 MATTHEW SWEENEY
Ashtanga Yoga Special Event
July 11 – 17, 2008
This weekend workshop is an informative and practical exploration of Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga. It will include traditional Ashtanga Yoga, therapeutic Vinyasa sequences and Yoga philosophy. It is a unique opportunity for both novice and advanced Yoga enthusiasts to practice under the tutelage of an international and advanced Yoga teacher.
Matthew delivers these workshops with enthusiasm and a fun-filled atmosphere to allow you to explore the joy of Yoga. The latest aspects of Matthew’s workshop series include flowing led practices and insightful guidance on various hints, tricks and techniques for some of the more intricate aspects of asana practice. These sessions are useful for practitioners from any tradition!
FRIDAY, July 11
6:00 - 8:00 PM Gentle Alternative Vinyasa Sequence…
Chandra Krama: The Moon Sequence
Beginning with a short introduction about the workshop and Vinyasa Yoga this class will commence with Moon Sequence. Feeling tired? Depleted? Injured? Or otherwise a bit low? This 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 and men. The sequence focuses on 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.
 SATURDAY, July 12
9:00 - NOON The Complete Primary Series
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.
2:00 - 4:00 PM 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. This class will begin with a warm up based on the traditional series and then explore the jumps in Surya Namaskara followed by the jumps in and out of the sitting postures - both cross-legged and straight-legged. These useful techniques have been comprehensively developed over many years and are applicable for students of any level.
 SUNDAY, July 13
9:00-NOON Introduction to the Intermediate Series
This class is an introduction as well as a refresher for all of those students who want to know more about the Intermediate Series. The traditional flow of the sequence will be taught in conjunction with easy to apply variations to increase your capacity to attempt these challenging postures. The class will involve discussion and practice of the core postures of the Intermediate Series, particularly the back bends and leg behind the head. A question and answer session will conclude the class.
2:00 - 4:30 PM Vinyasa, Back Bending and Meditation.
This class will begin with a short Vinyasa warm up followed by an exploration into 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. The session will conclude with a group discussion on Yoga Philosophy and a final closing Meditation sequence that is easy to learn and practice.
Weekly Practice Sessions: Monday through Thursday
6:00 AM Mysore Style Classes
Students must book all four Mysore sessions. If you are new to the traditional Ashtanga system give yourself the opportunity to begin a personal practice under the guidance of one on the world’s most renowned international Ashtanga teachers. Existing Ashtanga practitioners will also flourish under his encouraging and informed eye. Individual attention, adjustments and verbal guidance will be given to support each student and encourage them towards their full potential. Due to the limit of 12 students you will be guaranteed personal attention.
9:30 AM Guided Primary Class
These classes will begin with a basic and easy to follow Primary Series class – approximately half of the sequence. Each class will cover the additional aspects of the sequence. Matthew will provide useful techniques for the standing postures, the basic sitting postures, the core postures and finishing sequence.
Noon – 3:00 PM Adjustment Skills & Techniques
With experience of running many teacher training courses, one-on-one apprenticeships and 20 years of Yoga practice, Matthew will be offering a unique series of classes on adjustment skills and techniques. Each session will progress through the four basic aspects of the Primary Series: Standing Postures, Core Sitting Postures, Back Bends and Inversions (Headstand and Handstand). You are encouraged to book all 4 sessions to gain the most from theses classes.
Pricing
Weekend Workshop: $275
4- Day Practice Session: $200 Mysore or Guided
4-Day Adjustment Skills & Techniques Session: $200
Individual classes: $60
For more information on Matthew, please visit his web-site
http://www.yogatemple.com |
