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Teacher Training, and So Much More…
At Yoga Pura our focus isn't on teaching yoga, our focus is on you. In fact, at its core, this program is not about teaching you about yoga; instead, it has been specifically designed to engage you in the actual process of yogic transformation. Our approach will have you experience first-hand the power of the teachings and practices in your own life.
Your journey will involve mastering authentic yoga techniques for body, mind, and spirit; diving deeply into the ancient wisdom of yogic scriptures; and exploring the inner realms of mind and consciousness. In short, you will become more than a teacher and do more than just receive yoga instructor certification. Through your journey, you will acquire understanding derived from real-life experience and emerge as a skilled spiritual guide able to effectively lead others on their journeys.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Yoga Pura's Advanced Studies & Teacher Training Program is the oldest 500-hour Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training program in Arizona. Exceeding the requirements for the 500-hour Yoga Alliance teacher training certification, this intensive, year-long program is divided into the following two segments:
Deepening the Practice
During the first six months of the program the focus is on you. This is because potent yoga teachings don't come from intellectual understanding, rather they are delivered from the heart--a heart that has been fired by the actual experience of yogic transformation. Deepening the Practice includes:
Introduction to Yoga (12 hours) - In this yoga teacher training course, we will reveal the scientific principles underlying the practice of yoga, including the need for its practice. A number of foundational yogic systems and concepts will be discussed, including Patanjali's Ashtanga yoga, tantra, hatha yoga, karma and spiritual evolution as a driving force in the life of humanity.
Practice of Asana (12 hours) - This is a series of four sessions in our yoga teacher certification program that will explore the practice of asana. The class will delve into the specifics of alignment, energetics, and effects of the postures in the four major categories: Standing postures, Forward-bending and Twisting postures, Back-bending postures, and Inverted postures.
Yoga Philosophy (24 hours) - Patanjali's classic text on yoga provides an illumined system for the evolution of consciousness. In this course, we will study this seminal work to fully understand the concepts and techniques it presents as well as to learn how we can use the teachings to deepen our own practice. Additional study of other key yogic texts including the Bhagavad Gita will be included as well.
Foundations of Asana (12 hours) - This yoga instructor certification course will explore the relationship of the practice of asana to the true goal of yoga--liberation. Topics will include asana's function as a part of practice; how and why asana can move us toward liberation; and how to skillfully use asana as an effective part of our practice without striving toward the perfection of the outer form. In addition, the class will investigate the ten fundamental principles of asana and how they relate to different poses.
General Anatomy (12 hours) - An understanding of the workings of the physical body and its systems is important when we become involved with teaching yoga to others. This course will provide an overview of the major systems of the body as well as a more in-depth investigation of the muscular, skeletal, and nervous systems.
Anatomy of Asana (6 hours) - Knowledge gained in General Anatomy will be applied to the functioning of the various bodily systems in asana practice, with special concentration on the workings of the musculo-skeletal system.Energetic Anatomy (6 hours) - While the physical aspects of yoga have far reaching benefits, the real transformative power lies in the more subtle aspects of our beings. In this course, we will discuss the relationship between the various bodies (koshas) as well as the various components of the energy system and how they can be used to move us toward liberation.
Modifications and Manual Adjustments (6 hours) - In this class to become a yoga teacher, we will learn how to modify poses to accommodate various conditions and body types. Topics covered will include the theory of modifications, use of props, and common misalignments.
Kirtan: Yogic Chanting (26 hours) - Devotional practices are a powerful tool on the yogic path, perhaps none more than the practice of chanting the names of the divine. In this class, students will be diving into the practice of Bhakti yoga through the ancient art of Kirtan (call and response chanting).
Teaching as Transformation
Having experienced the power of yogic practice first hand, the second half of the year is devoted to the practice of teaching. This segment of instruction focuses on your mastery of the various techniques for sharing your knowledge and experience. It is here that you will learn how to meet your students skillfully and appropriately, honing your ability to select the right mix of practices and teachings for any given circumstance. Teaching as Transformation includes:
Deepening the Practice (6 hours) - In this course, we will look at ways to keep our practice fresh and interesting, all the while maintaining its effectiveness. Working from anatomical landmarks, innovative sequencing, and altering pace and intention will all be explored.
Gentle and Restorative Yoga (6 hours) - Gentle and restorative yoga carries enormous benefits for seniors, people with illness and injuries, as well as able-bodied practitioners. In this course, we will look at specific techniques and postures for teaching this meditative and rejuvenating style of yoga.
Pranayama (9 hours) - As one of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga, pranayama is a key component of yoga practice. In this course, we will introduce and practice various preparatory and traditional pranayama techniques and will discuss breath as the primary vehicle of prana and the relationship of breath to mind and body.
Working with Beginners (12 hours) - Working with beginning students is arguably one of the most important and challenging aspects of teaching yoga. Common beginner issues, teaching strategies, and preparatory postures will all be covered in this course.
Teaching of Asana (18 hours) - This is a series of four yoga teacher certification classes that will explore the teaching of specific asanas. This class will delve into the specifics of alignment, energetics, common problems, modifications, and use of props in postures in the four major categories: Standing Postures, Forward-bending and Twisting Postures, Back-bending Postures, and Inverted Postures.
Seeing and Understanding Bodies (6 hours) - In this yoga teacher training course, we will learn various techniques to evaluate the anatomical and energetic quality of poses including common compensations. Practical application will include the in-class evaluation and manipulation of poses of students of varying levels of competency and body types.
Integrative Teaching (12 hours) - A coherent and inspiring class includes many elements, all of which must be successfully woven together into a seamless whole. In this class we will investigate teaching techniques that bridge the physical, mental, and spiritual realms to create classes in which all elements reinforce and support all others.
The Language of Teaching (4.5 hours) - The ability to effectively communicate is a key component in our capacity to teach. This course will explore the different ways in which people learn and outline techniques for tailoring our style to most effectively communicate our message.
The Ethics of Teaching Yoga (6 hours) - In this course, we will explore what it means to be a yoga teacher and look at the ways in which we can ensure that the teachings and our relationships with students and others remain wholesome and pure.
Yoga for Special Needs (4.5 hours) - In this yoga teaching certification course, we will explore how best to work with students having conditions requiring special attention or modifications.
Building a Class (6 hours) - Weaving all of the elements of a yoga class into a seamless, self-supporting whole is an art form. This class will explore the different elements of a yoga class, including creating an environment, developing a theme, and the art of asana sequencing.
Student Practicum:
Assistant Teaching (36 hours) - While not a formal class, this condition of graduation requires that student teachers assist another approved qualified teacher in an ongoing public class for a period of at least six months.
Student Teaching Practice (24 hours) - This class in the yoga teacher training program will provide student teachers with the opportunity to create and present a class to a group of their peers. All participating students will have the opportunity to experience and evaluate classes given by their peers.
Group Teaching Rounds (12 hours) - These sessions are designed to further assist students in developing their teaching skills through teaching to their peers. Students will practice teaching to one another in small group settings under the supervision of staff.
Other Course Requirements:
Workshops (12 hours) - Various workshops will be held throughout the year. Upcoming topics may include: Yoga for Children, Contact Yoga, Meditation, Sanskrit, and others.
Home Study (44 hours) - There will be a minimum of 44 hours home study for completion of homework and home practice.
Yogic Meditation (26 hours) - Meditation is a foundational practice in the journey of the evolution of consciousness. The experiential class in our yoga teacher training program will investigate intersection between mind and consciousness and will reveal techniques to evoke the meditative state.
Supervised Teaching (100 hours) - Students will be required to complete 100 hours of teaching under the supervision of an approved teacher.
Weekly Asana Classes (156 hours) - Ongoing practice is the cornerstone of yoga. With this in mind, students will be required to attend twice-weekly asana classes with teacher training staff.
Home Practice Requirement (132 hours) - Students will be required to maintain a home yoga practice, practicing a minimum of three hours per week.