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Release Date: 2006-07-13
Average Customer Rating: 5.0
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| A Great Historical MementoThis DVD provides exactly what the description promises. It is a portion of a workshop that Pattabbi Jois conducted in 1989 in Encinitas, CA. In the video he leads 6 "students" through the 3rd series and part of the 4th series of ashtanga yoga while others observe. I put students in quotations because they are hardly students. They are very advanced yogis who are today some of the most renowned yoga teachers in the world. The DVD serves as a historical tribute to both Guruji and these esteemed yogis, especially since Guriji's passing last spring at the age of 93. It is not an instructional DVD.
I am surprised by the previous reviewer's comments. The video depicts the 3rd and 4th series, not the primary series as stated in the review. Also, the adjustments may appear to be harsh, but keep in mind that these adjustments are being made by an expert on highly advanced practitioners who have studied extensively under him. To an experienced yogi, there is nothing harsh about the corrections. Finally, the comment about his instruction bordering on sexual harassment is out of left field. There is one woman, Maty Ezraty, and Pattabbi Jois spends no more time around her posterior than he does around that of the five men. I saw no touching in this video that I have not seen in countless yoga studios around the country. Nothing inappropriate here.
See what Patabbi Jois is like before travelingThis dvd is exactly what it says it is: a recording of Patabbi Jois teaching primary series. I found it interesting and informative. You can see how he leads a class. You can see how many people will be in a workshop with him. You can see how he makes corrections and adjustments. This dvd might save you a lot of money: specifically, the cost of a trip to study with Jois. (Or maybe it will inspire you to get on the next plane to India)
This video is not a substitue for a teacher. It is not a step-by step explanation of Ashtanga. It is led primary series.
I hesitate to criticize what I see on the video because, as inventor of Ashtanga whatever Jois chooses to do is, by definition, "correct". Acknowledging that, I will say that some of his adjustments seem like rough handling, and he does seem to spend more time than necessary with his hand on womens' rear ends. His timing is inconsistant: he often would count to 4 and then get involved with a student and leave the rest of the class hanging for awhile until he came to 5. He does not explain any of the poses. If you don't know them you can get an idea of them here but you will not get any of the specifics or points to look out for.
The reason I gave this 5 stars is that it is a valuable piece of information for anyone seriously interested in Ashtanga. You might agree with it, you might not, but you can see the source here.
If you actually want to learn Ashtanga, there are a number of great teachers who have videos that are much more helpful (for total novices, Nicki Doane; for those who know some yoga, David Swenson).
After this video, I would think twice about taking a primary series class with Jois. (maybe if he were in my city anyway, but I would not take an elaborate trip to take his class). It seems like individual students did not get anything special except bragging rights that they had taken a class with "Gurunji". (Certainly not skillful adjustments or precise directions for the poses. And, some of the adjustments that MIGHT be acceptable in India would be considered sexual harassment elsewhere. )
But, at the cost of an average yoga class, the video is worth seeing for yourself.
Amazon.comSri K. Pattabhi Jois conducted an Ashtanga Yoga Workshop in Encinitas, California. During this workshop he instructed his advanced students in the 3rd and part of the 4th series. This DVD includes early footage of Guruji instructing many of today's top teachers, Richard Freeman, Chuck Miller, Maty Ezraty and Tim Miller, asanas of the advanced series.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
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