Teacher Training

(240 hour certification program)

Course Curriculum

This training is designed to deepen your own awareness of asana and infuse intelligence and inspiration into your practice. Only after becoming a dedicated student of the subject of Yoga may one consider sharing it with others. No training can ensure you become a good teacher but it can help you become a good student. Learn to be that student.

Our programme is designed for students who may already be serious practitioners and now want to deepen their understanding of how to practice and teach safely, and with inspiration. Learn to implement a strong and intelligent Self-practice. It is through constant and persistent practice that the seed of teaching is sown. When the practice then blossoms the flower of knowledge is ready to be shared. The primal virtues of correct practice are the trinity of; Power (Prana) and it's cultivation, the Wisdom (Buddhi) needed to maintain it and the Love (Atman) needed to understand it's correct use.

A large portion of the training is devoted to practice teaching using Vinyasa Krama (intelligent sequencing) from the lineage of Krishnamacharya (Guru of renowned teachers like BKS Iyengar and Sri K Pattabhi Jois). This will prepare those ready to teach the correct approach to sequencing and presenting a safe, effective and challenging class. 

Why, if yoga is a therapy, are more and more students sustaining injuries? Learn how to maintain a powerful dynamic practice while keeping it safe and effective. The course gives extensive instruction in the theory and practice of yogaasana, basic kriya, breath, the art of teaching, and a practical overview of yogic and ayurvedic philosophy. Students and yoga instructors alike will find this course effective and comprehensive in its presentation. This training is designed to serve as a catalyst for intense and rapid growth. When you begin to teach, or think like a teacher your understanding will invariably deepen. However only through correct and persistent practice may this process begin. You will be lead through this process with inspiration and confidence. Please see our Testimonial page for comments from recent graduates. 

Theory and practice of Teaching:

• How to cultivate safety and intelligence as a teacher
• How to be a facilitator of sacred space for transformation
• Helping to turn confidence, clarity and innovation into tools for teaching
• Inspiring and motivating trust and fearlessness in your students
• How to teach all levels and all body types
• Discerning the use of modifications and variations
• Class types: teaching styles, level of difficulty, focus of the class
• Use of voice, body language and touch
• Principles of sequencing and creating routines
• Choreography versus Clarity
• How to market yourself as a teacher

 Yoga Philosophy:

• Introduction to Ayurveda - The Three Gunas, Tridoshas
• Samkhya Philosophy - Prakriti and Purusha - The 24 Tattvas
• Yoga of Patanjali - The Eight Limbs - and there practical application

Theory and practice of Asanas:

• Teaching a dynamic and inspiring class
• Precise Universal actions and alignment in blueprint postures
• Proper engagement of muscles and bones
• Establishing lines of energy
• Learning to see and understand bodies
• Understanding the 3 stabilizing junctions of the body
• Hands-on adjustments
• Designing a personal practice
• Cultivation of power (prana) through correct practice
• Finding the balance between Movement and Stillness
• Prevention and treatment of injuries
• Purpose and use of props
• Working with breath
• Functional Anatomy and Neurophysiology 

Theory and practice of Pranayama:

Conscious breathing requires tremendous sensitivity in order to properly direct life energy (Prana). Prana makes all physical, mental and spiritual life possible. It is the subtle thread that connects us with universal consciousness. Pranayama is a way of using the breath to receive, generate, distribute, and store this vital energy. These breathing techniques promote energized relaxation, calming of the mind and preparation for meditation.

We will introduce some or all of the following methods:

• Ujjayi
• Viloma
• Nadi suddhi

Reading list:

Required texts:

1. The Heart of Yoga - TKV Desikachar
2. Light on Yoga - BKS Iyengar
3. Moving into Stillness - Erich Schiffman
4. Ashtanga Practice Manual - David Swenson

Recommended texts:

1.The Upanishads -Eknath Easwaran
2. Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramahansa Yogananda
3. Anatomy of Movement - Blandine Calais
4. Health Healing and Beyond - TKV Desikachar
 

Frequently asked questions:

1. Who is this training programme designed for?

   This program is designed for yoga practitioners and instructors with 3 - 5 yrs personal practice. For those who want to teach a dynamic practice yet learn how to keep their students bodies safe. For existing teachers looking to become the best they can be through confidence and inspiration. We will be utilising the wisdom of senior teachers Chuck Miller and Maty Ezraty, founders of Yogaworks the renowned school in Los Angeles. Over twenty years they developed a system of dynamic yoga blended from the Krishnamacharya lineage that promotes a practice of intelligence and awareness, keeping your bodies integrity safe. For more info please log on to www.chuckandmaty.com
   
   In conjunction with the above material the content of the course includes the insights of the Director and Guest teachers over many years of practice. See profiles for more information.  

2. How long is the training and what are the certification requirements?

   This training is 240 contact hours held over 16 months in a two year period. We meet Friday night 7pm-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-5.30pm with a lunch break inclusive. This course will include an in-depth study of Yoga-asana including but not limited to: Sun Salutations, Standing postures, Forward Bends, Twists, Backbends and Inversions - Also including Yoga Philosophy, Introduction to Ayurveda, Yogic Anatomy, Teaching Methodology/Practice and Self-practice.
   
   Graduates will be required to maintain a minimum grade of 80% in attendance and coursework to receive a certification. A Practice and Teaching Assessment is held at the end of the course and is the principal prerequiste to certification. The Director reserves the right to grant certification on the basis of these requirements only. The certifcation qualifies one to teach only the contents of the foundation course of VFY Ireland. As this is a foundation course it is strongly recommended that graduates continue their studies under more experienced teachers on completion of the training.
   
   Our curriculum is recognised by Yoga Alliance ( An international registry of certification programmes - www.yogaalliance.org) at the 200 hour level (RYS 200). Insurance coverage is available to those who receive certification through Holistic Insurance (UK). 

3. Where can I do this training and how much is it?

   Our next trainings will be held in Dublin and Clare beginning in early 2011.
   The Dublin location is Yoga Dublin Studios Dundrum (see website for facilities/location etc www.yogadublin.com) beginning February 2011. The Clare location is Ennis Yoga Studio in Ennis town beginning in January 2011. We will also be holding an inaugural training in Belfast City beginning in January 2011.
   
   Dates for this training can be found on our Training Calendar page. We are now accepting applications for these trainings. If you wish to find out more information please contact the Director of Teacher Training at david@vinyasaflowyoga.net  To download an application please click here.
    

   The cost of the training is €3180. If accepted on the course a €500 non-refundable deposit (unless the course is cancelled by the Director) is required to secure your place. The remaining fee is due in monthly installments over the course of the training. The full course fee MUST be paid irrespective of whether the participant completes the course or not.

   
   Accepting a place on the course is a commitment to (i) a daily practice as prescribed by the Director for the duration of the course. (ii) maintaining a personal log of practice throughout course (iii) completing all coursework assignments (iv) try to attend all weekends of the course. 
   This is an intensive course designed for transformation of the Self, it is not to be taken on lightly. Organising your lifestyle to support this journey is highly recommended.