Yoga Teacher Training - Level 2 - Course Outline
Yoga Teacher Training - Level 2
Yoga Alliance Accreditation (500 hours)
Dates: Scheduled for early 2013 - Exact dates to be announced
Venue: Satsanga Retreat, Goa, India
Cost: 3450 GBP (includes yoga tuition + 2 Ayurvedic vegetarian meals a day + twin share accommodation)
The Advanced Yoga Teacher Training program is a comprehensive and practical training in how to teach yoga. It takes an innovative approach to studying yoga. While structured around the categories required by the Yoga Alliance, this training includes 200 hours at Satsanga in Goa where you will have the structure to develop the discipline to do a daily practice, plus a 100-hour YOGA JOURNEY, a cultural/spiritual tour in India where you will study philosophy in relevant locations while practicing ancient yogic techniques.
A page with details is coming soon.
Application form is at the bottom of the page.
What we believe
We believe that Yoga is not gymnastics. It is an ancient science that uses the body and breath to understand the mechanisms of the mind and liberate us from suffering. With this in mind, we treat asana as the starting place for meditation so that the practice moves beyond a mere physical experience and makes the yogic inquiry genuine and relevant to real life.
While we use the traditional Mysore Astanga Primary Series as the main form of practice, this course offers a comparative study of contemporary yoga styles and takes its inspiration from the classical Indian Yoga system of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Our aim is to understand the inner/outer techniques of Vinyasa, to reveal the spiritual path underlying the practice, and the technology to stabilize the mind and glimpse at our true nature.
While there are many different authentic paths of Hatha Yoga that deserve respect, we believe that they all distill down to ONE essential teaching that uses the body and the breath to liberate our Self from suffering. This path is for everyone – male or female, regardless of age or how stiff or flexible you are. It’s about dealing with the circumstances of your body and life as they are – reality as it is – and empowering you to make any necessary changes. We aim to give you the confidence to believe in yourself and trust the yogic process.
During the month training, you will study Yoga philosophy, classical Pranayama (only a few Western teachers have real knowledge in this practice) and meditation techniques. You will develop your own practice, understand the biomechanics of asana, get hands-on experience with adjustment techniques (with emphasis on assisting/apprenticing so that you are prepared to work alongside someone once you have finished) and learn the art of sequencing Vinyasa. Our aim is to teach you how to teach, from the heart, following in the traditions of ancient yoga philosophies.
We believe that the Guru lies within. We will do everything in our power to help you on this journey that will transform your perspective on the world and change your life.
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. She has studied many different lineages of Hatha Yoga with the most celebrated yoga teachers including 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 to be inspirational people and teachers.
She has also studied different forms of meditation including two 10-day silent Vipassana meditation retreats, one in Myanmar (Burma), and is a student of the Tibetan Vajrayana path under Dzongsar Khentyse Rinpoche. Heather is a professional photographer and writer with a keen interest in Native American shamanic healing techniques.
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.
In this course, his teachings of Pranayama (breathing techniques) 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, all in the original context. Basic meditation instruction includes discussions on liberating knowledge, to deepen the yoga practice beyond the mere physical experience.
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. For this year's program, see his website: Beyond the Asana
Chris is an experienced registered yoga teacher (E-RYT 200), who specializes in the anatomy of yoga practice. His passion is to further the understanding of yoga, movement and health in the worldwide community. Since 2000 Chris has been teaching yoga and the ‘Yoga Anatomy Show’ on over 50 accredited Yoga Teacher Trainings in many countries around the world and has conducted numerous workshops on yoga, breath, health and well-being.
Originally from Germany, Chris was a professional windsurfer before he began medical studies at Kiel University. In 1993, Chris 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.
On his yoga journey Chris has been influenced by his friends and teachers. Some of the 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’ naturopathic background and his passion for yoga led to his specialization in yoga anatomy. In addition to workshops, he has been developing and teaching curricula for yoga teacher trainings for over 10 years. In 2003 Chris co-developed KindaYoga, a DVD method to introduce young children to yoga and health through interactive exercises, storytelling and play.
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 teaches Ayurveda and Tools of Tantra workshops on the YTT. Her work is inspired by living Tantra and the traditional Hatha yoga practices of asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, mudra and yantra – and informed by Ayurveda and the practices of Bhakti Yoga.
Rachel has been practicing yoga for 25 years and has taught for 18. Prior to her initial yoga education Rachel trained as a professional dancer and choreographer in the USA and in Australia. Discovering yoga she originally trained in the Iyengar and Ashtanga methods and first began teaching 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 again living in New York from 2000–2004 Rachel met Yoga Works and ISHTA yoga founder Alan Finger 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. Rachel¹s deep personal experience and investigation of meditation allows her to be both intuitive and creative in her work and she feels grateful to be able to share her passion with others.
She is an award-winning musician for her album of chanting and devotional song, Sita Ram, and is a published poet.
Peter Roussel will teach, 'The Principles of Teaching Yoga: How to Teach,' that encompasses his unique methodology on the Yoga Teacher Training. He has been practicing yoga since 1998 and teaching since 2000. In 2001, Peter graduated from the 9 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
This 5-week YTT intensive consists of 300 hours of additional, advanced, non-repetitive training. It’s organized around the categories and hours required by Yoga Alliance. It’s designed to help you develop a strong technical practice that integrates the philosophical/spiritual side directly into the asana work and the skills to communicate that to others.
Asana (62 hrs) /Pranayama (41 hrs) /Meditation 10 hrs) are included in this section. The Astanga Primary and Intermediate Series are taught, but this is supplemented with Vinyasa Flow Yoga styles, as well as BKS Iyengar alignment principles. The advanced training will teach a deeper understanding of bandhas and breath, the relevance of Kundalini practices in directing energy, as well as the ability to concentrate (Dharana) with greater clarity, so the entire practice becomes a moving meditation (Dhyana). Evenly metered movement synchronised with evenly metered breath results in evenness of mind. We encourage you to reflect upon why you are doing this and how you are practicing, to increase your understanding of the interconnection between the mind/body/breath, both on a physical level, but on a philosophical level so you can take practical spiritual knowledge off the mat and out into the world.
Pranayama teachings will be a further development of the techniques learned in the 200 YTT. More complicated pranayamas will be taught with longer retentions, and more attention given to pranic and inner states of consciousness (dharana and dhyana) to experience the energetic alchemy of the spiritual experience.
Meditation includes mediation techniques (Shamatha, Vipassana, Tong Len and Walking Meditation), as well as meditation in the Indian Tantric tradition. Silent days are built into the training and steadily increase with the final week having six silent days (no speaking outside of class).
Yoga Clinic is a three-hour workshop held four times a week that combines aspects of anatomy & physiology, teaching methodology and training techniques. It’s an investigation into asana that looks at the biomechanics of movement from a mental/physical/emotional p-o-v, alignment principles, adjustments, advanced prop usage and contraindications, as well as learning how to assemble Vinyasa sequences and ‘evolving’ asanas from a basic pose, through more complicated evolutions to a more advanced posture. You will develop a more technical practice, as well as learn modifications about how to break down more difficult poses for beginners. It will provide a rich variety of material so you can both design a personal practice and choreograph vinyasa krama for classes.
Also, included in this section are specific workshops on Teaching Beginners, Restorative Yoga, Ayurveda & Yoga, Yoga Nidra and Tantra (Mudras/Chakras/Kriya). As a professional yoga teacher, you will need basic skills to run a successful business. The Business of Yoga teaches basic 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.
The advanced Anatomy and Physiology section includes both the physical body systems (musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular) and the ‘subtle energy’ yogic body (chakras, nadis, prana, and bandhas). This module will further integrate the basic anatomy training to deepen our understanding of the body and its movements. It gives insight into a working knowledge of the body, a deepening of anatomical and bio-mechanical understanding and, as a result, improved teaching skills and strategies. We will look at ‘actual’ bodies in various yoga postures with respect to movement, coherence, and stability of joints. We will observe individual physical posture, postural defects and, in particular, learn approaches as to how to work with injuries and pre-existing conditions from a yoga therapeutics angle.
Attention will be given to limitations of movement across joint complexes and possibilities of freeing movements are explored. Also, muscle synergies are elaborated on from an individual and fascially-integrated perspective. Commonly used muscles and movement patterns across similar postures are used for particular effects and applied to sequencing and teaching methodology. There will be ample opportunity for 'hands on' experience, questions, and experimentation with postures and ideas during class. As part of this course, common challenges for teaching and health considerations are also explored.
It encompasses benefits, contraindications, injury prevention, therapeutics, restorative yoga and more advanced use of props will be discussed. We will see energy in the body (mentally/physically/emotionally), recognize how imbalances in alignment (and attitude) can lead to injury, and learn how to shift that energy to get people out of pain. 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.
In terms of the subtle energy body, chakra meditations and esoteric Tantric 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.
The study of yoga philosophy, ethics and lifestyle will provide the context for your practice and give you the basis to teach. Emil Wendel will discuss threads of classical yoga philosophy (Samkhya, Vedanta and Advaita Vedanta), classical texts (Upanishads, Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradikpa, Bhagavadgita) and non-dualist teachings of the Buddha will be presented in a series of enlightening lectures. The advanced course gets into more detail as seen from the intersection of Samkhya philosophy and Indian Buddhism.
There will be a storytelling workshop on the Mahabarta and the Bhagavad Gita, ‘Ethics In Yoga: A Critical But Loving Look At The Bhagavad Gita.' The Yoga off the Mat section 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.
In the evenings, yogic films will be presented as well as Kirtans, Satsangs and a Talking Stick Circles that deal with yoga philosophy, counselling and communication skills. There is also a Yantra construction and ceremony to introduce aspects of Bhakti Yoga.
It’s important to learn how to teach yoga. Once you have acquired some experience with asana technique, assisting/adjusting and sequencing Vinyasa, you will be asked to demonstrate 3 adjustments/3 asanas, demonstrate a 10-min vinyasa flow sequence and teach a 20-min class. You will be assessed by your colleagues and the 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.
Pre-course non-contact assignments include reading the books on the Reading List and writing a 3000-word yoga essay that is due 01/05/2013. As part of the Yoga & Business section you are required to write a Yoga Bio, Philosophical Statement & promo copy for a class/workshop/retreat, as well as complete the photography assignment. You will also be required to write a class preparation for the 20-min class that they will teach.
Yoga Alliance Accreditation
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.
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 500-hr Yoga Alliance certification.
The Yoga Teacher Training Level 2 training will qualify you for 500 RYS with Yoga Allliance. Gradutates may wish to individually register with Yoga Alliance (fee applies). 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 training. India breathes this knowledge. It's always 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. The center features a beautiful yoga shala with wood floors, 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. A Keralan chef prepares exquisite Indian and Ayurvedic dishes made from fresh organic local produce. Various body therapies, as well as traditional Ayurvedic massage and Shirodana, are available. 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/
Visa Information
Please choose ‘tourist visa’ when applying for your Indian Visa and ask for a 6 month validity VISA. You need to fill out the application online. They require photos that are 50mm x 50mm (different from normal passport size) and will be rejected if the wrong size. You can either apply directly through the Indian Embassy or, if you live in London, consider paying Trailfinders to do it for you. They are an excellent one-stop-shop for flights, visas and inoculations: visas.trailfinders.com
How to Apply
Yoga Teacher Training - Level 2
Yoga Alliance Accreditation (500+ hours)
Satsanga Retreat, Goa, India: Feb 9 - 18 March, 2013.
3450 GBP (Includes yoga tuition/2 Ayurvedic vegetarian meals a day/twin share accommodation and yoga tuition.)
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 2012 or you can choose to pay the full amount.