Ashtanga Yoga Workshop with Andrew Eppler 11th-13th October

Ashtanga Yoga Workshop with Andrew Eppler 11th-13th October

Join us for an enriching weekend of Ashtanga Yoga practice and philosophy with the renowned Andrew Eppler. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, this workshop offers a deep dive into the core elements of Ashtanga Yoga, exploring its practice, philosophy, and bodywork techniques. Experience a transformative journey that balances physical wellbeing, personal awareness, and internal harmony.

Program:

  • Friday 18:00-21:00: Ashtanga Dharshan – Core of the Practice
  • Saturday 10:00-12:30: Introduction to Primary Series
  • Saturday 12:45-14:15: The Art of Adjustments
  • Sunday 10:00-12:30: Introduction to 2nd Series Ashtanga Yoga
  • Sunday 12:45-14:30: Introduction to Thai Massage

Important Information:

  • Date: October 11th – 13th, 2024.
  • Location: The workshop will take place in Prague. The exact venue will be announced soon.
  • Price: 4400 CZK
    • Discounts available for students and mothers
    • Option to sign up for individual sessions, but priority will be given to those who register for the entire workshop.
  • Registration and more information: Please contact us at ohni.ohen@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you at the workshop for a weekend of growth, learning, and deepening your yoga practice!

Complete workshop schedule:

Friday 18:00-21:00: Ashtanga Dharshan – Core of the Practice

Our workshop begins with the fundamental elements of Ashtanga Yoga, focusing on breath and bandha. We’ll delve into the details of Surya Namaskar and Vinyasa techniques, and discuss the history of Ashtanga Yoga and its evolution in Western culture. Andrew will use his unique approach, including magic and illusion, to illustrate points about yoga philosophy and human perception. This session is open to all, regardless of fitness level or experience.

Topics Covered:
  • Breath and Timing
  • Bandha and its Role in Asana Practice
  • Essence of Vinyasa: Historical Perspective and Practical Application
  • Surya Namaskara
  • Theoretical Foundations of Yoga
  • Fundamental Purpose of Yoga Practice
  • Freedom and Personal Evolution
  • Pitfalls along the Path
  • Karma Yoga, Buddhi Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Raja Yoga

Saturday 10:00-12:30: Introduction to Primary Series

Join us for a led Primary Series class where each breath is called out. We will focus on challenging postures and explore safe approaches to them, providing modifications to suit all practitioners. This class aims to empower students in their own sacred, healing, evolving, lifelong yoga practice.

Topics Covered:
  • Essence of the Primary Series
  • Accessibility for Everyone
  • Variations for Key Postures

Saturday 12:45-14:15: The Art of Adjustments

Andrew will share his approach to the practice, exploring techniques within the traditional framework of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga for refining the practice. Adjustments can greatly aid in understanding asana practice, but must be performed with respect for the individual limits of the human body, which we will demonstrate and discuss.

Topics Covered:
  • Fundamentals of Therapeutic Work
  • Working Around Injuries
  • Developing a Sustainable, Lifelong, Pain-Free, and Joyful Practice
  • Guidelines for Communication During Posture Adjustments
  • How to Avoid Injuries
  • Respectful and Effective Adjustments

Sunday 10:00-12:30: Introduction to 2nd Series Ashtanga Yoga

Explore the 2nd series of Ashtanga Yoga in a gentle and accessible way. We will discuss transitioning into the 2nd series in daily practice and practical ideas for when it is appropriate to do so. This class aims to demystify the 2nd series and inspire students to deepen their practice.

Topics Covered:
  • Essence of the Intermediate Series
  • Accessibility for Everyone
  • Variations for Key Postures

Sunday 12:45-14:30: Introduction to Thai Massage

Discover the healing art of Thai Massage, a practice akin to having yoga postures “done to you.” Participants will both give and receive a Thai massage, experiencing different body types and learning techniques that relieve tension and improve alignment. Thai massage is an excellent complement to Ashtanga practice, offering a new perspective on understanding the human body. This class is fun and leaves everyone feeling relaxed and happy.

Topics Covered:
  • Fundamentals of Thai Massage
  • Enhancing Ashtanga Practice
  • New Perspectives on the Human Body

Biography

Andrew Eppler has been practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga for over three decades. He is the director of Ashtanga Yoga Studio, producer of the Mysore Yoga Traditions film, and organizer of the Mysore Yoga Conference. Andrew teaches internationally and runs an ongoing online yoga training program with the support of the Sanskrit community in Mysore, India.

Andrew’s lifelong journey in yoga has given him a unique perspective on its evolution into world culture. He has spent years studying the philosophy of the Nathamuni Sampradaya tradition, to which Sri Krishnamacharya belonged. With insights from senior Sanskrit professors in Mysore, Andrew has developed a teaching approach that fits the modern paradigm while staying grounded in traditional philosophy and Ashtanga Vinyasa sequences. He believes in the inevitable evolution of yoga practice and uses a “global fusion” of techniques, constantly refining his methods to create the best possible approach. Andrew aims to help each student fall in love with yoga, creating an evolving, healing practice that is both personal and shared graciously with others.