What is Rocket Vinyasa?
Rocket Vinyasa is based on the traditional practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as prescribed by Sri. K. Patthabi Jois. Using postures from Primary and Intermediate Series, Larry Schultz devised his own sequences that would allow students to access the full repertoire of postures. Known as ‘The Bad Man of Ashtanga’ he deviated from the traditional method of learning the Ashtanga system whereby you learn posture by posture. Moreover, his teachings centred on the idea that it was beneficial to practice postures from all 3 series rather than have to complete the postures of Primary Series. And so, everyone could practice backbends and arm balances while working to open the hips and hamstrings.
“I see people take in the practice from various angles and develop, change and transcend their limitations, realise their possibilities.”
Larry Schultz
Rocket Vinyasa is an Attitude
The practice provides for all practitioners. There is something for everyone in terms ability, mood and energy levels. Rocket Vinyasa can be a gentle flow or can be an energetic and powerful practice. With options for all given throughout, the student is in control of how to play it. While the first half of the sequence is a meditative, heat building flow, the second half is uplifting and playful with heaps of opportunities for handstands, tripod transitions, fancy backbends and arm balances, non of which you have to do…..they are just there as possibilities.
With an attitude of being ready for all eventualities, arrive on your mat and see what happens. Sometimes you will get the posture, sometimes you won’t. It doesn’t matter, it is just a posture…that is the attitude, an attitude that lends itself to beyond the mat. It is great to have aspirations, challenges and goals but if it’s not happening, so be it!!!
“The Rocket is designed to wake up the nervous system and feed it the precious prana it craves while promoting a spirit of change and freedom in the practice.”
Larry Schultz
The Rocket Series
The first is based in the Ashtanga Primary Series with heaps of forward folds to open the back chain of the body and a section of core and handstand drills thrown in to keep the energy high. Rocket 2 has all the arm balances and backbends. Rocket 3, saved for Fridays, is Rocket 1 plus Rocket 2 plus the ‘mad section’ from Ashtanga Primary Series. While the practice is not ideal for beginners, there is something for everyone. Therefore,it is an intermediate practice because of the stamina involved. Practitioners should never be dissuaded by some of the advanced postures….that’s the attitude, be open to the possibilities that are out there. The practice is well modified for all.
Rocket is part of our practice on our Yoga Teacher Training Course. Wanna know more, check out our curriculum details.
