The Lineage
Honoring the teachers who have preserved and shared this practice with the world.
Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Guruji (1915–2009)
In July 1915, one of the world's most respected and revered yoga gurus was born under a full moon in Kowshika, India. The teachings of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois went on to influence infinite practices and practitioners around the world.
Guruji dedicated his life to teaching and preserving the Ashtanga Yoga system as taught to him by his teacher, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. He established the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India, where students from around the world came to study under his guidance.
"Do your practice and all is coming."— Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
R. Sharath Jois
Paramaguru (1971–2024)
William & Elizabeth with Sharath Jois at KPJAYI, Mysore
R. Sharath Jois, grandson of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, began his Ashtanga yoga practice at age seven and studied intensively with his grandfather for over two decades. He led the Sharath Yoga Centre in Mysore, India, continuing the lineage and teaching students from around the world until his passing in November 2024.
Both William and Elizabeth studied extensively with Sharath Jois in Mysore and received Level 2 Authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga under his guidance. His teachings continue to inform and inspire their daily practice and instruction.
To learn more about Sharath Jois's life and legacy, visit sharathjois.com
Our Teachers' Lineage
Tim Miller
Elizabeth practicing Trikonasana with Tim Miller, one of the first Americans certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga by Guruji.
Richard Freeman & Mary Taylor
William & Elizabeth at The Yoga Workshop in Boulder, home of Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor's legendary Ashtanga program.
The Parampara
Parampara means "succession" or "lineage" in Sanskrit. In the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, knowledge is passed directly from teacher to student, preserving the integrity and depth of the practice across generations.
At Ashtanga Yoga Denver, we are honored to be part of this lineage, having received direct transmission from Sharath Jois in Mysore, India. We strive to share this practice with the same dedication and authenticity that has been passed down to us.
At Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai — continuing studies in the lineage