Ashtanga is traditionally taught in a ‘Mysore Style’ class, so named after the city in South India where this method originated and continues to be taught this way in the Shala’s in Mysore, India and in traditional Ashtanga Yoga schools around the world.
There are some distinct differences in the manner this Mysore method is taught from the more ‘typical’ yoga class structure you find nowadays. Mysore class is not “led” as a whole group but rather all instruction is one-on-one individualized teaching within the group class setting in order that students can progress through the Ashtanga Yoga series’ at their own pace and according to their individual needs. The teacher assists each student individually by giving physical adjustments & verbal instruction.
| ONE OF TWO METHODS USED TO TEACH YOGA | a. Led format is the more popular method for teaching because its a better business model; you can fit more bodies into a room and fit more classes onto a schedule in the led format. There is less personalized instruction and more of a follow the leader structure to a class.
b. The Mysore method teaches each student individually based on their needs. It is group instruction in a 1:1 format, meaning each student is taught individually inside the classroom of 5-20 other students being taught individually. In contrast, Led classes teach to an entire class, sometimes intimidating students not as fit or flexible as others in a large class. |
This unique Mysore program is suitable for beginners as well as longtime practitioners because of its unique teaching method whereby every student is taught individually, at their own pace and based on their own needs and goals. For these reasons it is arguably the most effective and enjoyable way to properly learn yoga.
While Mysore classes are similar to private instruction in that they are a personalized form of learning and teaching the Ashtanga Yoga system to each and every person, customized to where they are regarding their physical health, age, strength, flexibility, endurance balance; understanding of the body/mind connection, control of the breath, any prior knowledge or exposure to yoga, and if so what kind, and if not what other kinds of body movements or sports; it differs from private instruction regarding the ratio of students to teacher, and as a result, the cost is far less per person as it is divided up amongst the group.
If you choose to participate in our Mysore Engagements/Classes you will be learning and practicing the method of Ashtanga Yoga, in a dedicated space for Mysore classes, with other students learning how to cultivate the skill of self practice and learn the specific details of the Ashtanga System. Unlike a Private Session (1:1) you and Krista are in a room of up to 20 other students learning in that 1:1 teaching method but the teacher’s time is divided among up to 20 people, depending on space, as opposed to just you and Krista in that 1-2 hour block of time.
Who Can Attend Mysore Offerings:
As with all of Olotita’s Yoga based offerings, you can enter our Mysore Engagements as a new student of yoga, a new student to the Ashtanga system, a returning student to Ashtanga teachings or a very dedicated Ashtanga practitioner looking for more guidance or more community or accountability or human interaction or adjustments or to delve deeper into the intricacies of this beautiful practice.
Krista works with students ages 8-108, every gender, ethnicity and religion is welcome here! If you have unique physical or spiritual or religious or educational or emotional circumstances do not feel you cannot participate as Mysore is for EVERYONE! Krista can and will joyfully work with you wherever you are and figure out a way for you to access this practice too, even if your asanas look a little different from others around you. She has always found tremendous joy working with students needing extra creativity in the approach of the practice and her recent health tragedies have only deepened that love and added to her arsenal to be able to offer access to this practice to even more beautiful souls with some special needs. EVERYONE is welcome here, simply EVERYONE <3
“Anyone can do yoga – old man, very old man. One who is sick – he will gain health. One who doesn’t have strength – he will gain strength. The only person who can’t practice is the lazy man.” – Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
First Class:
If it is your first Mysore experience and you are new to this method, your first class will focus on the basic Ashtanga yoga techniques for breathing with movement – called ‘vinyāsa,’ as well as a very thorough introduction to the foundational movements, positions and transitions, and some introduction to functional anatomy, biomechanics and more. Your very first practice may be 30-60 minutes long, depending on your prior exposure to the above concepts. In the beginning, the key is slow and steady, consistency, stability, structure, foundation, practice, practice, practice. If you are here to learn the skill of self practice it is imperative that you memorize sequences, become proficient in what you’ve been taught and have been practicing so that you can work towards mastery over that material before you progress further onto postures or concepts that demand a certain level of mastery over the material that came before it. This approach towards acquiring the skill of self practice allows you the time needed to physically and emotionally and financially and socially adjust to a new daily routine. Consistent and gradual integration of the practice allows your body the time to develop more familiarity with the practice itself, which in turn facilitates the development of greater physical flexibility, strength, endurance and proprioception. But the benefits spill so much further than the physical body! I assure you the more time you invest into showing up to practice, the more attention you will place on your breath, your posture, your movement and your thoughts helping you to create true wholeness in your life.
Tuition and enrollment:
Tuition and Enrollment: Mysore engagements will range from 5-20 students to 1 teacher and will range from $25-$45 per class each engagement. Click here to enroll in Mysore classes with Krista. Presently, Mysore Engagements are $30 per class and discounts are offered when there is more than one class offered in a week. For example, if we are holding Mysore Monday-Wednesday we will offer the Engagement for $30 per class or $85 for all three days.
“If you want to relax, watch the clouds pass by if you’re laying on the grass, or sit in front of the creek; just doing nothing and having those still moments is what really rejuvenates the body…”.
