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The Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method was popularized worldwide by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915–2009).

It is a traditional and systematic method consisting of structured sequences of postures (asanas), known as “series”.

The practice is organized into three main series:

 

Primary Series – Yoga Chikitsa

Yoga Chikitsa means “yoga therapy”.

It focuses on cleansing the body, building strength, and developing stamina.

 

Intermediate Series – Nadi Shodhana

Nadi Shodhana means “purification of the channels”.

It works more deeply on the nervous system, strengthens the spine, opens the chest, and supports the flow of prana. It includes deeper hip openers, balancing postures, and inversions.

 

Advanced Series – Sthira Bhaga

Sthira Bhaga means “strength and grace”.

It consists of advanced postures requiring strength, flexibility, stability, and focus. Traditionally, it is divided into four levels (Advanced A, B, C, D).

The series are taught gradually, methodically, and according to each student’s level. Mastery develops through consistent practice and repetition over time.

 

The beginning of practice

A new student begins with Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), which strengthen the body, build internal heat, and increase flexibility.

Standing postures are then introduced, cultivating the foundational qualities of practice: strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance.

Once these foundations are established, the Primary Series is introduced, progressing from simpler to more advanced postures.

A key principle is that a new posture is taught only when the previous one has been safely integrated.

“Correct practice” is an ongoing process and generally includes:

steady, calm breathing

safe body alignment

focused awareness within the flow

 

Yoga and exercise – a complete system

Yoga differs from conventional exercise, as it works not only on the muscular level but also on the internal systems of the body, such as the nervous and digestive systems.

For a complete approach to well-being, lifestyle and nutrition also play an essential role.

Here, Ayurveda, the “sister science” of Yoga offers a complementary system of balance and health.

According to Ayurveda, all beings are composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether. From these arise three main constitutions (doshas):

Kapha (earth + water)

Pitta (fire + water)

Vata (air + ether)

Understanding one’s constitution helps guide appropriate choices in practice, diet, and lifestyle.

 

A practice for everyone

Yoga is for everyone. With patience, consistency, and dedication, it can deeply support health and inner balance.

Once asanas are established, pranayama (breathing techniques) is introduced, through which prana — vital life energy — is cultivated.

Pranayama also follows a gradual progression from basic to advanced practices.

When practice is done with awareness and a balanced lifestyle, it brings a sense of lightness in the body and clarity in the mind.

There is no age limit to begin yoga. Teaching is always adapted to the individual.

 

What is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?

Although many styles of yoga exist today, they all share roots in Hatha Yoga.

The method we follow is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

“Ashtanga” means “eight-limbed path,” as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

“Vinyasa” refers to the conscious synchronization of breath and movement.

In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, postures are linked in a flowing sequence, like a musical composition where breath sets the rhythm.

 

Teaching

We teach the full system of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga: asanas, pranayama, and a balanced lifestyle rooted in Yoga and Ayurveda.

The aim is to support each practitioner toward a life of health, awareness, and inner harmony both on and off the mat.

Lineage
A defining aspect of every yoga school is its lineage, the chain of individuals who have received, practiced, and passed on the teachings.

Ashtanga Yoga traces its roots to the great yogi T. Krishnamacharya, who developed the system based on an ancient text known as the Yoga Korunta. From this foundation, he structured what we now call the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga method. Among his dedicated students was Shri K. Pattabhi Jois, who later became a prominent teacher in his own right.

Through Pattabhi Jois, the Ashtanga system was introduced to the Western world in the early 1970s and gradually began to spread worldwide. Today, the tradition continues through his family, his son Manju Jois, daughter Saraswati, and grandson Sharath Jois, as well as through notable students such as David Williams, Richard Freeman, David Swenson, and others.

In Europe, the spread of Ashtanga Yoga began in the early 1980s, primarily through Derek Ireland, who opened the first Ashtanga Yoga shala in Northern Crete, Greece.

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Episkopou Dionysiou 3 
Chania, 731 00
Greece

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