Welcome. Let's connect. Email Me.
Meet Ashok
Training
The KYM International Yoga Teacher Training Program (IYTTP) requires over 700 hours of intensive, in-depth training covering principles and techniques spanning across philosophies. I received focused instruction on topics like vinyasa kramas (asana sequencing), chanting, pranayama, meditation, physiology and psychology, just to name a few. The program also includes mentoring, observation of other instructors, and guidance in understanding the functionality of various tools that yoga provides.
I am also a certified Ayurveda Marma practitioner from the Art of Living Sri Sri School of Ayurveda. Marma is a subset of Ayurveda, the oldest holistic healing system, which uses energy healing methodology for unblocking channels (Nadis) to achieve whole health and wellbeing.
In addition to formal training, I have spent over 200 hours of research, reading and self-practice as part of my journey. I will continue to learn more about yoga and surrounding topics to bring a more holistic approach in my teachings.
Ashok means "without sorrow" in Sanskrit!
That you are able to connect to the power of your breath to exist in a state of happiness.
I am on a mission to make the tools of yoga available to everyone easily and enable them to apply it in their daily lives. I served on the board of Yoga Behind Bars (www.yogabehindbars.org) and continue to serve Humanize Homelessness (www.humanize.ngo)
My Inspiration
My journey started in 2006 while visiting the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) in Chennai, India, for yoga therapy. The KYM approach had a profound impact on me, not only addressing my conditions, but bringing me to my current path as a yoga practitioner and teacher.
As in any fitness regime, I focus on building strength, stability and balance in my practice. But yoga has not only improved my fitness - it has also deepened my awareness of my true physical and mental state, of my true self. Through the years I have practiced several different styles of yoga, but have been drawn to the KYM approach of using classical techniques and finding unique ways to use breath and chants as a medium of movement.
I use breath as a key component in the daily practice that has helped me realize my personal goals. This profound experience led me to take a sabbatical from my 20-year career in the tech industry to jump into KYM’s International Yoga Teachers Training program to deepen my understanding of yoga.
Teaching
I specialize in the classical concept of viniyoga, which applies the tools of yoga to meet individual needs as appropriate for them. I couple this approach with my personal experience of using breath and mantras to center the mind and bring awareness to your daily life.
My primary goal is inspiring and guiding others to become more mindful by offering a practice of yoga that is customized for them. My gratification is seeing others realize their full potential through this practice.
Tradition
I follow the yoga tradition of my teachers’ lineage of the legendary Sri T Krishnamacharya and Sri TKV Desikachar. This is a classical tradition that is holistic in nature and incorporates all elements of the yoga journey for an individual. For more information, visit www.kym.org