Ashtanga is a very dynamic and athletic form of hatha yoga, composed of six series or levels, with a fixed order of postures. It has its roots in vinyasa, the fluid movements between postures, with a focus on energy and breath. While it is a very physical practice, it also promotes mental clarity and inner peace.

Ashtanga Yoga is an eight-branch path to reach the state of Yoga, also known as Samadhi. The definition of Ashtanga Yoga is found in the Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, an ancient text on the theory and practice of Yoga believed to have been compiled around 200 CE by Sage Patañjali.