Anthony Prem Carlisi

Anthony “Prem” Carlisi

I began my journey into the world of Consciousness when I was 15 years young. It started with wanting to know more than the current traditional Religiousness of Catholicism. I explored the depths of the Superconscious by taking Psychedelics, namely Mescaline and LSD. This opened my “eyes” (third eye) to what was beyond and gave me glimpses of what was possible Inside.

This eventually led me to Meditation when I was 18 and propelled me to discover Ashtanga Yoga when I was 21.

In 1978 I started my journey into the Ashtanga Yoga world. I was blessed with the rare opportunity to be with “Guruji” (Pattabhi Jois) in the most intimate settings from the very beginning. I continued to practice and study with him in India and wherever else I could until his passing in 2009.

In 1983 I had the great good fortune of meeting and studying with Dr. Vasant Lad along with senior teachers of Ayurveda, namely Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Robert Svoboda at the Ayurvedic Instutute in Albuquerque, New Mexico until 1987. I have a thorough understanding of the principles of Life and Living according to this ancient Science from India. I incorporate these principles into all my teachings. Krishnamachariya and Pattabhi Jois were advocates of this method of lifestyle and teaching in everything they taught as well.

Along with this I have studied extensively with Master teachers in the Arts of Tantra, Meditation (Surat Shabd Yoga/The Yoga of connection to the Sound Current) Herbology, Acupuncture/Chi Gong, Pranayama, Fasting/Cleansing, Iridology, Shiatsu Massage, Pancha Karma, and other forms of Hatha Yoga (Iyengar/Krishnamachariya).

Today I am blessed with having the Ashtanga Yoga Bali Research Center with my loving wife Radha. AYBRC is a culmination of our combined energy from our devoted practice and teaching of the traditional method of Ashtanga Yoga and the Vedic Science of Ayurveda to thousands of students around the Globe. I am forever grateful for this opportunity to share with you what I have learned and continue to learn.

Prem, In the Shala at Ashtanga Yoga Bali Research Centre.
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Guruji giving Prem adjustment in Rajkapotasana

Prem’s Interview

Interview with Prem by Yoga Anatomy

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What people say about Prem

Prem with Gwyneth Paltrow.

“Anthony Carlisi is a wonderful teacher of Ashtanga yoga. His many years of practice and study have given him a very deep understanding of Ashtanga. He approaches from a place of profound spirituality and connection with the true purpose of the practice and what it is supposed to achieve. His experience deepens the students experience. He helps to align the mind with the physical body through his teachings. The asanas are quickly strengthened under his tutelage. He is also very knowledgeable about Ayurvedic medicine which I believe gives him more insight into the body/mind/spirit connection. Practicing with Anthony immediately connects one with the true depth and meaning of this very special form of yoga.“

Gwyneth Paltrow / Actress
Prem with Chris Martin

“Anthony was my first yoga teacher and gave me the ideal starting course; he was patient and kind and really took the time to explain things. I was deeply suspicious when I started but that suspicion soon evaporated. He is a lovely guy and a great teacher, and everyone would benefit from taking lessons with him.“

Chris Martin / Lead Singer of Coldplay
Prem With Tim Miller Yogis

“Raghava (Anthony) is one of my oldest and dearest friends in the Ashtanga Yoga community. We met 30 years ago when we were both neophytes in the yoga world. Anthony brings a depth of experience and insight to his teaching that only a quarter century of practice can bring. Along with his vast experience of practice and teaching, Anthony also has a thorough knowledge of Yoga’s sister science–Ayurveda. The combining of these methodologies is a great boon to the student. Anthony brings a light hearted and playful approach to yoga and life that is delight to be around.“

Tim Miller / Senior Ashtanga Teacher

“It is an honor to write this recommendation for Anthony Carlisi. We began practicing Ashtanga Yoga together in 1978, in Encinitas, California, when Nancy Gilgoff and I brought K. Pattabhi Jois, to America for the second time. Anthony and I have been friends ever since. Anthony has a sterling reputation for consciously and carefully teaching the Ashtanga Yoga method to students of all levels, from elementary to advanced. I solidly support Anthony in all of his endeavors as he spreads our knowledge and love for Ashtanga Yoga throughout the world.“

David Williams / First Western Ashtanga Yogi, 1973.
Prem and Radha with Manju & Sathu Jois.

“I know Anthony is a great yoga teacher and has been practicing for over thirty years,since I’ve known him. He has all my love and support as he travels around the world sharing Ashtanga Yoga.“

Manju Jois / Pattabhi Jois' Son
Famous Ayurvedic master, Dr. Vasant Lad and his wife Uma.

“Anthony ‘Prem’ Carlisi brings together the integral, timeless healing wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga and Tantra as healing modalities for mankind. His depth of study and practice makes him a pioneer in these fields.“

Vasant Lad / World Renown Ayurvedic Master
Prem with Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist, Dan O'Brien in 1996.

“Dan worked with me over an 8 month period. It was during the time of his training for the 2000 Olympics. He had some injuries at the time, but we we’re making great progress. I just recently visited Dan and his wife Leilani in their home and they both agreed saying “that was the best I’ve ever felt physically and mentally in my life”.

Unfortunately Dan hurt his big toe just a few days before the actual Games in 2000. I felt he was definitely on his way to a second Gold Medal. Most importantly Dan lives his life like the champion that he is.

Dan O'Brien / Olympic Decathlon Gold Medalist 1996

“Prem has been my primary teacher of Ashtanga for the 5 past years when he gave me my first lesson. I had a little yoga experience before, but with Prem, the practice became so much more real for me! Teaching it in a phase, form and manner that made me relax more. No dogma, just pure Yoga from a gangster of the spirit. I consider him a good friend and brother from another mother.“

Terje Haakonsen / World Class Snowboarder from Norway

“Anthony is a very dear friend and a dedicated yogi, on and off the mat ­ a gift that only comes from ‘long practice’ done faithfully and regularly. There is no substitute for experience and over the last 30 years Anthony has gone deeply into this practice as an instructor and as a student. His wisdom gained from experience has allowed him to give me much needed perspective on my own practice, especially when I have faced obstacles. At different times he has inspired me, motivated me, and consoled me ­ regardless, I have always enjoyed sharing practice with Anthony. He helps to make practice fun. He’s like a big kid ­ not childish, but childlike and ready to laugh and learn. Anthony helps me to work hard and enjoy it ­ to laugh, enjoy, play and evolve.“

Olaf Kalfas / Former student/Kauai (starting 5th series)

“Anthony Carlisi brings a twenty year long study and practice of Ayurvedic medicine into his teaching of yoga. This provides him much insight into yogic healing and yoga therapy, which few yoga teachers today can claim. It makes him one of the most important Yoga teachers in the world for integrating an Ayurvedic approach to Yoga practice, which will probably be the cutting edge of Yoga for the future.“

David Frawley / Author of Yoga and Ayurvedic Healing

“Anthony Carlisi is an expert Yoga instructor who is able to tailor his classes to meet exactly the needs and abilities of students at all levels. Highly recommended.“

Dean Ornish, M.D