Yoga Teacher Training - Level 1 - Course Outline
Yoga Teacher Training - Level 1
Yoga Alliance Accreditation (200+ hours)
Satsanga Retreat, Goa, India: 9 February - 10 March, 2013
2500 GBP (Includes yoga tuition/2 Ayurvedic vegetarian meals a day/twin share accommodation.)
Application form is at the bottom of the page.
What we believe
We believe that Yoga is not gymnastics. It is an ancient Indian science that uses the body and breath to penetrate the mind and liberate us from suffering. These days it seems that ‘yoga’ and ‘asana’ are considered to be the same thing and all people care about is proficiency with the advanced poses. In ancient times, asana was a small part of the yoga practice mainly to prepare the body for the inner limbs of meditation. On this YTT, asana is the site where all the aspects of yoga come together. We treat asana as the starting place for meditation, for a genuine yogic inquiry that moves the practice beyond a mere physical experience and makes its relevant to real life.
While we use the traditional Mysore Astanga Primary Series as the main form of practice, this training offers a comparative study of contemporary Hatha Yoga styles. You will study other styles of Vinyasa Flow as well as BKS Iyengar alignment techniques. Our aim is to explore the inner/outer techniques of Vinyasa Krama, to reveal the spiritual path underlying the practice; learn the principles of subtle alignment, breath/bandhas/dristi, and the methodology that ties poses together into a seamless ‘moving meditation’; and the technology to stabilize the mind and glimpse at our true nature.
We believe that the Guru lies within and will do everything to guide you on this transformative journey that will shift your perspective on the world and change your life in a good way. We will take you to the spiritual heart of the practice.
The Teachers
Our teachers have a passion for Yoga and have dedicated their lives to the spiritual path. We are not fundamentalists preaching the dogma of one tradition. We take a comparative view that embraces all Yoga traditions and the big questions on the path to liberation. We walk the spiritual path and bring that experience to the course to guide you to find the qualities one needs to be an excellent teacher and embrace yoga into your life.
Heather Elton is the Director and course coordinator. She teaches Astanga in the Mysore tradition of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga based on 'classical' Astanga in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Yoga philosophy is integrated with breath and asana to reveal the spiritual path underlying the practice, and the technology to stabilise the mind and realise our true nature. It works on a deep physical and psychological level. She is a believer in the ancient yogic path to Self-Realisation.
She has practiced Yoga since 1986 and teaches in London and on international workshops/retreats. Heather has an open mind about yoga and has studied many different lineages of Hatha Yoga, including BKS Iyengar technique with Alaric Newcombe and Glenn Ceresoli. She has studied Astanga with Sri K Pattabhi Jois and Sharath in Mysore, and many of their senior students. She learned the Primary and Intermediate Series adjustments from Nancy Gilgoff, completed a Teacher Training certification with Richard Freeman, and more recently studied the traditional Krishnamacharya method of asana, pranayama & kundalini metaphysics with BNS Iyengar at the Patanajala Yoga Shala in Mysore. She completed the Tripsichore Yoga Theatre Teacher Training with Edward Clark and considers David Life and Sharon Gannon of Jivamukti Yoga to be inspirational people and teachers. She is currently researching Tibetan Yantra Yoga.
She also has a meditation practice and did two 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreats in Myanmar (2006) and Hereford, UK (2009). More recently she is a student of the Tibetan Tantric Vajrayana path under the tutelage of Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche. All forms of non-dualism are of interest on this mystical path, including Self-Inquiry, based on the teachings of Ramana Maharishi and she visited his ashram in Tiruvannamalai, India (2009). Native American Shamanic healing techniques also inform her yoga path. Heather is is certified member of Yoga Alliance at the highest level, E-RYT 500 and RYS-500.
Emil has lived in Asia since the mid-seventies, studying Indian thought and Chinese classical philosophy. His many years of residency in Nepal and India have brought about exceptional insight into the depth of Indian civilization and its underlying currents. His study of Âshram traditions, and treasured time with Sadhus and living Buddhist masters, have brought a strong appreciation of the subjects of Mantras and Mudrâs, as well as other methods of Pratyâhâra (sense-withdrawal) and Dhâranâ (concentration), the ancient yogic tools which may, over time, bring about that delightful state of true meditation (Dhyâna). Emil is deeply passionate about yoga, in particular, the aspects of breath and meditation in both the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Emil has been instructing teacher training courses for yoga in Japan, Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, India and the Mid-East, besides several countries in Europe.
In this course, his teachings of Pranayama follow the tradition and methodology of the Bihar School of Yoga, distilled through years of self-practice and experimentation. His philosophy course offers a glimpse into the treasures of ancient texts and their application in daily life as yoga practice and ritual. Basic meditation instruction includes discussions on liberating knowledge, to deepen the yoga practice beyond the mere physical experience.
Chris is an experienced yoga teacher (E-RYT 200), who specializes in the anatomy and biomechanics of yoga practice. Since 2000 Chris has taught yoga and his ‘Yoga Anatomy Show’ on over 50 accredited Yoga Teacher Trainings around the world and has conducted numerous workshops on yoga, breath and health.
Originally from Germany, Chris was a professional windsurfer before he began medical studies at Kiel University. In 1993, he moved to Australia where he studied natural medicine. He earned his Advanced Diplomas in Naturopathy, Nutritional Medicine, Western Herbal Medicine and Homeopathy in 1998 from the Australian Institute of Applied Sciences, and his BHS in Complementary Medicine from Charles Sturt University.
Some of Chris’ favourite teachers who have contributed greatly to his body of knowledge are Yogacharya H.S. Arun (Iyengar Yoga), Clive Sheridan (Hatha, Kundalini, Pranayama), Emil Wendel (Pranayama), Peter Clifford (Therapeutic Yoga, 5 Element Yoga), Matthew Sweeney, Louisa Sear and David Muehsam (Astanga Vinyasa) and Judith Lasater (Restorative Yoga).
Chris is currently based in Toronto, Canada where he teaches yoga and offers consultations and treatments at his home studio/clinic. He continues to travel around the world to teach yoga anatomy workshops and anatomy curricula for yoga teacher trainings.
Rachel originally trained in Iyengar and Astanga and has practiced yoga for 25 years and taught for 18. She also trained as a professional dancer and choreographer in the USA and in Australia. She began teaching yoga in her role as Head of Dance at the Northern Rivers Conservatorium where she introduced yoga to the curriculum.
Her teaching style continues to reflect her deep engagement with the arts – dynamic and precise with an emphasis on mindfulness. While living in New York from 2000–2004, Rachel worked with Alan Finger (Yoga Works and ISHTA yoga founder) teaching in his Be Yoga studios for four years. There she co-created and coordinated the Be Yoga Teacher Training Program, becoming a senior facilitator and mentor.
Rachel returned to Australia to teach in the Yoga Arts Teacher Training, and since 2005 has created and facilitated her own teacher trainings and workshops in the ISHTA System in Australia, India, Bali, Japan, New York and in many major cities in Europe. In 2006, she began practicing Bhakti Yoga and has incorporated Yantra, Mantra, Mudra and Tantric rituals into her workshops and trainings. Rachel is an award-winning musician for her album of chanting and devotional song, Sita Ram, and is a published poet.
Peter Roussel has been practicing yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2000. In 2001, he graduated from the nine-month full-time Yoga Arts Teacher Training in Australia. His studies continued with Clive Sheridan, who he has followed on retreats for 9 years and whose influence inspired Peter to spend several months on self-retreat, taking time alone in nature to explore and integrate the living art of yoga. These experiences have sculpted Peter's conviction in the transformative power of the practice. Peter has also completed a Level 1 & 2 Yoga Teacher Trainings with Glenn Ceresoli (Senior Advanced Iyengar teacher). Scaravelli and Anusara techniques also influence his teachings. Peter holds annual retreats in India and gives workshops in Europe and Japan, embracing the conventional and unconventional aspects of Hatha yoga.
Jodi Boone teaches restorative yoga on the YTT. Jodi feels that yoga has been her greatest teacher and gift in life. A part of her everyday life, the philosophical teachings and physical practice of yoga guide her interpersonal work; as well as underlie the foundation of her relationships and interactions with others. Yoga has given her the tools to journey inward, to explore her relationship to Self and Spirit.
With a background in Iyengar, Vinyasa, and Ananda yoga—a gentle, devotional style of Hatha yoga based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda— Jodi draws from these traditions to create a fluid, strong, and meditative practice. Her motivation for teaching is to share the beauty and power of the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga, encouraging students to dive deeply inward, connect spiritually, and nourish themselves. She integrates relevant readings and stories during her classes, drawing from many teachers, traditions and texts.
Jodi lives in Goa India where she co-directs Satsanga Retreat. She is an ayurvedic massage therapist, writer and doula and is currently working on her certification as an ayurvedic practitioner. During the off-season, she leads yoga retreats and workshops in Japan, the US, Italy and Switzerland. She is on the staff of the Spirit Yoga Teacher Training Program in Osaka, Japan offering courses in Prenatal Yoga and Ayurveda.
Stuart began his journey in Health & Fitness working as as a Personal Trainer for 5 years and a fireman for 13 years. He has a BSc in Health Studies and MSc in Information Systems. Stuart also trained in Sports Massage & Injury Treatment and Advanced Medical Massage, which he has been practicing for 9 years. His work now mainly specializes in the yoga community, with yogis making up 90% of his clients. He teaches Swedish massage and associated anatomy. Stuart has practiced Astanga for 7 years.
Stuart will teach a workshop on sports injuries and first aid. He is the resident body therapist at Satsanga.
John Weddepohl opened his first yoga studio in 1969 in Johannesburg at the age of 19. Since then, he has spent his life in the pursuit of music, freedom, happiness and knowledge. An accomplished musician, John found success as a session singer working in local South African bands and later as a music composer and producer for film and TV where he was awarded internationally for his work.
Throughout his career as a musician, lay the memory of early awakenings as a young yogi and, in 2004, John went to India to understand his early experiences. Exploring different yoga traditions, he spent time at Rikhiapeeth, the ashram of Swami Satyananda Saraswati of Bihar, where he took Karma Sannyas Diksha, then travelled to Pasupathinath in Nepal to stay with the Aghori yogis and Babas, before moving to Varanasi, Ganghotri, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, John lived with the family of Srilasri Sivananda Pulipani Swamigal, the head of the ancient 5000 year old dynastic Boghanathar Pulippani Siddha Parampei. While living in the family ashram he took further initiation into the Dravidian tradition of the Tamil Siddhas and was introduced by Swamigal to the Siddha Peethas of Tamil Nadu. In Rishikesh, John studied Advaita Vedanta with Swami Dayananda Saraswati.
John has spent the last six years teaching in Cape Town and studying Self-Knowledge (Atma Jnanam) in the tradition and lineage of Adi Shankara, with his Vedanta teacher H.H. Swami Suddhananda Saraswati in Thiruvanamalai. He joined Swamiji's two-year Brahmachari course on the ashram and received teachings on Atma Vidya and Brahma Vidya, which included study of sanskrit, in depth study of the Bhagavad Gita and other key Upanishadic texts.
What you will learn
Asana
This YTT is an Astanga-based training that offers a comparative study of contemporary yoga styles – Vinyasa Flow and Hatha Yoga – taught by Heather Elton and guest teachers. The main emphasis is teaching the inner/outer techniques (breath/bandhas/dristi) in both traditional Astanga Vinyasa Yoga and Hatha Flow. The first week involves a led, talk-through Astanga class that develops into Mysore Self-Practice for the remaining weeks. The afternoon ‘Yoga Clinic’ includes Vinyasa Flow classes and asana workshops, all with the intention to analyse asana in terms of breath and alignment principles (mostly BKS Iyengar style), build movement vocabularies to choreograph and sequence Vinyasa Flow, and learn techniques to breakdown difficult asanas (inversions, arm balances, backbends, etc) to teach ‘workshop style.’
A Word about Astanga
The traditional Mysore Astanga Primary Series is the main form of practice. Don’t let this put you off! It’s taught without dogma and from the perspective that ‘anyone can do it to the best of their ability and it actually should feel good and be injury free.’ Astanga Vinyasa Yoga is a useful methodology to purify the body, and increase flexibility and strength, but it also reveals the underlying habitual patterns of the mind. It’s an excellent measuring stick to see how your practice has evolved. It’s also a good module from which to improvise Vinyasa Flow. If you want to be a ‘Certified’ Astanga teacher within the Jois system, you really need to go to Mysore and study with Sharath Jois. If you want a good understanding the Astanga system in the context of other Vinyasa Flow methodologies, then this YTT might be for you.
Pranayama
Emil Wendel teaches pranayama in a beautiful rooftop yoga shala where our feathered friends serenade us with birdsong. The physical, respiratory and mental processes of basic pranayama techniques are taught, as well as the theoretical background to the different traditions of the Indian breathing techniques. Pranayama is a subtle practice that has tremendous effects on the nervous system and the mind. Each student will be assisted and guided in the practice to understand the nature of the inhale/exhale/retention to find his or her own level of intensity and depth of breath.
Meditation
Different meditation techniques in the Buddhist and Hindu traditions are taught – Shamatha, Vipassana, Tibetan Loving Kindness and Tonglen meditations, Advaita Vedanta (Self-Inquiry) and Yoga Nidra. You will learn to withdraw the senses (Pratyâhâra) and focus the mind (Dhâranâ) in the Asana and Pranayama practices so that when you sit for meditation it becomes a direct experience. Heather Elton and Emil Wendel are the teachers.
Various teaching methodologies are explored in the afternoon Yoga Clinic. These workshops investigate all aspects of asana including anatomy and alignment techniques, hands-on safe and appropriate adjustments, assisting/correcting, as well as learning how to demonstrate asana and enhance your observation skills and teaching skills.
The adjustments for the ‘key’ asanas in the Astanga Primary series will be taught and students get to practice adjusting on each other and will have a chance to assist in the morning Astanga class. We will also examine the full range of asanas (standing poses, forward bends, twists, backbends, inversions, balances and Savasana) as well as different yoga styles (Vinyasa Krama, BKS Iyengar, Jivamukti, Tripsichore) with the aim of learning how to sequence Vinyasa Flow.
The Business of Yoga
As a professional yoga teacher you will need basic skills to run a successful business. Promotional skills (writing/photography/design) for print and web will be taught, as well the business aspects of teaching classes, private clients, workshops and yoga retreats. Please bring a camera and computer (if you have one) as there is a photography component to generate images for your website, as well a conceptual investigation into dristi/pratyahara/dharana and aspects of yoga philosophy.
Chris Kummer teaches the Anatomy & Physiology workshops in such a unique way that obscure details are etched into your memory. You will study Anatomy & Physiology on ‘actual’ bodies; the Biomechanics of Movement concepts on your own body & adjust your practice accordingly to move through strain or prevent injury; develop observation skills to see what is going on in other bodies so you know the appropriate adjustment required; understand why one student may have more difficulty/ease in an asana than someone else; recognize how imbalances in alignment (and attitude) can lead to injury, and learn how to shift that energy to get people out of pain; get hands-on experience with adjustments. Topics covered include both the physical body systems (musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular) and the ‘subtle energy’ yogic body (chakras, nadis, prana, and bandhas). Chakra meditations and esoteric techniques will direct your attention inward to experience the pranic body in a practical way, so these metaphysical places can be applied to your daily practice.
Stuart Girling teaches Sports Injuries and First Aid. Benefits, contraindications, injury prevention, therapeutics, restorative yoga and use of simple props will be discussed. We will learn the difference between discomfort and pain and how to work within those realities to promote healthy movement patterns in the body and mind.
Hindu, Buddhist and contemporary yogic philosophy are taught in a way that lifts them ‘off the page’, and ‘off the mat,’ so you can integrate them into your teaching and personal practice. Emil Wendel shakes off the dusty manuscripts and brings them to life in an entertaining and provocative examination of the origins of Yoga, as seen through the Indian spiritual traditions of Samkhya and Vedanta philosophies, the birth of the renunciate and ascetic traditions of Yoga (Jains, Buddhists and Hatha Yogis), as well as Upanishadic thought and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.
Heather Elton teaches the Yoga off the Mat section that looks at the practical aspects of yogic philosophy from a psychological point of view to understand the true nature of Self, cut through the illusion of the ego, develop awareness to be at ease in the present moment, and integrate the yoga philosophy into the practice, the teaching and your life. The philosophy is relevant to both the physical experience and the spiritual practice. It is not an academic lesson, but a yogic inquiry relevant to real life.
It is important that you learn how to teach yoga. Once you have acquired some experience with asana technique, assisting/adjusting and sequencing Vinyasa, we will focus on Practical Teaching skills where you will present this knowledge to your colleagues. You will be asked to demonstrate asana technique and appropriate adjustments, as well as teach a short class of a thematic nature to hone your teaching skills. You’ll work in groups and on your own to create Vinyasa Flow sequences and learn to structure and teach a yoga class. You will be assessed by your colleagues and teachers, on your ability to give clear instructions, demonstrate your understanding of breath technique and synchronisation of movement in a well-structured vinyasa sequence, and your ability to integrate the philosophy into the yoga teaching. We will learn to give and receive feedback with compassion and humour.
Yoga Alliance Accreditation
Heather Elton is a registered E-RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance. Our Yoga Teacher Training program is internationally accredited and offers exclusive recognition to qualify for 200-hr Yoga Alliance Registration.
The Yoga Teacher Training includes 30 days of training with one day off per week. The combination of in-class contact hours and prerequisite reading totals 250+ hours. Yoga Alliance requires 200 hours for basic teacher training registration.
Yoga Alliance is an international governing board for yoga teachers and training programs in the United States and the rest of the world. Graduates of our program who have demonstrated an understanding of the material and completed all requirements will be eligible to register as a RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance. Becoming a RYT increases your status, brings you international recognition as a yoga teacher and optimizes your opportunities for employment as a yoga teacher worldwide. For more information, please visit: http://www.yogaalliance.org
The Venue
There is no better place than India, with its 4,000 year-tradition of spiritual practice, to do your yoga teacher training. India breathes this knowledge and supports your spiritual practice. Whenever possible, it's a good idea to study away from the distractions of home, somewhere that you can dedicate yourself full time to the yoga practice, and have the distance to gain a different perspective and ease of letting go. We have chosen the location and the venue for this purpose.
Satsanga Yoga Retreat is a perfect environment that supports your inner journey so you can live the practice and feel what it is really like to be a yogi. It is a peaceful, relaxed purpose-built retreat for yoga, located near Anjuna in Goa. Satsanga has two beautiful yoga shalas with wood floors, a swimming pool, and tropical gardens for gathering as a group or relaxing solo. The comfortable guest rooms, all offer private baths with solar hot water. Satsanga Retreat is family-run and has a friendly staff of 18. Mani, the Keralan chef prepares exquisite Indian and Ayurvedic dishes made from fresh organic local produce. Various healing therapies are available, as well as traditional Ayurvedic massage and Shirodana, Satsanga is built on pure love and is possibly the best yoga venue on the planet.
There's much to do and see in Goa. During your free time you can go to one of the many beautiful beaches, colourful markets, tour a Spice Plantation, take an excursion to Old Goa to see the Portuguese Cathedrals and Hindu Temples, have a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor or a session with a renowned Vedic Astrologer.
For more information: http://www.satsangaretreat.com/
How to Apply
Yoga Teacher Training - Level 1
Yoga Alliance Accreditation (200+ hours)
Satsanga Retreat, Goa, India: 9 February - 10 March, 2013
2500 GBP (Includes yoga tuition/2 Ayurvedic vegetarian meals a day/twin share accommodation.)
Step 1: In the form below - provide your name and email address and click the Send me an Application button. An Application form will be sent to you by email. Please READ the instructions in that email carefully. Once you have completed the Application form - follow the link in the email to submit the completed form to me.
Step 2: Each application is read in detail, with applicants judged individually. If you are accepted into the training, I will email you with confirmation of your acceptance. A deposit will be required to save your place.
Step 3: Pay the non-refundable deposit of 500 GBP to secure your place.
Step 4: The balance of the course fee is due in two stages – 50% on 1 October and 50% on 15 December 2011 or you can choose to pay the full amount.