Ashtanga Workshop in Sydney with Adam Keen

January 20-21, 2024 at Manumission Yoga

This is Adam's first time in Australia and he is really looking forward to it.  The workshop is organised by Manumission Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga: A Different Approach

The method of Ashtanga is often considered to be about the degree of determination one can exert in squeezing oneself into increasingly demanding postures. However, this is neither effective nor person-centred. Instead, there is another approach; one where the shape is not the primary concern, but rather the cultivation of an internal method behind the shape.  Once that is implemented, the shape follows on naturally and comfortably as it should for each individual without struggle. And, in fact, the practice is also more effective and sustainable over the long term.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20TH

10.00 – 11.00 Led Class with Full Instructions

The point of a led class is to learn the breath count and Adam makes the sequence accessible to everyone who has the energy and interest to have a go. Even if not all postures are immediately available for everyone, alternatives always are. Everyone will come away with a version of the Ashtanga primary series that feels within their grasp whilst still being challenging.

12:30 - 14:00 Fundamental Principles of a Safe And Effective Practice

Pattabhi Jois mentions the technique of tristana as the basis of Ashtanga yoga. This is posture, bandha, and drishti. However, what is not mentioned is breath. It is my understanding that all these come together to culminate in the experience of what he called ‘free breathing’, which is diaphragmatic breathing.

Here, we will understand that a true stretch leads to facilitating (or, necessitates) breathing with the diaphragm. We will also compare the Western anatomical understanding of the principles of functional movement to this Eastern conception of tristana.

14.30 – 15.30 A Short History of Ashtanga Yoga

When the first Westerner students arrived at Pattabhi Jois’ doorstep a rich history unfolded, involving many prominent and now legendary figures and the development of a worldwide community. Understanding how the modern tradition of Ashtanga yoga developed is more however than a simple matter of curiosity. Because what it reveals is a tradition that is not only relatively recent but has also been in constant evolution.

So, in discussing this and looking at what’s stayed the same and what’s changed, my hope here is, not only to further inspire you to feel part of something bigger than yourself, but, also, to allow you to decide for yourself how you want to relate to the so-called correct method of ‘traditional’ Ashtanga yoga.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST

7.00 – 9.00 am Mysore

Adam teaches traditionally as he learned and experienced it in Mysore, defined by subtle, inner techniques. Following the sequences as they are in Mysore, adaptations will be given to keep you moving forward. Practitioners will be approached individually and offered a gentle and holistic approach to physical assistance (if you want that).  All are welcome to the Mysore class, there is no problem if you need practice sheets to follow along with.

9:30 - 11.00 Back Bending for Your Own Body

The backbends we know of as such never actually came at the end of the Primary series. Rather, at the end of the Intermediate. We shall re-investigate the backbends along these lines, practicing the early backbends of the intermediate series and building gradually, we might find a new approach to what can often be a painful and uncomfortable experience that never seems to get any better. Because, it can get better, for everyone. It simply must be approached more carefully and methodically than it often currently is.

11.30 – 13.00 The True Meaning of Hip Opening and How to Do It

Open hips are required for padmasana and many postures of the primary series right up to leg behind the head further down the line. When people hear hip opening, they often imagine postures such as the splits being the result of having open hips. However, real hip opening is not to do with relaxing the muscles of the inner thighs, but more to do instead with opening the sacrum.

This requires internal and not external rotation and a different approach to many/most postures to achieve a deeper function. On the other hand, it will also allow clear and measurable advancement in postures that require lotus, as well as in doing so, guarantee that your knees stay safe and injury-free.

Bookings are managed by Manumission Yoga

Adam Keen 

Adam has been practising yoga since 1999 and teaching since 2004. He is one of only a few students to have completed the Advanced A series in Mysore with Sharathji and received Level 2 Authorisation in 2012.

Equally at home teaching all levels, he gives all students attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like a test. Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.

Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga and he hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast & YouTube channel, interviewing many of the world’s most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.

Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga

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