Today I sat down with David C. Kyle “Baba Rocket” in his home studio, Ashtanga Yoga Puerto Rico, to talk about teaching yoga. Today’s interview goes deeper into the actual practice of Rocket Yoga and teaching philosophy. Be sure to check out my first interview with David to hear his teacher origin story and more background on his personal practice.
David is an author, the lead trainer of Rocket yoga, and is someone that thousands of us have traveled around the world to take his class. I found out about Rocket yoga almost by accident while on vacation in Puerto Rico 3 years ago and I never looked back. David has single-handedly shaped my practice and the way I think about teaching yoga. It is an honor to share this studio chat with you.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS INTERVIEW WITH DAVID, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE & DROP ME A RATING. Thank you.
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Time stamps:
00:00 Intro
02:00 Opening quote from David & agenda
04:40 Arms floating up, or lightness during practice.
08:00 Discipline in practice. Pushing and holding back.
12:30 How to start practicing and face resistance.
14:00 Larry Schulz on repetition.
17:05 Bob Weir coined the name Rocket and the real meaning of “it gets you there faster.”
20:00 Plateaus and hitting peak moments in class. The body home analogy.
24:30 David’s teaching style & the importance of speaking and pacing.
28:20 When you get to Prasarita it feels like church
29:30 Setting rhythm and music during a Rocket class.
38:00 Rocket was not originally to push to extremes. It was inspirational but the original method was about taking a step back from the traditional ashtanga practice… 50% is okay.
43:40 David’s predictions for the future of the evolution of Rocket.
46:00 It’s important to take teachers’ classes who are outside of your philosophy and look for the similarities.
51:00 Intimidation vs inspiration, how can we encourage inspiration?
56:00 The vulnerability of doing your best. Surrender.
1:01:00 David’s first class and advice for himself.
1:07:00 What makes an exceptional leader?
1:09:00 Billboard message.