Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional method of teaching the set asana* sequences featured in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, as taught by the Jois family in Mysuru, Karnataka, India. Students learn the set sequence in parts, or sometimes pose by pose. This gives them the opportunity to experience and memorize what they’re practicing and best of all, the students can practice yoga with a teacher at their own pace. Working one to one within a group of practitioners allows the teacher to adapt the Ashtanga Yoga practice to the individual.

Take another look at the pictures above- notice that one picture has everyone in the same posture or movement, with the teacher sitting. This is most likely a teacher-led class, with everyone following the vinyasa- count, posture names and direction. The other picture has the same teacher out among the group, and everyone is somewhere different in their practice. This latter photo is what Mysore Style, or self guided practice commonly looks like.** If you’re musically inclined,think practicing with a band (led class) and practicing your band-work yourself.(self- guided practice). It may look like some chaos, but even when everyone around you is doing something different, there is a unifying spirit of energy and concentration going on.

Good Reasons to Explore with a Mysore Style Practice

1. Your Yoga asana* practice is just your speed. Go at your own pace, and you’re likely to learn more- and learn quite a bit about yourself! Also, memorization is less of a problem and part of the process. Concentration develops with consistency and repetition. There’s always something new to find in the “same old thing” you may think you’re doing.
2. Because this is a self paced class, there are many more opportunities to work individually with a teacher -and anything within your practice time that you would like to work on.
3. Because of #1and #2, you are less likely to get extreme in your regular practice. It’s not do-or-die. And no worries about keeping up with everyone else. Your practice is your practice.
4. Community! It may seem like that’s not what’s happening with everyone, everywhere, all at once in the Mysore Room, but everyone contributes to the attention, energy and effort being developed and honed in the space. Apes together, strong. : )

Beginning September, 2025: the Tuesday schedule will be like this-

First Tuesday of the month: a guided/led Primary Series class. Doors open at 5:45pm, class starts on or around 6pm. New Folks can join in, and anyone who’s a regular practitioner can do as much of this sequence as they’re familiar with, if it’s not too much for a Tuesday night. : ) No worries about “keeping up”, this more about trying everything without having to DO everything, all at once.

All other Tuesdays in the month, Mysore Style or self directed class time. 5:45pm – 7:45pm. If you’re new to this, you’re not alone. Contact me if you’re interested, or want to know more.

** The photos above are screen shots of the new/old KPJAYI Shala in Gokulam, Mysuru, with R Sharath Jois doing the teaching honors. Credit where credit is due!