WAYNE KRASSNER
ASHTANGA YOGA
The training intensive is called Ashtanga Yoga Plus because its foundation is based on the Ashtanga system of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and will include Hatha Vinyasa, Yin Yoga and Thai Yoga Massage.
It will incorporate influences from Sri T. Krishnamacharya, Sri BKS Iyengar and Sri Swami Bua.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Sri T. Krishnamacharya
Sri BKS Iyengar
Sri Swami Bua
Evolution of practice breaks the boundaries of dogma and liberates the soul.
Asana sequences are like lyrics to a song or words in a prayer, they teach you and help you learn how to sing and pray but they are not your own words.
Learn well the songs, prayers and sequences of the masters so you can create your own songs, your own prayers, your own sequences and become a master.
200 Hour Tristhana Teacher Certification Course - 28 day Immersion
The purpose of the course is to immerse completely into practice, train intensely and learn at an advanced level. The intensive experience deepens ones internal exploration, raises ones awareness and increases self knowledge.
It is my belief that teaching naturally evolves as an extension of ones passion and excellence in practice.
The intensive is not a certification in the Ashtanga Vinyasa style, only the director of the KPJAYI in Mysore, India, Sharath Jois, the grandson of Guruji Sri K. Pattabhi Jois's can grant certification and authorization.
This course provides a thorough framework for all levels of practice and upon completion students receive a WKAP Tristhana Teacher Training Certificate.
Course Description
The aim of yoga practice is union and liberation. Union of body mind and soul and a spiritual liberation from duality.
On a practical level we will examine physical and mental alignment, balance and equanimity as actions and how they are fulfilled on the mat and in real world situations.
Daily practice of asana, pranayama and theoretical study are the tools we use for personal self reflection that give us a mirror to see ourselves, our patterns and our limitations which is the soil for our growth.
We will calmly face ourselves, gently confront our limitations, passionately challenge ourselves to transcend them and realize our potential with peace and equanimity.
Through a detailed analysis of the Ashtanga sequences we gain an understanding of the biomechanics of postures and insight to the profound depth of the body. By applying technical principles of alignment, regulation of breath and a concentration of body and mind, internal space is created and an expansion of energy and an elevation of consciousness is experienced.
Our 'on the mat' foundation reflects our patterns of behavior and becomes the awareness of how we express our selves outwardly and relate to 'others'.
Theory
We will cover one of the main treatise of yoga theory. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, also know as Raja yoga is a codification of yoga teachings. We will discuss dualism and non dualism and show them to be complimentary not contradictory.
Some people have the feeling and are drawn to yoga, some people practice yoga and awaken the feeling.
Tristhana
Three points of attention or 3 elements of practice; Asana, Vinyasa and Dristhi.
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Asana, detailing of alignment and balance of each asana along with the traditional vinyasa count for moving in and out of poses.
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Vinyasa, movement initiated and synced with breath, the threading of poses together.
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Dristhi, gazing points that lead the direction of the poses as well as help internalize focus.
An extremely important aspect of asana practice is the use of Bandhas. Bandhas are energetic locks / core contractions that develop and support concentration establishing physical integrity. They are essential to contain, gather and direct prana,
Pranayama
Pranayama practice explores as the subtle energies of prana that governs the bodies processes. We will experiment with breathing exercises and the use of kumbhakas, retention of breath at the end of inhale and exhale. By observing the 4 parts of the breathing cycle, inhale, gap at the peak, exhale and gap at the valley we gain an awareness to internal space and energy flow and have an opportunity to expand the space and balance the energy flow.
Meditation
Stirha Sukham Asanam, the posture needs to be stabile and comfortable, natural breathing free and steady and the mind clear of distractions maintaining one point of attention. When this is accomplished then meditation is a natural outcome an experience beyond thought and without effort. You will learn 'Heart Meditation' a technical process to bring your attention to meditate on the heart beat. Inside the heart dwells the essence of one and all, the consciousness of all creation through the heart one becomes absorbed with the essence..
Anatomy
The body is a complex organism with many parts and systems that work together with a rhythm and a harmony to function, To function optimally the body needs to maintain a heathy balance, if not the body can become sick and diseased. Through a series of video lessons and group discussion we will explore the various systems of the body, begin to understand how they function and relate to each other. For purpose of asana we will apply an emphasis of the muscular, skeletal, respiratory and cardiovascular systems. We will also cover the subtle body and the ideas of kundalini, chakras, nadis and granthis.
Teaching Skills and Drills
Teaching is like anything else, the more you do it the better you get, The 'Art of Sequencing.' You will develop the ability to create Vinyasa Flow sequences for all levels of students. Yoga is taught through verbal guidance and physical adjuctments. Here you will find your voice, cultivate your touch and learn how to asses different bodies. You will develop the skills to clearly and concisely communicate the actions for correct asana practice.
Therapy
Yoga practice is not therapy but asana and breathing exercises can have a very therapeutic effect on the body and mind. Asanas have the potential to increase energy flow to the whole body brining balance and health back to a sick, diseased body. Knowing that one size does not fit all we will explore modifications and variations for some common and powerful poses.
Required Reading: Patabhi Jois Yoga Mala, Guruji A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Mula Bandha Master Key, Patanjali Yoga Sutras. .
Recommended Reading: Light on Yoga BKS Iyengar, Moving into Stillness Erich Schiffma n, Anatomy Coloring Book, Bh agavad Gita