Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga consists of a flowing sequence of postures linked together with a special type of breathing called Ujjayi breathing. At the same time certain body locks, Mulabandha, Uddiyana bandha and Jalandhara bandha are performed. This combination of Asana, Breath and Bandha create within the body an internal heat and focus that helps one to achieve a high level of flexibility grace and concentration.
The main proponent of ashtanga yoga was the late K. Pattabhi Jois who learned it from his teacher Krishnamacharya of Mysore, India.