What is Ashtanga Yudh?
Ashtanga Yudh is a dynamic fusion of yogic principles and martial arts, rooted in the eight limbs of Ashtanga Yoga as outlined by Patanjali. It reimagines these limbs—Yama (ethical restraints), Niyama (personal observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union)—in a martial context. The practice integrates physical techniques with spiritual depth, creating a holistic path that strengthens body, mind, and soul.
For example, Pratyahara involves detaching the mind from the body’s distractions, allowing a practitioner to remain calm and focused even in the heat of conflict. Dharana is applied through practices like Hanuman upasana (devotional focus on Hanuman) while fighting, which Guru Suraj equates to both japa (mantra repetition) and meditation. This blend of movement and mindfulness makes Ashtanga Yudh a “perfect combination of yogic arts and martial arts combined with ancient warrior fighting systems.” It’s not just about physical prowess—it’s about aligning your actions with a deeper purpose.
The Philosophy: Becoming a Yodha
At its heart, Ashtanga Yudh is about the journey, not the destination. Unlike martial arts that aim to mold you into a specific archetype—like a samurai or Shaolin monk—this practice encourages you to become fully yourself. Guru Suraj emphasizes that the goal is to “meet yourself better” through a conversation with your inner being. This process reshapes how you speak, breathe, and think, fostering a productive mindset and dissolving fear from your life.
The ultimate aim is to become a mahayodha (great warrior) and an uttam purush (ideal person), embodying the dharma of figures like Sri Ram. This isn’t about chasing fame or victory but about being useful to others. Guru Suraj distinguishes between a fighter and a yodha: a fighter battles for personal gain, often driven by ego or reward (like a “price fighter”), while a yodha fights for a cause, serving others with selflessness. He calls his most dedicated students sadhakas—practitioners driven by nishkam bhakti (selfless devotion)—and cautions against competitive fighting like MMA, which he believes can glorify the wrong role models.
Guru Suraj: A Life of Integration
Guru Suraj, born Suraj Gopinat, carries a unique perspective shaped by his 36 years of experience in four martial arts and his immersion in ancient practices gained through meditation. His title of “Guru” was bestowed by his own mentor, a Shankaracharya, who saw his potential to bridge cultures. As an American citizen who returned to India, Guru Suraj believes that true appreciation of one’s roots comes from stepping away and returning with fresh eyes. “There’s no place like India to find yourself,” he says, reflecting on his journey back to his homeland.
His path to spirituality wasn’t through traditional religious pursuits but through martial arts. He describes this as “applied spirituality,” where the essence of martial practice revealed the importance of knowing oneself. While many today know the world better than themselves, Guru Suraj’s journey flipped this dynamic—he always knew himself but sought to understand the world. Ashtanga Yudh is the culmination of this integration, blending physical discipline with inner awareness to create a practice that’s both practical and profound.
Applied Dharana: Mindful Movement in Action
What sets Ashtanga Yudh apart is its practical application of yogic principles like dharana (focused concentration). Unlike other species that instinctively know how to fight, humans must learn, and Guru Suraj tailors techniques to each student’s natural movements. He uses traditional yogic tools like the kamandal (water pot) and yoga danda (staff) to teach movement and awareness. For instance, holding a kamandal while moving requires constant focus to keep it balanced, linking the mind directly to physical actions. This mirrors the focus needed in real-life situations, whether navigating a busy street or responding to a challenge.
The practice is designed for “Indian day-to-day life,” not competitive arenas. It emphasizes defensive techniques from seemingly submissive positions, making it relevant for real-world scenarios. By cultivating dharana, practitioners develop a heightened awareness that translates beyond the mat, enabling them to stay calm and deliberate in any situation.
The 42-Day Program in Rishikesh
To bring this vision to life, Guru Suraj is launching a transformative 42-day Ashtanga Yudh program starting June 1, 2025, in Rishikesh, the yoga capital of the world. Set against the serene backdrop of the Ganga River and cascading waterfalls, this intensive course will combine:
Shiv Sadhana: Devotional practices to connect with divine energy.
Martial Arts: Techniques drawn from Guru Suraj’s extensive experience.
Yoga: Ashtanga-based practices to align body and mind.
Weight Training and Cardio: To build physical strength and endurance.
Only eight candidates will be selected from across India after a rigorous screening process, ensuring a committed group of sadhakas ready to deepen their practice. This program is part of Guru Suraj’s karma yoga—his selfless service to guide others. He seeks participants who are already working on themselves and are eager to elevate their journey, emphasizing that the outcome depends on both dedication and destiny.
A Message to Live By: Attract, Don’t Chase
Guru Suraj’s philosophy extends beyond the practice to a way of living. His core message is simple yet profound: “Don’t chase the world, attract the world.” Chasing goals in a vast, fleeting world is a recipe for frustration. Instead, he urges us to become what we seek, collapsing the perceived gap of space and time. By focusing fully on one thing—whether it’s a martial technique, a yoga pose, or a daily task—as if you’re the first person to do it, you cultivate awareness and authenticity. Results, like increased positivity or inner peace, become natural byproducts of this process.
Guru Suraj’s approach is to underpromise and overdeliver. Participants in his programs often discover unexpected benefits, like newfound confidence or clarity, as they align with their truth. Ashtanga Yudh isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about awakening the yodha within, a warrior who fights for a cause, lives with purpose, and embodies their dharma.
Why Ashtanga Yudh Matters
In a world that often prioritizes external success over inner growth, Ashtanga Yudh offers a counterpoint—a path to integrate strength, spirituality, and self-awareness. It’s a call to move beyond being a fighter to becoming a yodha, someone who serves others and lives with intention. Through practices like dharana and Hanuman upasana, it connects the physical and spiritual, making ancient wisdom accessible for modern life.
The upcoming 42-day program in Rishikesh is a rare opportunity to train under Guru Suraj’s guidance, surrounded by the spiritual energy of the Himalayas. Whether you’re a martial artist, a yogi, or simply someone seeking to know yourself better, Ashtanga Yudh invites you to step into your power and fight for what matters. As Guru Suraj reminds us, the truth of the world is your truth—stop chasing, start attracting, and become the warrior you were meant to be.