Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Weekend Workshop Series: Going Deeper
Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Weekend Workshop Series: Going Deeper
A Spring series 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.
…development 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.
… is also a journey of self-discovery and personal development, via dynamic group work within a supportive community (Sangha.) Students can experience life-changing growth and evolution, helping them to move forward with renewed purpose and vision.
Dates:
Weekend 1: April 14-16
Weekend 2: April 28-30
Weekend 3: May 12-15
Weekend Schedule:
Fridays: 6.30-8.30 am (Primary Series Workshop)
6.30-8.30 pm (Beyond Asana Workshop)
Saturdays: 7.00-8.00 am (Pranayama & Meditation Session)
8.30-10.30 am (Ashtanga Yoga Masterclass)
1.00-5.00 pm (Asana In-depth Workshop)
Sundays: 7.30-9.30 am (Mysore-Style Practice)
1.00-4.00 pm (Asana In-depth Workshop)
Pricing:
Full Package (ALL Weekends): $900 +gst *Best Deal!!*
Single “Asana In Depth” Workshop $100 +gst
Workshops*:
Fridays, 6.30-8.30pm: these evening workshops will be dedicated to yogic tools and techniques from beyond asana practice. Topics will include, but not be limited to, Vinyasa Krama, Pranayama, Meditation, Self-Enquiry, Definitions of Yoga, Patajali’s Yoga Sutra, the Eight Limbs, Yama & Niyama, the Yoga of the Bhagavad Gita, Tantra, Mythology, Chanting of Sacred Texts, Ayurveda & Dinacharya.
Saturday, April 15th: “Grounded Lightness.” Working with elementary breath-movement techniques to find lightness, ease and playfulness in your practice. Expect to evolve your sun salutations and build more dynamism into your vinyasa.
Sunday, April 16th: “Integrated Inversions.” Shoulder strength, core control and refined spatial awareness are just some of the key ingredients of an integrated inversion. Find your path to better balance in shoulderstand, headstand, handstand and more!
~
Saturday, April 29th: “The Hips Don’t Lie!” Forget about “open hips.” Control is what we want. To progress in asana, mastery of all hip movement is key: flex, extend, rotate in, rotate out, aBduct or aDduct; all are important. We will explore the role of the hips in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method and have fun learning how “open hips” are both strong AND mobile.
Sunday, April 30th: “Back Bending.” Arching the spine into extension is an essential (but not easy) movement pattern. It is at turns challenging and energizing, confronting for the ego and a joy for the heart. Let us take you through a safe, elegant progression from the simplest to the most spectacular of back-bends found in yoga asana.
~
Saturday, May 13th: “The Intermediate Series” As its name implies, the Intermediate Series is a bridge between the Primary and Advanced asana groupings. As such it contains a bit of everything! Come join us for a playful walk through this challenging, fun and surprisingly accessible series from the Ashtanga syllabus.
Sunday, May 14th: “Putting it All Together” What does a balanced, complete yoga practice consist of? What defines a yogic life? The yoga tradition offers many tools and perspectives to help us make the most of our time on Earth. This workshop will put all the pieces together to help us orient our daily practice and lifestyle habits toward equilibrium and equanimity.
*Saturday and Sunday workshops will be available as a single session option, subject to availability. Cost: $100. (Friday workshops will be limited to attendees who have committed to that weekend’s full program.)
VI Yoga School presents a 300-hour program in two modules. We are offering module 2 this spring/summer and a full 300 hour training in the fall (October 20, 23). This training is classically informed from teachers that have spent time in India studying with Mastter teachers. This 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.
The objective for students is to significantly deepen their personal practice, increase their knowledge of practical yoga philosophy and allow this to inform their future teaching.
On the Mat: Students will improve their functional knowledge of breathing techniques, posture alignment, variations, use of props and the assisted self-practice (“Mysore-style”) model.
Practicums: Students will practice teaching and adjusting 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.
Off the Mat: Students will be inspired to further their studies of perennial wisdom and apply this to everyday life and interpersonal relationships.
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.
This 300-Hour Canadian 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 Mackenzie, Director of First Light Yoga, Vancouver
(https://firstlightyoga.ca/)
I have been practicing yoga for over 25 years since beginning on a forest floor in France in 1996. I started teaching classes in 2004, after completing a YTT at Moksana Yoga Center in Victoria, BC. My guidance is informed by extensive studies with R. Sharath Jois and their family in Mysore, India, combined with input from innovative Western practitioners. Modern approaches to strength, mobility and breath-work feature in my own practice too.
My students consider me a reliable, steady presence in the classroom. You can count on me 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, I want you to breathe well, move well and focus your mind on what you’re doing.
Deborah Carruthers has 14 years of teaching experience in the Ashtanga method. As the director of VI Yoga School, she has facilitated nine teacher training and five retreats in Kerala, India. She honours her teachers along the way in the Mysore method: Geoff Mackenzie, Rolf and Marcia Naujokat (Goa), Sharmila Desai (Goa), David Swenson, Kino MacGregor and Tim Feldmann (Miami). Deborah holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Level One Ayurveda Practitioner Certification.
Primary, Series & Intermediate Asanas
Level I Adjustments
Anatomy & Physiology
Yoga Philosophy ( Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Tantra, Goddess)
The Energetic Body
Ayurveda
Asana Sequencing
Pranayama & Meditation
Ethics
Yoga Business Development
Teacher Communication Skills
Circle time, inquiry, reflection, sharing
Canadian Yoga Alliance 300-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training, Module 2- 100 hours.
This program will transform your practice and radically deepen your understanding of yoga. This training is suitable for both aspiring teachers and dedicated practitioners as it will provide the foundation of knowledge essential for any invested yogi.
Our program follows the rich lineage of Krishnamacharya, rooted in teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Our methodology combines the flow and power of Ashtanga with its focus on alignment and sequencing. To balance, you will learn about contemplative styles, mindfulness as well as sequencing and ideas to create your yoga style.
You will have the opportunity to learn from our experienced teachers in their area of specialty. Daily practice will integrate the principles of teaching deeply into your body. We will focus on wellness, pranayama, and meditation to enhance your experience.
You will learn how to:
➢ teach a Beginner-Level progressive course series and guide a “Counted” Ashtanga Vinyasa class in the traditional manner
➢supervise a “Mysore-style” assisted self-practice class
➢ apply anatomical understanding of the body to alignment in yoga asana ➢ recognize common misalignments & risks
➢ suggest modifications & variations of poses
➢ offer clear verbal and hands-on assistance
➢ sequence creatively and safely
➢ find your unique teaching voice and incorporate neuroscience research that supports a deep understanding of the interface between science and meditation in the path of transformation and greater health and well-being
➢ Learn to count and pronounce names of postures in Sanskrit
Upon successful completion of both modules of the program, you will be qualified to register as an RYT300® with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. Our graduates teach a diverse range of yoga styles including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Dynamic flow and intro to Ashtanga, and Mysore methodology. Completion of one module will build your resume of teaching with a certificate of completion.
Required Textbooks ( included in course fees)
One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life, by Eddie Stern
You will have the opportunity to practice teaching throughout the course asf well as a deep dive into postures, through labs. Your will learn how to safely verbally and physically adjust your students.
In the classical methodology, we practice pranayama, meditation and inquiry.
Your gifts as a teaching will be encouraged and shared with the group in the collaborative training.
You will receive accreditation for 100 hours of training through the CYA.
Website www.VIYogaschool.com
June 2, 3,4
June 9, 10, 11
June16, 17,18
June 30 July 2
Cost for 100-hour program certification: $1750. (+ 5% GST.)
A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot. This program includes an unlimited yoga pass, text book for the duration of the course. As a bonus, you will have access to an onlearning learning platform ( The Four Pillars of Health)
VI Yoga School (VIYS), 360 Duncan Street, Duncan, BC
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 e-transfer. Applicants withdrawing 30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% administration fee.
Thank you for your interest in VI Yoga School Teacher Training Program.
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
© 2023 VI Yoga School, all rights reserved.