Traditional Lineage Practices
At Red Diamond Yoga, we’re proud to carry forward the traditional practices of yoga passed down through Krishnamacharya to his legendary students B.K.S. Iyengar (Iyengar Yoga) and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga Yoga). These time-tested practices are taught just as they were meant to be, teacher to student.
Our instructors have studied directly within these traditions, ensuring that you experience the power, precision, and wisdom of yoga at its roots. Both Iyengar and Ashtanga are beginner-friendly, with plenty of guidance and personal attention, making them a perfect way to build a strong foundation for your practice.
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga, developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, is a precise, alignment-focused practice that uses props like blocks, straps, and bolsters to make postures accessible for every body. Poses are often held longer, giving you time to refine alignment, build strength, and develop awareness. This method is therapeutic, adaptable, and deeply supportive, perfect for students looking to prevent injury, recover, or simply explore yoga with more depth and detail.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga, passed down by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, is a dynamic, flowing practice built on set sequences of postures linked with breath. Each series follows a specific order designed to unlock the body step by step, building strength, stamina, flexibility, and focus. It’s vigorous, disciplined, and transformative, ideal for students who enjoy structure, challenge, and a moving meditation that grows with consistent practice.
The Difference
While both traditions come from the same lineage, Iyengar emphasizes alignment, precision, and therapeutic use of props, while Ashtanga emphasizes flow, discipline, and set sequences. Think of Iyengar as a master class in detail and Ashtanga as a rhythmic, athletic journey; Two paths, both leading to strength, awareness, and balance. Choose the one that serves you best!
Traditional Practice of Ashtanga
Mysore-Style Ashtanga Yoga
Step into the living tradition of Ashtanga yoga, a powerful, breath-centered practice designed to unlock the body, calm the mind, and awaken inner strength. Rooted in the “eight limbs” of yoga, Ashtanga begins with āsana (posture) and flows through a set sequence that unfolds systematically, one pose preparing you for the next. Guided by breath, posture, and drsti (gazing point), the practice becomes a moving meditation.
Mysore-style is the traditional and most effective way to learn Ashtanga yoga. Unlike a led class, you are taught individually within a group setting, progressing at your own pace under the careful guidance of an experienced teacher. Students may arrive anytime within the first hour of class. Beginners are warmly welcomed, you don’t need to know anything before you start. In fact, your first sessions may be just 20–30 minutes long as you are introduced step by step. With steady practice, your sequence and stamina will naturally grow.
If you’ve attended vinyasa or flow classes, many of the poses will feel familiar — but Ashtanga brings the discipline, rhythm, and depth that make lasting transformation possible. Practiced six days a week (with rest on new and full moon days, as well as the first three days of the menstrual cycle), Ashtanga builds consistency, resilience, and stability of mind.
What makes this practice truly special is paramparā — the unbroken lineage of knowledge passed directly from teacher to student. Natalé first met Guruji Sharath Jois in 2002 in Mysore, India, and continues to honor the Ashtanga method exactly as it was transmitted to her.
Join us to experience Ashtanga in its most authentic form — challenging, empowering, and deeply personal. Step onto your mat, breathe, and begin the journey.
Active Series Ashtanga
New to the yoga world, yet rooted in tradition—the Active Series is an exciting sequence developed by Paramaguru Sharath Jois to make the profound benefits of Ashtanga Yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of age, flexibility, or experience.
This 75-minute practice is all about moving, breathing, and staying active—not about perfection. With flowing sequences designed to build strength, maintain muscle mass, improve flexibility, and sharpen focus, the Active Series is the perfect complement to an athletic lifestyle or simply a way to keep your body and mind healthy and vibrant.
Accessible to beginners and beneficial for seasoned athletes alike, this series can be practiced at any time of day, either in a guided class or Mysore-style self-practice. As you breathe and move, you’ll feel stress and tension melt away while gaining clarity, energy, and resilience for daily life.Unveiled in 2024 as Sharathji’s final gift to the world, the Active Series carries forward his wisdom, compassion, and lifelong dedication to sharing the transformative power of yoga.
Traditional Practices Iyengar Style
Iyengar Yoga Beginner
Step onto the mat and start your Iyengar journey! This class is a gentle, supportive introduction to Iyengar Yoga, perfect for those new to yoga or returning after a break. You’ll learn foundational poses, how to use props to make each posture accessible, and simple modifications to enhance your practice.
With each class, you’ll build strength, flexibility, and confidence while gaining body awareness and a solid understanding of alignment. After a month or two, you’ll feel ready to join any Level 1–2 Iyengar class with ease and assurance.
Iyengar Yoga Level 1-2
Take your Iyengar practice to the next level! Level 1–2 classes focus on building a strong, steady foundation through classical standing, seated, and relaxation poses, while introducing inversions and backbends.
With careful guidance and support, even students with injuries or limitations can safely explore new poses while strengthening stability, alignment, and confidence. This class is perfect for anyone who has completed the Beginner or Introduction class and wants to deepen their understanding of Iyengar Yoga while cultivating a smart, mindful, and empowering practice.
Align Yoga
Discover a modern twist on classic style with Align Yoga! Taught by instructors trained in the Iyengar tradition but enriched with complementary practices, these classes combine precise alignment, props, and breathwork to help you move smarter, safer, and more mindfully.
Whether you’re new to yoga, returning after a break, or looking to deepen your practice, Align Yoga offers an accessible path to build strength, flexibility, and body awareness. You’ll learn how to use props and modifications to make poses work for your unique body while gaining confidence and insight that translates to any yoga class.
Align Yoga is perfect for exploring something new, recovering from injuries, or enhancing your existing practice, all in an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment.