Ashtanga Intensive with David Robson & Jelena Vesic

Spend a week immersed in the Ashtanga Yoga method with David Robson and Jelena Vesic, in a program designed to support steady progress through focused practice and clear instruction. This retreat combines daily pranayama, meditation, Mysore-style practice, and in-depth workshops, offering a balanced space to refine technique and deepen understanding.

Each morning begins with 45 minutes of pranayama and meditation to cultivate breath awareness, clarity, and stability before practice. Across the week, participants will move between Led Primary Series, Mysore practice, and a special Moon Day stretch session, experiencing both guided structure and the freedom of individualized learning.

Three workshops form an important part of the retreat, each one examining a key foundation of a sustainable and intelligent practice.

Suryanamaskara 101

Sun Salutations are the starting point of Ashtanga Yoga and establish the rhythm of breath and movement that shapes the whole sequence. In this workshop, David and Jelena will break down every vinyasa and posture in Sun Salutations A and B. With clear guidance and practical drills, the session explores alignment, weight distribution, and breath coordination, showing how subtle refinements can make a familiar sequence more integrated, efficient, and powerful.

Seeds of Intermediate

The foundations of the Intermediate Series are already present within the Primary Series. In this session, David and Jelena will point out how spinal extension, shoulder opening, deeper backbending actions, and binding mechanics appear in familiar postures and transitions. By identifying these recurring patterns, practitioners can better understand how Primary gradually prepares the body for the more demanding work of Intermediate.

Full Tilt

Pelvic orientation has a major influence on the way the spine, hips, and legs function together. Knowing when to use an anterior or posterior pelvic tilt can significantly affect stability, depth, and safety in many postures. In this workshop, David and Jelena will examine how pelvic positioning shapes spinal length, hip mobility, and balance throughout practice, using examples from both the Primary and Intermediate Series to demonstrate these actions with greater clarity and control.

The retreat also includes time to unwind and connect, with a group outing to enjoy the beauty and culture of Bali together.

Open to practitioners of all levels, this week offers a supportive environment to strengthen technique, expand understanding, and approach practice with renewed clarity.

AGENDA

• Monday, November 23: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Ashtanga Led Primary, Break, Suryanamaskara 101
• Tuesday, November 24: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Special Moon Day Stretch
• Wednesday, November 25: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Mysore Practice, Break, Seeds of Intermediate
• Thursday, November 26: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Mysore Practice
• Friday, November 27: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Mysore Practice, Break, Group Outing
• Saturday, November 28: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Mysore Practice, Break, Full Tilt
• Sunday, November 29: Pranayama & Meditation (45 min), Mysore Practice

ABOUT DAVID

David Robson is an Ashtanga Yoga practitioner and teacher in the tradition of the Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC). He directs the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, home to one of the largest Mysore programs in the world outside India.

He began a daily practice in 1998 while studying Comparative Religion at university. After graduating, he traveled to Mysore, India, in 2003, where he started studying with Shri Sharath Jois. Since then, he has returned every year to deepen both his practice and teaching. David holds Certification from the Sharath Yoga Centre.

Widely recognized on social media for his clear and engaging teaching style, David has become one of the most respected Ashtanga Yoga teachers internationally.

He teaches the morning Mysore program at Ashtanga Toronto and leads workshops and retreats around the world with his wife, Jelena.

ABOUT JELENA

Jelena left her PhD in Political Science at York University in Toronto to teach Ashtanga Yoga full-time. She has been teaching since 2014 and now leads the Mysore program at the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, while also offering workshops and retreats worldwide.

With a background in ballet, she was drawn to the discipline and structure of Ashtanga Yoga, which she has practiced daily for more than a decade. She has studied extensively in Mysore, India, with Sharath Jois and holds Level 2 Authorization.

Jelena also studies mindfulness and meditation, weaving these practices into her approach to yoga. Her teaching emphasizes consistency, awareness, and a compassionate relationship with practice.

Outside of teaching, she is committed to rescuing street dogs and supporting adoption. She often shares her life with her two dogs, Goku and Khani, who are an important part of her journey.

PRICES

• Early bird price | Valid until May 9 - only 15 spots available: Morning Class: $325 US, Full Package: $825 US
• Regular price: Morning Class: $355 US, Full Package: $889 US
• Drop-in: 850.000 IDR | Valid for walk-in only — payment must be made directly at the reception upon arrival
• Local KTP: $600 US | Please send your KTP/ID photo in advance for verification before purchasing

* Morning Class include — 7 Class: Pranayama, Mysore, Led Class & Moon Day Stretch

* Full Package include — Morning Class (7 Class: Mysore, Led Class & Moon Day Stretch) + 4 Workshop

This program will include (25 Hours): 5 Mysore classes, 1 Led class, 1 Moon Day Stretch, 3 Workshops, Daily Pranayama & Meditation.