Teacher Training Level 1

20 September 2011

Our 200-hour Bali Intensive is on in May 2012!

Yogacoach runs a 200-hour teacher training course focusing on learning to teach group classes. Building a solid foundation, this course will allow you to take your skills anywhere in the world with confidence and integrity. Level 1 training is registered internationally with Yoga Alliance.

Module 1: Methodology of Yoga, History & Philosophy of Yoga

This is the foundational subject for all Yogacoach training courses and includes the basis of the Yogacoach methodology. Within this module we learn the skills to bring the ancient teachings of Yoga to life. This component includes:

Energy – all life is energy and we are an energetic system

Mapping our energy – understanding the Chakra system

Balancing our energy – the autonomic nervous system

Directing our energy – setting goals and aligning to purpose

Supporting a high energy life – the 5 fields of health and well being (mind, breath, body, relationship and rhythm)

Pranayama and meditation

Understanding the roots of Yoga – Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Introduction to Ayurveda

This component takes the esoteric principles and philosophies of Yoga and applies them in practical, simple and effective ways.

Module 2: Asana

Asana is the physical aspect of Yoga. Day to day wear and tear through compensations and less optimal movement patterns results in injury and/or pain. Breakdown in the kinetic movement chains – when we’re out of optimal alignment – creates interruptions in our energy flow and imbalances throughout our body. Our body functions best in alignment allowing us ease of movement. This module aims to restore alignment through the use of Yogic Asana (postures). This component includes:

The functions and benefits of Asana

How to work with every body – modify by ascending and descending poses

What a body does everyday – the 6 primary movement patterns and their compensations

The building blocks of practice – balancing flexibility, stability and strength

Building a body from the ground up – potency, compassion and wisdom

Anatomy and Physiology – what you need to know

Module 3: Creating a Sacred Space & Sequencing

Much of the beginning teaching of Yoga involves the use of Asana, which can exert a powerful effect on the body and mind. It is important that the Yoga teacher be highly competent in assessing their students’ requirements, the selection of appropriate practices and the clear and efficient communication of their application. In the practice of Yoga there are certain orderly groupings of Asana or sequences that effectively become ‘modules’ within a practice. This component includes:

Sthira and Sukha – the balance between steadiness and comfort in a pose

Vinyasa Krama – intelligent sequencing

Understanding the importance and placement of counter poses

Setting an intention for class

The three P’s of sequencing – person, practice and purpose

Dynamic vs. static practice

The importance of rest and incorporating the internal Yoga

Heat or no heat – looking at the options

Template for a class

Creating the sacred space – calming the senses to create a journey for body, heart and mind

Module 4: Assisting & Enhancing, Teaching Relationship & Yin Practices

Yoga students require assistance or adjusting in yoga classes for many different reasons, and part of the aim of this course is to understand and learn these reasons and the different types of assisting/adjusting. Through this course you will learn skills to help you assess how best to help a yoga student and how to develop healthy relationships with the students you teach and/or adjust. This component includes:

Mutuality – relationship with self and other

Creating presence – without awareness not much else happens

Student-teacher relationship

Appropriate use of touch

Creating safety and trust

Assisting, adjusting and enhancing – what to use when

Yin practices – working in to work out