Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Yoga Instruction in Ottawa
Astanga Yoga Ottawa has been Ottawa's premier studio for Astanga Vinyasa Yoga for over two decades. Founded by Janice DeFilippi, a dedicated practitioner with extensive experience studying in Mysore, India, our studio offers a welcoming environment for students of all levels. Our experienced instructors guide students through traditional Mysore-style classes and dynamic Astanga Flow sessions, emphasizing breath awareness, alignment, and mindful movement. With a strong commitment to community and personal growth, we provide a supportive space for yoga practice, meditation, and teacher training.Our team blends traditional teachings with modern anatomical insights to create accessible, transformative experiences. From beginner-friendly Intro Months to comprehensive 200-hour teacher training programs, we empower students to deepen their practice and share yoga's benefits. Our philosophy honors yoga's roots while adapting to contemporary needs, fostering physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual connection through consistent practice.
Services
Astanga Flow Classes
Mysore-Style Practice
Yoga Teacher Training
Meditation Sessions
Online Yoga Classes
Workshops & Retreats
Introductory Yoga Month
Specialty Yoga Courses
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized experience in Astanga Vinyasa Yoga instruction
- Instructors trained directly in Mysore, India with advanced certifications
- Comprehensive 200-hour teacher training program with Yoga Alliance accreditation
- Supportive community environment for all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners
- Blends traditional yoga philosophy with modern anatomical science for safe, effective practice
Associations and certifications
- Yoga Alliance (RYS)
What people say
Life-changing teacher training
Supportive community environment
Exceptional instructors
Authentic yoga practice
Transformative experiences
Services
Astanga Flow Classes
Dynamic group classes following traditional Astanga sequences with creative adaptations. Instructors guide students through Sun Salutations, Standing and Seated Series with modifications for all levels. Classes emphasize breath-movement synchronization and mindful transitions while maintaining the integrity of classical practice. Ideal for developing strength, flexibility, and meditative awareness through structured sequences.
Mysore-Style Practice
Traditional self-paced yoga practice with individualized instruction. Students learn sequences gradually under teacher guidance, developing personal practice at their own rhythm. This method emphasizes memorization of postures, proper alignment, and breath awareness. Suitable for all experience levels, allowing personalized progression while maintaining the discipline of authentic Astanga methodology.
Teacher Training
Comprehensive 200-hour program registered with Yoga Alliance. Curriculum includes asana practice, anatomy, philosophy, teaching methodology, and practicum experience. Led by experienced instructors with advanced certifications from Mysore and other traditional sources. Covers multiple yoga styles, adjustment techniques, and ethical teaching practices to prepare graduates for successful yoga instruction careers.
Meditation Sessions
Regular meditation classes focusing on Vipassana (Insight Meditation) techniques. Guided sessions led by qualified Buddhist teachers explore breath awareness, mindfulness, and contemplative practices. Special themed meditation nights and retreat opportunities provide deeper exploration of meditation's role in yoga practice and daily life.
Online Classes
Live-streamed yoga sessions accessible from home through Zoom platform. Includes both drop-in options and membership packages with flexible scheduling. Participants receive instructional links via email with technical support for seamless virtual participation. Maintains the same quality instruction as in-studio classes with adapted online teaching methods.
People
Janice DeFilippi
Founder & Lead Instructor
Founder of Astanga Yoga Ottawa with decades of experience studying in Mysore, India. Holds advanced teaching certification from Richard Freeman and continues John Scott's teachings. Combines traditional Astanga practice with modern accessibility for diverse students.
Michael Dynie
Senior Instructor
17-year teaching veteran blending anatomy studies with Hatha and Astanga traditions. Influenced by Richard Freeman's approach, he emphasizes breath awareness and meditative focus while making yoga accessible for students with physical challenges.
Allison Tomotsugu
Instructor
Dedicated Ashtanga practitioner since 2001, combining biomechanics with traditional teachings. Develops personalized approaches to yoga instruction that balance physical practice with philosophical understanding, emphasizing mindful movement patterns.
Scott Hooper
Instructor
Experienced teacher with extensive Mysore training under Sharath Rangaswamy. Combines Sivananda roots with Astanga expertise, offering classes that balance traditional practice with contemporary accessibility for modern practitioners.
Dr. Bob Kapitany
Meditation Teacher
Resident Buddhist meditation teacher (Lama Gelek) with expertise in Vipassana techniques. Provides guidance for weekly meditation sessions and retreats, integrating mindfulness practices with yoga philosophy for holistic development.
Questions
What styles of yoga do you offer?
We specialize in Astanga Vinyasa Yoga with Mysore-style self-practice, guided Astanga Flow classes, and various specialty workshops.
Are there options for beginners?
Yes! Our Intro Month program and Mysore classes welcome beginners with personalized instruction at their own pace.
Do you offer online classes?
Yes, we provide online classes through Zoom with registration options for drop-in sessions or full memberships.
What teacher training programs are available?
Our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, registered with Yoga Alliance, runs annually with expert instructors and comprehensive curriculum.
Are there meditation opportunities?
Yes, we host Vipassana meditation sessions and special meditation nights led by experienced Buddhist teachers.
What happened to the studio recently?
We experienced temporary closure due to a fire in an adjacent business, but plan to reopen soon with updated facilities.
