Ashtanga Yoga
Classes in Mysore style
Traditionally, Ashtanga Yoga is taught in Mysore style (Mysore is the former name of the town where the method was created). In this style, all practitioners practice at their own level and are assisted individually by the teacher. This type of class is well suited for beginners.
As a beginner, your first class will consist of learning the first sun salutation, perhaps the second one as well, and the three finishing poses. This takes about 30 minutes.
Over time and as you progress in your learning, I will then show you the following postures. Depending on your goals, the frequency of your practice, and your personal situation, your practice will last between 60 and 90 minutes after three to six months.
There is no contract commitment with me. After the trial period, you can either a) continue on the basis of a ten-class card or b) opt for a monthly fee. Depending on the situation, you can practice on a ten-class card one month and pay a monthly fee the next, or vice versa.
When I teach for the entire month, the monthly fee is €120. If I am absent for a certain amount of time, the fee is adjusted accordingly.
Even when I am not present, you can come to the shala for independent practice (see below under ‘Self Practice’). Of course, you can also practice at home during this time – many people find it easier to practice in the shala, as they get distracted at home, though.
Led classes
In led classes, the individual postures are not explained but only named and counted (‘vinyasa count’). As such, they are not suitable for beginners.
You can participate if you at least know the sequence of the standing postures. Beyond that, you practice up to the posture you last reach in Mysore class before starting the closing sequence.
I usually offer a led class once or twice a month on Thursday evenings and Friday mornings. On Thursdays, I guide the full first series, and on Fridays, up to navāsana (boat pose).
Led classes are not suitable for beginners. In order to participate, you should at least know and practice the standing positions.
Drop-in
If you already have your own Ashtanga practice and are, for example, visiting the area, you are welcome to join the Mysore class as a guest (‘drop-in’) and, with sufficient experience, also participate in the led classes.
Self practice
One of the great advantages of Ashtanga Yoga is that after a certain amount of time, you can perform the practice independently, without the guidance or presence of a teacher (in English: Self Practice).
If it’s difficult for you to practice independently at home, you are welcome to do so in the shala during the times indicated in the class schedule. Occasionally, practitioners also arrange to practice together online via my Zoom room.
1st Sun salutation
Surya Namaskara A
Example for a class in Mysore style
Class schedule
You can find the daily class schedule, workshops, and my absences here in the calendar.
Each calendar entry contains all the relevant information – such as start and end times, special aspects of the class, and the prices. Just hover over the entry with your cursor, and the corresponding details will appear.
Private class – here: backbend
Private classes
In private classes (on-site or online) I can attend to your needs even more specifically, no matter if you are a beginner, are switching to Ashtanga from another style or would just like to take your practice
to a different level.
Led Class
The different approaches to learning and practicing Ashtanga Yoga
Classes in Mysore style
Classes in Mysore Style (named after the town in South India, where Ashtanga Yoga was created) are happening in a group setting, , parallel on site and online. The special feature of Mysore classes is that beginners and more experienced practitioners practice side by side on their respective level. Practitioners with longer practice may already start earlier.
Led Class
In a led class, everybody practices synchronously, and I call the names of the postures and count the breathing rhythm, but don’t explain the execution of the postures. This traditional form (not comparable to led classes in a fitness studio) is not suitable for beginners, as I don’t explain how the different postures are executed.
Self practice
As the sequence of the postures is always the same, and as you will from the start only practice up to the point where you are still (more or less) familiar with the postures and their sequence, you are from day 1 able to also practice on your own, so called self-practice.
At certain times, I also offer the possibility to do self-practice in the shala and online in parallel, for instance when I am travelling.
Private class
In addition, I offer Private classes, on site and online.
They are a good way to get started and to progress (even though that is not the point in the practice), and also, when the class schedule does not work for you.
This is also a way to teach families or smaller groups of friends.
Self practice in the shala
Mysore class in parallel on-site and online