ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a very rich system of practice and in Mysore the progression of each one is done on many levels, in terms of strength, flexibility, coordination, breathing, concentration, feeling of one's body, development of inner energy, self-awareness ... the teacher is there to help you progress on these different levels. Coming to Mysore class is another dimension of yoga that you will encounter.