William Mushkin
Level 2 Authorized by Sharath Jois
Founder of Ashtanga Yoga Denver, bringing authentic Mysore-style practice to Colorado since establishing The Cube as Denver's dedicated Ashtanga shala.
"The practice wakens me daily to the wordless truths which I know but often misplace."
The Journey
First Encounter with Ashtanga
William was first introduced to Ashtanga yoga by Beryl Bender Birch, a student of Norman Allen—one of the first Western students of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This planted the seed for a lifelong practice.
The Awakening in Mexico
In Sayulita, Mexico, William met Gibran Gonzalez Madrid, who demonstrated the entire Ashtanga Primary Series in its simple grace. Witnessing the asanas and the space between them, William fell deeply in love with the practice and committed to daily study.
Level 2 Authorization
In Mysore, India, William received Level 2 Authorization directly from Sharath Jois at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPJAYI). This authorization represents years of dedicated study and is granted only to teachers who demonstrate deep understanding of the Ashtanga method.
Teachers & Influences
William's practice has been shaped by many influential teachers in the Ashtanga lineage. He expresses deep gratitude to:
- Sharath Jois — Director of KPJAYI, Mysore
- Saraswathi Rangaswamy — Daughter of Pattabhi Jois
- Richard Freeman — Yoga Workshop, Boulder
- Mary Taylor — Yoga Workshop, Boulder
- Tim Miller — First American certified teacher
- Jorgen Christiansson
"Through the practice, he has passed through the essences of many beautiful people. He thanks the third person—those who practice next to him."
Teaching Philosophy
William teaches in the traditional Mysore style, where students practice at their own pace while receiving individual guidance and adjustments. He believes the practice is an antidote to the chaos of daily life—a return to wordless truths we know but often misplace.
Rather than imposing a rigid structure, William meets each student where they are, honoring the understanding that yoga is a personal journey. His approach emphasizes the transformative power of consistent, dedicated practice over time.
William and Elizabeth with Sharath Jois at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute
Practice with William
Join William's Mysore classes at The Cube and experience traditional Ashtanga yoga in a supportive, personalized environment.