Ashtanga Yoga Training

Ashtanga yoga is one of the more intense forms of yoga, but the official source of the style, Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI), encourages beginners to try it. Ashtanga focuses on vinyasas, which are yoga poses performed in unison with inhales or exhales. Training involves practicing for three days a week as a beginner and five or six times a week when proficient.

History

Pattabhi Jois learned from the advanced yogi, Sri T. Krishnamacharya, from a young age, then formed his school in 1948. The roots of the ashtanga style he learned passed down from yogi to yogi through the compilation of ancient texts, "Yoga Korunta." The word "ashtanga," which refers to the eight limbs of yoga, has roots in the "Yoga Sutras" by Patanjali. The eight limbs incorporate yoga poses, breath control, various forms of meditation and concentration and a code of ethics.

Features

Ashtanga yoga is distinct from other styles of yoga in several ways. It is the only style which uses three set series of poses, including the primary, intermediate and advanced series A and B. Yoga students are supposed to perfect the first series before trying poses in the next one. Ashtanga is also unique because it regulates yoga practice according to the moon cycle. According to ashtanga-trained yogi Matthew Sweeney, it is standard practice to avoid yoga asana (poses) when the moon is full or new due to fluid increase in the body.

Time Frame

Each series of ashtanga typically lasts 75 to 90 minutes. It may take months or years of sessions to perfect the primary series alone, depending on the student. The Ashtanga Yoga Institute encourages all serious yogis to visit their school in Mysore, India, for at least one month of study, but no longer than six months at one time. There are numerous ashtanga yoga studios in countries other than India. An official instructor will have an authorized or certified title, meaning that they are approved by the Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Practice

Vinyasas are integral to ashtanga because they produce sweat, which helps rid the body of toxins. Pattabhi Jois teaches that once students discipline the body through yoga vinyasas, they can then do the same for the nervous system and senses. He also emphasizes the importance of "trishtana." This includes using three principles during yoga: how one holds a pose, how one breathes while in the pose and where the eyes look.

Teacher Training

To become an authorized ashtanga teacher, students must be proficient in the primary series and make at least four trips to the Mysore training school (KPJAYI). These instructors can teach the primary series upon becoming authorized by the institute. Certified ashtanga instructors need more than eight trips to Mysore, 10 years of ashtanga experience, daily practice and proficiency in three series. These instructors can teach as deemed by their masters. KPJAYI cautions that visits to Mysore do not guarantee teaching status.