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Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic, flowing style that connects the movement of the body with the breath. The method emphasises the importance of daily practice of a set series of movements. There are six series of Ashtanga yoga sequences, which the student progresses through at their own pace.

Ashtanga Yoga is a malleable practice which can be applied in anyone’s life no matter what stage they are in. Young (8 years) and old (70+ years) practitioners benefit body, mind and spirit through dedication, diligence and trust.

Lineage

Paramparā (परम्परा) is a Sanskrit word that can be translated as “tradition” or “lineage”. Paramparā encompasses the relationship from teacher to student. By exchanging knowledge based on direct and practical experience, the teacher and student form the links in the chain of instruction that has been passed down for Millennia.

Apolo Pena has learned Yoga via the lineage spanning from it’s original source: Sri K. Pathbi Jois and then to his son Manju Jois and then finally to his teacher Christina Martini. Apolo is dedicated to preserving the traditions and benefits by passing the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga to his students with compassion and gratitude.

Dedication

Ashtanga Yoga will bring you beneficial, healing results which will be directly proportionate to the amount of dedication you exhibit. The benefit of the practice of an Ashtanga Yoga regimen will involve all eight of the limbs of yoga which become more and more powerful in your life over time.

Consistency and resolve will be paramount to receiving the maximized benefits of the practice which will affect your body and mind in a very positive way. The journey of healing through the unity of breath and movement in conjunction with dedication to the traditions of Ashtanga Yoga is what the practice is all about.

Results

Every practitioner is affected differently as they experience the benefits of the practice but the overall outcome is the same regardless of age or physical ability. The body tones and lightens, the skin becomes supple and soft. The organs are cleansed and revitalized. The mind is emptied and replaced by the simplicity of breath. We all reminded of the healing power of breath.

Over time, through dedication, preservation, courage and resolve, increasing calmness sets into the life of the practitioner on a daily basis. Problems become easier to solve, patience increases, disease can be allievated and long term physical limitations are overcome as Samahdi (the ecstasy of living) becomes more prevalent with the practice of Ashtanga Yoga.

Instruction

Private Lessons

Your first private lesson is only $20. Each subsequent lesson is $60. Lessons last up to 2 hours depending on your endurance.

Semi-private Lessons

Lesson cost is split evenly between up to four people. There is no introductory rate and no refunds for semi-private lessons. Lessons last 1 to 2 hours

Mysore Practice

The traditional way to learn Ashtanaga Yoga and is complementary once a week when you commit to 4 private or semi-private lessons a month

House Calls or Studio

Come to my private studio in the Outer Richmond District, San Francisco or I can come to your space if it is within city limits or a neighboring city.