We are a downtown San Jose Ashtanga Mysore Yoga community practicing in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) and his grandson Sharath Jois of Mysore, India.
Since 2009, Downtown Yoga Shala has been offering Ashtanga and Mysore-style classes. Initially led by KPJYI authorized teachers Peter Bertero, then Russell Case, we have hosted some of the most respected Ashtanga teachers in the world, among them: David Swenson, Harmony Slater, David Robson, Taylor Hunt, Adarsh Williams, Heleen, Anne Svardfelt, Jorgen Christiansson, Petri Raisanen, Laruga Glaser, Lisa Ogletree, Leigha Nicole, Atsuro Chiba, and Doron Hanoch.
Over the years, these instructors have offered Mysore immersions, Ashtanga workshops, and welcomed visiting practitioners, creating a vibrant global Ashtanga community!
We are a focused yoga community within Downtown Yoga Shala practicing traditional Ashtanga yoga, Mysore-style and Led Primary Series. We welcome all levels of practitioners.
Our practice is individual yet guided, while in a group setting. We share the shala experience and personal growth with each other, with visiting Ashtanga authorized teachers, and delight in getting together for chai tea socials after our weekly Led classes.
If you are new to Ashtanga and wish to learn and practice with us, please
contact us to arrange an orientation and/or Intro Week of Mysore practice.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Shri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) and his grandson Sharath Jois is a dynamic method of yoga focusing on breath-synchronized-movement (vinyasa) in a progressive series of postures (asanas). The Tristhana Method means that 3 actions are always present in an Ashtanga practice: posture (asana), breathing system (vinyasa with bandhas) and gazing point (dristhi). When fully integrated with each other, cleansing and purification of the physical level, nervous system, mental state is attainable.
The most commonly practiced sequences are the Primary Series and Secondary Series. Ashtanga yoga is typically practiced in a Mysore setting (guided and self-paced) or in a led group setting. Typically, practice is 6 days a week and taking rest 1 day, as well as Moon Days.
Mysore-style is the best and most effective way to learn the Ashtanga sequence. We offer Ashtanga Yoga in its traditional form, where the practice is shared directly from teacher to student. Each student is guided individually while practicing in a group setting. All levels, beginners to advanced students, practice together in a supportive community environment. Students work directly with the teacher to gradually memorize, refine and integrate the sequence of poses so that they develop a flowing, consistent and established yoga practice.
Beginners start with a shorter practice that evolves into a longer practice as they gain strength and flexibility. Be patient and remember that a regular, consistent practice, at least 2-3 times a week to start, is recommended to learn the posture sequence, and see the many benefits to the mind and body. We observe moon days, when we refrain from practice and take rest.