Hatha yoga
You explore Classical hatha yoga postures, sequencing and timing of postures. We look at ways to modify and adapt poses to the needs of your individual students. Our approach is strongly influenced by functional anatomy and many years of experience teaching beginners to more capable students. We focus on the technicalities of posture-work in 10 afternoon posture practice analysis sessions.
Foundation in Meditation
You develop your meditation practice and explore teaching meditation in class contexts. We can say that hatha yoga works on the mind (through the body), meditation directly, transforming ourselves. This forms an important second key component to our training after the posture work. In the yoga tradition these two approaches are known as hatha-yoga (psycho-physical) practices and the meditative Rajayoga of Patanjali. We draw from the Buddhist approach to meditation and Mindfulness.
Structural alignment
You explore the range of motion of your (and colleagues) joints, understanding how postures work more from an anatomical perspective. This gives you greater confidence in teaching postures.
Anatomy and physiology
We take you through an introduction to general human anatomy.
Breathing and Pranayamas
You study the breathe from an anatomical perspective and learn how to teach breathing techniques as a basis for pranayama exercises. We then explore the effect of breathing on the energy of the body and mind.
Kriyas, theory and practice
You learn some kriya yogas that are highly beneficial for keeping our system in tune like jala neti, kapalabhati, uddiyana bandha and nauli.
Teaching methods
We explore creative and well established ways of communicating yoga. You learn how to work with groups confidently as well as working more closely with students to adjust them and support them in their practice.
Systematic relaxation
You learn how to lead relaxation exercises. When combined with other yoga practices and meditation, you can offer your students a very transformative and rounded yoga practice.
Setting up as a teacher
We help you to think about the way in which you can set yourself up to share your teaching skills and love of yoga with the world.
Critical study of key texts from Buddhist and yoga tradition
Some textual study is important for a deeper understanding of the origins of the practices that we do. We introduce you to some key texts. On the course, we principally look at Buddhist texts, and there is a presentation and discussion on the relationship between the Yoga and Buddhist traditions
Exploring a yogic lifestyle
We look at general practices that are conducive to health and well-being. We can look at our habits such as what we eat, our work/relaxation patterns, sleep and exercise.