Review: John Scott, Ashtanga

Ashtanga practitioner and teacher Emma Hicks reviews a re-release of a classic DVD by John Scott, one of the world's most highly regarded ashtanga teachers.

John Scott is one of the world's most well loved ashtanga yoga teachers.

His knowledge comes direct from the late Patthabhi Jois, original Guru and Master of the ashtanga system that emanated from Mysore, India.

Based in New Zealand, John Scott taught in London and Cornwall until 2006 and still comes to the UK to teach today.

In this DVD John guides us through the detailed rudiments of the ashtanga Primary Series.

He explains everything you need to know, from sun salutations through to finishing sequences. He comments and demonstrates clearly and calmly all postures, their order, ujaii breath, correct rhythm and full vinyasa of the Primary Series.

A guide to Self Practice

This DVD is not for beginners without previous experience of qualified ashtanga instruction.

However, John Scott does make you feel relaxed throughout and keeps you in time to the unique rhythm of the practice, which he demonstrates with grace and humility.

He is precise and clear with his explanations and demonstrations, but instructions flow from Sanskrit to English making it hard to follow at times. T

The practice sequences also move on too fast for a complete beginner. The rhythm and postures are well demonstrated and explained but you may well have to re-wind to catch certain teachings and demonstrations.

This is a good aid for self practice if you can not see him in person, but you would need to have had some experience of ashtanga beforehand.

Traditional vinyasa

Although this is an ‘old' DVD it is well delivered, if not a little dated I t was first distributed in 2002 and re-marketed in 2008 and you can't help notice a few things have changed in the series since.

Some vinyasa sequencing (flow from one posture to the next) is now not used in mainstream practice.

This, along with some of the Mudras (hand gestures) and some postures are not widely taught in classes today.

I recommend to use this DVD as a personal practice aid but visit a qualified teacher for the ‘up to date'sequencing, and crucial hands-on adjustments traditionally used in this practice.

This DVD could never replace the face to face tuition that this practice deserves - direct from Guru to student.

Timeless

There are many forms of yoga practice emerging right now. The vast styles and fancy vinyasa that are taught at present can all get pretentious, and at times slightly complicated.

This DVD brings us back to the humility and simplicity that is traditionally ashtanga yoga.

John Scott has always made ashtanga practice accessible while keeping it challenging and effective.

All demonstrations on this DVD are totally traditional form ‘the source' and could be easily ‘transferred' to your own mat if you are already practicing.

His DVD, although not for a complete beginner, is unpretentious, heart felt and simple. It is exactly how John is in person - no frills and all heart.

John Scott's Ashtanga Yoga DVD is available from Yogamatters, priced £14.99.