What happens in a Mysore Class?

You will gradually be introduced to new postures within the series, at a pace that is most appropriate for your needs and skill level.

This careful guidance will help you gain confidence at a pace which is suitable for you and improves your physical strength and flexibility when practiced consistently. The Mysore style does not require that you rely on outside feedback, so ultimately, you become your own best teacher.

As a new yoga practitioner, there is one crucial principle to understand, and that is that the only “goal” of yoga practice is to bring your mind into a deeper state of consciousness, enabling you to be more fully present. This inner practice is in fact more necessary than the attainment of the physical posture itself. If you allow your mind to wander deep into the dark regions of your consciousness, you will come closer along the path than you ever imagined possible!

One thing that makes a Mysore room unusual is that the class is filled with practitioners of all levels, practicing side-by-side, making it a unique environment for learning. Note that competition and comparison is completely discouraged by the fact that everyone moves at their own pace and is focused entirely on their own experience.

Two ways to start with us

Option 1: Beginner’s first month of Mysore classes @ R650

All that is required of you, is that you have a willingness to learn, and can commit to a least 3 classes per week.

It is a common misconception that Mysore classes are only for those who are “skilled” in a yoga practice. This is not true, in fact it is the best and safest environment for a beginner to learn. Initially, your practice will be between 30-45min long and will slowly increase over time. You do not need to know any of the sequence to attend. The sequence will be taught to you one pose at a time with individual instruction.

Ashtanga yoga is traditionally taught as a daily practice. We honor that not everyone can commit to this, especially in the beginning. Therefore we suggest you commit to at least 3 days a week for one month, at a reduced rate, rather than dropping into a class on a casual basis. After this month, the practitioner will get a clear sense of the tradition and this commitment will allow new practitioners to learn the foundations of the practice, slowly and methodically, in a way that most suits their unique capabilities and also gives the teachers a chance to get to know the practitioner and offer optimal support.

What to expect on your first day

You will be taught the foundations of Mysore Practice. When you first arrive, you will be asked to sit and observe the room for 5 minutes. This is to help you settle into the space, give you a sense of how the class works and allow you time to observe how the teacher interacts with the students. Next, you will be taught the traditional breathing (free breathing with sound) technique that is practiced in Ashtanga yoga. Once you are comfortable with the breath you will work one on one with the teacher and be lead through the traditional sun salutations, Surya Namaskara A and B, which begin the Ashtanga practice.

On your first day, we emphasize a grounding into these basics, which are critical because they form the foundation for all subsequent experiences within the Ashtanga system.

Option 2: Enroll in a beginners course

This is a 2 hour class.

Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of the Ashtanga practice and the first postures of the Ashtanga sequence, with the emphasis on committing the sequence to memory. This is a great introduction to the practice in a structured class format.

Students will learn the fundamentals of the Ashtanga yoga practice and benefit from a small class with personalised instruction and guidance. By the end of the course students will be ready to continue practicing within the Mysore class format.

• You will be taught the fundamentals of Ashtanga yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson, Sharath Jois, from Mysore, India
• The dynamic sun salutation sequence, that introduces the student to vinyasa (free breathing with movement), creating the basis of the Ashtanga yoga.
• How to breathe to focus the mind and move the body with awareness.
• The initial poses of the primary series, also known as Yoga Chikitsa or yoga therapy. The primary series is designed to cleanse and detoxify the body whilst calming the mind.
• The background of Ashtanga yoga and how this fits in with our daily life.

By the end of the course you will feel comfortable to start or continue your yoga practice within the Mysore class format.

NOTE: You can still have the structure and guidance of a beginner’s class while learning in the Mysore environment. This helps create a regular routine which students can continue practicing once completing the course.