Our classes

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a structured sequenced form devised and popularised by the late Sri K Pattabhi Jois. Jois dedicated his life to teaching yoga from his home in Mysore, India. His legacy lives on through his teachers who took yoga to the rest of the world and at the KPJ Shala in Mysore.

The power of Ashtanga Yoga is in its continuous movement whilst maintaining complete focus. As you move through the sequence the movement is linked with the breath and the eye gaze stills.

Even though at first glance it looks like a rigourous workout, it is deeply meditative and when performed in the quiet workroom atmosphere of the Mysore class, it can be very soothing.

Whilst suited mostly to those who are agile and have a good range of movement it can be undertaken by anyone who has an inclination to work, whatever your age or stage.

Mysore: The traditional self-practice class style.

Led: All practice together having the sequence ‘talked through’ or ‘led’ by the teacher. Suitable for those with a good level of fitness or mobility as the class runs continuously from start to finish with a rest only at the end.
NB: this format is not suited for complete beginners.

Rest during menstruation: Rest from any strong yoga practice when you have your period. Take time out. Try other practices or prioritise getting to the Guided Relaxation.

The traditional way of proceeding with Ashtanga is in the Mysore style method. In this style you are taught the sequence individually and as you work through the practice slowly at your own pace.

Why the name? Mysore is a city in India, and it’s from here that this traditional yoga style is from.

Beginners are welcome to come along, as the sequence is taught to you personally at a rate that suits you, within your own limits. Don’t worry if you can’t remember it all – the teacher is there to help you along and often spends more time with beginners.

The class is ‘open’ for 2 hours, but you would rarely spend that much time there. You turn up when it suits you in the first 45 mins and leave once you’re done. People come and go in a Mysore class and that’s all part of it. It can be super convenient if all you have is say 20 or 30 mins to practice, you can do that. As a beginner you may only spend 1 hour in the room, tops.

You should expect physical adjustments in a Mysore class (and verbal cues), as the teacher convenes the space visiting each individual as necessary.

The room, whilst a quiet and studious environment can get really warm with all the movement, so prepare to layer down!

Classes given in a slow and steady manner, tailored to the needs of the class. You may experience strength based positions, gentle poses, stretching, balancing, meditation, chanting and good rest. You may come to these classes as a complete beginner.

In Western culture, Haṭha yoga is typically understood as exercise using āsanas and breath awareness (pranayama).

Some of our Hatha classes are stronger than others but generally they are ideal for beginners.

Poses held for longer periods than usual, sometimes maybe 5 – 6 minutes long.

The body is supported and cradled with props and blankets to aide relaxation.

Deeply relaxing, though also challenging, as long held tensions are teased to shift as you maintain stillness over time.

Suitable for beginners.

This is an opportunity to work through a series of poses (āsana) or other non-intrusive practice of your choice, on your own. It’s assumed you might practice Ashtanga yoga (mainly because Ashtanga is a self-practice sequenced form you seek to learn by heart). But you may do anything that works for you.

There are a few self-practice sessions on the timetable. We know the key to routine and honouring commitment is complete flexibility with when/where you can do your mahi. It’s not easy with a busy life. Luckily we have many options for you. Slipping into the shala to attend a self practice session can be key in keeping up your commitment to a regular yoga practice.  

In a self-practice session there is a tikanga of not interrupting anyone, maintaining silence in the room and leaving the space as you found it.

‘Most things work better when you turn them off, then turn them on again. Including ourselves’ (said, someone clever).

Find the resilience, strength and wisdom we all have within us via … rest.

Get still enough to access your inner resolve. Guided relaxation can help you get there.

All are welcome, suitable for beginners. You don’t have to have get changed into yoga wear for this one. And with it being only 30 minutes you could sneak it into your lunch break.

For Mums returning to yoga with their little ones in tow. The class is relaxed and fairly loose, as babies rule! Children are given space to roam and things to play with, joining in here and there. We manage posture work, stretching, meditation and rest.

There are two of us in the room taking care of business. One teacher giving the class and another entertaining the toddlers and keeping them occupied.

It’s a nice time for Mums and Dads to socialise and feel the connection of their shared journey.

An opportunity to be guided through yoga breath techniques (pranayama) and meditation, use of bhavana (imagery) and setting positive intentions to start your day well.

As these sessions are usually pre-dawn, it’s an auspicious time of morning in which to share in teachings and meditation.

Join in from home. PJ’s welcome, be cosy.

Viniyoga is a classical yoga style developed by Sri T.K.V Desikachar, founder of Krishnamacharya Healing and Yoga Foundation.

It relies on the teachings of Patanjali’s Sutra-s, Vedic chanting and mantra and the subtle tools of yoga. Pranayama techniques and gentle purposeful āsana are given to the individual to explore, often in the Vinyasa style and often accompanied with mantra-s.

There is a protocol of applying the offering as each see fit, there is no prescribed physical ideal. Instead, importance is placed on the function of the āsana being met, thus effecting the spine and thereby the chakras.

Currently no Viniyoga classes on the timetable. The fundaments of this type are woven into some of the Hatha classes given by Katie.

Enjoy personalised instruction one on one or with a small group of friends at a time that suits you. Available on request.

Postures to bring strength, flexibility and balance. Breathing exercises and sitting quietly to aid meditation and mindfulness and lots of group or partner work. The classes are generally up beat and light of heart.

Currently no Kids Classes on the timetable.