Teacher Training & Advanced Yoga Studies

Yoga Shakti's Advanced Yoga Studies and Teacher Training Program (registered with Yoga Alliance at 200 hrs) is intended for those who seek an understanding of yoga beyond a mere analysis of asanas and theory.

From the philosophy, practices, and underlying concepts of yoga to the history of the ancient Vedic and yogic culture, the course has been designed to help students develop into well-rounded and internally balanced human beings and yoga teachers.

Through a process of self-discovery, students learn how to incorporate the subtleties of yogic teachings into their daily lives, enabling them to build their inner strength and experience glimpses of the self-realization that is the true gift of yoga.

Yoga Shakti's unique subjective and internal yogic training establishes a solid foundation upon which the training as a yoga teacher can take firm root. Students are provided with a supportive, nurturing environment and the assistance necessary to prepare them for all aspects of their future careers as yoga teachers.

By the completion of the course, not only will graduates of the course have learned about yoga, they will have become better yogis: human beings capable of being balanced, happy, free and accomplished. Graduates will also have access to further study tools, mentoring, and assistant teaching opportunities to hone their skills as instructors.

The curriculum's emphasis on experiential education and practical application, rather than simply conveying information, ensures that graduates are as prepared for a successful teaching career as they are for a successful yogic life.

Teacher Training Program Modules

The Yoga Shakti 200-Hour Teacher Training Program covers all aspects of yoga and well-being, including an in-depth study of beginning to intermediate classical yoga poses and Sun Salutes, anatomy and physiology for yoga, and an introduction to Ayurveda and the yogic diet. Students receive a thorough examination of and practical training in yoga philosophy through a study of the ancient text, the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali.

Yoga Shakti's teacher training deepens one's yoga practice, enhances the ability to live in yoga, and imparts invaluable tools and practices to achieve balance — physically, mentally, and spiritually. If taking the program for personal enhancement and growth any of the modules can be taken separately. However, those who complete all four modules (and pass the final written and practical exams) will receive a Yoga Shakti Teacher Training Certificate at the 200-hour level and will be well-prepared to teach beginning to intermediate yoga asana classes with inspiration, poise, and confidence.

Yoga Asana

This module covers theoretical and practical aspects of beginner to intermediate traditional asana (yoga poses) and classical and contemporary Sun Salutes delving into their proper practice, alignment, structure, breathing practices, bandhas, and Sanskrit names. Thorough instruction will be given in how to develop sequences for beginner to intermediate classes including adjustments and modifications both for deepening a student's practice and for working with injuries and physical limitations. Students will learn how to create the right class atmosphere and teach clearly, effectively, and confidently, as well as how to be professional in teaching yoga in order to establish a successful career as a yoga teacher.

Yoga Philosophy

This module offers a study of the classical yogic text, the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, with an emphasis and in-depth discussion of the theory and practices of Sadhana Pada (the chapter on practice). Special focus will be given to the relevance and function of the Eight Limbs of Yoga in daily life and the practical application of the Yoga Sutra teachings through learning a daily yogic practice for training the mind to be strong, happy and free. Through direct experience of esoteric yogic practices of the higher Limbs of Yoga, including pranayama, dharana (concentration), and pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), students will acquire an understanding of the true purpose and meaning of yoga and the means to achieve it.

Yoga of Health and Wellness

This course is designed as a thorough foundation of the principles and underlying concepts of Ayurveda and yogic diet and lifestyle and supplies the practical tools to achieve health and balance. Students will learn about the three Ayurvedic doshas (body types) — Vata, Pitta and Kapha — and gain valuable tools to balance their own constitution in simple and natural ways through establishing lifestyle, yogic, and food routines, as well as practices which are best suited for their dosha. A study of Samkhya philosophy, upon which both yoga and Ayurveda are founded, will give students the solid philosophical understanding needed to fully grasp the intricacies of a balanced life spiritually, mentally and physically. By the completion of the course students will have both the philosophical understanding and practical tools to proactively create health, enhance their immune system, make intelligent food and lifestyle choices and replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.

Experiential Anatomy and Basic Physiology for Yoga

This module is a study of both Western and Eastern concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they pertain to yoga practice. Students will learn about the musculoskeletal system through visual study and experiential application of movement in yoga asanas, and how to tailor a yoga practice according to one's innate strengths and weaknesses based on the Ayurvedic body types. There will also be an examination of energetic and structural alignment for enhanced energy flow and the physiology of respiration and breathing techniques.

Enhancing and Deepening Your Personal Yoga Experience

Throughout the Advanced Yoga Studies and Teacher Training Program students will gain proven yogic tools for transformation and spiritual growth through the experiential exploration of yogic and Ayurvedic philosophy and practices. They will learn how to deepen their own practice of yoga through both independent and guided study of the poses, the breath, and the mind, and learn how to gain the foundation for a meditation practice. Guidance on controlling the mind, developing discipline, and directing intentions will be provided through the daily practice of yoga, pranayama, and mantra. Students will have the opportunity to directly study with Master Yogi Jnana Nanda Bharati and experience yoga as the ancient seers intended it to be.

Program Schedule

The Advanced Yoga Studies and Yoga Shakti Teacher Training Program is designed to accommodate a busy schedule. Schedule coming soon.

Certification

Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a Yoga Shakti Yoga Teacher Certificate, registered at the 200-hour level with Yoga Alliance. This certificate will be required for continuation to the Advanced 500-Hour Teacher Training Program. In order to graduate, each teacher trainee must meet the following conditions:

• Complete all required hours of the training
• Pass all written and practice exams with a grade of B or higher
• Pay all dues in full
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic yoga asanas, and the ability to practice and teach the asanas covered in class
• Successfully design a yoga routine and teach a class
• Complete all required reading and writing assignments from the Teacher Training Manual, as well as any supplementary reading assigned

Tuition and Policies

Program Tuition: $2,700 for early registration; $2,900 after early registration deadline.

Tuition fee includes unlimited yoga classes at Yoga Shakti studios for the duration of the training, a course manual, and all instruction.

Deposit: $500 nonrefundable deposit is required to register, with full payment to be received prior to the start of the program (unless a payment plan has been established).

Payment Plans: Half of the tuition fee ($1,350) must be paid prior to the start of the program, with the remaining half split up in two or three payments which must be scheduled as automatic charges on a credit card. A $50 processing fee will apply on all payment plans.

The following courses may be taken individually, separate from Teacher Training certification:

• Yoga of Health and Wellness: $250
• Yoga Philosophy: $375 (includes three yoga classes per week for the duration of the course)

Cancellation Policy

Refunds for tuition paid above the nonrefundable $500 deposit are available for cancellations made 30 days prior to the start of the program. Cancellations made after this date will not be refunded in whole or in part. A remaining balance above the $500 nonrefundable deposit can be transferred to a future Teacher Training Program, if the request is made prior to cancellation deadline. No credits are available for cancellations made within 14 days of the start date of the course. However, the tuition may be transferred to another student with a $50 processing fee. A $25 fee will be assessed for any returned check. Yoga Shakti reserves the right to modify this policy at its sole discretion, as deemed necessary.