Shala is a word in Sanskrit meaning ‘home’. A yoga shala is a home where yoga is shared and experienced. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a method of Hatha Yoga that harmonizes movement and breath. Practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga gives you flexibility, strength, stamina, and ultimately a focused and tranquil mind.
At Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Shala we teach traditional yoga methods with dedicated and experienced teachers. It is our intention to provide you with a comfortable environment in which to give you the tools to create an effective and lasting approach to improvement and maintenance of the mind and body. Classes are small in size, max. 12 practitioners at a time so that we can create a more personal teaching and learning environment.
Based on the teachings of Krishnamacharya we aspire to teach what is appropriate for the individual. We teach with respect to the teachings and tradition of the practice as well as with respect to the physical body, mindset, lifestyle and capabilities of the student. Our goal is to guide and support you in building a sustainable yoga practice that honours your individuality.
We believe a healthy asana practice is a balance between flexibility, alignment and strength, resulting in good overall mobility of the body. Your asana practice should make your mind clear and stable, and your body clean and healthy. Yoga is the ability to direct [or discipline] the mind without distraction, we find that the simplest way to learn to do this is by connecting to the physical body first. Asanas, the physical postures are the entry point for most people into the system of yoga. The goal of asana practice, according to Patanjali, is to prepare the body and mind for seated meditation. Therefore, beyond the physical asana practice, we encourage the exploration of some of the other limbs of Yoga; Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana and Dhyana.
Traditionally Ashtanga Yoga practitioners practice six days a week, rest days are every Saturday or Sunday and on the days of the New Moon and Full Moon. At Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Shala classes take place Sunday from 10:00 - 12:00 and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 09:00.
At Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Shala we teach the primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga Yoga, we currently do not teach third series / advanced a onwards.
CLASSES ARE GUIDED BY JESSICA LUDÄSCHER
"Yoga and spirituality has been a theme throughout Jessica’s childhood and naturally she found her way back to the Yoga practice upon moving to The Netherlands. Inspired by the principles of Ayurveda, Jessica’s classes reflect largely upon balance and being mindful in ones daily practice, as well as the importance of consistency and discipline; themes that have run constant in her life, as well as her practice." * Ayurveda is a holistic tradition and way of living, Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga
I'm often asked about my background, so here’s a brief overview of my journey into yoga and my teaching philosophy.
I was raised on the south coast of Kenya by my Swiss mother, who introduced me to various spiritual concepts at an early age. My yoga journey began around the age of twelve when I started practicing Ashtanga and Hatha intermittently. In 2011, I moved to the Netherlands and spent a year in Amsterdam exploring Kundalini Yoga, which reignited my desire to teach. I completed my first teacher training from 2013 to 2014, initially for personal growth. Kundalini Yoga, known as 'the yoga of awareness,' was a necessary foundation for me.
After my training, I attended an Ashtanga Led class, which profoundly resonated with me. This experience led me to daily Mysore classes and set the course for my future practice. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to travel to India, assist my teachers, and learn from many renowned and lesser-known instructors. Although I don’t like to name-drop, feel free to ask if you're curious about specific influences.
In 2018, I faced a significant challenge due to a physical injury and burnout from an intense practice routine and lifestyle. This period prompted me to study Yoga Therapy (350 hours), focusing on the mind-body connection, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Ayurveda, and the muscular-skeletal and cardiovascular-respiratory systems. I adopted a more educational and mindful approach to both my practice and teaching.
I'm immensely grateful to all the teachers, both in-person and online, who have shared their knowledge and influenced my practice. My current teaching is primarily inspired by Manju Jois and Tara Mitra.
''GRATITUDE IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF YOGA''
- YOGI BHAJAN
I am grateful for my family and friends, thank you for believing in me. To my teachers, thank you for your guidance and support, and thank you to so many more teachers who have inspired me along the way!
Without my students I wouldn’t be teaching! Thank you for making it possible, for your interest, efforts, dedication, trust and presence ❤