Backbends & Closing
Join Us For A Course That Will Help You Rediscover The Finer Details Of Ashtanga's Backbending and Closing Sequences.
LIFETIME ACCESS
*Pricing is in USD
In the Ashtanga Yoga method, regardless of the series you may be working on in your practice, we all end with the same finishing sequence: Backbends and Closing.
How you finish your practice is as important as how you begin your first Sun Salutation.
So, It's worth spending time learning not only the proper technique, but also understanding the deeper meanings behind each posture.
This course is an opportunity to explore these details and also the vinyasa that connect them together.
David and Jelena also look at alignment principles that can help you to deepen and maintain your asana practice safely over time.
Student Reviews
"I really like how David and Jelena break things down into incremental steps. It means that no matter what your ability level is, there’s something that you can work on. Their explanations and hints are applicable to so many parts of the practice… be it the timing of the breath or body position. Definitely worth it!!" - Lisa Huzel
"David and Jelena are phenomenal teachers! I have signed up for every course they offered online this year. Each course was interesting and I learned so much about my practice. I highly recommend taking any course they offer, in person or online you can’t go wrong. I am so grateful they are my teachers." - Jamie Bailey
"Ashtangi’s – these are your people! From beginner to very experienced, this program is for everyone who comes wanting to learn, explore and laugh every session. David and Jelena are excellent teachers who demonstrate dedication, diligence, patience and a sense of humor. The quality of your practice will be enhanced." - Deborar Grauer
Course Details
Lesson 1 - BACKBENDING
Ashtanga’s Backbending Sequence grows and changes as you progress in your practice. From Urdhva Dhanurasana to Dropbacks to Tic Tocs, this workshop outlines the sequence and it’s development in your practice.
We also provide techniques on performing the asanas and vinyasas such as cakrasana in this lesson.
Lesson 2 - Closing 1/2: Sarvangasana to Uttana Padasana
In this workshop we study the vinyasa and ascribed alignment for this important sequence of inversions. Special emphasis is placed on safely bringing the body deeper into each of the poses.
Lesson 3 - Closing 2/2: Sirsasana to Uth Pluthih
Sirsasana, Head Stand, is known as the king of all asanas. While we hold this pose we stop, and even reverse, times’ passage in our body. P Jois recommended that we build to hold this pose for 3 hours! In this modest workshop, we will try for just 5 minutes.
In this workshop we also look at the last 3 sitting postures, which includes everyone's favorite: Uth Pluthih.
Included In This Course:
- 3 x 90 minute pre-recorded classes with David and Jelena.
- PDF Practice Manual to take notes and have a visual guide to enhance your knowledge as you move through the course.
- Bonus: Free (recorded) Led Primary Series Class
Students will have LIFETIME access to all lessons and materials in this course.
*Pricing is in USD
No refunds once purchased
About David and Jelena
David Robson is a practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, in the tradition of Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC). David is the director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world’s largest Mysore programs outside of India.
David began a daily practice in 1998 while at university studying Comparative Religion. After graduating, David made his first trip to Mysore, India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. Since then he has returned to Mysore annually to deepen and enrich his practice and teaching.
In 2007, David was Authorized to teach Ashtanga and now holds a level 2 authorization.
Jelena first came to yoga through dance. As a former ballet dancer of 16 years, the structure and rigour of the Ashtanga Yoga practice felt like home. Drawn to the discipline, mindfulness of the movement and emphasis on the breath, Jelena made the Ashtanga practice her sole focus in 2009.
Jelena has maintained a daily Ashtanga practice for over a decade. She’s made two trips to Mysore, India to study with her teacher, Sharath Jois.
Lastly, Jelena’s true passion lies in promoting rescue and adoption of (street) dogs. You can often find her sharing her love for #adoptdontshop on her IG, and sharing the joys of living with her two fur-babies, Boksoon and Khani, both celebrities in their own right.