What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Traditionally taught as a self‑practice, students learn the sequence gradually, receiving new postures only when they’re ready. This steady, “drip‑fed” approach builds strength, stamina, confidence, and resilience at a pace that suits your body.
Practised mindfully, Ashtanga is grounding and helps regulate the nervous system. This is the traditional method of learning Ashtanga yoga.
Our Classes
I teach Mysore‑style Ashtanga on:
- Wednesdays, 5:30pm – Central Methodist Hall, Central Manchester
- Fridays, 10am – Chorlton Health Hub
These classes suit all levels, as the practice is adapted to your pace and experience.
I also run 4‑week Beginners Courses where you learn Ashtanga from scratch and build a confident home practice.
Advanced practitioners are equally welcome — the method supports steady, personalised progression
Your Teacher
Donna is authorised by Manju Jois to teach both the Primary and Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga.
She currently practises a blend of Primary, Intermediate, and the early stages of Third Series. Ashtanga has been her sole practice since 1998, when she studied with Rolf Naujokat in Goa.
Donna teaches in the traditional way she learned, while adapting the practice to each student’s age, ability, and individual needs.
Six Series
Ashtanga has six intelligently sequenced series, though most people primarily practise the first. Each sequence opens the body gradually and builds internal heat through linked breath‑led movement.
Connect Breath to Movement
Every sequence begins with Sun Salutations and standing postures to build strength, open the hips, and lift the heart.
You then move into your chosen series and finish with backbends and inversions.
The practice follows a one‑breath‑one‑movement rhythm, supported by steady breathing and bandha. A full sequence usually takes around 90 minutes.
Two Types of Class
Ashtanga is taught in two ways:
- Led Primary Series — the teacher guides the group through the sequence
- Mysore‑style self‑practice — students practise at their own pace while the teacher offers individual support
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In Mysore classes, you learn the sequence gradually, posture by posture, making it the ideal all‑levels approach.
Postures are linked with vinyasa, a mini sun salutation that maintains heat, focus, and flow. Each posture begins and ends in samasthiti (standing).
A Beautiful Practice
With time and dedication, Ashtanga becomes an inward journey. You repeat the same postures daily, yet your body and mind feel different each time. Over time, you notice your patterns — and eventually, those patterns begin to shift both on and off the mat.
Practised mindfully, Ashtanga is grounding and helps regulate the nervous system. This is the traditional method of learning Ashtanga yoga.
