Yoga Program

Vinyasa Flow

So what is the difference between a Vinyasa or “flow” class and Ashtanga Yoga? Simply put, Ashtanga yoga is a traditional series of postures done in the same sequence six days a week minus moon days. Vinyasa is a freestyle form of Ashtanga. The major difference is the creative license that the Vinyasa teacher takes in building the sequences and varying the pace between poses. The style of yoga we study at Gracie Technics is a “flow” or Vinyasa class. It can be characterized by freestyle flowing movements, coordinated with deep breathing and focused attention. Many of the poses we practice have a lineage rooted in warrior tradition and story. These stories have been passed down over many generations to help guide the practitioner through life’s challenges on and off the mat.

About the Instructor:

Alicia Johnson

Alicia’s Yoga practice began in 1998 on a recommendation from a friend. She was lucky to have stumbled upon an amazing teacher, Tim Thompson / Monkey Shala Yoga, who would start her on a lifelong journey studying Ashtanga Yoga. Over the next 20+ years she has had the opportunity to study with some of the best teachers in the world. In 2004 she transitioned from student to teacher in San Francisco and later moved to Southern California to continue teaching. While in SoCal she trained with Tim Miller at the Ashtanga Yoga Center in Encinitas and Ashtanga Yoga LA with Noah and Kimberly Williams. In 2008 she traveled to India to attend the Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore and train with Pattabhi Jois and his son Sharath. In 2010 Alicia moved with her husband, Cooper, to Portland Oregon where she continued to study and teach at People’s Yoga, Pearl Yoga and Near East Yoga. After a serious back injury she took a break from yoga, and started to explore other movement forms. She now applies her yoga foundation and passion to her Jiu Jitsu practice and is a dedicated student at Gracie Technics.