Is Ashtanga Yoga too hard for beginners? Not at all — if you learn it the right way.
Join me for a unique weekend designed especially for those who want a safe, intelligent, and inspiring introduction to the power and joy of Ashtanga Yoga. Whether you’re completely new to the practice, have tried a few classes and felt overwhelmed, or are a veteran wanting a smart reset, this workshop will help you build a solid foundation — in a clear, accessible, and flexible way.
Too often, students either think Ashtanga isn’t for them, or if they do take up the practice, they focus on complex poses too soon and get stuck in rigid sequences — all without ever truly learning the basics. In this workshop, you’ll experience the brilliant structure of Ashtanga and discover how it can serve you and your unique needs and preferences.
A clear, flexible structure:
You’ll discover Ashtanga as a practical template made up of four key parts:
1️⃣ Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara)
2️⃣ Standing Poses
3️⃣ Seated Postures
4️⃣ Finishing Poses
This template gives you a solid base that can be customized for your body, goals, and lifestyle — so you know exactly how to practice at home or in class without feeling lost or pressured to “keep up.”
How to build each part mindfully:
We’ll break down:
• The core poses in each section
• How to align them safely
• How to individualize them for different bodies
• How to enter and exit each pose skillfully (the art of transitioning — vinyasa)
The mindset that makes Ashtanga work:
You’ll learn the guiding principles behind every pose and movement — so you don’t just copy shapes but understand why you do what you do. For example:
• Why Samasthiti (the idea of equal standing) is the hidden root of every posture.
• How to adopt the empowering mentality I call the crouch and spring — helping you set up and launch each transition with strength, intention, and purposeful action.
• How to use your legs and arms as a solid foundation so your spine can awaken and probe space naturally and creatively.
September 26th
Friday Night — 6:00–8:00 PM
Topic: The Foundation — Sun Salutations
We’ll open the weekend by studying how to begin: the Surya Namaskara (Sun Salutations). Learn how each position and each transition sets the tone for your entire practice — and how to move and strike poses with clarity, strength, and ease.
September 27th
Saturday Morning — 9:00–11:30 AM
Topic: Standing Poses & Seated Postures (Part 1)
We’ll build on the foundation with the standing poses — the essential stabilizing asanas that root you to the earth and prepare your hips and spine for deeper work. We’ll also introduce selected seated postures from the Primary Series, showing how to adapt them safely and meaningfully for all bodies.
⏸️ Break — 11:30–12:30 PM
Saturday Afternoon — 12:30–2:30 PM
Topic: Pranayama & Mudra
Explore the breath — the fifth asana principle — and learn simple, powerful introductory pranayama techniques that arise naturally from the practice of asanas and vinyasas. We’ll also enjoy an introduction to mudras (the sixth asana principle), deepening your inner connection and energy flow.
September 28th
Sunday Morning — 9:00–11:00 AM
Topic: Seated Postures (Part 2) & Finishing Poses
We’ll return to the seated postures, then progress into the finishing sequence: building a solid foundation for backbends, shoulderstand, and headstand. You’ll learn how to wrap up your practice in a balanced, complete way that leaves you grounded and refreshed.
⏸️ Short Break — 11:00–11:30 AM
Sunday Late Morning — 11:30–12:30 PM
Topic: The Seven Asana Principles & Yoga Philosophy
To close, we’ll gather for a talk and Q&A on the seven guiding principles that make this practice intelligent and sustainable. We’ll also touch on key ideas from yoga philosophy that illuminate the approach we’ve explored throughout the weekend.
Summerfield Fishtown Church
2223 E Dauphin St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
*Church is located in the adorable Fishtown neighborhood. Street parking is available. Coffee shops and restaurants are nearby.
If you take the Septa Subway train, take the Blue line towards Frankford and get off at Berks Station.
Early Bird - $300 (before Sept 7th)
Registration - $375 (after Sept 7th)
Registration is only done through David's website.
Email asanakitchen@gmail.com if you have any questions.
