You are invited to an weekend exploration of Ashtanga Yoga with Joelle Pettitt and Emily Cobie

This 2 day course will be held in a beautiful private studio in Knowl hill where together we will explore the primary series. Each workshop designed so we work through the sequence and methodology of Ashtanga Yoga.

Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is made up of 6 sequences. Primary series, also know as Yoga Chikitsa, is the first sequence which focuses on building stability and grounding. 

Ashtanga Yoga is based on the Tristana method - made up of the Asana (postures) Breath and Drishti (focus) to help gain mind-body awareness.

Joelle and Emily will share knowledge from their teachers and own self study to create a space of exploration of the sequence with modifications, drills and an understanding of the benefits of each posture.

In between each session there is free time where you will have the chance to relax at the studio, take a trip to local towns Marlow or Henley-On-Thames or explore some beautiful walks nearby.

SATURDAY 21ST MAY & SUNDAY 22ND MAY

COURSE PRICE EARLY BIRD £100 

FROM APRIL 1ST £120

Drop in sessions will be made available after the 1st April with priority given to course bookings.

All levels are welcome, however some knowledge or experience of yoga may be helpful. 

SATURDAY 10AM - NOON

BREATH, BANDHAS AND THE FUNDAMENTAL POSTURES

In this workshop we will explore the use of breath, specifically Ujjayi, as well as a selection of other Pranayamas (breathing techniques) that will allow us to embody and understand the depth and space we can create within the asanas of Ashtanga Yoga.  We will then study the ancient practice of Uddiyana Bandha combined with Jalandhara Bandha, to create the energetic lifting or "flying lock" of the abdomen to create stability and strength. We will weave all we have learnt from exploring Breath and Bandha together as we work through the fundamental postures of Ashtanga - the standing postures and finishing sequence.

SATURDAY 2 - 4PM

SEATED POSTURES: FORWARD FOLDS & TWISTS

The Ashtanga Primary Sequence begins at the seated postures. We will spend time exploring a mixture of forward fold and twisting variations from the foundational posture - Staff Pose (Dandasana) all the way through to Upward Facing Forward Fold (Urdhva Mukha Paschimattanasana). 

Please note the arm balances within the seated postures will be studied in more depth on the Sunday afternoon workshop.

SUNDAY 10AM-NOON

FULL PRIMARY LED SERIES

In this workshop you will experience the full primary series. In this style of practice we emphasis the rhythm and flow of the sequence and offer less verbal adjustment cues but rather a feel for the traditional count. 

Joelle and Emily will be giving hands on adjustments throughout to whoever would like them on the day.

SUNDAY 2 - 4PM

INVERSIONS & MORE CHALLENGING POSES

In this final workshop we will examine the more challenging poses from the Ashtanga Primary series looking specifically at the arm balances and inversions. 

We will offer drills and exercises to help achieve a better understanding of how we can create the best foundation for these more intricate poses.

We can’t wait to share the space with you and dive deep into the practice of Ashtanga Yoga,

Love Joelle and Em xx

FOR ENQUIRES EMAIL EMILY@THEOPENSHALA.COM OR JOELLE@NELUMBOYOGA.CO.UK