Ashtanga Yoga : Learning kindness in action
From Himsa (Violence) to Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
with Petri Raisanen
From 28 november to 1 december 2025
We are very happy to have Petri coming back to teaching this 4 days workshop in Amsterdam also this year! Petri has been one of our regular guest teachers in Amsterdam for many years and one of the primary teachers from our own Ashtanga teachers. His very open and gentle approach to Ashtanga Yoga has a very inclusive and healing effect which makes him a very unique voice within this tradition of yoga. If you have met Petri before, you know you want to practice with him again.
The workshop sessions are for ashtanga practitioners of all levels including beginners (previous experience with ashtanga yoga is recommended). If you are new to Petri, we recommend you joining the whole program to get the most out of this experience.
Program
Friday Nov 28th
6:30 – 8:00 or 8:00 – 9:30 | Morning Mysore style practice (two shifts).
11:30 – 13:30 Opening Workshop | Introduction to the idea of ”From Himsa (Violence) to Ahimsa (Non-Violence)”. Changing the yoga culture for the healthier environment. Pranayama, meditation and peaceful breathing exercises.
13:45 – 15:45 Workshop | Ashtanga history and different periods with T. Krischnamacharya, K. Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar and Sharath Jois. The changes and modifications of Ashtanga Yoga from the 1920’s to 2025.
Saturday Nov 29th
7:30 – 9:00 or 9:00 – 10:30 | Morning Mysore style practice ( two shifts).
12:45 – 14:15 Workshop I Pranayama – light and easy breathing exercises for a better understanding about your body, mind and sprit. Theory and practice how to create your own pranayama practice.
14:30 – 17:30 Workshop | Primary and Intermediate series techniques, alignments and adjustments. Petri is introducing the method which he learned directly from K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois. This is also a good preparation for the Led classes on Sunday morning.
Sunday Nov 30th
7:00 – 8:45 Led class Intermediate Series. The traditional exact Vinyasa counting, Sanskrit asana names, and counting with a continuous rhythm guided by Petri (suitable for students already working with intermediate series)
OR:
9:00 – 10:45 Led class Primary Series. The traditional exact Vinyasa counting, Sanskrit asana names, and counting with a continuous rhythm guided by Petri
12:45 – 14:15 Workshop | Introduction to energy healing. All the healing work is based on the sensing of the different layers of the body: physical, emotional and pranic layers. The asana adjustments follow the same principles. In this session, Petri will share his knowledge of the asana and vinyasa, of safe touching and sensing, of locating the blocks in the flow of energy throughout the body. He will combine the healing touch with the techniques of asana adjustments.
14:30 – 17:30 Workshop | Ashtanga yoga as you are! Petri will introduce the practice which will take care for your own body and mind type. Primary and Intermediate series are not the same for everyone. How we can find the peace and balance for our Ashtanga practice without feeling shamed and blamed (by ourselves, teachers or other practitioners). This workshop with end with questions and answers… an open yoga discussion to end the weekend!
Monday Dec 1st
6:30 – 8:00 or 8:00 – 9:30 | Morning Mysore style practice (two shifts).
Location
Yoga Circle, De Clercqstraat 66-68, Amsterdam
Prices
- Full program: €390 (€350 for Yoga Circle students with active membership)
- One day: €130
- 3 Morning Mysore Only: €130 (€100 for Yoga Circle students with active membership)
- Single session tickets will be available approx. 1 week before the workshop starts, space permitting (€40/€50 per session).
Please make sure you book the correct session, as changes might not be possible after booking!
[ For members discount, please send an email to [email protected] to request discount code before registering ]
Important Info for Mysore Practice:
You will have the option of choosing your own practice starting time. A link to a sign in document will be shared via email a few days before the workshop starts. All you’ll have to do is to add your name on the sheet to chose your practice start time for each day.
Level
Previous experience with Ashtanga Yoga is recommended although not required. Petri will make you feel welcome no matter what your level of experience is.
Cancellation
You will get a full refund if you cancel up to 3 weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Within 3 weeks there will be no refund, but you can of course arrange to transfer your spot to someone else.
About Petri Raisanen
Petri is an internationally renowned and highly respected Ashtanga Yoga teacher with a deep-rooted connection to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, under whom he became authorized to teach Ashtanga Yoga in 2001. Co-founding Ashtanga Yoga Helsinki in 1997 alongside his friend and colleague, Juha Javanainen, Petri serves as the co-owner and director of the studio. Presently residing in Algarve, Portugal, Petri shares his life with his wife and children, and they have recently established their new shala, Yoga Roots Odeceixe.
Petri’s teaching methodology centers around therapeutic and healing adjustments, which originate (besides his own practice and teaching) from his past work as a traditional Finnish folk healer and naturopath. His friendly, relaxed behaviour and intuitive perception make his workshops inclusive for practitioners of all levels and regardless of body type, providing immense benefits to individuals seeking physical as well as mental well-being.
For more information about Petri please visit his website.
