Who We Are
Atma Yoga Shala (AYS) is an International School of Yoga based in Chennai, India, with a growing global community of practitioners and students across the USA, China, Jordan, Europe and beyond.
Founded in 2017, by Joshna Ramakrishnan in Guangzhou, China and 2019 in Chennai, India. Atma Yoga Shala came into being organically shaped by sincere practice, shared learning, and a natural coming together of people drawn to yoga as a way of life.
We offer a grounded, thoughtful approach to yoga that honours and follows traditional teachings while integrating it to fit our modern lives.
The Lineage: A Direct Link to the Roots of Modern Yoga
Sri T. Krishnamacharya (1888–1989)
The Father of Modern Yoga
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Reviving Tradition:
He revived Classical yoga through a synthesis of Asana, Pranayama, Vedic Chanting, and Philosophy. -
Scholarship: He spent much of his youth studying
Shat Darshanas: Vaisheshika, Nyaya, Samkyha, Yoga, Mimamsa & Vedanta - Books Authored: Yoga Rahasya, Yoga Makaranda, Yogaasanagalu plays an important role in understanding Yoga in this tradition.
- Individualized Practice: He emphasized breath-centered, Individualized practice rooted in the Yoga Sutras.
- Global Impact: His teachings laid the foundation for global lineages, including Ashtanga, Iyengar, Vinyasa Krama, and many other styles.
- Popular Quote: "Teach what is inside you, not as it applies to you, to yourself, but as it applies to the other"
Srivatsa Ramaswami
Teacher of VInyasa Krama
- Direct Disciple: One of the longest-standing direct students of Krishnamacharya, studying with him for 33 years (1955–1989).
- Preserving Vinyasa Krama: Widely respected for preserving the traditional Vinyasa Krama system exactly as transmitted by his guru.
- Teaching Experience: Over 25 years of teaching experience in India, including 20 years at the Kalakshetra Foundation.
- International Authority: Conducted workshops at the Esalen Institute, Loyola Marymount University, and YogaWorks; holds an E-RYT 500 credential.
- Accomplished Author: Author of "The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga" and the 2025 publication "Samkhya Karika".
- Vedic Chanting: Recorded over 30 hours of traditional Sanskrit chanting to preserve the classical yoga tradition.
Each posture includes variations and transitional movements, allowing the practice to be accessible, safe, and meaningful for practitioners at different stages.
- Intelligent sequencing
- Breath as the organizing principle
- Gradual progression
- Inner awareness alongside physical practice
The Tradition we follow
Vinyasa Krama by Srivatsa Ramaswami.
In his book, The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga, Srivatsa Ramaswami presents a clear and comprehensive approach to yoga practice , one that emphasizes intelligent sequencing, breath awareness, and mindful progression.
In this tradition practitioners are encouraged to understand why and how each movement is performed.
Every posture includes variations and transitional movements, allowing the practice to be adapted to different bodies, ages, and life stages.
The teachings shared at Atma Yoga Shala are deeply influenced by this lineage. Our approach emphasizes:
- Breath-led movement
- Structured yet adaptable practice
- Awareness to subtle aspects of the self
- Consistency to deepen the understanding of the practice
This lineage forms the foundation of how we teach, practice, and guide students on their individual paths.
Our Community
Atma Yoga Shala is, above all, a community, one that values curiosity, openness, and shared learning.
Our teachers are formally trained and certified, bringing years of practice and study into the classroom.
At the same time, the environment remains warm, light-hearted, and human. We take yoga seriously, but we do not take ourselves too seriously.
Our studio spaces and online classrooms are designed to be welcoming, calm, and supportive places where students can feel at ease as they learn and grow.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make yoga accessible, adaptable, and meaningful helping each individual discover a practice that feels supportive rather than overwhelming.
We believe yoga is for everyone, and our role is to help you find your way in.
Our Vision
Yoga meets you where you are.
Over time, a practice that begins with physical movement may naturally deepen into meditation, philosophy, chanting, or self-inquiry. We envision a future where yoga is embraced in its entirety not as a fitness trend, but as a lifelong companion for self-understanding and conscious living.
Through practice, reflection, and shared learning, we hope to support individuals in knowing themselves better and living with greater awareness.
Whether you are beginning your practice, deepening your understanding, or stepping into teaching,
Atma Yoga Shala offers a supportive space to grow.