Rocket Yoga, also known as 'The Rocket', is a style of yoga developed by Larry Schultz in San Francisco during the 1980s. Rocket Yoga is rooted in the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practice of yoga. It is combined with and restructured from the Primary and Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as well as key postures from the 3rd and 4th advanced series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Schultz's yoga was first called "Rocket Yoga" by Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, because Weir said, "It gets you there faster." Larry's system was informed by over nine years of dedicated Ashtanga practice with his teacher Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
This practice was taught to me by the amazing Dustin Fruson.
His teachings have affected me more than any other teacher to date. I was introduced to this practice by Jodie Neault. I instantly loved it but was dealing with so many injuries at the time that I couldn’t keep it up on a regular basis. Then as time went on and my body healed, Dustin arrived at One Yoga and the practice was re-introduced to me.
With a very busy teaching schedule, I was only able to get to minimal classes with Dustin, but everytime he taught “The Rocket” I left feeling that I had just done the perfect practice for my body!
So in 2016 I took Dustin’s morning intensive at One Yoga, where he totally broke down the Rocket series. It was fantastic!!! After the intensive was over we met and I asked him if he didn’t mind me teaching this incredible practice at One Yoga. He was stoked that I asked him, as when he is away, his huge following was in need of the Ashtanga vibe!! So we figured out a 75min. condensed version of the “Rocket 1 & Rocket 2” series….. And I was off.
Since then I have been teaching this Rocket #1, Rocket #2, and an Extended Rocket Practice #3 at One Yoga, Yaletown YYoga, and Stretch. The rooms are generally packed, and the vibe is amazing!! “The Rocket” ticks off all the boxes of a well rounded practice, and keeps the energy flowing for the full 60,75, or 90min.
In February 2019 I went to San Francisco and took an incredible 50hr. Rocket Training at Asta Yoga with Steven Pyka. Larry Schultz basically passed the "Rocket" torch to Steven. The Asta Yoga training was EPIC and really helped me refine my teaching, of these amazing sequences!
I have also been passing on these sequences in a 20hr. Rocket Immersion at One Yoga at the beginning of the year. Geoff Mackenzie, owner of Mysore BC. joins me to add his deep knowledge of the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga System. This Immersion is perfect for Power Yoga Teacher who want to add some new sequences into their teaching arsenal.
What I love the most about Rocket Yoga is that beginners, can practice by experienced yogi’s, and everyone is happy. All the arm balances and inversions are optional, and you practice at the wall. So if you need support you just spin around and use the wall. Also breaks are encouraged, so if your body feels fatigued, just hang out in child’s pose or down dog. Having “all levels” around the room, rises the energy. I see breakthroughs weekly! So much more than in any other class I have taught. It is a real treat to lead and give endless adjustments to all the eager participants. Deep adjustments have greatly improved my practice, and I love sharing them.
So if you are attracted to Power Yoga, and are looking for a set series that will help you judge your progression…… Come and check out “The Rocket”!!
Next EXTENDED ROCKET #3 is November 3rd 1:30 - 3:30 at One Yoga