When we say 'Ashtanga Yoga' one generally is referring to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, a type of yoga that is part of the hatha tradition, yet brought a more specific methodology to the practice of this ancient tradition. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois is the current lineage holder, and he teaches the method of Ashtanga Yoga directly as he was taught by his guru Sri Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya inspired a renaissance in modern yoga, and brought the practices to a much wider audience. He was one of the first to teach asana to women. His three main disciples, B.K.S. Iyengar, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and T.K.V. Desikachar, have spread his teachings throughout the world. See AYRI for more details.

Ashtanga yoga, as taught by Jois, combines the important elements of the breathing, the focal point for the posture, and inner 'locks' or support for a pose. Combined, these three elements help to make this style of yoga transformational on a physical and mental level. The breathing, called 'Ujayii' has a direct link to the mind, and is the key to the practice of ashtanga yoga. the body follows the mind, which follows the breath The gaze of a posture, or 'drishti' is important in directing the flow of energy in a posture, and in keeping the mind fixed on the present. Finally, the inner locks, or points of support, called 'bandhas' in Sanskrit, are physical areas that are held. On a physical level, they support the body in a posture, while on a subtle level, they help to unlock blockages in the nervous system, which come about from repeated patterns of tension, stress, or from improper diet.

Ashtanga yoga is an entry point into many other yoga practices and to learning to live yoga off of the mat. The foundation of yoga philosophy is a text called the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In this text, Patanjali sets out eight limbs, or parts of yoga. The yoga postures (called asana) are the third limb. The first limb are behaviors which act as a bridge between ourselves and the outside world. They encourage us to cultivate certain attitudes of non-violence, truthfulness, not stealing, or taking, not being pulled by our desires, and learning to live based on our needs. The second limb is comprised of behaviors which bridge our relationship with ourselves. They include living clean and naturally, based on needs and feeling content, cultivating inner heat through practices, inner study and questioning and cultivating an attitude of inner surrender. The most important part of yoga is learning to integrate all of your practices, what you do on and off the mat are directly related.