Ashtanga Shanghai

Ashtanga Shanghai started as a self-practice group by a group of friends with no where to go in Shanghai to practice yoga in the way they were taught. Driven by passion rather than sensibilities, two yogins invited teachers to come teach ever so often. Starting only with weekend classes in rented conference room, the shala aim was to share yoga and grow the community. And as the community grew, so did their passion to teach. Through the shala, the students and the visiting teachers – yoga became more then just a practice. It’s definitely a path where they discovered themselves and their friendship. 

Though our history may be short, and the shadow we cast may be small, but the shala is born out of love to share & self discovery. It is with tradition that we want to continue to grow. To those that have walked the path with us or even continued on, know that you are remembered fondly.

To my founding partner Jenny Beltre, thank you for sharing commitment and inspiring passion. And for continually encouraging me to pursue this path even after you’ve left Shanghai.

"Any change into a new state of being is the result of the fullness of Nature unfolding inherent potential"

"The more intense the faith and effort, the closer the goal"

"The attainment of clarity is a gradual process" 

"Where there is no breath, there is no life"

 "A broken mirror creates a thousand reflections of a single image"

 “In daily life we see people around who are happier than we are, people who are less happy.

Some may be doing praiseworthy things and others causing problems.

Whatever maybe our usual attitude towards such people and their actions,

if we can be pleased with others who are happier than ourselves,

compassionate toward those who are unhappy,

joyful with those doing praiseworthy things,

and remain undisturbed by the error of others,

our mind will be very tranquil.” 

Yoga Sutra