MANJU P. JOIS BIOGRAPHY

workshop information

Manju Jois, Ashtanga Yoga guru of Mysore, South India, is the oldest son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Manju was born on November 16th, 1944. At the age of 7, Manju was awakened early each day by his father to begin lessons that would forever change the course of his life and the lives of those who would study with him in the years to come. He began teaching at the age of 15 with his father and has taught continuously for the last 42 years.

After high school, Manju traveled all over northern and southern India to give yoga demonstrations and teach Ashtanga Yoga to his fellow Indians. He traveled from Madras in Southern India to New Delhi, Benares, and Bombay and other parts of Northern India. Manju decided not to become a Professor of Yoga at Benares Hindu University because he wanted to continue to travel and teach the Ashtanga tradition.

During that time he also went to Pondicherry and demonstrated and taught yoga at the Geeta Ananda Ashram. Two American yoga students, David Williams and Norman Allen, saw Manju's demonstration. Williams, extremely impressed by Manju's demonstration and knowledge, approached Manju and asked who his guru was. Manju sent Williams to his father/guru.

The two westerners studied with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois for several months. After returning to Encinitas, California, Williams invited Manju and Pattabhi Jois to the US in 1975. This was the first time that Ashtanga yoga was brought to the west.

MANJU P. JOIS BIOGRAPHY (Continued)

Manju and Pattabhi taught a two-month workshop to eager students in Encinitas, California. Manju decided to stay in the US and teach, against his father's wishes, and he has been continuously teaching on the east and west coasts since that time. Manju's presence in the US since 1975 has had a significant effect in the growth of Yoga in America. Nearly 27 years since Pattabhi and Manju brought Ashtanga to the US, yoga has become extremely popular and Pattabhi is now a world-renowned Guru.

Manju considers it a great honor to be the son of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. "He is my father and my teacher. I am grateful for both my mother and my father." Manju's mother, Savatri Jois, (Sathu to her family) was a beloved wife, loving mother and an expert in Indian cuisine. Sadly, she passed away in 1997. Manju is still very dedicated to his family in India and he spends from 2 to 3 months with them each year. Manju and his wife Nancy joyfully welcomed the birth of baby girl named Sathu (after her Grandmother) on July 22nd, 2002.

Manju has taught the true Mysore Ashtanga method for over 40 years now. He offers yoga workshops and teacher training on the east coast and he is now planning teacher training around the country. He is also introducing pranayama and vedic chantings, which go very well with Ashtanga yoga practice. Manju's intention is to teach in the way of the Ancient tradition and bring the many benefits of Ashtanga yoga to his students.