Yoga Curriculum

Our aim is to provide a lively and grounded education in the art and science of yoga, and to provide people with the foundation to explore the territory of yoga in themselves with valuable tools to inform that journey.

Our curriculum is based on the prolific work of yoga pioneer, T. Krishnamacharya, and his world renowned students B.K.S. Iyengar, K. Pattabhi Jois, and TKV Desikachar.

One of the themes applied by Krishnamacharya so masterfully was his ability to work with each student on an individual basis, thereby meeting people at their own specific level of need, and consistently helping people heal through yoga.

His truly riveting depth and brilliance cannot be given justice here, yet is directly evidenced in the giant accomplishments of a handful of his students.

Mr. Iyengar, Mr. Jois, and Mr. Desikachar, among others, have been able to take what was given them and create inspired teachings that reach to people the world over, continuing an unbroken tradition of yoga that spans to unknown times.

That said, our curriculum is rooted in the tireless work of these yogis, and we aspire to further the thread of the profound teachings of the Yoga science. We teach as our teachers have taught us, and to the best of our ability, we research and explore in our own personal practices to offer you a foundation in yoga that is sustainable and forged from direct experience.

The delineations in systems taught here are mainly to help you choose what's best for you. Many of our students like working with the different teachers depending on how they are feeling that day/week:

Maya Yoga(Developed by Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane)

Maya Yoga is very effective in giving students a solid foundation in the development of a sustainable yoga practice. By working directly with B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois among others, Eddie and Nicki have been able to develop a synthesis of the core ideas and principles of both mens' work and bring them into harmony. They offer Maya Yoga as a tool for self-discovery by teaching principles of safe, accurate alignment often sequenced thoughtfully into the vinyasa context. Maya Yoga is challenging and deeply rewarding, students suited toward Maya Yoga will be encouraged to go beyond their perceived limits. Eddie and Nicki teach students how to create a life-long yoga practice that is rooted in taking responsibility for one's own health and well-being.
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Ashtanga Yoga(as taught by K. Pattabhi Jois)

According to many accounts, this system of yoga was recorded by the sage Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta, an ancient manuscript "said to contain lists of many different groupings of asanas, as well as highly original teachings on vinyasa, drishti, bandhas, mudras, and philosophy" (Jois 2002 xv). The text of the Yoga Korunta "was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900's by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927" ("Ashtanga Yoga").

To be accurate, this information is in conflict within the yoga community, and the validity of the stories about it's origins is highly in question, though the potency and effectiveness of the system as a therapeutic model for many people is beyond question. After many years of study with Krishnamacharya, K. Pattabhi Jois took what his teacher gave him and taught for the rest of his life in the original vinyasa tradition as he perceived it.

Students are taught on a highly individualized basis within a class context, and are encouraged to progress through the deepening movements as the teacher deems them ready and capable with a specific eye out for their unique needs. The teacher in a Mysore room assuringly leads students through the type of practice that is best suited to their constitutional intricacies. This is not taught in the standard yoga class context, but rather as a guided self-practice, where the postures are given one by one.
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Viniyoga(developed by TKV Desikachar)

11:30-1pm and 6-7:30pm, Viniyoga classes are organized at Level I, I-II, and II. Students with injuries and chronic pain are welcome to Level I classes. The levels are denoted to give students options for beginning-intermediate classes.

Viniyoga is a comprehensive and authentic transmission of the teachings of yoga including asana, pranayama, bandha, sound, chanting, meditation, personal ritual and study of texts. Viniyoga™ (prefixes vi and ni plus yoga) is an ancient Sanskrit term that implies differentiation, adaptation, and appropriate application. The American Viniyoga™ Institute uses the term Viniyoga to refer to an approach to Yoga that adapts the various means and methods of practice to the unique condition, needs and interests of each individual - giving each practitioner the tools to individualize and actualize the process of self-discovery and personal transformation. This approach to yoga evolved out of the teachings transmitted by T. Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar of Madras, India.
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Restorative Yoga

These classes are designed to be soothing to the nervous system and deeply relaxing. They are taught in the tradition of B.K.S. and Geeta Iyengar's work in therapeutics, which is absolute genius. The classes are set up as carefully arranged sequences of passive poses, often supported by bolsters, blankets, etc.. that encourage the students to turn their awareness inward and observe their internal states..

Ongoing Classes Levels I, I-II, II-III, Advanced(with Eddie Modestini) & Vinyasa

These classes range in content depending on the teachers, and/or the inspiration they bring to class that day. Please consult with one of the teachers to help guide you to the class that best suits your highest good.
Read more about Ongoing Classes