originating from ancient text written in Sanskrit called the Yoga Korunta, the Ashtanga Yoga series was deciphered and collated by Sri T Krishnamacharya and Sri K Pattabhi Jois. In 1948 Sri K Pattabhi Jois founded the Ashtanga Yoga Institute with a view to practice and experiment with the curative values of yoga as described in the ancient text.  This scientific form of yoga is Ashtanga Yoga .

“Ashtanga Yoga creates the union between mind, body and spirit ….. and when practiced in the correct sequential order, it gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness – physical, psychological and spiritual.  Through this practice of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (Asana) and gazing points (Dristi); we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves.  By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion one acquires steadiness of the body and mind.”  Ashtanga Yoga by Lino Miele

Sadly, Sri K Pattabhi Jois passed away on the 18th May 2009.  He is a great loss to the Yoga Community but his family continue to teach this wonderful system and he inspired many fantasic teachers arround the world. It was my priviledge to meet and practice with him and to Thank him for this practice.

Whether you are looking at yoga for Beginner' Yoga Class, or an experienced practitioner looking to Develop your Yoga Practice the main benefits of Ashtanga Yoga are mental, physical and emotional balance, which practitioners have experienced as follows:

Ashtanga Yoga is also perfect to help you detox your body and to help manage stress.  This means that day-to-day actives, such as trimming the hedges, become easier because the body is more flexible so does not have to strain which means the mind is less stressed which makes the chore a little easier and perhaps even pleasurable! 

And with more and more pressure being loaded on you from family, work, careers, financial concerns, etc, the basic principles of healthy living are often forgotten.  This means your body’s vital organs accumulate more toxins therefore have to work harder to maintain homeostasis. So, it is essential to eliminate toxins  and the build up of stress - whether from a physical, emotional, or mental perspective - and Ashtanga Yoga can help you achieve this and re-gain your balance.