history

In 1989, much before yoga had been a thought to most westerners, Larry Shultz, founder of It’s Yoga and the rocket system, opened the doors to one of San Francisco’s first yoga studios. Larry had previously spent the last seven years traveling back and forth from Mysore, India. There he studied traditional Ashtanga Yoga with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Guru of the practice . Larry, yoga practitioner for over 30 years, was labeled the “bad man of Ashtanga”.  He was the first to develop one of the most progressive and challenging routines bases off the first 3 series of classical Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Shifting the philosophy that one pose had to be completed perfectly before the next was given; he created a sequence of postures that brought advanced poses to all levels of practitioners, allowing for modifications. His shift in the tradition was sparked by the reality of taking an eastern science and introducing it to western thinkers. The practice had to be fun and accessible to all, while maintaining its scientific powers of healing, energizing and rejuvenating. Through this the Rocket routine was born and with the test of time has proven its benefits of improving health, energy and vitality, as well as transforming the quality of life. The It’s Yoga system is now a global community, with over 5,000 It’s Yoga graduates, and a growing number of 15 studios and affiliates worldwide. In Larry’s legacy we give great gratitude for his teachings and re- workings of this ancient science to suit the modern world. We thank you Larry for the gift of the It’s Yoga system!