200-hr Yoga Teacher Training Winter 2024
Bhakti Yoga DC’s unique 200 hour Teacher Training curriculum offers a comprehensive study of yoga postures, philosophy and lifestyle. It teaches you how to deepen your personal practice, heal and transform your own body and mind through breath and movement, and share this wisdom with others. This training consists of seven intensive weekends as well as four BYDC philosophy nights. Homework requirements will include two essays, personal reading, creating class sequences, out of studio teaching practice and summary, class observation and assisting classes.
See upcoming dates and further details below.
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Biomechanics of forward bends, backbends, twist, hip openers, inversions and arm balances. Correct alignment, function and purpose based on each individual
Adapting postures to maximize their full potential according to an individual’s need
The power of the breath in movement
A variety of sun salutations, including flowing in a mandala (circle)
Daily yoga, mantra meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises)
Basic rituals and puja (ceremony) to channel one's energy and deepen meditation
The power of Bandhas (energy locks) and Kriyas
Anatomy of the human body: basic muscle groups and their functions
Hands-on assisting and enhancement of each posture
The art of sequencing a class to create effective change
Addressing the physical and emotional needs and challenges of your students
Chakra healing in yoga
Yoga philosophy: Sacred texts, Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras
Sanskrit mantra chanting
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Winter 2024
January 19th-21st
February 10th and 11th (Sat , Sun)
February 23rd-24th
March 7th-9th
March 21st-23rd
April 11th-13th
April 25th-27th
May 3rd-5th
Each weekend will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday evening until 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will run from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. with a one hour break for lunch.
Deposit (due on registration): $500
Full training: $3300
Payment plans can be arranged. Please email info@bhaktiyogadc.com for more information.
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Per Yoga Alliance guidelines, this 200 hour yoga teacher training program is comprised of 180 contact hours with a Yoga Alliance registered teacher and 20 non-contact hours (homework). If you are unable to attend any or all of an entire module due to work obligation or unexpected family issues, you are required to make up the additional hours, through personal self study, extra homework assignments, and/or group class practices. If you miss more than 15 hrs you may be required to spend additional contact time with an assigned teacher outside training hours. This additional time will cost $30 per hour.
“One of the key concepts from the training that has stuck with me is the power of the breath. We experienced how breath and yoga asanas can be used as powerful tools for shifting one’s energy; eliminating negative thoughts, emotions and mental patterns; and as a vehicle for self-reflection, healing, meditation, and connection with a force greater than oneself.
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Module 1
In-depth study of the anatomy of the spine
Yoga breathing and how breath stimulates and creates space in the spine
Accessing the autonomic nervous system (ANS) using the breath, creating an energizing or calming effect
The 5 directional flows of breath, their function and purpose in the body (Pancha Vayu)
The 5 layers (koshas) of the body
How the laws of compensation and dual action work in yoga and how to effect positive change with conscious awareness
Evening discussion on Yama and Niyama from The Yoga Sutras
Biomechanics of forward bends, backbends, twist, hips openers, inversions, and arm balances and their correct alignment, function and purpose based on the individual
How to adapt postures to maximize their full potential according to individuals' needs
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Module 2
The art of sequencing. understanding the wave theory
How to design a class that will address your audience's needs
Principles of multi-dimensional flow (moving in a circle) and how to link poses together so that there is a gradual and organic opening in the body that will lead to a peak opening or release
Basic and complex sun salutations and adoptions
Bio-mechanics of forward bending. The correct alignment, function and major muscles used in forward bends
How to sequence forward bends progressively
Mantra study
Conscious lifestyle study from the Bhagavad Gita
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Module 3
Biomechanics of backbends. The correct alignment, function and major muscles used in back bending
How to sequence backbends progressively and safely
Risks and injuries associated with backbends
Hands-on assists and adjustments
Anatomy of the major muscles used in backbends
Mantra study
Bhagavad Gita: The yoga ladder, part one. Facing conflict with a spiritual solution
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Module 4
Biomechanics of lateral bending twists.The correct alignment, function and major muscles used
How to sequence lateral bending and twists correctly and safely
Risks and injuries associated with incorrect movement patterns
Anatomy of Major muscle used in rotation of spine
Bio-mechanics of inversions. The correct alignment, function and major muscles used
Bhagavad Gita: The yoga ladder, part 2. Karma Yoga and Bhudhi Yoga
Mantra immersion
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Module 5
Biomechanics of lateral bending.The correct alignment, function and major muscles used
How to sequence lateral bending correctly and safely
Risks and injuries associated with incorrect movement patterns
Anatomy of Major muscle used in rotation of lateral flexion
Kriyas
Business of yoga
How to compose your own Bio
Bhagavad Gita: The yoga ladder, part 3. Yoga of Knowledge (jnana), and the Yoga of Love (Bhakti)
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Module 6
What are chakras, where they are situated in the body and how they work
Energy lines/Nadi lines
Energy points/Marma points
Seeing and empathy. Addressing your students' needs
Causes and symptoms of depleted prana and blockages within each chakra
Chakra class sequencing
How to teach a private yoga class and design a sequence according to an individual’s needs
Bhagavad Gita: The yoga ladder, part 3. Yoga of Knowledge (jnana), and the Yoga of Love (Bhakti)
Testimonials
“Gopi’s teacher training isn’t just about mechanics, it's about exploring the heart of yoga. She leads you through a journey that teaches you to use the asanas to tap into something deeper than the physical and empowers you to help others do the same.”
— Jessica
“My training with Gopi went beyond the physical and philosophy of yoga by creating an atmosphere to connect to the emotional and spiritual side of the practice. Each class brought together each of the lessons in a symbiotic way that allowed information to be easily digested and shared back with each other. Understanding the nuances of chakras, bandhas, marmas, and kriyas was invaluable and showed how expansive yoga can be, as well our potential as teachers.”
— Matt