ASHTANGA YOGA SCHOOL CHARLOTTE
ONLINE AND IN PERSON CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE
A Note From Johnna
I’m so glad you are here!
I’ve been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 1995 and had the benefit of great teachers and a dedicated heart. I spent the late 90’s studying with David Swenson, Maty and Chuck, Annie Pace and met Guruji Pattabhi Jois around 1999. I traveled to Mysore India in 2004 to study with Pattabhi Jois, and Dr. M.A. Jayashree and have gone back almost yearly since then. The Ashanga Yoga practice has been my chosen container to practice yoga methods like: meditation, pranayama, and self awareness practices.
I love it. Ashtanga Yoga has served me and intangibly I’m a better person from practicing it. In 2016 Sri Sharath Jois authorized me to teach, and I’d love to share this amazing and transformational practice with you!
All the Love,
Johnna
Learn Ashtanga Yoga with Johnna
Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic, traditional practice that builds strength, focus, and inner balance through breath and movement. Whether you’re new to the method or seeking to deepen your existing practice, I offer personalized instruction tailored to your level and goals.
Private sessions are available one-on-one or in small groups—in-studio, online via Zoom, or at your location.
To inquire or schedule, message me at johnna@tejashaktischool.com.
Class Descriptions
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In a Led Primary Series class, the teacher calls out the postures and vinyasas (counted movements linking the postures with the breath) of the Ashtanga Primary Series. The group moves and breathes together in sync. Led class reinforces the proper vinyasa system you learn in the Mysore class – when to inhale and when to exhale as you enter in and out of each asana. Following the teacher's pace and count in led class instills discipline and helps build both mental and physical strength of students.
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Mysore Style is the traditional way of teaching Ashtanga Yoga, as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. In a Mysore class, each student moves independently, according to the timing of their own breath, through the sequence of postures as they have learned them from their teacher. The teacher moves through the room, giving assistance, instruction, and guidance as needed one-on-one basis. This method requires a commitment of time and effort. Frequent and consistent practice results in a deeper understanding and a greater connection to the work of yoga.
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The Yoga Sutras contain 196 Sutras, divided between four chapters, discussing the aims and practice of yoga, the development of yogic powers and finally, liberation. Like a gentle guiding hand, the Yoga Sutras warn you of the pitfalls on your spiritual journey and offer the means to overcome them. In our weekly studies, we work with one or more Sutras and discuss what the greater meaning as well as how to apply the lesson to our own lives.
FAQs
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Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and structured practice that is suitable for anybody looking to deepen their yoga journey—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner. It’s designed for all ages and levels of fitness.
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People practice ashtanga for a variety of reasons.
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No! Your practice can be as long or as short as you need each day.
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No, Johnna will teach you the Primary Series, at your own pace.
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We recommend you refrain from eating for at least 2 hours before your practice.
“I started practicing ashtanga 1 year ago with Johnna as my teacher, but even before starting ashtanga, I wanted to be a student of hers. I wanted to hear her stories and take in the knowledge that she has gained through all of her practices and experiences. She felt true to me, and not only is she this encyclopedia of wisdom, and this beautiful goddess woman who lights up a room, but she actually lives this yoga that she speaks of every day, every encounter with her, every class she has ever taught me. I go to her because I feel something inspiring, I go to her because she consistently and lovingly teaches me not just through her words but through her gentle and disciplined guidance. She pushes me to grow not just because that is what she gets paid to do but because she really and truly believes in spreading love. Her presence reminds me that everything will be ok... every single time. It reminds me of a disciplined life, of consistent effort put forth to be better and to seek higher truth. I go to her, I choose her as my teacher, and to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, because I know that she understands struggle and hard work, but only always expects nothing less than the very best effort for that day in the most gentle and the most tejasic way. It's an honor to have her as my teacher, and to be in the presence of a person who shines as bright as she does.. and the most humbling part of this is that she doesn't even know.
-KARI S.
ON DEMAND CLASSES
YOGA INTERNATIONAL DIGITAL STUDIO
Life has a way of taking us out of our routine. These videos make a daily practice accessible whether you are at home, or on a trip. Yoga International’s Digital Studio has been my virtual home for many years; here you will find hundreds of classes with my teachers and me. Choose what you need right now and hold the space for your practice - all you need to do is press play and let this digital studio become your new home.
FEATURED ON-DEMAND CLASSES
ASHTANGA FUNDAMENTALS
Ashtanga Vinyasa 45 min.
Begin your Ashtanga Yoga journey with the fundamental postures of Ashtanga Yoga. This foundational practice includes Sun Salutations to warm the body and open the spine. Followed with standing poses like triangle and side angle to strengthen the legs, hips and spine. To calm and come back to center we close with backbends, inversions and final rest.
Ashtanga Half Primary Series
Ashtanga Vinyasa 60 min.
The Ashtanga Yoga Half Primary Series is a great place to start if you already have a yoga background (power yoga, vinyasa yoga). This series focuses on the fundamentals and takes you a bit further into the series with postures to open the hips, spine and shoulders. Take your time and enjoy your breath!
Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series
Ashtanga Vinyasa 75 min.
Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga is called Yoga Chikitsa, which means body cleanse. This practices cleanses your organs, body tissues, and strengthens and tones the whole body. This practices is vigorous, and includes standing and seated poses, balancing poses, hip and shoulder openers, backbends and inversions. Close with a sweet final rest.
Ashtanga Half Primary + Half Second Series
As you build your Ashtanga Yoga practice your strength and endurance will grow. This half primary and half second series will help you build that endurance slowly. This series includes the hip openers of primary + the backbends and introduction of foot behind the head in second series. 75 min.
Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate Series
Intermediate (secoond) Series of Ashtanga Yoga is known as Nadi Shodhana. Literally translated as nervous system cleansing, this series focuses on deep backbends, twists, leg behind the head poses and arm balances. Remember to relax and release any unnecessary effort. Before practicing Intermediate Series ensure you have a strong foundation of Primary Series. 75 min.