Tue Nov 12 15:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Renowned Yoga Guru Sharath Jois Dies at 53
**Mysore, India** – Sharath Jois, the celebrated yoga guru who taught celebrities including Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, has passed away at the age of 53. Jois, who was the grandson of renowned yoga master K Pattabhi Jois, died unexpectedly on Monday while on a teaching tour in Virginia, USA.
Jois took over the leadership of the K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India, after his grandfather’s passing in 2009. He was known for his dedication to the ashtanga vinyasa yoga style, which his grandfather popularized, and traveled extensively to teach the practice worldwide.
His dedication to the practice was reflected in his own life. Jois started practicing yoga at the tender age of seven, waking up at 3:30 am daily to attend his grandfather’s institute. Despite pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, he ultimately dedicated himself fully to yoga at the age of 17, carrying on his grandfather’s legacy.
Jois was renowned for his ability to connect with students from all walks of life, including celebrities. He spoke about teaching Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow in a 2006 interview, describing them as dedicated students who embraced the discipline of the practice. He praised Madonna’s commitment to the practice, which she had been engaged in for 12 years at that point, noting her healthy lifestyle changes, including her decision to give up junk food.
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from the global yoga community. Rebecca Loos, former personal assistant to David Beckham, shared her grief on Instagram, writing, “Ashtanga Community is in mourning… RIP Sharath Jois.” Saudi yoga teacher Nouf Almarwaai described Jois as “a revered teacher and custodian of the ashtanga tradition,” whose teachings “touched countless lives.”
Sharath Jois leaves behind a legacy of dedicated teaching and a deep connection to the ancient practice of yoga. His passing is a significant loss to the yoga community worldwide.
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