Ashtanga Yoga is more than just a workout; it’s also a powerful mix of movement, breath, and focus that turns each practice into a moving meditation. This style of yoga came into existence in the early 20th century in Mysore, India, through the teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, a devoted student of the legendary yoga master T. Krishnamacharya.
Ashtanga Yoga California
Jois developed Ashtanga Yoga as a structured and energetic practice made up of six progressive series, which combines flowing poses with a steady breath, internal locks, and focused vision. The result of it is a highly purifying experience that strengthens the body, calms the mind, and reveals a quiet sense of inner strength.
This traditional Indian practice began in sunny California during the 1970s when American yoga students began traveling to India in search of authentic teachings. Soon, it became a spiritual hub for Ashtanga Yoga in the U.S.
California’s yoga landscape stands out as both rooted and raw, it’s a practice that asks for discipline, patience, and devotion. It’s not about perfect postures, but about showing up and letting the practice slowly change you from the inside out.
Ashtanga Yoga Berkeley
About –
Ashtanga Yoga Berkeley CA was founded by Vance Selover, a classical musician who turned to yoga in search of balance and focus. His journey began in the 1990s, which took him to Mysore, India, where he studied directly with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson, Sharath.
The studio was created as a space for students to find traditional Mysore-style Ashtanga Yoga, where personal practice is supported with quiet guidance. At Ashtanga Yoga Berkeley, the focus is on discipline, mindfulness, and steady growth, which invites students to connect with their bodies, breath, and inner strength.
Ashtanga Yoga Offerings –
- The studio offers Mysore-style traditional self-paced Ashtanga classes with individual guidance. It’s suitable for everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners.
- Their 4-week beginners program is a step-by-step introduction to Ashtanga Yoga basics, which comes with a minimum of 3 classes per week.
- They also conduct a Led Primary Series class, guiding students through the Ashtanga Primary Series with aligned breath and movement.
- Their Core Practitioner’s program is a practice focused on the principles of Potency, Patience, & Progress in Ashtanga.
Website – https://www.ashtangayogaberkeley.com/
Yoga Kula
About –
YogaKula is a special yoga studio founded by Saraswati Clere, who is both an experienced yoga teacher and a talented filmmaker. The studio was opened with a clear goal to create a friendly place where people of all ages and levels come together to grow through yoga.
The word “Kula” means “community of the heart” in Sanskrit, which beautifully sums up what this studio is all about – a welcoming family where everyone feels supported. YogaKula offers many styles of yoga, like Anusara, Iyengar, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga, all based on proper alignment and mindful movement.
More than classes, they also host teacher trainings, workshops, retreats, and even wellness spa services to help people take care of their body, mind, and spirit in a balanced way.
Ashtanga Yoga Offerings –
- The studio offers Ashtanga yoga classes focused on alignment-based practices that are rooted in traditional methods.
- They also conduct 200-Hour teacher training programs focused on alignment-based hatha, vinyasa, and ashtanga yoga classes.
- Their “Wisdom of Yoga Podcast” features discussions on diverse aspects of yoga, including different insights from expert yoga teachers.
Website – https://www.yogakula.com/
Jois Yoga
About –
Jois Yoga is an Ashtanga Yoga San Diego CA school created to provide authentic Ashtanga Yoga teachings in a supportive and inclusive environment. The studio was established in collaboration with the family of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, including his daughter Saraswathi Rangaswamy and grandson R. Sharath Jois, to respect and continue the legacy of Ashtanga Yoga.
The founders were inspired by the healing power of Ashtanga yoga practice, particularly in personal growth, which made them share its benefits.
Ashtanga Yoga Offerings –
- The studio conducts traditional self-paced Ashtanga practice with individual guidance from certified teachers from Sunday to Friday.
- They also take Led Primary Series classes where the students are guided through the Ashtanga Primary Series with aligned breath and movement.
- Their active series classes are focused on the intermediate and advanced series, best for experienced practitioners.
Website – https://www.joisyoga.com/
Ashtanga Yoga Center
About –
The Ashtanga Yoga Encinitas California center is a special yoga place started by Tim Miller, who is one of the first Americans to learn and teach Ashtanga Yoga from the famous Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
Back in 1981, his big dream was to keep this powerful yoga style alive and true to its roots. The center offers all kinds of classes from self-guided Mysore sessions to group-led classes, upcoming workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings.
Tim’s goal has always been to create a warm and friendly space where anyone can enjoy Ashtanga Yoga and feel supported to grow their practice with respect and joy.
Ashtanga Yoga Offerings –
- Their Mysore-style classes are conducted on weekdays from Monday to Friday, including traditional ashtanga yoga series with customized guidance.
- The studio also hosts online Zoom classes, which are a mix of Ashtanga and Yin.
- They conduct Ashtanga classes like Intro to Ashtanga, First Series, Intro to Intermediate Series, Mysore – Mixed Levels, and more.
Website – https://www.ashtangayogacenter.com/
Ashtanga Yoga Long Beach
About –
Ashtanga Yoga Long Beach CA was started by Aimee Echo, a dedicated yoga teacher. She began her yoga journey in 1999 and got trained in Mysore, India, to earn her teaching authorization from the renowned K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.
She opened the studio to share this life-changing practice with others. Here, it’s all about building a daily practice in a supportive space where anyone can begin or grow their Ashtanga journey.
Ashtanga Yoga Offerings –
- The studio conducts Mysore-Style Classes led by Aimee Echo (SYC/KPJAYI Authorized Level 2) and Ashlee Goite (E-RYT 500).
- At the studio, the new students are encouraged to observe a class before joining. The observation times are Mondays or Wednesdays between 8:00 – 9:30 AM.
- They have a Mysore Basics Program, which is designed for beginners or those new to this practice.
Website – https://www.aylb.org/
Final Words –
Practicing the Ashtanga Yoga system in California isn’t about movement, but it’s also about finding rhythm, breath, and presence in the middle of a fast-moving world. This ancient method was born in Mysore and brought to the West by Pattabhi Jois.
A new home on California’s sunny coastlines, in its buzzing cities, and even in quiet corners away in yoga studios from Berkeley to San Diego.
What makes doing Ashtanga here so special? It’s the mix of tradition and California soul. You get the structure and beauty of this powerful practice, taught by teachers who have direct roots in Mysore. You can practice under redwood trees, in breezy studios by the beach, or join a Mysore class before your morning surf.
If you’re deciding to get on the mat for the first time or go intense on your sixth series, or go for self-discovery, then California’s Ashtanga scene invites you to grow, sweat, breathe, and most of all, to show up for your health!
