Module One is a foundation course for consistent, experienced practitioners wishing to strengthen their relationship to posture, meditation and breath-work. Students will deepen their practice (Sadhana) for their own sakes and benefit, not to simply qualify as a new teacher.
March 31-April 2 weekend
April 14,15, 16 weekend
April 28, 29, 30 weekend
May 12, 13, 14 weekend
June 2, 3, 4 weekend
Investment: $2400 + gst includes a studio pass for the duration of the course, and textbooks.
Embarking on the spiritual path of Yoga requires patience, humility and a desire to learn. It also requires a willingness to practice the teachings that have been passed down over the millennia and make them a part of our daily lives. We Human Beings have always been curious about what exists beyond our physical experience. Many Sages and Saints have tried to answer this question, and guide us toward a spiritual connection while in this human form.
Module One is also a journey of self-discovery and personal development, via dynamic group work within a supportive community (Sangha.) Previous students have experienced life-changing growth and evolution, helping them to move forward with renewed purpose and vision.
Module One offers the flexibility, upon completion, to join the subsequent Teacher Training Module that will support you in a teaching career.
This will include practice teaching with your peers and in community via practicum. This section of the 300-hour program gives students an authentic experience of traditionally taught, classical yoga. The course curriculum is based on the Ashtanga Vinyasa Method, Patanjali Yoga Sutras and up-to-date research from the field of Neuroscience. It will include an online anatomy course done outside of class time.
Investment:$1750 + gst includes studio pass, textbook, online anatomy course. Module one is a prerequisite for this training.
Practicums: Students will practice teaching and assisting fellow students early in the program, in a fun, supportive manner. Students will also Observe, Shadow & Assist the Lead Teachers during select scheduled studio classes.
Teaching Pathway: Students are guided in led classes and traditional “Mysore-style” learning formats. In keeping with the tradition of the student-teacher relationship, students are tasked with particular practices as their body/mind is ready to receive them. This personal experience of overall growth and steadiness of practice will cultivate excellence in teaching going forward.
This approach represents a departure from the more common modern yoga experience, where students are often thrown into classes where advanced techniques are given without preparing students appropriately. Cultivation of deep spiritual practice requires mastery of breath, mind and posture, one step at a time, at a pace that suits each individual.
Students will focus on the Primary Series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system, plus additional sub-sequences, increasing their knowledge of each individual posture and the vinyasa system. Curriculum modules will be dedicated to specific posture themes, such as hip opening, back bending, arm balancing and inversion sequences. Developing and deepening a personal practice will be a priority in this training. Students come away with the ability to teach postures in a sequence, rather than memorizing and teaching sequences that ignore students’ capacities.
Students will improve their functional breathing techniques, posture alignment, variations, use of props, and the "assisted self-practice" Mysore-style model. Through practicums, you will practice teaching and adjusting students early in the program in a fun, supportive manner.
Students will be inspired to further their studies of this perennial wisdom and apply it to their everyday life and interpersonal relationships.
Students are guided in led classes and the traditional Mysore style of learning. In keeping with the tradition of the student-teacher relationship, you are given postures as your body/mind is ready to receive them. This personal experience of overall growth and steadiness of practice will cultivate excellence in teaching going forward.
This training offers a departure from modern yoga classes, where students are often thrown into classes where advanced postures are given without the foundation and readiness of the student. Cultivation of a deep spiritual practice requires mastery of breath, mind, and posture, one step at a time.
Students will learn the Ashtanga Primary series, increasing their knowledge of each individual posture. Daily classes will be dedicated to specific themes such as hip opening, back bending, arm balancing, and inversion sequences. Deepening and developing your personal practice will be a priority in this training.
This 300-Hour Canadian Yoga Alliance Certification course is perfect for yoga teachers with 200-hour certificates to increase their skill, confidence, and success in starting their own teaching business or working for an established studio.
Geoff has been practicing yoga for over 25 years, since beginning on a forest floor in France in 1996. He started teaching classes in 2004, after completing a YTT at Moksana Yoga Center in Victoria, BC. Geoff’s guidance is informed by extensive studies with R. Sharath Jois and family in Mysore, India, combined with input from innovative Western practitioners. Modern approaches to strength, mobility and breath-work feature in his own practice too.
Students consider Geoff a reliable, steady presence in the classroom. You can count on him to apply the Ashtanga Vinyasa method in a way that will challenge you, while still respecting where you’re starting from and what your intentions are. Ultimately, he wants you to breathe well, move well and focus your mind on what you’re doing.
Deb has facilitated 10 teacher trainings and five retreats in Kerala, India. She honours her teachers along the way in the Mysore method: Geoff Mackenzie, Rolf and Marci Naujokat (Goa), Sharmila Desai (Goa), David Swenson, Kino MacGregor & Tim Feldmann (Miami). Deborah holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Level One Ayurveda
Module One Investment: $2400 +GST (includes a studio pass for the duration of the course, and textbooks.)
Payment Information: The deposit required to hold your place is $500.00. Three different Payment Plan Options are available. We accept Debit & Credit Cards, plus Interac etransfer.
Applicants withdrawing 30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% administration fee.
In Duncan, all YTT modules will be taught at VI Yoga School, 360 Duncan Street, Duncan, BC.
In addition to the training modules, including 100 hours of supervised practice, students are expected to cultivate an independent solo daily practice. It builds discipline and dedication and cultivates a meditative state. This combines well with regular periods of study with an experienced teacher.
We encourage all potential students to contact VI Yoga School’s faculty members by clicking on the link below. We will contact you and answer your questions about the 300-Hour YTT Program, and you can complete an application form.
There are limited spaces in this program, so please contact us soon to secure your place.
Namaste,
Geoff and Deborah
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