Rocket Yoga is a dynamic, accessible style that modifies traditional Ashtanga sequences to make arm balances and advanced poses available to more practitioners. Created by Larry Schultz in San Francisco during the 1980s, the practice earned its name because "it gets you there faster."

Unlike traditional Ashtanga, where students must master each pose before progressing to the next, Rocket encourages exploration and modification. The philosophy is simple: if you can breathe, you can do yoga. This rebellious approach has made Rocket one of the most empowering styles for practitioners who want to experience challenging poses without waiting years for permission.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the history and origins of Rocket Yoga, break down its unique structure and sequences, examine the benefits of this dynamic practice, and help you determine whether Rocket is right for your yoga journey.

From Mysore to San Francisco

Rocket Yoga was created by Larry Schultz, a devoted student of Ashtanga Yoga who had studied extensively with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. Larry deeply loved Ashtanga but grew frustrated with its rigid progression rules—where students couldn't attempt certain poses until mastering everything that came before.

Larry began teaching yoga to the Grateful Dead on tour in the 1980s, earning him the nickname "the Dead's yoga teacher." This unconventional setting—backstage at rock concerts—influenced his approach to practice. He needed something dynamic and engaging that could work for musicians with irregular schedules and varying experience levels.

Why "Rocket"?

The name "Rocket" came from the idea that this practice "gets you there faster." Rather than waiting years to attempt arm balances or poses from Ashtanga's Second and Third Series, Larry's students could explore these poses immediately—with modifications as needed.

Larry founded It's Yoga in San Francisco and later It's Yoga International, which continues to train Rocket teachers worldwide. His philosophy was simple and democratic: yoga should be accessible to everyone, and arbitrary gatekeeping has no place in practice.

Larry Schultz passed away in 2011, but his legacy lives on through thousands of Rocket teachers and the countless practitioners who have discovered that challenging poses are within their reach.

Style: Dynamic and Rebellious

Rocket Yoga maintains the breath-movement synchronization of its Ashtanga parent but drops the rigid rules. The practice is dynamic, challenging, and decidedly playful. Arm balances feature prominently—poses like Crow Pose, Firefly, and various arm balance variations appear throughout the sequences.

Unlike traditional Ashtanga, where you must master each pose before moving on, Rocket encourages exploration. Can't do a full Chaturanga? Take your knees down. Not ready for Headstand? Work on the prep. The philosophy is that attempting poses—even with modifications—builds strength and confidence faster than waiting indefinitely.

Structure: Creative Freedom Within Framework

A typical Rocket class follows a predictable arc:

• Opening centering and warm-up
• Sun Salutations (often with variations)
• Standing sequence with balancing poses
• Arm balance section (the heart of Rocket)
• Seated poses and forward folds
• Backbends and finishing sequence
• Savasana (final relaxation)

Many Rocket classes incorporate music—another departure from traditional Ashtanga. The energy is often communal and celebratory, with teachers encouraging students to try challenging poses and celebrate their attempts.

Rocket I

Based on Ashtanga's Primary Series, Rocket I focuses on standing poses and forward folds. It builds heat, develops leg strength, and introduces arm balances in a progression that builds confidence. This is often the best entry point for practitioners new to Rocket.

Rocket II

Drawing from Ashtanga's Intermediate Series, Rocket II emphasizes backbends, deeper hip openers, and more challenging arm balances. The practice builds spinal flexibility and opens the front body while maintaining the dynamic flow characteristic of Rocket.

Rocket III (Happy Hour)

The "Happy Hour" sequence combines elements from both Rocket I and Rocket II, creating the most varied and creative sequence. Teachers often have more freedom to play with sequencing here, and the class tends to have an especially celebratory, exploratory vibe.

The combination of dynamic flow, arm balance focus, and accessible modifications creates a unique set of benefits:

Rocket Yoga draws practitioners who want challenge without rigidity:

Who Should Explore Other Options

While Rocket is highly adaptable, consider alternative practices if you:

• Are a complete beginner (build foundation with Vinyasa first)
• Have wrist injuries or limitations (inform teacher, take extra care)
• Prefer very slow, meditative practice (try Yin or Restorative)
• Want a fixed, memorized sequence (try traditional Ashtanga)
• Are uncomfortable with heat and sweat (Rocket builds internal fire)

Rocket Yoga represents a rebellious, accessible approach to the Ashtanga tradition. By removing arbitrary barriers and encouraging exploration, Larry Schultz created a practice that empowers students to discover their own potential—without waiting for permission.

For those who embrace its dynamic energy, Rocket offers profound rewards: upper body strength built through arm balances, confidence developed through attempting challenging poses, mental focus cultivated through complex sequences, and the joy of a supportive, celebratory community.

The practice reminds us that yoga is about the journey, not the destination. Every modification is intelligent. Every attempt is valuable. And as Larry Schultz taught, if you can breathe, you can do yoga.

Find a qualified Rocket teacher, start with Rocket I, and discover why this practice "gets you there faster."