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Ashtanga Yoga at the Shala
Join our friendly and supportive Ashtanga Yoga Canterbury community at the Shala..
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a set sequence of asanas (physical poses) that are synchronised with the breath. Although this method is known as a vigorous and very dynamic practice, we encourage our practitioners to establish a practice that is accessible according to their needs. We don’t have a dogmatic approach at the Shala.
Our Ashtanga Yoga programme is currently as follows;
- MYSORE ASHTANGA YOGA (ASSISTED SELF-PRACTICE) – suitable for anyone familiar with Ashtanga Yoga and/or Self-practice.
- GUIDED ASHTANGA YOGA level 1-2 – Half Primary Series, which focuses on certain parts depending on the theme of the class. NOT SUITABLE FOR COMPLETE YOGA BEGINNERS
- GUIDED ASHTANGA YOGA | 50mins level 1 (Beginners)- Half Primary Series, which focuses on certain parts depending on the theme of the class. PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS or ANYONE ELSE WHO WISHES TO REVISIT THE BASICS. Please check the timetable for the exact date.
- SHARE & GROW workshops – Run once or twice a year to bring our Ashtanga Yoga community. Maybe suitable for everyone or experienced practitioners, depending on the theme. Please check each event’s details for further details.
- GUEST TEACHERS – We host senior Ashtanga Yoga teachers a couple of times a year at the Shala. You can check your ” What We Offer” section for the next one.
Experienced Practitioners: If you have practised Ashtanga Yoga before or have an established routine, you are welcome to join any Ashtanga Yoga sessions.
NEW TO ASHTANGA YOGA?
We take a beginner-friendly approach at the Shala and encourage everyone to start practising Ashtanga Yoga at a pace that feels accessible and suitable for their needs.
If you haven’t practised Yoga before or have little experience, our Guided Ashtanga Yoga level -1 sessions that currently run on Thursday evenings are perfect for you.
This class will give you an idea about the Ashtanga method. We recommend attending 4-8 sessions regularly before attending the level 1-2 sessions or Mysore sessions.
Alternatively, if you are curious about the Mysore (assisted self-practice) classes and have an open-minded approach, you are very welcome to join them too. If you are an Ashtanga Beginner or a complete Yoga Beginner, please contact us first, so we can provide you with some guidance about these sessions.
You've made it to a Mysore Room and have questions about it?
People had already arrived and started practising!
Don’t worry! You were not late!!! 🙂
The structure of Mysore sessions is slightly different from regular Yoga classes.
Everyone arrives at different times (within the stated class times) and starts practising accordingly.
They may also finish and leave at different times.
I have a bad memory, I can't memorise the full sequence.
Most people think the same!
But everyone manages to memorise the sequence one way or another.
It’s also fine if you can’t memorise it.
You are allowed to use a cheat sheet that helps you follow the sequence
OR
You can always ask your teacher what comes next?
I'm not strong or flexible enough to do any of the postures that the person next to me is doing!
Everyone’s practice is special and individual.
Ashtanga Yoga can be tailored to suit everyone’s needs and abilities.
Don’t worry about what other people are doing! Talk to your teacher if you have any questions and establish a practice that works for you.
I have my own flow, can I just do that instead?
Unfortunately, no.
This is an Ashtanga Yoga dedicated class. We mainly follow the sequences from it.
We may be modifying the sequence by removing or adding some postures, depending on individual neeeds, but that doesn’t mean we change the practice altogether.
Can I do some breathing or meditation?
Yes, you are very welcome to add some Pranayama (breathing) or Meditation before or after your physical practice.
Please feel free to talk to your teacher if you have any questions.
How often I should be practising?
This may vary for everyone depending on the physical conditions, work and family commitments, and other exercise routines.
However, for an average situation, we recommend practising at least 2 times a week for beginners.
This may go up to 3-6 times a week for more experienced practitioners to be able to start experiencing the benefits of a regular practice.
How many weeks would it take for me to learn Ashtanga Yoga?
Simple answer: it depends.
This is one of the most common questions we hear.
Learning Ashtanga Yoga is a gradual process that needs patience, a steady approach and regular practice.
We enjoy supporting our students as they make this a long-term journey, because the learning never really stops.
We can’t give an exact time frame, but we can say it isn’t something you learn in a few weeks.
To give you a general idea: learning the whole Primary Series can take anywhere from a couple of months to a couple of years. It depends on how often you practise, your experience with other movement methods, and your own pace.
