Matthew is pleased to announce his schedule for 2010 - including just a few weekend workshops and a number of 1 month programs for students wanting to evolve their self practice to new and improved levels!
1 Month Program
March 6 to April 2
CHIA-YI, TAIWAN
yoga928@yahoo.com.tw
Weekend Workshop
April 16 to April 22
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
info@qiyoga.net
www.qiyoga.net
1 Month Program
April 25 to May 21
TOKYO, JAPAN
hitomi@sakura-yoga.jp
www.underthelight.jp
Weekend Workshop
June 11 to June 13
LONDON, UK
info@triyoga.co.uk
www.triyoga.co.uk
1 Month Program
June 20 to July 16
PARIS, FRANCE
caroline.boulinguez@samasthitistudio.net
www.samasthitistudio.net
Weekend Workshop
July 30 to August 5
CARLSBAD, CA, USA
info@ashtangayogacenter.com
www.ashtangayogacenter.com
1 Month Program
August 8 to September 3
DURHAM, NC, USA
franslavich@yahoo.com
www.ridethebreath.com
Weekend Workshop
September 24 to September 27
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
info@ashtangamelbourne.com.au
www.ashtangamelbourne.com
1 Month Program
November 14 to December 11
KO PHANGANG, THAILAND
ninthlimb@yahoo.com.au
www.yogatemple.com
Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Krama
Consistency and Creativity
1 Month Program with Matthew Sweeney
The intention for these 1 Month Programs is to provide consistent self-practice for students to learn the traditional aspects of Ashtanga Yoga and the inclusion of alternative sequencing displayed in the book Vinyasa Krama. Students can pursue one or the other of these methods or a combination of the two. This course will be a unique experiment in self-practice where the main goal is individual guidance rather than adhering to rigid set formats. It is preferable for students to commit for a complete month, although two weeks is also an option. In this case it is required that students come for the first two weeks. Please keep in mind that although the basic structure of the course is certain, many of the smaller details, such as class times, may be subject to change.
TIMETABLE
Saturday evening: the first Saturday prior to the course will involve an informal gathering to get to know one another, have a cup of chai and see the practice space.
Sunday: 9am -12am, Led Vinyasa Class (Level 1 to Level IV)
Sunday: 2pm-5pm, Technique Class (Foundation, Strength, Flexibility, Balance)
Monday to Thursday: 7am and 9am Self-practice sessions, max 15 per session.
Monday: 6.30pm-9.00pm, Pranayama, Meditation and Yoga discussion.
Tuesday: 6.30pm-9.00pm, Teacher Training for select students.
Friday: 7am-10am, Single session, adjustment free day.
Each of the first three Sunday sessions are also stand alone weekend workshops. Students can attend these casually, but must attend for the whole day. The final weekend is for committed students only. The pranayama classes are for students committed for 2 or 4 weeks, no casual attendance. The teacher training aspect is through individual application to Matthew only.
Week 1: The Moon Sequence
Developing your foundation and incorporating alternatives into your practice. During the first week of the course the main focus will be on integrating the Moon Sequence into a weekly practice, or demonstrating your understanding of it if you have already learnt it from an authorised teacher. Students can practice the Primary series during the latter half of the week.
Sunday Workshop (I)
Chandra Krama: The Moon Sequence
9am: The first session will commence with an introduction about Vinyasa Yoga and the practice of Chandra Krama. The Moon Sequence is a gentle flowing vinyasa form accessible for all levels. Although this sequence was originally intended for practice on the full moon, the new moon and during the menstrual cycle, it is appropriate at any time for women or men. This sequence emphasises the hips, groin, lower spine and abdominals, which will feel awake and alive after moving through the postures. It takes pressure off the neck, shoulders and wrists (common from the standard jumps in the Ashtanga series) and is useful as a regular alternative to the intense heat of the traditional Ashtanga. Whether old or young this sequence is great for any age. Some Yoga experience is recommended.
Foundation and Standing Postures.
2pm: The technique class on the first Sunday will focus on the development of the standing postures and some sitting postures from both the Moon Sequence and the Primary Sequence. This will include learning how to improve your breathing and vinaysa with these sequences.
Monday Evening: Pranayama and Meditation (I)
The first pranayama class will cover essential details on applying ujjayi pranayama (breathing with sound). A few different postures will be explored to offer guidance for improving the breath in each asana, and a simple counting method for applying this pranayama in a comfortable manner. An examination of the therapeutic aspects of pranayama and meditation will be covered. Metta bhavana, or the practice of loving kindness, a simple and beautiful Buddhist meditation will conclude the session. Students are expected to implement each of the pranayama and meditation techniques into their daily practice for the week following.
Week 2: The Primary Sequence
Developing Strength and Flexibility
During the second week of the course the main focus will be on integrating the traditional Primary and Intermediate Series, or as much of these as the student is capable. This will include increasing competency and consistency with the standard vinyasa and encouraging the development of the back bending process in these series.
Sunday Workshop (II)
Yoga Chikitsa: The Primary Sequence
9am: Taught in a flowing and informative manner, this class will take the students through the Primary Series from start to finish. Students will be encouraged to attempt the postures to their own particular level of ability to avoid pain and injury and to maximize the sense of joy and ease that is possible in the traditional sequence. A discussion and answer session will conclude this class, with examination of some of the anatomical and physiological outlines of the Primary seated postures and individual body types. Some Ashtanga Yoga experience is necessary for this class, though students will be encouraged to omit any postures that are particularly problematic.
Back Bending and Mula Bandha
2pm: This class will begin with a short vinyasa warm up. This will be followed by exploring variations of back bending and drop backs. Simple hands on exercises will be provided to increase awareness of the articulation of the lower spine, pelvic floor and psoas muscles. This session will also include some practical advice for understanding and applying the mula bandha, or root lock and will conclude with a group discussion.
Monday Evening: Pranayama and Meditation (II)
The second pranayama class will explore viloma pranayama and anuloma pranayama, or breathing with pauses. These techniques are particularly helpful for improvement of ujjayi paranayama and kumbhaka, or breath retention. The meditation covered will be on the development of awareness of each chakra (energy wheel) and the possible blockage/release in each.
Week 3: The Lion Sequence
Exploration and Expansion
The third week of the course will focus on integrating the Lion Sequence into a weekly practice, or demonstrating what you have already learnt of it. Some students will be encouraged to do more of the Moon Sequence and Primary Sequence to improve stability in the foundation of vinyasa practice.
Sunday Workshop (III)
Simha Krama: The Lion Sequence
This sequence is the second series that Matthew has designed. The Lion Sequence flows from the Moon Sequence, introducing postures that expand upon concepts begun in the latter series. It involves exploration of different standing postures, therapeutic back bends, a shoulder opening sequence and a playful approach to various inversion postures. This sequence can be a useful alternative to the traditional Intermediate Series where you may find certain postures (or the whole sequence) becoming either too painful, impossible or simply inappropriate for you.
Jumping Through and Jumping Back
This class will explore the methods and techniques necessary to implement greater ease and ability with jumping through and jumping back. It will begin with a warm up for the wrists and then explore the jumps in Suryanamaskara in a step by step manner. Using these techniques as a platform, the progressive application of the jumps in and out of the sitting postures will be developed - both cross-legged and straight-legged. These useful techniques have been comprehensively developed over many years and are applicable for students of any level.
Monday Evening: Pranayama and Meditation (III)
The third pranayama class will cover nadi shodana, or alternate nostril breathing, considered to be the king of all pranayama. The meditation to explore will be on kevala kumbhaka and raja kevala kumbhaka – or observation of breath and mind.
Week 4: Developing Intermediate and Advanced Practices - individual guidance.
The main focus in the final week will be on individual guidance – students can focus more on the traditional practice or on the alternative sequencing depending on the need. Select students can attempt the Bound and Flying Sequences.
Sunday Workshop (IV)
Baddha Krama: The Bound Sequence
9am: This sequence is the third series that Matthew has designed. The Bound Sequence, although involving a number of advanced postures, can be taught for most practitioners to experience the strength and focus necessary for attempting each of the asana. Progressing from Suryanamaskara A to a variation on handstands and back bends into Surynamaskara D, this sequence involves many postures requiring the student to bind the hands or feet in some manner. Suitable variations will be offered to provide a safe and fun environment of learning.
Shoulder Sequence and Inversions
2pm: This class will begin by a revisiting the shoulder sequence taught in Simha Krama, followed by an exploration of headstand the fore-arm balance and handstand. A combination of easy to follow techniques and a fun atmosphere of learning will infuse this session. This class will finish with a summary of the course and a group discussion to end.
Monday Evening: Pranayama and Meditation (III)
The fourth pranayama class will revisit some of the work already done and add kumbhaka, or breath retention, to each of the breathing techniques - ujjayi, viloma, anuloma and nadi shodana. A group discussion and exploration of the spiritual dimension will conclude the session.
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