All Yoga Training School, Our story

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was originated from the lineage of Sri.T. Krishnamacharya. From the University of Calcutta, Krishnamacharya found and recompiled the damaged ancient text-the Yoga Kurunta. It was believed that this text included groupings of the exact asanas of the 6 series and everything from drishti (gaze), bandhas (locks) to vinyasa. Thus the Kurunta formed the basis of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga System. When Krishnamachary left Mysore, India, he passed the tradition of spreading yoga to his oldest student-Pattabhi Jois.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga focuses on three particular aspects known as Tristhana: posture (asana), breath and drishti (gaze). Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and therapeutic yoga series that calms the mind and heals the body from any ailment. Vinyasa means breath and movement synchronization. By linking breath to movement, the Ashtanga series strengthens the respiratory system, energizing blood circulation and induces toxins elimination. As sense withdrawal occurs with eye focus and rhythmic breath cycles, it eventually becomes a moving meditation.

When Pattahbi Jois brought Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga to the West in the 70’s, he helped to resolve some of the common ‘western bodies’ ailments such as tight hips, hamstrings and restless minds. Pattahbi Jois had passed away since 2009. His legend continues with this grandson Sharath Jois whom now is operating the Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India.

Developed by Larry Schultz, The “Rocket” is a modification of the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa sequences allowing the practitioner to explore advanced postures in a playful manner. Divided in 3 progressive sequences, Rocket Yoga combines poses from the first, second and advanced series with a faster tempo allowing the practitioners to explore new dimension internally and externally.

Rocket 1 focuses on forward bends. Similar to the Full Primary series, the logic is to create length in the hamstrings and lower spine. This helps correct postural imbalances due to daily lifestyle such as prolonged sitting at a desk in the office.

Drawing on the wisdom from the second series in Ashtanga, Rocket 2 introduces back bends in a way that is progressive and accessible to all levels of practitioners.

Finally Rocket 3 is a test of the stamina. It is a combination of Rocket 1 and 2 with playful transitions and inversions. Rocket 3 albeit challenging is still accessible to all levels. Modifications are available for beginners and variations are encouraged for intermediate/advanced practitioners. Full of arms balances, core exercises and challenging transition, the Rocket will “take you there faster!”

The word “vinyasa” can be translated as “to place in order.” Like placing yoga postures in an order that will open the body up intelligently. In vinyasa yoga classes, students coordinate movement with breath to flow from one pose to the next. The sequences uniquely designed by the teacher often give challenges in order to build strength, flexibility and balance.

Vinyasa Flow yoga is a form of classical hatha yoga. It builds internal heat, creates suppleness in the body. Can be vigorous or meditative, usually faster paced than other Hatha based classes.

Differs from the Ashtanga Yoga set sequences, Vinyasa Flow offers a different perspective on other postures and their implications on the body & mind. Also it’s a good way to add variety to your daily practice.

What is Yin Yoga and how is it related to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga? Originally Yin Yoga was derived from martial arts in China. Paulie Zink whom studied with his Chinese master in Hong Kong brought yin stretches to the West in the early 80’s. Since then, the now well-known yoga teachers such as Paul Grilley, Sarah Powers and Bernie Clark have continued to explore, research and share their knowledge of Yin Yoga to the public. In Toaist philosophy, it says all ‘things’ exist as contrast of opposites. These opposites are deemed as Yin and Yang.

Yin means everything that is hidden to the senses ‘dark,’ ‘small,’ and ‘soft.’ Whereas Yang is the opposite- ‘bright,’ ‘big,’ and ‘strong.’ To understand the importance of yin yoga, we must understand the three tissues of the body. We’re composed of three types of tissues: muscle, bones and connective tissues. Our muscles are exuberated by oxygenated blood, nutrients and fibers, in so, it is mostly yang. In contrast, our bones are dense, solid and cold; they’re mostly yin. That leaves the connective tissues somewhere between yin and yang.

Yin yoga postures are generally held for 2 minutes to 7 minutes. By applying yin pressure- gentle, gravitational forces to the body, the connective tissues soften and become more pliable. Not to confuse with yang pressure- contractual muscle forces over short period of time, the connective tissues stay in tact and are protected from sudden bouts of movements.

In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, we concentrate on bringing oxygenated blood to the muscles- the yang way of moving. The body hardens into muscular shapes and strength and vitality follow through. Yet to cultivate a balanced body, mind and soul, we must keep balance with the yin side of our beings. Thus to introduce the long, soothing stretch of yin yoga to our practice, we achieve equanimity in both spectrums.