rock-et

[rok-it]

-noun

1.    a space capsule or vehicle put into orbit by devices containing combustibles that on being ignited, propels the capsule through the air.

2.    a style of yoga based on the Ashtanga system

the rocket is a non-traditional style of the ashtanga yoga as taught to larry schultz by his teacher, sri pattabhi jois - then adapted into a dynamic sequence that propels the capsule body through the air …

ok.  just kidding with that last part.  (sort of).

but maybe you've heard of this yoga?  admittedly for someone not familiar, it can seem intimidating.  after all, it IS a yoga system developed by larry – the original “bad man” of ashtanga yoga. 

i'll never forget the first time my teacher, david kyle, introduced me to this style.  i was then and remain now, a dedicated mysore student.  this traditional style of ashtanga yoga continues to keep me healthy, focused, and grounded - and i have no plans to give it up.  but, i must admit ...

... there was something missing.  that continuous flow, a little creativity, and (dare i say it?) fun!

i found all this and more in the rocket - a practice i now incorporate 2-3 times into my weekly schedule. 

in my traditional practice, i'm stuck stopped at supta vajrasana (don't ask!).  before rocket, i would look longingly at those who flow past this hellish posture and get to go on to the postures that my body craved yet were forbidden ... handstands, forearm balances, crow.

these days, i don't mind.  in my more traditional practice, i stay where i am, old school and labor through the struggle with my kapotasana and my supta vajrasana.  i recognize that i have work to do here and i've made peace with this. 

but part of my peace pact is because i know i have a play date with the rocket coming up!

i'm not alone.  there IS a rapidly growing group of us out there who enjoy the structure of ashtanga – yet crave the the opportunity to break loose now and again.  luckily for us rebels free spirits - we have the rocket. 

what rocket IS: 

                        image by meghan powell

it's all just yoga, baby!

the rocket moves and is designed to flow.  so where those common "stopping" places or other impediments pop up in ashtanga – we bring in modifications, choices, or omit those postures entirely.  (really … how many of us can flow through supta kurmasana??)

another key difference is the way the standing series flows - one side is done in completion, then the other.  when practiced in this way, we are able to further build and play with our endurance and strength … and not far from the way krishnamacharya used to practice in his vinyasa krama system.

exhilarating!  as the rocket introduces pincha and handstand (second series postures) in every class!  we believe anyone can benefit from the joyous play of giving our legs a break. 

((ssshhhh!  we even include some third and fourth series postures as transitions!))

i am oversimplifying, for sure … yet in a way - it really IS that simple.

the tip of the rocket, with david kyle of it's yoga puerto rico

what rocket is NOT:

boring.  even though the skeleton sequence of a rocket I, II, or III remains consistent, the variations and possibilities within each practice leave no room for monotony.

exclusive.  we welcome everyone.  can’t put your foot behind your head?  no problem!  can’t grab your wrist in a bind?  another day!  handstands scary?  use a wall! 

easy.  what?  you practice a yoga that is??

scary.  then why is it named “rocket yoga?”  well, that was thanks to one of larry’s students, bob weir of the grateful dead, who gave it it’s name because “this yoga can get you there faster.” 

but in the end, rocket yoga is nothing more complicated than power yoga – with a little hydraulic boost.

image by meghan powell

come practice rocket every sunday with me at 4:30 pm --

the ashtanga yoga center in dc

---  the rocket III lands in bozeman, MT ---

april 29th (6 - 8 pm)

hosted by be the change yoga and montana lotus

pssst!  please pass it on ....

not from dc? check out it's yoga studios/teachers all over the world!

it’s yoga philosophy

“as people let go of the fears and let themselves extend fully, they need to keep their sense of humor, of kindness to themselves, of generosity as they see their limitations and, at the same time, they need to be disciplined enough to keep their practices constant, focused and as strong as possible.”

 larry schultz

1950-2011

if you’d like to read more, follow

david kyle and his blog