ASHTANGA YOGA

Our practice is rooted in the Eight Limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga practice as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois from Mysore, India.

Our guiding principle: That the Practice is the Teacher.

Beginner students can come in on two levels:

• Mysore with Teacher, All Levels/Practice class
  Mysore is the traditional way ashtanga vinyasa is taught. Students of all levels, even beginners will understand the principles of self-practicing at their own pace and level with a teacher present to guide and teach the Primary Sequence.
• Guided Ashtanga Vinyasa Mixed Level/ Practice Class
  Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is characterized by its therapeutic and progressive set sequences of postures. In this method, taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the postures are combined in a series which vary in difficulty and effect. This is a mixed level class where students are guided through the traditional counted method of the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) which is therapeutic, detoxifying and aligning the body. Constant repetition of the series prepares and build students for independent practice and to join the daily early morning Self-Practice Sessions.

And for our Intermediate and Advance practitioners, we have the

• Led Ashtanga, Intermediate and Advance Levels/ Practice class 
  Every Saturday, starting at 7:30am, the full primary sequence of Ashtanga Vinyasa is counted and the groups moves in sequence asone. Open only for those with a regular practice.

Workshop Overview

• Ashtanga yoga history, philosophy & tradition
• Key elements of Ashtanga yoga 
• Exploring the sun salutations and fundamental standing asanas:
  Learn the sun salutations and six fundamental asanas by heart with the traditional counting method called Vinyasa.  Going forward with the foundation to comfortably attend any Mysore class. .
• Introduction to the Mysore Style of practice:
  Learn about the ancient tradition of Mysore style Ashtanga and what this method of teaching allows that you won't find in a led class.
• The Traditional Mysore Classroom:   
  Learn how your relationship to both your practice and your teacher will develop in the unique context of the Mysore style classroom.

This course is designed for beginners to Ashtanga Yoga, making the practice simple enough that anyone can do this course successfully. Continuing students who want to deepen their experience of the subtleties of the practice will also benefit.

Bela has been teaching Yoga since 1996. Born in the Philippines, and raised in San Francisco, California, Bela was introduced to Yoga, Vedanta and Buddhist practices throughout her childhood by her mother. She practiced Sivananda Yoga for 10 years and tried other styles as well until she found Ashtanga Yoga, which transformed her life. In 2004, she started going to Mysore to study with Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy Jois and was recently Authorized to teach the Primary Series by Sharath R. Jois. Bela is dedicated to Ashtanga Yoga's traditional style as taught by Guruji and Sharath. She follows the firm belief that the method is actually the "teacher" and the best instructor is one that inspires students to "practice, practice, practice." She has unequivocal faith in the Magic that is in Mysore at the Feet of the Guru.  

Bela is also a 500-ERYT Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. Her studies in the Ashtanga tradition includes 200hour / 500hour certification with Centered Yoga under Paul Dallaghan, which included Pranayama training with Sri. O. P. Tiwari (2003/2004-05), from the Kaivalyadham Institute, and a 200hour certification with Stillpoint Yoga under John and Lucy Scott (2009-10). She has studied extensively in India, Nepal, and Thailand, with various teachers and attends workshops and yoga conferences, and continues to refine her practice with Sharath R. Jois at the KPJAYI in Mysore, South India. 

Additional studies with other Ashtanga Certified and Authorized teachers include: Manju Jois, David Swenson, Alex Medin, Clayton Horton and Maty Ezraty. From other schools of Yoga, Bela has attended workshops with Aadil Palkivala, David Life and Sharon Gannon, Dharma Mittra, Cle Souren, and Anna Forrest. 

In the field of meditation, Bela studied Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation and Transcendental Meditation, maintaining however, Vipasanna Meditation as her primary practice, having completed 16 10-day Vipasanna courses. To complement her sitting practice, Bela also studied Yin Yoga with Paul and Suzie Grilley, and Sarah Powers. 

Bela is also a Reiki practitioner and Thai Massage Therapist. 

(before teaching yoga, Bela was a fashion designer, singer, actress,  taekwondo black belt national team member, marathon runner, powerlifter, radio newscaster and dj, personal trainer and group exercise leader.) 

Bela is currently based in Rotterdam, Netherlands and is available for Mysore-Style Ashtanga Programs, Privates, and Corporate classes. She also offers online or one-on-one Mentoring Programs by request.