Ashtanga Yoga in Athens
Yoga Taught According To Its Traditional Methodology From Mysore, India
Who We Are
Okto Ashtanga Yoga Athens was founded in 2012 by Alexia Siouti and is a school dedicated to the traditional practice of Ashtanga Yoga, following the lineage of KPJAYI/SYC as it is taught in Mysore, India. It is the first school in Athens to integrate the philosophy of yoga into daily teaching, not only through physical practice but also through consistent and experiential philosophical deep-dives, thematic classes, and study sessions dedicated to the method.
Our shala, a beautiful and bright space in the heart of Athens, is a sanctuary where disciplined practice meets deep inner connection. We follow a methodical approach and personalized teaching, guiding each student according to their needs, physical condition, and path of learning. At the same time, we incorporate thematic classes, study groups, and method-focused sessions that support a complete yoga experience, and we cultivate a consistent and safe learning environment through daily practice.
Alexia, the founder of Okto Ashtanga Yoga Athens, first encountered Ashtanga Yoga in 2006 and has since devoted herself exclusively to this practice. With a dual background as a professional dancer and a philologist specialized in classical tradition, she brings both embodied knowledge and philosophical depth into her teaching. A devoted Ashtanga teacher, she has been guiding daily practice with knowledge, consistency, and care for more than twenty years.
SCEDULE
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Mysore Classes – The entry times listed in the schedule are for new students. Experienced practitioners are welcome to arrive at the shala at the time that suits them, keeping in mind that the shala closes 1.5 hours after the last entry.
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Ashtanga Yoga (Led & Thematic) – A guided class (part of the Primary Series) that also includes a weekly theme. Each week explores a different aspect of the practice.
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Saturday Classes – Twice a month, class runs from 10:30–12:00 as a guided session, followed by satsang / meditation / pranayama. On the other Saturdays, Mysore practice takes place from 10:30–12:30.
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Moon Days – According to our tradition On Full Moon and New Moon days there are no Mysore or Led classes. Instead, we offer special Yin Yoga sessions with live music and meditation.Check Moon Calendar
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How to Join – To attend our classes, please contact us in advance by email or phone.
What is Ashtanga Yoga?
Ashtanga Yoga is a traditional method of yoga that combines breath, movement, and focus to create a dynamic meditation in motion. The practice is built around a set sequence of postures, practiced regularly to develop strength, flexibility, and inner awareness. Guided by the principles of Tristhana – breath, posture, and gaze – Ashtanga is both physically challenging and deeply transformative. More than a physical discipline, it is a holistic path that cultivates clarity of mind, balance of body, and a deeper connection with the self.
Mysore style
Mysore style is the essence of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice. It is like having a private class within a group setting. This unique method of teaching has its roots in India and is the traditional and ideal way to learn Ashtanga Yoga. It takes its name from the city of Mysore, where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois lived and taught, continuing the work of his teacher Krishnamacharya.
In this method, each student practices the sequence at their own pace, receiving individual guidance, explanations, and hands-on adjustments from the teacher. The room is quiet, filled only with the sound of breathing. Beginners and advanced practitioners share the same space, each working according to their own level and ability.
The Mysore approach encourages self-discipline, consistency, and personal responsibility, while allowing the teacher to offer personalized support and ensure a safe progression in the practice. Over time, students develop independence, memorizing the sequence and cultivating a steady rhythm of breath, movement, and focus that transforms the practice into a deeply personal and meditative experience.
Led class
A led class is a guided class where the teacher leads the group through a set sequence of postures, traditionally the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. Students move together, following the teacher’s verbal instructions and the steady rhythm of breath and vinyasa. This class helps practitioners refine their counting, synchronize breath with movement, and gain a deeper understanding of the structure of the series.
Led classes complement Mysore practice by offering rhythm, discipline, and a sense of practicing as one body, one breath.
