Primary Series Intensive

40 Hours

Dates: June 28 - July 5, 2025

Location: Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto

Investment: $1450 + HST(13%)

Includes:

20 hours: Practice with David & Jelena (7 Mysore & Led classes, 8 Pranayama & Meditation classes)
20 hours: Workshops with David & Jelena (In-person skills and knowledge workshops on Sanskrit Vinyasa count, Posture Alignment, & Biomechanics)

Apply Here

Payment Options:

RESERVE YOUR SPOT (Full Payment)

RESERVE YOUR SPOT (20% Deposit)

Take advantage of our early bird pricing to secure your spot now! Sign up before the end of February and pay in full to receive 10% off.

Refine your practice and transform your understanding of the Primary Series with this 1-week deep dive into the heart of Ashtanga.

This intensive is designed for committed practitioners who want to deepen their understanding of the Primary Series, refine their technique, and connect more profoundly with the essence of Ashtanga yoga.

What You’ll Learn

In-Depth Workshops: Learn proper technique, alignment, and the traditional vinyasa Sanskrit count for each pose in Ashtanga’s Primary Series.
Philosophy and Tradition: Explore the roots of Ashtanga yoga, including its eight-limbed path and its relevance in modern life.
Pranayama and Meditation: Develop a deeper connection with your breath and cultivate inner stillness.

This Intensive Is For You If

You are a practitioner with a foundational knowledge of the Primary Series and you want to refine and deepen your practice.
You are a yoga teacher seeking to enhance your understanding of the Ashtanga yoga method.
You are ready for a physically and mentally enriching week of yoga and self-discovery.

Why Choose This Intensive?

Expert Guidance: Learn from dedicated senior teachers with extensive experience in the Ashtanga yoga tradition.
Hands-On Experience: Practice and refine your skills with real-time feedback in a supportive environment.
Comprehensive Approach: From vinyasa counts to alignment, explore every facet of the Primary Series.
Flexibility: Tailored for both participants in the 200-hour Programme and those looking for a focused, standalone course. It’s an opportunity to gain valuable insights without needing to commit to a longer program.
Community Connection: Join a like-minded group of Ashtanga enthusiasts and build lasting relationships with people from all over the world.
Personal Growth: Challenge your limits and uncover new levels of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

Get personalized attention and hands-on practice!
Space is limited to provide you with an intimate setting for learning.

Investment: $4450 + HST(13%)

Investment Includes:

40 hours of instruction
Unlimited AYCT membership for the duration of the intensive & mat storage
AYCT Ashtanga Primary Series Intensive Workbook
Canadian Yoga Alliance Certificate of Completion (40-hour continuing education)

Does NOT Include:

Travel and accommodation costs

Reserve Your Spot Today!

Complete Your Application
Fill out the application form to share your background, intentions, and goals for this training. This helps us ensure a meaningful and supportive experience for all participants.
Confirm Your Enrollment
A 20% deposit is required to reserve your spot in the training. The final balance is due by May 31, 2025. Alternatively, full payment can be made to confirm your enrollment.

Important: Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis after completing the application form and payment process. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible opportunity!

Take advantage of our early bird pricing to secure your spot now! Sign up before the end of February and receive 10% off.

Cancellation Policy: We accept cancellations up to May 31, 2025 for a full refund minus an administration fee (20% of the original workshop fee). No refunds are available for cancellations made on or after June 1, 2025.

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RESERVE YOUR SPOT (Full Payment)

RESERVE YOUR SPOT (20% Deposit)

Teachers

David Robson

David Robson is a practitioner and teacher of Ashtanga Yoga, in the tradition of Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC). He’s a co-director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world’s largest Mysore style programs.

David began a daily practice in 1998 while at university studying Comparative Religion. After graduating, he made his first trip to Mysore, India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. In 2007, David was authorized to teach Ashtanga.

He has become well known on social media for his educational and entertaining tutorials. He also leads workshops and retreats around the world with his wife Jelena.

Jelena Vesić

After four years of pursuing her PhD (Political Science, York University, Toronto), Jelena decided to walk away and dedicate herself to teaching Ashtanga Yoga full time. She’s been teaching since 2014, and is a co-director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto where she leads one of the world’s largest Mysore programs. Jelena also teaches workshops and retreats in Toronto and around the world with her husband David.
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 made many trips to Mysore, India and studied with her teacher, Shri Sharath Jois. In addition, Jelena also considers herself to be a student of Jack Kornfield, a Buddhist teacher and clinical psychologist. She’s completed his and Tara Brach’s two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program.

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, Goku and Khani, both celebrities in their own right.

I highly recommend the 40 hour Intensive with David and Jelena. Their passion, talent, and generosity, along with their beautiful shala and the warm community they have built, makes for such a memorable experience. My practice grew so much because of the Mysore practice every morning under their watchful guidance and the afternoon tutorials which provided an in-depth knowledge of the asanas - Sanskrit included. Plus, having classmates from all over the world - literally, added so much enjoyment to the program! I loved it so much, I am now an AYCT member! Come and have fun this summer in Toronto!

- Shane M. | Toronto

The Primary Intensive program was a great experience. The combination of informative workshops and Mysore practice helped me learn so much! David and Jelena are so genuine and kind, and all the staff at AYCT are very friendly and helpful. I wish I lived closer and could spend more time with these amazing humans. I do hope to return soon. I would love to take the assisting course someday. Maybe next year! Until then, I appreciate the live stream led classes on Saturday mornings. Thank you for all you do!

- Jessi S. | Iowa

I’ve always dreamed of learning with David and Jelena, but my knowledge of Ashtanga was basic at best. Despite my nerves, I took the leap and signed up for the Primary Series Intensive course and it turned out to be a transformative experience. It not only deepened my practice, but it set a positive tone for the summer, and my life.

Primary Series Intensive