Mysore practice comes to Maitri Studio

We're delighted to have Gabriella from The Yoga Tree bring Mysore Ashtanga Yoga to Maitri Studio. Mysore practice may be new to many of you, so here's a deeper dive into what you can expect in one of her classes.

This unique format is the heart of traditional Ashtanga, where students practise in a group setting but receive individual guidance - pose by pose - from an experienced teacher.

"That’s why I’m offering weekly Mysore morning and evening classes where I can guide students individually and teach them the sequence pose by pose. Students that know the sequence can practise at their own pace in the group setting, and I’ll guide them with verbal cues and physical assists if necessary."

Why Mysore?

Gabriella believes that the best way to learn and internalise the practice is through the careful, personalised instruction that Mysore offers. Whether you’re new to the sequence or a seasoned practitioner, you’ll receive the support you need to progress at your own pace.

The Mysore practice style developed within the lineage of teaching from Sri Krishnamacharya, sponsored to develop and promote yoga by the Maharaja of Mysore in the first part of the last century. One of his early students was Sri K Pattabhi Jois, who subsequently researched and set in place the full suite of Ashtanga yoga series. His grandson Sharath Jois continues the lineage. You can read more about the Ashtanga style of yoga here.

What can you expect in a Mysore class

In the first class, students are introduced to Ujjayi breathing (“breathing with sound”) bandha techniques and synchronised movement with breath (Vinyasa).

The session begins with Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara A & B), which students practise on their own until confident, before additional poses from the standing sequence and then the seated sequence are taught.

No prior knowledge of the poses is required — just a willingness to practise regularly and learn something new.

If you have practised Ashtanga before and already know the primary sequence then you can do your own practice as far as you have learnt. Gabriella will observe and guide you patiently with verbal cues and physical assists if needed to help enhance your practice and to teach you more poses when appropriate.

(Please inform her at the beginning of class if you have any injuries or prefer not to be adjusted).

How do I get started ?

New students & regulars are welcome! Come as you are, whether you’re just starting or have been practising for years.

Gabriella invites you to join her weekly Mysore classes:

• Mysore Evenings on Wednesdays 6-8pm from 4th September 2024
• Mysore Mornings on Fridays 6.30-8.30am from 6th September 2024
• Monthly led primary class on Saturdays - next one is 9-10.30am on 21st September 2024
• Find out more on her profile page here.