WHAT IS ASHTANGA?

“Yoga is a philosophy of life, which also has the potential to create a vibrantly healthy body and mind.”

Ashtanga yoga is distinguished by Vinyasa, the formal system of rhythmic breathing and movement connecting one posture to the next into a complete practice. In general, the postures are the same as in other forms of hatha yoga, but in Ashtanga yoga the postures are in a set sequence that is done uninterrupted from beginning to end known as the primary series. Ashtanga Yoga, practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscovering his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness—physical, psychological, and spiritual.

Through this practice of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (driste), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of our selves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.

Please note the importance of learning the Ashtanga method only from a traditionally trained teacher. Only a qualified teacher can provide the necessary guidance to assure safe, steady progress without injury to body or mind!

Where was Kristen Trained?

Ashtanga Yoga was developed and gifted to the world in modern times by Pattabhi Jois who is widely acknowledged as this generation’s master of Ashtanga yoga. Pattabhi Jois lived 1915-2009 passing down his method to those students who travelled to Mysore India to learn from him at his school, “The Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute”. Although the school remains in Mysore with his son, only a small handful of students were given direct permission by Jois to teach others Ashtanga Yoga. For this reason, it is very special to learn directly from one of Pattabhi’s personal students.

Paul Dallaghan started Ashtanga yoga practice in 1995 and began teaching in 1998. In 2007 he was one of the final few to be certified by Pattabhi Jois in Ashtanga vinyasa yoga, having spent 2001 to 2007 learning the practice in Mysore with Guruji and Sharath. It was through Paul that Kristen became certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by completing his 200 hour, world recognized, course in Thailand at his Retreat.