Ashtanga Yoga
Overview
Our Ashtanga Yoga program is led by Sharath Jois Certified Instructor John Bultman (ERYT500), who is featured in our Ashtanga Primary Series Posters. The goal of our program is to help people of all levels develop a sustainable yoga practice for greater health and well-being. See the sections below for classes and practice videos.
Beginner Ashtanga Yoga
Join instructor Seunghun Lee for this Ashtanga class designed especially for those who want to begin practicing Ashtanga yoga. If you have questions, please email us at: csc@virginia.edu
Sanskrit Counted Led Primary Series
Sanskrit Counted led class covers the entire primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Practitioners aim to move with each counted breath (ekam inhale, dve exhale....) through the Ashtanga Yoga sequence according to the traditional Sanskrit count which has remained the same for at least 60 years. The aim of the class is to move and breathe together as a group with “the count.” As time is not available for the instructor to give explanations of the poses or the vinyasas that connect the postures, this class is most suitable for those who are experienced with Ashtanga yoga or Mysore-style practice. Students may have to modify or omit certain postures all together. Also, as the vinyasa count is a bit of a train leaving the station I won’t stop you as I do not have time to do so. One should use your own discretion and take a break, modify, or omit sections as needed to prevent injury particularly when agency over one's breath is compromised or “forcing” is taking place.
Mysore Ashtanga Yoga
In the “Mysore-style” class students work through a fixed Ashtanga Yoga sequence of poses at their own pace and level while the teacher provides one-on-one instruction. Participants may come and go as they wish during the time block so one may choose how long their practice is according to their needs. This class is for all levels of students, but is especially suitable for those that want to take up a regular, personalized practice. Mysore-style is a great way to deepen your practice and to get individualized instruction tailored to your own body, including those that may have special needs. Emphasis is placed on memorizing the set sequence of postures and transitions to cultivate a meditative attitude where one can focus on the breath. The sequence is learned bit-by-bit over time. The format of a Mysore-style class offers plenty of space for modifying the traditional Ashtanga sequence to your needs. It is a great place to begin and a great class for those looking to deepen their relationship with yoga. Learn More
ASHTANGA YOGA CLASSES
** To register and attend any of our live classes, you must agree to this Release and Waiver of Liability.
2024-2025 SCHEDULE
Beginner Ashtanga Yoga
Monday-Thursdays, 8:00-9:00am. Starting January 6,2025.
Join instructor Seunghun Lee for this class designed especially for those who have little or no experience practicing Ashtanga yoga. Questions: csc@virginia.edu Rm 303 (Studio 3C)
Ashtanga Yoga: Mysore-Style Sessions
Monday-Thursdays, 5:30-8:30am. Starting January 6, 2025.
Beginners, those that aren't familiar with the sequence, should arrive at 6:00am or 8:00am sharp.
Contemplative Commons, Rm 303 (Studio 3C)
Ashtanga Yoga: Sanskrit-Counted Primary Series
This class is most suitable for those with experience practicing Ashtanga yoga.
Fridays, 6:30-8:00am. Starting January 10, 2025.
Followed by Chai and Chats: Yoga Q&A with Tea and Snacks from 8:00-9:00am
Contemplative Commons, Rm 408
ASHTANGA YOGA PRACTICE VIDEOS
10-MINUTE PRACTICE VIDEO: "Yoga for Everyone" (View)
In this 10-minute video, our own John Bultman leads you through sun salutation (A) along with the last three seated postures from the primary ashtanga series. He provides modifications for each pose in split screen format and narrates the vinyasa count in Sanskrit. This video serves as an accessible resource for beginners as well as practitioners of all levels who seek a guided practice from the comfort of their own homes or spaces. Use the video as an independent daily practice tool or as a supplement to other ashtanga classes.
30-MINUTE PRACTICE VIDEO: "Ashtanga Standing Series"
To request access the video, email us at csc@virginia.edu.
In a more in-depth 30-minute video, John leads you through the full standing series from the first part of the primary ashtanga series. He provides modifications for each pose in split screen format and narrates the vinyasa count in Sanskrit. This video can be used as an independent daily practice tool or as a supplemental resource for students who want to get more confident with the ashtanga led-series from the comfort of their own homes and spaces. It is particularly designed to help students begin to memorize (and where necessary modify) the practice to be better prepared for live led-series classes such as our Counted Led Primary Series on Fridays, 6:30-8:00am.
INTIMATE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOGA EXPERTS
View the video interviews from the 2020 season of Practice and Process Conversations with Yoga Teachers, where speakers discuss a range of topics—including their yoga practice beginnings and thoughts on aging, reincarnation, and the illusion of “self”—with particular emphasize Ashtanga yoga. These videos are suitable for anyone interested in yoga process and practice.
Listen to John's series of conversations with yoga teachers from India, Norway, Sweden, and the United States that were part of the 2021 series: Practice and Process Conversations with Yoga Teachers. These discussions will be insightful to anyone interested in yoga process and practice.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Check out our Resources for Well-being which include guided meditation practices, free Insight Timer playlists, and talks.
Questions about Ashtanga Yoga classes? Email us at csc@virginia.edu.