Rocket Yoga: The Uplifting Power Practice That Gets You There Faster
“It’s Yoga — and it’s for everyone.” — Larry Schultz
Ever wondered what happens when yoga drops the hush-hush and turns the volume up? Welcome to Rocket Yoga — the rebellious, breath-fueled flow that took traditional Ashtanga, gave it a bass line, and invited everyone to play. Known for its strength, speed, and sense of humour, Rocket Yoga is as physically demanding as it is spiritually uplifting. It’s yoga for people who like to move, breathe, and occasionally fall on their faces with a grin.
Origins: When Yoga Got a Little Rock ’n’ Roll
Rocket Yoga was born in San Francisco in the 1980s, thanks to the late, great Larry Schultz — a student of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the father of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Larry adored Ashtanga but wanted to make it more accessible, more fun, and, frankly, a little less serious. Instead of sticking to strict sequences and a teacher-knows-best hierarchy, he encouraged exploration. His motto? “It’s Yoga — and it’s for everyone.”
While teaching the Grateful Dead (yes, the actual rock band), Larry developed a faster, freer style that combined Ashtanga’s strength with modern creativity. Someone in the band apparently said, “This stuff gets you there faster!” — and just like that, Rocket Yoga was born.
What started in a San Francisco loft has since circled the globe, inspiring thousands of teachers and offshoots (like RocketBeats, which adds music and modern movement science into the mix).RocketBeats and 4-Beat are two of the most recent additions.
Inside the Practice: Breath, Beats, and a Dash of Chaos
Rocket Yoga is best described as Ashtanga with freedom. The structure is there — strong sequences, synchronised breath, focused gaze — but you’re encouraged to colour outside the lines.
Traditionally, there are three main sequences:
• Rocket I: based on the Ashtanga Primary Series — foundations, forward folds, core, and strength.
• Rocket II: inspired by the Intermediate Series — deeper backbends, arm balances, and inversions.
• Rocket III: a blend of both, designed to balance strength and flexibility. Sometimes called The Happy Hour!
But don’t expect every class to look the same. Rocket is fluid, creative, and teacher-led, with modifications, playful transitions, and (often) music that keeps your energy high.
The Faces Behind the Flow
While Larry Schultz remains the original Rocket pioneer, his students have kept the flame burning bright:
• David Kyle brought Rocket Yoga to Puerto Rico and developed the teacher-training programs that spread the style worldwide.
• In the UK, innovators like Imi Wiseman and Alan Ellman, creators of RocketBeats, have carried Rocket into the 21st century.
• Teachers like Ella Tighe bring that same Rocket philosophy to life here at Yantra — combining strength, laughter, and inclusivity. David Kyle & Ella Tighe
Why You’ll Love It: The Benefits of Rocket Yoga
Rocket Yoga is one of those rare practices that trains your body, brain, and bravery all at once. It’s challenging, yes — but the benefits go way beyond the physical.
Mental Lift-Off:
• Builds concentration through rhythmic breath and flow.
• Boosts confidence as you try new (and sometimes wild) poses.
• Encourages playfulness — reminding you that progress often looks like wobbling, falling, and laughing before trying again.
Physical Power:
• Arms, shoulders, and core get a serious workout through chaturangas, handstands, and arm balances.
• Flexibility improves through deep folds and backbends.
• Endurance builds naturally through continuous movement and breath.
Community Boost:
• You’re surrounded by people cheering each other on.
• There’s space to explore, make mistakes, and actually enjoy the process.
• The laughter that erupts when half the room topples out of crow pose? That’s the magic.
Practice Rocket Yoga at Yantra Studio!
Ready to lift off? Here’s how to experience Rocket and Rocket-inspired yoga with us at Yantra Studio:
• Thursdays 5.30 PM — Radiant Rocket (Heated) with Abby
A fiery flow inspired by Rocket Yoga — expect uplifting music, playful transitions, and that signature Yantra heat.
• October 18 — Practice with Ella: Intro to Rocket Beats Workshop
A chance to experience Rocket’s rhythm-driven side with Ella Tighe, blending Rocket flow, drills, and a killer playlist.
• December 5 / 6 / 7 — Rocket Teacher Training with Amber Jean (Cincinnati Yoga AH)
We’re thrilled to host Amber Jean, one of the remaining direct students of Larry Schultz himself. This is a rare opportunity to study Rocket at its roots — right here at Yantra.