FAQ:s
- Q: I don't think I want to be a yoga teacher but just learn more about yoga, is this course for me?
A: Our course emphasises teaching more than most other YTT:s. We practice teaching from day 1. You are required to teach a final vinyasa class to your friends in the group. We usually put it like this: If your heart isn't set on teaching yoga, we have to ask that you pretend that it is for the duration of the course.
- Q: I'm already a yoga teacher but would like to learn more about vinyasa. Is this course for me?
A: We are specialised in vinyasa sequencing and the art of teaching well, finding your voice and getting started as a yoga teacher. If this is what you are looking for we will welcome you to participate, whether you already took a teacher training, are already teaching regularly or brand new to teaching. In almost every course we have at least one participant who is already a yoga teacher.
- Q: I'm worried that my yoga practice is not advanced enough. What level do you expect from trainees?
A: In short, we ask that your personal yoga practice is advanced enough so that you understand the unimportance of acrobatics in yoga. Our daily morning practice is a dynamic vinyasa practice, as are the asana workshops throughout the training. It's a physically demanding practice. This doesn't mean that you should already know all the challenging poses! Part of our course is dedicated to advancing your practice, whatever that means for you and from whatever point you start. More often than not, no participant in a group of trainees shows up with that perfect handstand!
- Q: Will I learn about pranayama?
A: Breath work is included in our daily morning practice to some degree (of course – it's yoga). We introduce the science of breath, common pranayama practices and we go through how to teach basic pranayama and breath awareness to a group of students. In-depth more advanced pranayama and how to teach it we believe should come at a later stage for a yoga teacher.
- Q: Will I get to study the spiritual practices and the ancient philosophy of yoga?
A: No teacher training would be complete without an introduction to the rich history and philosophy of yoga. We study the history of ancient and modern yoga, and we introduce and discuss philosophy and touch on the ancient texts with the help of an amazing guest teacher, Joana. We tend to steer the discussions in the direction of making this content relatable and relevant as a teacher of modern yoga today. As a teacher training on the 200 hour level, our aim is to open the door to these topics, to demystify and to clear out any misconceptions as well as honor the roots of the topic we guide as teachers.
- Q: Is there an exam? What happens if I fail the exam?
A: There are two Demonstrations of Understanding. One is written and one is practical. It's not a pass or fail type of thing (this is not university and teaching yoga is not a license). They are there as an indication of how well we have managed to get the most important content across. Any misunderstandings are cleared during the last days of training. The practicum means that you will teach a final class to our group and be observed by one of us. Again, the idea and goal is productive feedback, not pass or fail.
- Q: I have to do some other work during the training, can I skip a lecture or a class here and there?
A: The format of these certified trainings are face-to-face and based on a certain amount of hours of contact. This means we require 100% attendance. Any hours missed must be made up for and might be subject to an additional cost for you in order to become certified.
- Q: Will I be able to go surfing/see a friend/go be a tourist on my days off?
A: There are no days off. There are 2 self study days about one and two weeks into training respectively. On these days, after the morning practice, you will have a variety of homework (about 5-8 hours worth) but you can distribute the day as you like as long as you get the job done.
- What methodology do you apply?
A: We use a variety of methods suited for adult learning. You'll come across some (but very few) lectures. Instead we focus on experiential learning (doing something), discussions, learning by teaching others, positive and encouraging feedback and contextualising content.