Rocket Yoga Intensive with Steve Pyka and Lauren Nottingham, July 22-26
WHAT IT IS:
The 5-Day Practice Immersion is designed for any person at any level in their practice who is interested in learning more about Rocket Vinyasa Yoga. Through daily practice and group discussions, your existing concepts of what yoga is and what it is for will be challenged and expanded. Live a life in the week of a Rocket Yogi. See how a simple, gentle, systematic and powerful approach to yoga can transform how you relate to yourself and the world around you.
Schedule:
Wednesday (evening practice only): 6-7:30p
Thursday: 9:45a-7:30p
Friday: 9:45a-7:30p
Saturday: 11a-7p
Sunday: 11:30a-7p
WHO SHOULD TAKE IT:
Anyone! Of course, it is helpful to already have a consistent yoga practice, but it is not essential. The immersion might light a fire for you! Students and teachers are welcome, but this program does not confer any authority to teach yoga generally or Rocket Yoga specifically. The authority to teach yoga comes from your own experience, dedication and enthusiasm to share what you practice.
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE IT:
We take a common-sense approach to the practice and the philosophy. Yoga need not be complicated. In fact, it's very natural- it's moving and breathing with awareness. Forget about what you can do, have or become through yoga. Yoga is most useful in demonstrating that you have what you seek. Having an enjoyable and familiar yoga routine that you can do anywhere and at anytime will inspire you to develop the consistency and dedication which bring forth the gifts of the practice.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS:
Steve Pyka, a direct student of Larry Schultz, the creator of Rocket Yoga, opened AstaYoga with Rene Henley in 2009 as a place where people could find a genuine sense of strength, peace and community. Together, they have over 20 years of experience teaching and have trained hundreds of people (including Adrian, Lauren, and other Dojo instructors!) who are practicing and sharing the Rocket all over the world.
WHAT IT COSTS AND HOW YOU CAN SIGN UP:
The training costs $995, call or email to register. You can reserve a space in the training with a $300 deposit, with the balance due before training commences. Or feel free to pay in full upon registering. Returning students who have previously completed a Rocket training with Asta / The Yoga Dojo can take $420 off the training price and enroll at a discounted rate of $575- the Larry Schultz Special - and can sign up by emailing hello@theyogadojorva.com.
This training is approved for 45 lead trainer core hours (40 contact, 5 non-contact) for our modular 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training program. This course is also approved for 45 YA CEUs (40 contact, 5 non-contact).
Elemental Sound Healing with Juju Desta, Friday, July 17, 6-7:15p
Sound healing is an ancient practice that uses sound to relax the body and mind through allowing the vibrations of the various instruments to put one into a “yogic sleep.” In yogic sleep, the individual is neither fully asleep nor fully awake. In Aboriginal culture, it is referred to as the “Dream Time” state. The sounds vibrate with every cell of a living organism which in turn activates a natural healing process working through any physical, mental, or emotional blockages within the body.
Julian J. Desta is 200hr certified yoga instructor residing in Richmond, VA. Always having a passion for the creative arts, he was introduced to the practice of Sound Healing and Therapy when given his first singing bowl as a birthday present from a friend. Julian began researching the depths of sound and it’s powerful healing techniques. After a few years practicing Julian received his Sound Healing Certification from Mentor and friend Mark Toregson in 2019.
Specializing in a variety of instruments from the didgeridoo, to flutes, singing bowls, and drums, Julian has created a unique Sound Healing Experience called Elemental Sound Healing. Discovering relationship between sound healing and nature, he calls on the 4 elements of Air, Wind, Water, and Fire to channel through each practice to bring balance to the human system or what he likes to refer to as homeostasis.
Please bring whatever you would like to rest comfortably on the ground. A mat, pillow, and blanket or two are recommended.
Investment: $30. Register HERE. Registration is also available for 7/17 and 8/14.
Abdominal self care class with Lili simons, friday, july 31, 4-5p
In this class we will learn and explore our abdominal area, and how to take care of the belly with self massage techniques. Through this work, you can learn to open the flow of energy and blood circulation in the abdominal organs, as well as to relieve stress and negative emotions stored in the belly.
Abdominal massage is a great tool for staying healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually. The abdomen is our vitality center, also called Hara. When it is healthy, the rest of the body will follow.
Please bring a yoga mat and pillow.
Investment: $30. Register HERE.
breathwork + Sound bath with Katie Lemmert, Monday, August 3, 7:30-8:45p
75 minutes to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself.
We'll begin with guided breathwork set to a thoughtfully curated playlist. Breathwork is an active meditation that helps quiet the thinking mind so you can reconnect with the wisdom of your heart. Using a consciously connected breathing pattern, we'll work with the body's energy, creating space to release what you've been carrying.
You'll be invited to sigh, laugh, yell, cry if it arises, or simply breathe with intention. There is no right way to experience this practice. Breathwork gives us permission to acknowledge what is present—whether that's stress, grief, anger, joy, or something you can't quite put words to. Rather than pushing those emotions away, we create space to witness them with curiosity, compassion, and acceptance, allowing them to move through us.
From there, you'll settle into deep rest as the sounds of Himalayan singing bowls, Italian gongs, chimes, and other therapeutic instruments wash over you, giving your nervous system time to integrate and restore.
You'll leave feeling more grounded, clear, and connected. No prior experience is necessary—just wear comfortable clothing and give yourself permission to reset.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or simply craving a deeper connection with yourself, this experience offers space to breathe, acknowledge, release, rest, and return to yourself.
Investment: $30 until 7/27. $35 after. Register HERE.