Te Aro Astanga Yoga

Te Aro Astanga Yoga is a small yoga studio in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand.

It was established by Mike Berghan and his wife Victoria in 1999.We teach authentic astanga yoga, following the tradition handed down to us by Sri K Pattabhi Jois and family in Mysore, South.Most of our classes are taught in the traditional Mysore style. This enables us to tailor the practice to the unique needs and situation of every person. Students are guided through series of postures that gradually expand and re-awaken inner strengths and capabilities. Many of our students have been part of our studio for years. There are also plenty of absolute beginners. Whoever comes to class each day, we enjoy sharing this beautiful and powerful practice.

Our tradition

Astanga yoga (also spelt ‘ashtanga’) stems from an ancient tradition of practices designed to purify and unify the mind, body and spirit. It was popularised throughout the world by yogi and Sanskrit scholar Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, who taught at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, South until his death in 2009 at age 93.

We practice astanga yoga by combining breath control/focus (pranayama) with flowing movements (vinyasa).As we move through different postures (asana), we focus our attention on the breath, gazing points (drishti) and energy locks (bandhas).By combining these elements we warm and stretch the body, focus the mind, and develop inner strength and confidence. Students work through different series of postures, slowly expanding capabilities and self-awareness. Physical benefits can include increased cardio-vascular fitness, strengthened internal organs, improved concentration, increased general strength and flexibility, and better resilience to stress.