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Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

  • Daiyuzenji Rinzai Zen Temple 3717 North Ravenswood Avenue Chicago, IL, 60613 United States (map)

Ashtanga Yoga is one of the original systems of yoga developed by Pattabhi Jois, who studied under Krishnamacharya, the Father of Modern Yoga. This practice follows a set sequence of poses—including standing, balancing, seated, backbends, and inversions—that can be modified to suit beginners. The primary series, which we will focus on, is particularly beneficial for stretching the hamstrings and opening the hips.

Ashtanga is a powerful practice that integrates poses (asanas), breath control (ujjayi pranayama), focused gaze (drishti), and energy locks (bandhas) to cultivate inward focus (pratyahara). This practice helps build long, lean muscles, enhances balance and flexibility, oxygenates the body, stimulates the lymphatic system, calms the nervous system, and moves energy through the 12 channels of the body.

Join us in this dynamic and meditative practice to cultivate physical and mental well-being. 

Bring Your yoga mats, blocks, and straps.

Beginners are welcome.

Sundays, starting September 22, 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Class Structure:

  • Opening Chant & Om: Optional, to center and prepare for practice

  • Ashtanga Vinyasa Practice: The core of the class, focusing on the primary series

  • Closing Chant & Om: Optional, to conclude the practice

  • Savasana: A final relaxation pose with a sound bowl to deepen the experience

Ashtanga Yoga Instructor Perry Galanopoulos

Perry's journey into Ashtanga yoga began through his herbal supplement company, where he first encountered the practice. Years of sports injuries had taken a toll on his body, and he turned to Ashtanga and Yin yoga as a way to rehabilitate. The impact was transformative—not only did yoga help him heal physically, but it also had a profound effect on his mind and spirit. Inspired by this experience, Perry pursued his passion further, traveling to Guatemala to earn his 200-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Alliance certification under Doron Hanoch. After taking some downtime for a necessary surgery, Perry is excited to start teaching at Daiyuzenji this fall. He continues to deepen his practice through a 74-hour Ashtanga Immersion course.

Requested Donation for non-members $20. Please donate via Paypal.

To Sign-up Click Here.

Earlier Event: September 14
Hojo Workshop
Later Event: September 22
Aikido for Beginners Open House