Ashtanga United 2026
The Heart of a Living Tradition - A Shared Practice | An Ongoing Conversation
June 12-15, 2026, Stillpoint Yoga London
Your Teachers
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Petri Räisänen
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Tara Mitra
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Scott Johnson
Ashtanga United is a four-day gathering rooted in practice, relationship, & thoughtful inquiry
Rather than presenting a single interpretation of Ashtanga yoga, this intensive creates a shared space where the tradition can be explored through lived experience, dialogue, and direct practice. It brings together senior teachers shaped by different eras and sensibilities, allowing the method to be met with intelligence, care, and curiosity.
This year’s theme, The Heart of a Living Tradition, turns attention away from authority and toward what sustains practice over time: humility, devotion, discernment, and continuity.
The Structure Of Ashtanga United
Morning Mysore Practice
Each morning begins with Mysore practice, forming the heart of the intensive. Petri, Tara and Scott will co-teach and assist each practitioner.
These sessions offer a quiet, steady container where individual practice unfolds with attentive guidance and respect for continuity. The emphasis is on responsibility, presence, and meeting your practice honestly, just as it is.
Afternoon Workshops
Afternoon workshops offer space to reflect on what emerges through practice. Petri, Tara and Scott will offer their own contributions and add perspectives to each other
Sessions explore themes such as structure and function, breath and energy, attention and perception, and the lived reality of long-term practice. There will also be chanting, pranayama and conversation.
Schedule
Friday, June 12
06.30: Ashtanga Mysore Session One
08.15: Ashtanga Mysore Session Two
12.00 pm - 2 pm: Workshop
Saturday, June 13
07.00: Ashtanga Mysore Session One
08.45: Ashtanga Mysore Session Two
12.00pm - 2pm: Workshop
Sunday, June 14
07.00: Ashtanga Mysore Session One
08.45: Ashtanga Mysore Session Two
12.00pm - 2pm: Workshop
Monday, June 15
06.30: Ashtanga Mysore Session One
08.15: Ashtanga Mysore Session Two
The Faculty
Petri Räisänen
Petri Räisänen is an internationally respected Ashtanga yoga teacher, practicing since 1989 and teaching since 1991. Co-founder of Ashtanga Yoga Helsinki, he has taught worldwide for over two decades, blending deep tradition with a therapeutic approach.
A longtime student of K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois, Petri received formal authorisation in 2001. His studies extend beyond asana, including pranayama and yoga philosophy with A.G. Mohan and Indra Mohan. With a background in Finnish folk healing, his adjustments are known for being both intuitive and profoundly therapeutic.
"Yoga is a space for healing, transformation, and inner stillness. Through safe, disciplined practice and compassionate teaching, we create the conditions for deep change - on the mat and in life."
Tara Mitra
Tara Mitra brings over two decades of dedicated practice to her teaching, shaped by her East Indian and Canadian heritage and a lifelong exploration of mind and body. She has studied extensively with Tim Miller, R. Sharath, and R. Saraswathi Jois, and spent four years assisting in a busy Mysore shala, earning Level 2 authorisation. For nearly a decade, she has studied with Dr. Vigneshwar Bhats and continues her deep engagement with the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Vedic chanting.
A Certified Yoga Therapist (C-IYAT), Tara specialises in trauma, stress, and anxiety. Rooted in continuous learning, her teaching blends tradition with warmth and playfulness. Her grounded, compassionate approach reflects both deep study and lived experience.
"I believe in being a lifelong student. Through ongoing study of the Yoga Sutras, the Upanishads, Ayurveda, and healing traditions, I continue to learn so that I can serve my students with clarity, depth, and care. My teaching blends tradition with curiosity, discipline with play.”"
Scott Johnson
Scott Johnson has been the director and lead teacher at Stillpoint Yoga London since 2009, holding space for daily Mysore-style practice and guiding countless students toward the depth of long-term practice.
Practicing since 1998 and teaching since 2003, Scott is one of the few teachers authorised in the Primary and Intermediate Series by Manju Jois and recognised as a Senior Teacher by John Scott. Deeply influenced by the mindfulness teachings of Michael Stone, he integrates traditional Ashtanga with breath awareness, contemplative inquiry and unique movement principles.
"Yoga is a profound act of listening - an ever unfolding conversation with breath, movement, and stillness. Through steady, compassionate practice, we discover not only our physical potential but the deep intimacy of presence."What You Will Gain
A deeper, more sustainable relationship to your Ashtanga practice
Greater clarity around how tradition lives through different bodies and perspectives
Practical insight into breath, structure, energy, and attention
Renewed trust in practice as a long-term companion
A sense of connection within a thoughtful, experienced community
Who is this for?
The intensive is designed for practitioners who:
Have an established Ashtanga practice
Value thoughtful, non-dogmatic teaching
Are interested in lineage without rigidity
Want to deepen understanding rather than accumulate techniques
Appreciate shared inquiry, reflection, and community