Join Wade Oakley at AYR for a weekend exploring the rich tradition of Ashtanga Yoga with a particular focus on using strength training principles to support sustainable, long-term practice.
Wade began practicing in 2012 at the University of Virginia under Certified teacher John Bultman, and since 2014 he has made many extended trips to Mysore, India to study with R. Sahrath Jois. In 2018 Wade was granted a Level 2 Authorization by Sharathji. He returns to Mysore regularly, most recently assisting in the 2025-2026 tribute season. To honor his late teacher, he continues to practice and share Ashtanga in the spirit and tradition carried forward from Mysore to communities around the world.
Wade teaches with the belief the practice is not separate from life, but a foundation for it. A yoga sadhana is precious, something to be cultivated carefully ~ tended like a garden: nourishing, challenging and ultimately sustaining. His appraoch encourages curiosity, attentiveness, and sense of persona ownership, with the conviction that Ashtanga can be a boundless source of strength, clarity and enrichment through life.
AYS is excited to welcome Wade to share his experience and teachings with us!
Saturday, March 28th
8:30-10:30am Mysore Practice
11:30-1:30pm Strength Training Principles for Ashtanga Practitioners
Beginning with the yoga philosophy underpinnings of why we cultivate strength, this workshop offers a practical introduction to how strength training can support and sustain a long-term yoga practice. We’ll explore key principles - like movement patterns not emphasized in yoga, joint resilience, and strength at end range - that can enhance mobility, prevent injury and deepen body awareness.
This workshop is designed for practitioners of all levels, regardless of strength training experience. This sessions offers a framework for applying intentional strength work to enrich your time on the mat and strength your sense of ownership in our practice.
Sunday, March 29th
8:30-10:30am Mysore
11:30-1:30pm Applied Strength: Moving for Longevity (Hips & Shoulders)
In this workshop we will take the key strength principles and translate them into simple, repeatable movement progressions that directly support a sustainable Ashtanga practice.
We will work through two joint “centers of gravity” in practice - hips and shoulders - as both gateways and gatekeepers: when they move well, practice opens. When they don’t, they become predictable sites of compression, irritation, injury and stagnation. Through a blend of discussion and guided movement, we’l being to build the kind of strength that protects the range of motion.
Expect work that deveops:
Strength through full range (mobility you can control, not just access)
Shoulder integrity for vinyasa, binds, arm balances, and inversions
Hip resilience + compression capacity for transitions, jump-through mechanics and deep hip flexion shapes
Clear progressions so every practitioner trains at the right intensity, regardless of level
By they end of the weekend, you will eave with a concise set of movements you can integrate into your weekly rhythm to keep your practice feeling sustainable and strong.
Registration opens Monday January 19, 2026
Early Bird Pricing: $175 (ends February 28, 2026) | Individual pricing listed above