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VI Yoga School's
Yoga Intensive & Teacher Training
2026 YOGA INTENSIVE & TEACHER TRAINING AT VI YOGA
We are thrilled to announce the dates for our 2026
Yoga Intensive & Teacher Training in Duncan.
Are you ready to develop as an advanced practitioner?
On the mat
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 also Observe, Shadow, & Assist the Lead Teachers during select scheduled studio classes.
Off the mat
Students will be inspired to further their studies of this perennial wisdom and apply it to their everyday life and interpersonal relationships.
Teaching pathway
Students are guided in led classes and the traditional Mysore style of learning. In keeping with the tradition of the student-teacher relationship, are tasked with particular practices as their body/mind is ready to receive them. This personal experience of overall growth and steadiness of course 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. Cultivating deep spiritual practice requires mastery of breath, mind and posture, one step at a time, at a pace that suits each individual.
Explore the Ashtanga Primary Series
VI Yoga School presents a 300-hour program. The training will be delivered in three modules. Module One is our Journey to the Heart of Yoga Workshop Series. Module Two is our Yoga Intensive Programe and these together will be 200 hours, and Module Three will be the additional 100 hours and a practicum mentorship. Students can complete 200 hours, receive a 200-hr certificate, and/or complete the final Module—a 300-hour designation designed for those with a call to teach.
The training is classically informed by teachers who have spent time in India studying with Master 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 Neuroscience.
This 300-Hour Canadian Alliance Certification course is also 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.
Upon completing the program, you will be qualified to register as an RYT300® with the Canadian Yoga Alliance. Our graduates teach diverse yoga styles, including Ashtanga Vinyasa, dynamic flow, Intro to Ashtanga, Yin, and gentle yoga.
Your Guide
Deborah Carruthers
Director of Vancouver Island Yoga School
Deborah has 17 years of teaching experience in the Ashtanga method. As the director of VI Yoga School, she has facilitated ten teacher training and six 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.
The Curriculum will include:
- Full Primary & Some of the Intermediate Asana Series, Yin, Pranayama & Meditation
- Yoga Philosophy
- Ayurveda and The Energetic Body
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Asana Sequencing , Level I Adjustments
- Teacher Communication Skills , Ethics
- Yoga Business Development
- Circle time, Inquiry, Reflection, Sharing
Testimonials
I took my first Yoga Teacher Training with Deborah in 2015. Little did I know at the time just how much it would change my life. Deb's YTT program got me out of my comfort zone and made me realize I was living small. Her love and compassionate guidance helped me to find my voice, become more confident and let go of many self-limiting beliefs.
I came out of my YTT ready to teach classes safely. I came out of my YTT with a greater sense of self. I came out of my YTT with more passion and purpose — not just for yoga but for LIFE.
Today, I am blessed to have my own yoga studio and the privilege of teaching yoga classes to the community. I am now becoming a teacher to teachers. I would not be the person I am, nor the teacher I am, had it not been for this beautiful soul.
I completed my Yoga Teacher Training with Deb Carruthers in 2018. It was an experience of a lifetime. It has enriched my life emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Well-instructed with support, encouragement, and space to learn and grow at your own pace.
I absolutely recommend taking the YTT based on the Ashtanga method and I am forever grateful.
Course Dates
Module 1 Dates: Friday, Saturdays and Sundays (5 Weekends)
February 20 – 22
March 6-8 & 13-15 & 27-29
April 10-12
Times: Friday evening 7:00- 8:15; Saturdays 7:00am- 3:00 pm with a 3-hour break in the morning; Sundays: 7:00am-3:00pm with a 3-hour break in the morning
Module Two: Friday, Saturdays and Sundays (7 Weekends)
Dates:
May 1-3, & 8-10 & 22-24, 29-31
June 12-14, 26-28
July 10-12 (graduation)
Module Three: Teaching Practicums and Mentorship Placement & Details To Be Announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Module One & Two Investment: $2500 +GST (includes a studio pass for the duration of the course – textbooks additional, online anatomy course (textbooks additional).)
- Module 3 Investment: TBA plus gst includes studio pass
Payment Information: The deposit required to hold your place is $1000.00. We accept Debit & Credit Cards, plus Interac etransfer.
Applicants withdrawing 30 days before the start date are subject to a 50% administration fee.
- The tuition fee does not include the cost of the required textbooks, nor the cost of food, travel, and accommodation.
- The required textbooks are:
- Yin Yoga: Bernie Clark, cost: 35 plus taxes
- The Power of Ashtanga Yoga: Kino MacGregor, cost: 35 plus taxes
- One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life, by Eddie Stern costs: 35 plus taxes
- Functional Anatomy of Yoga: A guide for practitioners and teachers, David Keil, 40 plus taxes
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.
Ready to Transform Your Practice and Your Life?
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 Yoga Intensive and YTT Program. Please complete an application form.
There are limited spaces in this program, so please contact us soon to secure your place.
Namaste,
Deborah