Ashtanga Yoga is a commonly misunderstood style of yoga. It has a reputation for being “hardcore” that often leaves it overlooked or trailing in popularity behind Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin and other more popular yoga styles. But Ashtanga is an amazing practice! What’s so great about it you ask? Well, keep reading to find out and meet three fascinating black women teaching Ashtanga yoga practices. Also, you’ll want to read until the end to find out about how to access an Intro to Ashtanga Yoga video for free!
What Exactly is Ashtanga Yoga?
If you’ve never heard of Ashtanga yoga before or just haven’t explored it yet, here’s the essential breakdown:
- Ashtanga is a form of Vinyasa yoga rooted in ancient practices of yoga training thought to have emerged in the early 1900s. In Sanskrit, the word Ashtanga means Eight Limbs.
- It’s an energetic practice that consists of a specific sequence of postures called a Series. There are 6 series in all: Primary, Intermediate, Advanced A, B, C and D. Each series builds in intensity and complexity on the previous one.
- The movements are closely synchronized to the breath. The philosophical aim of the practice is purification of the body and harmony in the physical, energetic, emotional and mental aspects of the self.
The Ashtanga style was popularized by K.Pattabhi Jois and Tirumalai Krishnamacarya who developed the practice in Mysore, India. Jois said that he developed Ashtanga based on training from his own teacher Krishnamacharya.
The Eight Limbs of yoga are the fundamental principles of yoga taught in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. It is the complete practice of yoga – not just asana postures – that creates purification and strengthening of the body to support ascension towards enlightenment.
What is Unique About Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga has its own vibe and flavor, that’s different from a typical Hatha or Vinyasa class. Here are 5 things that make an Ashtanga yoga class different:
- A fixed routine of postures, practiced in a specific sequence. The structure remains the same for every class. The order does not change and students are expected to memorize the sequence.
- Practice is done individually. The teacher guides each student in their own practice of the sequence, but does not lead the group collectively. You get to practice at your own pace.
- Classes are mostly silent. Typically no music is played in an Ashtanga class.
- You are encouraged to practice every day – at least 6 days per week.
- It’s challenging. A typical class can be between 90 minutes and 2 hours. It can sometimes feel intimidating to beginner yogis, but with proper guidance and consistent practice, it gets easier.
Ashtanga is a challenging and deeply rewarding style of yoga training. Black culture embraces active movement and this style is ideal if you prefer an energetic, immersive style of yoga that lets you sweat while building strength and releasing stress.
3 Black Ashtanga Yoga Teachers
Meet Shanna Small
Shana is an Ashtanga yoga teacher who cares about making both the physical practice and philosophies of Ashtanga accessible to all. She has been studying and practicing this style for 20 years.
Training under Sharath Jois, Shanna honed her skills in Mysore, India, the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga. She also writes about yoga and regularly contributes to publications like Yoga International, OmStars and the Ashtanga Dispatch. The blog at her website ashtangayogaproject.com contains educational, honestly written articles about Ashtanga practice and about the intersectionality of yoga, diversity and social justice today.
Shanna is here for authentic, inclusive yoga that is way more than just an exercise class. Her commitment to teaching accessible, trauma-informed yoga led her to become a Yoga For All certified Teacher. She is also a founder of the non-profit Yoga For Recovery Foundation.
Shanna teaches in Charlotte, NC. Learn more about her work, her workshops and other offerings at ashtangayogaproject.com and follow her on Instagram at @wellness_yogini
Meet Wambui Njuguna-Räisänen
After experiencing yoga for the first time at age 16, Wambui’s journey into holistic wellness began. With an early background in professional dance training, she has studied and trained in Ashtanga yoga for over 13 years. For her, it was the structure and consistency of Ashtanga that drew her in. It provided a grounding and discipline she needed at that time in her life. Born in Nairobi, Kenya, and raised in the United States, she has tremendous global experience travelling and living in countries like Chile, Abu Dahbi and Finland (her current home).
Today, Wambui is a wellness advocate who stands for ease and wellness for all. She incorporates a variety of healing modalities into her customized client offerings. She is trained in Chavutti Thirumal (foot massage), Indian Head massage and also offers fascial release, meditation and breathwork to help her clients release and restore their energy.
Wambui describes herself as “trauma-informed care at the intersections of positive social action and wellness.” With her work, she explores questions like, “Who isn’t in healing spaces? Are these spaces safe and healing for all? and “How are we using yoga as a tool for collective liberation?” You can find her on Instagram at @wellnesswithwambui or check out her Patreon at patreon.com/wellnesswithwambui.
Meet Laruga Glaser
Developing as an Ashtanga yoga teacher takes years of dedication, discipline and practice. Laruga lives and breathes Ashtanga and has been instructing in body movement for over 20 years. She has the distinction of being one of very few yogis qualified to teach up to the Ashtanga Advanced B series.
Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Laruga has traveled to Mysore over 14 times to develop her skills as a student and a teacher of this practice. She is careful to note to her followers that Ashtanga is not all about fancy pretzel poses. While complex asanas are a feature of this style of yoga, Ashtanga encompasses way more. She advises learning with an experienced and qualified teacher who is rooted in the lineage of this method.Currently, she is the head of the Mysore program at Yogayama in Stockholm and regularly teaches at retreats and workshops worldwide. Her website laurgayoga.com shares the latest info on her retreats and training and also offers a wealth of resources and information on the Ashtanga practice. You can find her on social media including YouTube and Instagram.
So by now, you’ve got to be at least a little curious about giving Ashtanga Yoga a try, right?. Good!
Practice Intro to Ashtanga with Wambui on-demand!
A 60-minute online video to introduce you to the fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga.
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