Ashtanga yoga is an ancient system of yoga originating from the Yoga Korunta. This text was introduced to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in th early 1900's by his guru and was passed down by Krishnamacharya to Pattabhi Jois in 1927. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Guruji, is the founder of the Ashtanga Yoga Research Intstitute in Mysore , India . He has been teaching this method for more than 60 years that he learned from Krisnamacharya.

A regular and devoted asana practice is fundamental to ashtanga yoga. The asanas also help the development of the yamas and niyamas. Before proper practice of pranayama asanas must be established.

The heart of the practice is the vinyasa (breath synchronized movement) the bandhas (internal locks) and the dhristis (gaze points). The ujjayi breath increases the internal heat, ensures efficient blood circulation and also links the postures together in a precise order. Each posture must be fully developed before proceeding to the next and the sequence strictly followed and taught by a traditionally trained teacher.

The system has three groups of sequences. The primary series detoxifies and aligns the body. The intermediate series purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The advanced series integrate the strength and grace of the practice.