Different Yoga Styles Explained – and What We Offer at Nami Yoga Studio
Yoga comes in many styles—each with its own rhythm, intention, and benefits. Whether you’re drawn to a meditative slow flow or a powerful, sweat-inducing sequence, understanding the origins and characteristics of each yoga style can help you find the right fit.
At Nami Yoga Studio in Kyoto and Tokyo, we offer a variety of classes to suit different bodies, levels, and goals. Here's an overview of the most well-known traditional and modern yoga styles, followed by what we offer at our studios.
Traditional Yoga Styles
🧘♀️ Hatha Yoga (Offered at Nami Yoga Studio – Kyoto & Tokyo)
Origin: India, around the 11th–15th century
Key Influences: Texts like the Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Style: Slow-paced, foundational postures, focus on breath
Hatha is one of the oldest forms of physical yoga, serving as the foundation for many modern styles. It focuses on aligning the body, calming the mind, and preparing for meditation. Ideal for beginners and those seeking a gentle but grounding practice.
🔥 Vinyasa Yoga (Offered at Nami Yoga Studio – Kyoto & Tokyo)
Origin: Modern form from the 20th century, India
Key Influences: T. Krishnamacharya, Pattabhi Jois
Style: Flow-based, dynamic, breath-synchronized movement
Vinyasa emphasizes fluid movement between poses, often structured like a dance with breath as the guide. Classes range from gentle to vigorous. It’s great for building strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
💪 Ashtanga Yoga (Offered in Tokyo)
Origin: Mysore, India, 1940s
Founder: K. Pattabhi Jois
Style: Structured series, rigorous, traditional
Ashtanga is a physically demanding practice based on fixed sequences. It emphasizes discipline, consistency, and internal focus. Ashtanga is best suited for students looking for a strong, structured physical and mental challenge.
🔥 Bikram Yoga
Origin: 1970s, USA
Founder: Bikram Choudhury
Style: 26 postures, heated room (around 40°C)
Bikram is a hot yoga style practiced in a heated room with a fixed sequence. While it has a loyal global following, Nami Yoga Studio does not currently offer Bikram Yoga.
🧘 Iyengar Yoga (Offered at Nami Yoga Studio as workshops only)
Origin: India, mid-20th century
Founder: B.K.S. Iyengar
Style: Alignment-based, uses props, therapeutic approach
Iyengar Yoga is precise and detail-oriented, focusing heavily on alignment and posture stability. Props such as blocks, straps, and bolsters make it accessible to all levels. We occasionally offer Iyengar workshops at Nami Yoga Studio.
🌿 Jivamukti Yoga
Origin: New York, 1984
Founders: Sharon Gannon & David Life
Style: Spiritual, dynamic, includes chanting & philosophy
Jivamukti blends physical practice with spiritual teachings, music, and devotion. It's vigorous but includes philosophical depth. Currently, we do not offer Jivamukti Yoga.
Modern Yoga Styles
🌙 Yin Yoga (Offered in Tokyo + Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Sep 2025)
Origin: United States, 1990s
Founder: Paul Grilley (inspired by Taoist concepts)
Style: Passive, long-held stretches, targets fascia & joints
Yin Yoga involves long, meditative holds, usually seated or lying down, to access deeper connective tissues. It complements more active styles and is wonderful for improving flexibility and calming the nervous system.
🗓️ Join our Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Tokyo – September 2025
🛏️ Restorative Yoga (Offered in Tokyo)
Origin: Modern therapeutic yoga tradition
Popularized by: Judith Hanson Lasater
Style: Deep relaxation, minimal movement, heavy use of props
Restorative Yoga helps the body deeply relax and reset. It’s especially helpful for stress relief, anxiety, and recovery from injury or burnout. Poses are held for extended periods using props for complete support.
⚡ Power Yoga / Rocket Yoga (Offered in Tokyo)
Origin: Power Yoga – 1990s USA; Rocket Yoga – 1980s USA
Founders: Bryan Kest (Power), Larry Schultz (Rocket)
Style: Energetic, strength-based, evolved from Ashtanga
These modern, Western adaptations of Ashtanga are high-intensity, strength-building, and designed for those who love a strong physical workout. Offered only at our Tokyo location.
🤰 Maternity Yoga (Not a dedicated class, but you're welcome!)
While we don’t offer dedicated prenatal or maternity yoga classes at Nami Yoga Studio, expectant students are warmly welcomed in many of our gentle or modified classes. Contact us to find the most suitable class for your stage of pregnancy.
What Else We Offer at Nami Yoga Studio
In addition to a wide range of yoga styles, we also offer the following options:
👥 Small Group & Private Lessons
Personalized guidance in a quiet setting, great for beginners, busy professionals, or those recovering from injury.
🧑💼 Corporate Yoga – On-site Office Yoga
Bring wellness to your team with yoga classes held directly at your workplace. Learn more:
👉 https://www.namiyogastudio.com/en/corporate-yoga
👶 Kids Yoga
Playful and mindful yoga designed for younger students to build focus, confidence, and flexibility.
Final Thoughts
Yoga is not one-size-fits-all. With so many styles rooted in history and adapted to modern life, there’s truly something for everyone. At Nami Yoga Studio in Kyoto and Tokyo, we’re here to help you explore, learn, and grow—whether you're new to yoga or deepening your practice.
🗓️ Ready to get started?
Check out our class schedule and find the right class for you!