We not only welcome people new to Ashtanga Yoga, we welcome people who have never rolled out a yoga mat before. It does not matter how flexible or strong you are. It’s our sense that the Yoga can and should be tailored to each individual. So it is our job to make sure that you are challenged but not overwhelmed. Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga is truly the safest and best way to learn Yoga because you have the attention and knowledge of a teacher with years of experience.
Handling Intimidation
It is not uncommon to hear new students say that the first time they came to an Ashtanga class that they were intimidated. One thing that makes a Mysore room unusual is that the class is filled with practitioners of all levels. Some have been practicing for years and others for several months. This is a unique environment for learning because practitioners of all levels practice side-by side with one another. However, competition and comparison is de-emphasized by the fact that everyone moves at their own pace and is focused entirely on their own experience. It’s also helpful to know that each student in the room was once a beginner, like you.
What You Can Expect on Your First Day
On your first visit, we will be teaching you the foundations of Mysore Practice. When you first arrive, we will ask you to sit and observe the room for a few minutes in order to help you settle into the space and to give you a sense of how the class works. This is a good time to note how the teacher works with the students, to get a read on the space, and to sense your own unique response to the space. Next, we will work one-on-one with you, guiding you slowly and sequentially through a breathing technique, called Ujjayi Pranayama (victorious breath). Finally, we will teach you The Sun Salutations, Surya Namaskara A and B, of Ashtanga Yoga.
On your first day, we emphasize a grounding into these basics, which are critical because they form the foundation for all subsequent experiences within Ashtanga.
What you’ll notice is that we are rooted in a methodology–one that we learned from our teacher Sri Pattabhi Jois–that does not introduce something new until there is mastery with what has previously been taught. We slowly and methodically introduce you to new postures within the series. This careful guidance will help you to cultivate confidence in what you know, allowing you to rely less on outside feedback and to ultimately become your own best teacher.
Beginner’s Pass - $75 for 30 days
It’s hard to give a fair trial to a method just by dropping in to class every now and then. So we offer beginners, those new to Mysore-Style Ashtanga Yoga, a reduced monthly rate. It’s our way of inviting students to really get the hang of Ashtanga Yoga in daily life and to feel the benefits of the practice. It also allows us to form a relationship with you so we can meet you in the most supportive way.