Practice & Study Intensive
Feb. 11-17, 2023
Join David Robson and Jelena Vesić for a weeklong immersion into the moving meditation of Ashtanga. Each day we will practice the Ashtanga sadhana in either led or Mysore-style classes. We will also have daily practice in breathing exercises, pranayama, and guided mindfulness meditation.
This course includes 5 different workshops exploring asana technique and alignment that are guaranteed to transform your practice.
Daily Schedule
SATURDAY
- Led Primary or Mysore Practice
- 9am: Pranayama & Meditation
- 1pm: Suryanamaskara (1.5hrs)
The Sun Salutations contain Ashtanga’s prototypical vinyasa sequence and foundational postures. Working correctly in each of the postures is essential to the healthy longevity of your practice.
SUNDAY
- 10am: Pranayama & Meditation
- 11am: Key Alignment Principles (2hrs)
This workshop offers a survey of some of the classic issues that can arise in the practice of Ashtanga’s Primary and Intermediate Series. Many problems can be avoided by understanding some key principles of alignment. By learning these simple rules and integrating them into your practice you can safely move deeper into your asanas.
MONDAY
- Mysore Practice
- 1pm: Pranayama & Meditation
- 2pm: Hips (1.5hrs)
We will examine the correct positioning of the hips for forward bends, back bends, lotus and leg behind the head postures. Understanding technique and working towards optimal alignment is important in order to avoid injuring the hamstrings, lower back, or knees
TUESDAY
- Mysore Practice
WEDNESDAY
- Mysore Practice
- 1pm: Meditation
- 2pm: Backbending (1.5hrs)
Explore the alignment and actions of Ashtanga’s Primary & Intermediate Series backbends. Find the balance between organization and surrender that will allow your body to go deeper into the postures.
THURSDAY
- Mysore Practice
- 1pm: Meditation
- 2pm: Strength & Balance (1.5hrs)
The proper execution for all of Ashtanga’s asanas requires the strength and stabilization of our core muscles. This workshop will use different exercises to identify the deep muscles that comprise the core, and then apply that knowledge to some of Ashtanga’s key asanas.
FRIDAY
- Mysore Practice
- 12p: Meditation
Student Testimonials
“Besides great structured classes, clear guidance, dedication in sharing knowledge and experience, patience in answering all of your questions, I’m deeply grateful and inspired by the care, support and kindness of David, Jelena and the AYCT team.”
Manuela K
"David and Jelena are clear, patient, and passionate teachers whose love of yoga is apparent and contagious (in a good way). Taking this course was a truly rewarding and enriching experience. I have grown as an Ashtangi and as a person.”
Jessica M
“Ashtangi’s – these are your people! You will leave each session eager to take a lesson or another element and apply it to your practice with great results. David and Jelena are excellent teachers who demonstrate dedication, diligence, patience and a sense of humor. The quality of your practice will be enhanced.”
Deb G
1-Week Practice & Study Intensive Investment
Member Price
Non-member Price
Single Workshop
Space is limited to 30 students.
Cancellations may be made up until Jan 31/23.
There will be a $50 non-refundable service fee for all registrations.
About David and Jelena
David Robson is a practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, in the tradition of Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC). David is the director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world’s largest Mysore programs outside of India.
David began a daily practice in 1998 while at university studying Comparative Religion. After graduating, David made his first trip to Mysore, India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. Since then he has returned to Mysore annually to deepen and enrich his practice and teaching.
In 2007, David was Authorized to teach Ashtanga and now holds a level 2 authorization.
Jelena first came to yoga through dance. As a former ballet dancer of 16 years, the structure and rigour of the Ashtanga Yoga practice felt like home. Drawn to the discipline, mindfulness of the movement and emphasis on the breath, Jelena made the Ashtanga practice her sole focus in 2009.
Jelena has maintained a daily Ashtanga practice for over a decade. She’s made two trips to Mysore, India to study with her teacher, Sharath Jois.
Lastly, Jelena’s true passion lies in promoting rescue and adoption of (street) dogs. You can often find her sharing her love for #adoptdontshop on her IG, and sharing the joys of living with her two fur-babies, Boksoon and Khani, both celebrities in their own right.