Ashtanga Yoga

with David Swenson and Shelley Washington

How close are your teachers to the source? When it comes to David and Shelley, about as close as a westerner can possibly be! Join them in exploring the in’s and out’s of one of the oldest and most revered yoga systems: Ashtanga Yoga.

What makes them different?

After beginning their yoga practice at a small park in Houston, TX in 1969, David and his brother Doug quickly found themselves immersed in a lifelong quest to learn and share the Ashtanga Yoga system. By 1977, David made his first of many trips to Mysore, India to study under the father of Ashtanga Yoga: K. Pattabhi Jois. David is one of only a handful of Westerners to have learned the full Ashtanga system including all of the asana sequences and pranayama as originally taught by K. Pattabhu Jois.

David’s life partner Shelley Washington received her First Level authorization from Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in 2005 and her Second Level authorization from Sharath Rangaswamy in 2010. Together they are an unparalleled team who have devoted their lives to keeping the Ashtanga lineage alive. Their teaching is characterized by knowledge, experience, compassion, and humor.

How can YOU get closer to the source?

David returns to PURE in 2024 to offer his transformative Ashtanga Yoga Workshops AS WELL AS his 40hr Teacher Training!

All of his courses are presented in a supportive and compassionate fashion making it accessible to all levels of practitioners to participate. David is known for his ability to modify the Ashtanga practice with grace and good-humor.

Whether you are a seasoned Ashtanga practitioner or new to the lineage entirely, David will welcome you with open arms and you are guaranteed to leave renewed. Don’t miss it.

Learn from a legend with us at PURE!

Curious about other incredible teachers and their upcoming events, trainings, and workshops here at PURE?

Explore our current line-up below!

Learn all about our incredible and diverse PURE Yoga Institute community partners!