How to Choose the Right Ashtanga Yoga Teacher
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In Ashtanga yoga, the relationship between student and yoga teacher is at the heart of growth. The practice itself is structured and disciplined, but guidance from the right teacher helps you move safely, avoid injury, and stay motivated when the journey gets tough. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first Ashtanga yoga class or a long-time practitioner seeking refinement, choosing the right teacher can make all the difference.
Qualities of a Great Ashtanga Yoga Teacher
1. Lineage and Experience
Ashtanga yoga is traditionally passed from teacher to student. Many respected teachers trained directly in Mysore, Texas, Chicago. While formal authorization is one way to trace lineage, equally important is the teacher’s personal dedication and years of yoga practice. Ask about their background, who they studied with, and how long they’ve been teaching.
2. Teaching Style and Communication
Every teacher explains Ashtanga yoga differently. Some focus on alignment and anatomy, while others emphasize breath, bandhas, and meditation. The right yoga teacher for you is one who communicates in a way that resonates - encouraging but not forceful, supportive yet challenging.
3. Ability to Offer Adjustments and Modifications
A skilled teacher can adapt the Primary Series or Second Series to suit your body. They know when to push you gently forward and when to suggest modifications for safety. Look for someone who prioritizes long-term sustainability over short-term performance.
4. Balance of Tradition and Accessibility
While Ashtanga yoga has a strong tradition, modern yoga teachers also understand today’s students may be practicing online or with busy schedules. The right teacher honors tradition while meeting you where you are.
Online vs. In-Person Teachers
In-Person Guidance
Practicing in a shala (studio) allows for hands-on adjustments and a sense of community. If you live near cities with strong Ashtanga communities - like Austin, Denver, Philadelphia, or San Diego - you may find daily Mysore-style classes.
Online Options
If travel isn’t possible, online guidance can be just as valuable. For example, you can learn directly from one of the most respected teachers, David Swenson, through his Practice Online courses. Online workshops and in-person classes offer flexibility while keeping you connected to the global Ashtanga family.
Tools to Support Your Learning
Alongside finding the right teacher, resources such as books and guided study materials can greatly enrich your understanding of yoga. David Swenson’s new book, Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow, offers inspiring reflections and personal stories designed to encourage both beginners and seasoned practitioners to approach yoga—and life itself—with fresh perspective and humor.
For those seeking a more practice-focused resource, David’s classic Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual is often described as “the most user-friendly yoga book available.” Containing over 650 photos, detailed variations for every posture in the Primary and Intermediate Series, plus three Short Forms, this spiral-bound guide is as practical as it is comprehensive, making it invaluable for new students, experienced practitioners, and teachers alike.
Complementing these works are texts from other masters that explore subtle but powerful aspects of yoga. Swami Buddhananda’s Moola Bandha: The Master Key unlocks one of yoga’s most profound internal practices, providing clear instructions and theory for awakening kundalini energy through the bandhas. Meanwhile, Swami Muktibodhananda’s Swara Yoga: The Tantric Science of Brain Breathing delves into the rhythms of prana, nadis, and chakras, presenting advanced breathwork practices along with an English translation of the ancient Shiva Swarodaya.
Together, these books form a rich library for any serious practitioner—combining Swenson’s practical guidance with traditional yogic wisdom on energy, breath, and awareness. By pairing teacher-led instruction with self-study through these texts, students create a balanced and well-rounded path of growth.
Choosing the right Ashtanga yoga teacher is a personal journey. Look for experience, compassion, and a teaching style that aligns with your needs. Don’t be afraid to try a few yoga classes with different teachers until you find the right fit.
And remember - you don’t have to do this alone. Resources like Practice Online with David Swenson and his new book Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow can guide and inspire you every step of the way.
With the right teacher and the right tools, your Ashtanga journey can become a lifelong practice of growth, strength, and joy.