
Videos:
Live online Yoga sessions with Matt Ryan
19 Mar 2020
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19 Mar 2020
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11 Feb 2020
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28 Jan 2020
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16 Dec 2019
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11 Nov 2019
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25 Oct 2019
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31 Jul 2019
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30 Apr 2019
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19 Mar 2020
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11 Feb 2020
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28 Jan 2020
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16 Dec 2019
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11 Nov 2019
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25 Oct 2019
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31 Jul 2019
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30 Apr 2019
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19 Mar 2020
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11 Feb 2020
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28 Jan 2020
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16 Dec 2019
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11 Nov 2019
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25 Oct 2019
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31 Jul 2019
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30 Apr 2019
“Just try it out for ten years and see if you like it. If you haven't decided, try another ten more.”Just a quick google search will lead you to all kinds of blogs, stories, and Facebook entries about how their authors have had enough of Ashtanga and gone off in search of something else usually a less intensive practice, and usually entitled ‘Dear Ashtanga’. Let’s get this straight, and I’ve said similar things before Ashtanga Yoga is not too intense or too hard, those are self-created impositions i.e. you’ve made it too intense yourself , buddy! I totally agree that there are Ashtanga teachers who teach the practice likes it’s a military style workout and bark the out the postures like a sergeant major. If this is happening to you don’t be disheartened, don’t give up and certainly don’t be tempted to go over to the dark side of hot yoga. Just find another teacher and begin again. One of the many great things about Ashtanga Yoga is that it’s a sequence you can learn, so eventually you can do it at home on your Jack Jones. You start off at a beginner’s class then after a while you feel confident enough for the intermediate sessions and eventually you are ready for the rocket fuel of Ashtanga Yoga – the Mysore Practice. The Mysore self-practice method will transform your mind and body BUT ONLY IF YOU STICK AT IT. Yes it’s hard work getting up in the morning but get a load of this ..
"There are many variations of Trikonasana."There is only one Ashtanga Yoga, but this will take on many forms depending on the student. Stay with it. * A jump back is sometimes referred to as a ‘vinyasa’ and is the sequence of up dog down dog postures that link the seated postures of Ashtanga Yoga.
Videos:
19 Mar 2020
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11 Feb 2020
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28 Jan 2020
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16 Dec 2019
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11 Nov 2019
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25 Oct 2019
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31 Jul 2019
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30 Apr 2019
David's approach to teacher training is much like his personality: fun, compassionate, and above all, approachable. Set in a context of four decades of teaching, David has a magic about him that is infectious, and provides a much needed light-heartedness to Ashtanga yet there is an undeniable richness in his teaching and guidance. With adjustments and variations provided for all the postures of the Primary Series, David encourages an intuitive rather than overly technical approach to teaching Ashtanga, and after the 40 hours I left feeling more empowered and inspired.Charlene McAuley
I attended David's course to inform my own practice, I wasn't even thinking about getting into teaching. This didn't last long though, I was buzzing at the end of each day - David's enthusiasm for Ashtanga yoga is infectious!
He really is an inspirational teacher with a great sense of humour. David presents the postures, anatomy, philosophy, history, culture and personal anecdotes in an accessible way often wrapped up in a compelling and memorable story. He encourages students to think about what the postures are doing and how to break them down in order to make variations suitable for different bodies. We were provided with the tools to help us decide when to adjust a student and how to adjust safely and effectively. The course was a great investment for both my practice and teaching career. Several years on there are many things I learned that week that I still apply today.Marie Harris
To experience a whole week with David Swenson, the living legend of Ashtanga, is one joy, but to add a packed week of communal yoga and a complete journey through the Primary Series, learning his personalised and practical adjustments takes the senses to a whole new level. David takes us step by step through the postures, interweaving his nicknames for the recommended adjustments ( "..Drive By, anyone,...?!),adding anecdotes and sharing memories of his Beloved Guruji, shining his open, inspirational heart on a practice he loves and respects passionately. He encourages us to teach the series in 90 minutes, so this is relevant not only for teachers but those who want to absorb the Grandmaster's innate warmth, wisdom and practical, no nonsense outlook to a lifetime of yoga.Teresa Dennison
David is a wonderful man who approaches his teacher training in the same way he approaches his Ashtanga yoga life as a whole. Seriously committed, but full of fun. He told us a yogi is someone who leaves a place a little better than when he arrived. And so David did. He built our confidence from day one to deliver teaching of the primary series safely, and precisely as he had learned. His teaching was richly enhanced by tales from Mysore and a sense of humour I will never forget. Yet he was as humble as could be. I believe also that we all made a really good friend that week.Barbara Hastings-Asatourian
We attended the David Swenson 40 hour Teacher Training immersion course in Manchester in May 2014. David Swenson presented the yoga in a fun accessible way and we loved it.David Swenson is a brilliant yoga genius who kept things flowing and really interesting. It has helped with our approach to yoga teaching and inspires us still.Claire & Dave Hatchell
Videos:
19 Mar 2020
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11 Feb 2020
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28 Jan 2020
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16 Dec 2019
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11 Nov 2019
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25 Oct 2019
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31 Jul 2019
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30 Apr 2019
Q: I can’t be bothered to practise, what should I do?
A: Oh, we know that conundrum very well. From having to be physically shoved out of the front door to exclaiming the various reasons why we could not possibly go – we’ve all met the forceful resistance to practise! Even when a practice develops and becomes more regular, there are still days and weeks we can’t be bothered to get out of bed and stand on the mat, however, the disingenuous excuses no longer hold as much sway; increasingly, the wants of the vocal ego are recognised for what they are: momentary and pleasure-seeking. For the most time, just allowing these thoughts to run their course while practising regardless tends to do the trick. That said, the body can sometimes feel too tired for an energetic asana practice such as Ashtanga, which is where complementary, alternative sequences such as Matthew Sweeney’s Chandra Krama are really beneficial. The ‘bare minimum’ (five Sun Salutation A, three Sun Salutation B, and the three finishing postures) of the Ashtanga series is a great way to appease the mind with only a 10 minute practice as opposed to pushing yourself to do 90 minutes; often the energy and will power required to step on the mat is much greater than the asana practice itself. With that in mind, roll out your mat and see how it goes. Remember, if you really don’t want to practice, you don’t have to. Here’s some wise words from the King of Ashtanga, David Swenson:Videos:
19 Mar 2020
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11 Feb 2020
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28 Jan 2020
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16 Dec 2019
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11 Nov 2019
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25 Oct 2019
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31 Jul 2019
Uncategorised:
30 Apr 2019