Kushala Yoga offers premier Teacher Training Programs that foster quality teachers through deep study into the roots and breadth of Yoga. We provide the highest standard of programs which offer applicable learning outcomes, build community, encourage ethical living, promote collaborative learning, nurture self-discovery, and cultivate personal challenge for all students.
If you are curious about where this journey could lead you, whether you’re interested in teaching or just want to further explore your practice, take this important step to enrich your life and expand your future opportunities.
Program Curriculum and Schedule
The 200-Hour Teacher Training Program is divided into 6 progressive modules, each taking place over extended weekends between March – November 2013.
Immersion 1: Deep Practice, Distinguished Path
Our Teacher Training journey begins together on retreat, in the natural beauty of the Coastal Mountains. Immerse yourself in a weekend of deep practice, exploring the basic and subtle elements of Yoga. Enjoy gourmet conscious cuisine, impeccable accommodations, sacred practice spaces, inspiring teachers and warm friendly company in this 3-day, 2-night retreat.
Practices and Study Focus
- Diverse asana classes
- Daily meditation classes
- Principles of Yoga History and Philosophy Workshop
- Introduction to Yoga Anatomy Workshop
- Self Development exercises
- Evening Programs
Dates and Time: March 1st 2013 at 11:30am – March 3rd, 2013 at 4pm
Location: Brew Creek Centre, Whistler, BC visit website
Cost: $600 + HST, or included in full tuition package
Immersion 2: Balanced Body
We will study the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology in the context of yoga postures (asana) and breathing exercises (pranayama). Through hands-on clinics and discussion, we will gain insight into the fundamental effects of yoga on the body and mind. While often studied in isolation, we will see how these systems integrate with one and other to make the complexity of the human form functionally self healing and amazing.
Practices and Study Focus
- Muscular system (Anatomy Trains)
- Skeletal system (Alignment principles)
- Cardiovascular and Circulatory system
- Digestive, lymphatic, endocrynic, Immune System, nervous system
Dates and Times: April 26th – 29th, 2013 / 8am – 4:30pm daily
Location: Kushala Yoga studios (Port Moody and Coquitlam)
Cost: $600 + HST, or included in full tuition package
Immersion 3: Guided by Tradition
Explore the deep philosophy, history, ethics, and subtle practices of yoga through the systems of Hatha, Tantra, Raja and Bhakti Yoga. Classes will mix practice, theory, discussion, journaling, readings and self-study. The emphasis will be on the deep rooted tradition and expanding relevance of these practices in our modern lives.
Practices and Study Focus
- Pranayama (breathing exercises)
- Shat Kharma (cleansing practices)
- Mudras and Bandhas (directing the flow of vital energy)
- Samyama (yoga meditation)
- Scripture study: Yoga Sutra and Bhagavad Gita study
- Ashtanga (Raja) Yoga
- Yoga psychology, philosophy and metaphysics
- Elements of Tantra and traditional Hatha Yoga
- Anatomy of the Subtle Body
Dates and Times: May 31st – June 3rd, 2013 / 9am – 4:30pm daily
Location: Kushala Yoga studios (Port Moody and Coquitlam)
Cost: $600 + HST, or included in full tuition package
Teaching Yoga Part 1
Study the foundations of teaching yoga and begin to discover your teaching voice through carefully guided instruction and mentorship. We will focus on a core set of fundamental yoga postures, and you will learn how to communication them in words. Learn how to approach the challenge of teaching beginners, with special considerations to physical and emotional needs. Study sun salutations and their variations, and the benefits of this classical sequence of poses.
Practices and Study Focus
- The role of a yoga teacher
- Teaching Yoga Postures Part 1
- Sun salutations
- Using your voice: language and cuing techniques
- Teaching beginners
- Introduction to Ayurveda, life science
Dates and Times: September 20th – 23rd, 2013 / 8am – 4:30pm
Location: Kushala Yoga studios (Port Moody and Coquitlam)
Cost: $600 + HST, or included in full tuition package
Teaching Yoga Part 2
In this module we will build on the foundation postures from Part 1, and begin to explore more complex ones. We will study the art of joining postures together into sequences that make sense in the body. You will also learn how to design a class from start to finish, and will use this template to start work on your practicum class.
Practices and Study Focus
- Teaching Yoga Postures Part 2
- Yoga class design and holding space
- Introduction to sequencing yoga postures
- Teaching pranayama and meditation
- Assists and adjustments in yoga postures
- One-one-one mentorship with Kushala faculty
Dates and Times: October 25th – 28th, 2013 / 8am – 4:30pm
Location: Kushala Yoga studios (Port Moody and Coquitlam)
Cost: $600 + HST, or included in full tuition package
Teaching Yoga Part 3
In this final module, you will bring together the skills covered throughout the program into teaching clinics and your individual practicum, taught to your fellow teacher trainees. In addition, we will discuss the business aspects of yoga, how to take a step forward into a career as a yoga teacher.
Practices and Study Focus
- Theming classes
- Building sequences for flow classes
- Practicum: prepare and teach a 60-minute yoga class
- The business of yoga: getting to work as a yoga teacher
- Philosophy, history and anatomy review, integrating the theory and practice
- Prenatal modifications for yoga postures
Dates and Times: November 22nd – 25th, 2013 / 8am – 4:30pm
Location: Kushala Yoga studios (Port Moody and Coquitlam)
Cost: $600 + HST, or included in full tuition package
Self-Practice Module
In order to integrate the skills you are learning, and further deepen your practice, you are required to attend 30 regular yoga classes of your choice though out the teacher training period. Included in full tuition is a 36-class punch card for Kushala Yoga, which you can use to complete this module.
Sample Daily Schedule
8am – 9:30am Sadhana (meditation, breathing exercises, philosophy, discussion and journaling)
9:30 – 11am Asana Class/Clinic
11am – 1:30pm Skill Classes, Workshops and Clinics
1:30pm – 4:30pm Skill Classes, Workshops and Clinics
Faculty
Our diverse, experienced and skills faculty is committed to helping you fulfil your aspirations to explore yoga in your life, or to become a yoga teacher.
Karen MacKenzie 200-Hour Program Director, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Philosophy, Teaching Methodology, Mentorship
Chris Dunphy Kushala Yoga Director, Asana, Anatomy, Teaching Methodology, Mentorship
Pedro Franco 500-Hour Program Director, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Hatha and Tantra
Alissa Martin Asana, Prenatal, Ethics, Yoga Therapy
Guest Instructors to be announced
Program Requirements
Program Length
The 200-hour Teacher Training Program is divided into six instructed modules and one self-practice module, which can take between 9 months to 2 years to complete.
Immersion Modules
The first three modules are suited for anyone who is interested in deepening their understand of your and their practice. As a student of our Teacher Training Program, you must complete all three Immersion modules before advancing to the Teaching modules. There are no pre-requisites for the Immersion modules, but enter with an open willingness to learn and share your understanding as it grows.
Teacher Training Modules
The next three modules are Teacher Training modules, and are exclusive to students registered in our 200-hour Program. These modules must be taken in order, as each one is a pre-requisite for the previous one. We recommend that prior to the Teaching modules, you have practiced Hatha Yoga regularly (4-6 times / week) for at least one year. You do not need previous experience in seated meditation, but must be willing to practice for 20 minutes under the guidance of your instructor during the program.
Self-Practice Module
The Self-Practice module begins after the 3rd Immersion Module, and must be completed by graduation. You will be given a 36-class “punch card” which you can use to attend any drop-in classes at Kushala Yoga, throughout the duration of the program. Journaling exercises will be assigned to mark your journey through your personal practice.
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate and receive your 200-Hour Certificate, you must complete all of the following: three Immersion Modules, three Teaching modules, Self-Practice module, readings, homework, practicum and any other mandatory exercises included in the curriculum.
Health
In order to participate fully in the program you must be physically able to sustain active days (7-8 hour of practical, hands-on learning). If you have any concerns or questions please contact us to discuss them.
Language
This program is taught primarily in English, so a oral and written command of the language is required. You will also learn some Sanskrit, of which you need no previous knowledge.
We are happy to speak to you about whether this program is a good fit for you. Please email ytt@kushalayoga.com or call 604.461.9642.
Program Costs
Full Tuition If you register for the complete 200-Hour Program, the total program cost is $3400 + HST.
If you wish to pay for each module individually, the total cost per module is $600 + HST.
Early Bird Rate If you pay for the program in full 2 weeks before the program start date (paid by February 14th, 2013), save an additional $150 (total program cost $3250 + HST).
Tuition includes instruction throughout the program, program binder, online student resources, accommodation and food on the retreat. Required and optional readings are not included in tuition (approximately $60).
* Yoga Alliance® is the national education and support organization for yoga in the United States. Kushala Yoga is registered as at the RYS 200 level (Registered Yoga School at the 200-hour level) .
Kushala’s YTT program exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I personally found the program provided remarkable growth physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The teachers were amazing to say the least. They created a space that was filled with patience, encouragement and wisdom that allowed us to find our own path, our own dharma, to deepen our own practice and share with others through teaching. The experience was unforgettable, and we truly built a community, a family, through the program that will be cherished always. I believe Kushala has something extremely special to offer and I am so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to share my YTT journey with them as it was so much more than just learning to teach.
