Traditional ‘old school’ Ashtanga Yoga

Life before yoga was different. I was searching for something without knowing what it was. Eventually I found myself in India, to learn and experience yoga at the source. On this first trip my eyes were opened and my desire was sparked to dive deeper into this ancient practice. 

I don’t have a background in dance, ballet or gymnastics. I am not naturally gifted with great flexibility or strength. When I saw other people performing strange looking asanas, I would think of them as freaks and I had no intentions to put myself into the same kind of shapes. Yet at the same time, I loved how the practice made me feel.   

For me it was not about learning particular asanas but about experiencing yoga as a holistic system of healing and self-development.

When I met Nancy Gilgoff I was in awe of her wisdom and the way how she taught. I knew I wanted to learn from her and over the next 14 years I traveled the world to study with her. Nancy has been my primary teacher, she is a direct student of Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois and she is one of the early pioneers who brought Ashtanga to the West in the 1970s. Nancy has been an invaluable guide in my life, practice and teaching. 

I had the honour of organising her first and only visit to Australia in 2018, where she taught a week of classes and workshops at our Ashtanga Yoga Centre in Cairns. 

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the Ashtanga lineage, I have studied extensively with the most senior lineage holders of Ashtanga Yoga, such as Manju Jois, David Swenson, Shelley Washington, Prem and Radha Carlisi and have also practiced under the guidance of Sharath Jois at the KPJAYI in Mysore, India.

My personal journey has also led me to the stillness of Zen meditation, attending regular silent retreats at the [Open Way Zen] established by Zen Master Hogen-san, which cultivates a deeper sense of presence in my teaching. Furthermore, my study of CranioSacral therapy with the Upledger Institute in Singapore has provided me with a profound understanding of the body’s innate healing capacity, allowing me to offer more informed guidance to students navigating injuries or physical limitations.
In 2022, I began studying Vedic chanting with Shantala Sriramaiah and deeply value the clarity, spiritual depth and sense of connection this ancient practice brings to my life. 

Throughout the last couple of decades, I have immersed myself with the ancient teachings of yoga and continue my studies with legends like BNS Iyengar on the subjects of yoga philosophy, pranayama and mudra. It is a fascinating never ending journey of learning. 

I am dedicated to pass on the traditional teachings of yoga to students around the world in Teacher Trainings, Workshops, Mentorship programs and Retreats.
In 2020, I’ve opened the doors to our yoga shala in Brisbane, Australia where I teach a regular Mysore program as well as led classes and workshops. Our shala has grown into a vibrant and welcoming community of students who practice with us in person and online via zoom. 

I invite you to join us if you feel inspired to practice with us.

In gratitude to my teachers, students and everyone who as supported me on my path this far.

Namaste,

Ash