What is Mysore?

What is Mysore?
Mysore is the traditional way of learning Ashtanga yoga, named after the city in India where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the guru of Ashtanga Yoga, lived. The system is now transmitted by Jois’ grandson, Sri Sharath Jois, at the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Mysore is open to all levels, from absolute beginners to more experienced students. The class is not led and all instruction is given on an individual basis. As you gain strength, stamina, flexibility and focus, poses will be added on to your sequence.

Mysore is intended to be a daily practice, except for Saturdays, new and full moon days.

Click here to watch a short video all about AYCT and our mysore program.

Is Mysore 6 hours long?
No, not to worry! You can come to Mysore any time after 6am, just make sure you leave yourself enough time to practice. 11a might be the latest you could show up to practice.

I’m a beginner, can I do Mysore?
Beginners are encouraged to try Mysore. It is a great way to learn Ashtanga, because you develop your own practice at your own pace and according to your ability. Plan for about 30 – 45 minutes for your first class. A teacher will work with you one-on-one to teach you your routine.

I have practiced Ashtanga before, but I’m not sure if I remember the sequence – is that OK?
Of course. A teacher will work with you one-on-one to help remind you of the sequence. Your first practice might be a little shorter than you are used to, but the bonus is you will be developing your own practice and memorizing the correct movements and breathing technique.

What are Moon Days?
In the tradition, we do not practice on new or full moon days. We believe that the moon has an influence on our bodies. During the new moon, students are often too tired and heavy to practice. During the full moon, the energy is too frenetic and students are thought to be more prone to injury. Also, synchronizing our practice with the phases of the moon keeps us more in touch with our own natural cycles.

If you want to practice on the full or new moon, all of our Led Ashtanga, Beginner, and Intro to Yoga classes run as scheduled.