... “But what you love to see are faces
that do work and feel thirst.
You love most of all those who need you
as they need a crowbar or a hoe.
You have not grown old, and it is not too late
to dive into your increasing depths
where life calmly gives out its own secret”

Rainer Maria Rilke
excerpt from ‘Das Studenbuch’

The Yoga Academy
Teacher Training Course: TT7
Commencing November 21st 2008

Applications now invited for this course.
Scroll down to view Course Information and Application Details

British Wheel of Yoga Accredited School
Yoga Alliance Registration 200 Hour Level

The British Wheel of Yoga is recognized by The Sports Council as the governing body for Yoga in the UK. The BWY teaching certificate is the most widely recognized yoga qualification in the UK and is honoured throughout the European community. Currently BWY are undergoing international affiliations. BWY teacher membership includes UK teaching insurance and full support from the BWY.

On successful graduation, in addition to being a BWY teacher, students are entitled to register with the Yoga Alliance as teachers at Level 1 200 Hours. You may use the title “RYT" and use the Yoga Alliance logo.

The Yoga Alliance was established in 1998 in the United States to form a registry of international yoga teachers who meet the standards of training as set by the Yoga Alliance. This course is approved by The Yoga Alliance. The course curriculum meets and extensively exceeds the minimum standards set by the Yoga Alliance.

Teacher Training Courses with The Yoga Academy are designed for those who wish to embark upon the rewarding and challenging journey of teaching others, while it is also open to all serious students of yoga who wish to significantly deepen their knowledge and understanding of this ancient tradition and its deeply relevant offerings for everybody, today. All students are required to participate in all aspects of the course, including all ‘teacher’ orientated activities.

Not specific to any one contemporary school or style of yoga, the intention of this course is to offer a broad and thorough foundation for the teaching of Classical and Hatha Yoga, from which teachings the majority of yoga practiced today is sourced, while integrating functional anatomy and physiology. Significantly deepening your well of knowledge and experience in yoga theory and practice, you will develop your ability to understand your students and your role toward them, communicating these teachings in a clear, safe, and confident manner.

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Course Tutors

The Yoga Academy teachers are among the most experienced & renowned teachers in the UK, offering a curriculum & training method that offers broad & in-depth study/practice alongside what we believe to be the best start available into the teaching of yoga to others.

Simon Low
Principal & Full Time Course Director/Teacher

Simon Low, principal of The Yoga Academy is a BWY teacher & a registered teacher (E-RYT 500 level) with the Yoga Alliance.

Simon, founder & director of The Yoga Academy & co-founder of Triyoga, has been teaching yoga internationally for over 16 years. Simon’s teaching reflects his training and ongoing studies with international teachers in many forms of Hatha and Classical yoga. After originally completing and becoming certified in Teacher Training and Advanced Yoga Therapy with Dr. Larry Payne at Samata International in Los Angeles, California, Simon has developed a unique and personal teaching style. While the classical teachings of Sri T Krishnamacharya and his primary students inform the foundations of Simon’s ‘yin and yang’ style yoga experience, his own teachings are augmented by a keen interest in Okido Yoga, and a wide and varied journey through many other systems and schools of Hatha Yoga, bodywork, psychology and disciplines such as The Alexander Technique, Pilates, and Chi Kung

While keeping classes and study educational, diverse, focused and fun, Simon encourages the individual to remain mindfully focused toward internal exploration as a guide to experiencing yoga as it is meant to be practiced – a personal journey toward freedom, clarity, centeredness and the revealing and nurturing of the True Self – your Essence.

Andrea Hanagarth
Full Time Course Assistant Tutor

Andrea is a Yoga Academy graduate who runs a Yoga School in St. Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex. Working alongside Simon during the teacher training intensives and supporting the students throughout the course offers Andrea a welcome opportunity to share her joy of the practice and her experience of having been a Yoga Academy student.  

In addition to the teacher training with Simon Low, Andrea has undergone extensive training with other internationally renowned teachers: Sarah Powers (Yin Yoga and Meditation), Donna Farhi (Advanced Yoga Teacher Training) and Paul Grilley (Anatomy of Hatha Yoga).  

Simona Hernandez
Course Tutor & Kids Yoga/Chakras/Chanting

Simona initially trained as a Sivanada teacher, however her love of yoga drew her to other styles including Iyengar & Astanga, & more recently Anasara Yoga for which she is also a teacher trainer in the UK. She has a professional background in Psychology & has studied Classical Ballet & Dance Movement Therapy with an increased awareness of how inextricably the mind, body & inner spirit are linked.

Sue Delf
Pregnancy Yoga/Lesson Planning/Course Tutor

Sue Delf is a British Wheel of Yoga trained teacher.  Since qualifying in 1993 she has studied with many different teachers in different traditions including Astanga, Iyengar, Yoga Therapy, Pregnancy, Postnatal and Wellwoman yoga. Her approach to yoga is influenced by the teachings of Krishnamacharya and his son Desikachar through her primary teachers Gill Lloyd and Simon Low.

Sue teaches locally in Surrey and at Triyoga in Primrose Hill.

Gill Lloyd
Philosophy & Vedic Chanting

Gill has been a yoga teacher since 1974 and has taught, studied and practised within the teaching approach of TKV Desikachar since 1976. She has studied Yoga therapy and Vedic chanting in India at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and Vedavani Chanting Institute and also studied under TKV Desikachar both in India and the UK and continues her study at the KYM annually. Having successfully completed both the Viniyoga Britain (now known as “aYs”) four year practitioner and two year Postgraduate Programmes, she has run Introduction and Foundation courses and taught on the core Stage Three practitioner training programme. She was Director of Viniyoga from 1998 until 2002. She leads seminars and In Service training events for Yoga Organisations in the UK and abroad (annual yoga retreats in south India with her husband) and offers local tuition and a monthly Master Class at her home in Sussex. Gill received the BWY Diploma in 1977 and served on the Executive and Education Committees and was a DCT for 10 years. Currently teaching the philosophy module for the Yoga Academy’s teacher training course.

Gary Carter
Anatomy & Physiology

Gary has trained in physical disciplines from an early age. He became a personal trainer in 1987, continuing to develop his fascination with Anatomy & Physiology & to study yoga for 12 years, as well as Shiatsu & Nutrition, Cranio Sacral Therapy & Structural Integration. He teaches Yoga & Living Anatomy & Physiology in Europe & the UK, to movement & manual practitioners in all bodywork disciplines.

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Outline of Course Curriculum

Techniques: Teaching and Practice of Yoga Asana / Pranayama / Mudra / Bhanda / Kriya / Yoga Nidra / Meditation and Chanting.
Teaching Methodology: Principles of Demonstration & Adjustment, Assisting/Correcting, Observation, Teaching Styles, Qualities of a teacher, and the student’s process of learning.
Yoga Philosophy: Ancient and Contemporary Texts.
Anatomy and Physiology: Includes both Physical and Subtle Anatomy.
Roles Ethics and Responsibilities of a Teacher of Yoga.

Also included within the course are Focus Workshops, for example:
Yoga & Pregnancy / Yoga for Kids / Yoga for Seniors / Partner Work / Establishing a Career as a Yoga Teacher. While Philosophy, Anatomy & Physiology, & Lesson Planning will be emphasised throughout the course, there will be full-day workshops within the residential periods dedicated to these subjects, facilitated by the specialist teachers (as listed above).

The Teacher Training Programme is designed to be innovative, challenging, and enjoyable, while being structured as a course of intensive study. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, & students are expected to complete/undertake independent study, practice and reading. Each intensive course day will include practice, formal practical study/lecture time, unsupervised study/reading time, discussion time, & ‘silent time’. Homework and essays will be assigned. A minimum number of non-contact hours are stipulated in the course curriculum, while to successfully graduate, all students will be required to pass all areas of the course, write 2 essays (one A&P, one Philosophy), produce a Personal Research Project (elected subject), Mid-course examination, an A&P exam/questionnaire, produce required Class Plans, a Teacher’s Manual, & teach 3 planned classes & make small group presentations while being ‘assessed’.

The first assessed taught class is held within the final residential intensive. The second & third assessments to be arranged by each student, with a mutually agreed teacher assessor, in the final 6 months of the course period. Students are responsible for any ‘assessor’ fees that may be applicable for the second & third assessments.

Throughout the duration of the course, as part of the ongoing assessment process each student will be required to assist/observe classes with Simon Low, Simona Hernandez, Sue Delf & other Yoga Academy teachers &/or approved teachers. In addition, appointments as class assistants may be arranged with approved teachers and schools outside of the course residential periods. Teachers will be provided with assessment forms to sign. Hours spent assisting are added to your non-contact hours total.

Simon has scheduled this course to be as user-friendly as possible for students still in full time employment or parenting, while maximizing the effectiveness of ‘intensive’ study. The venues is of the highest quality & comfort available for yoga residential purposes. The teachers are of the highest calibre available in the UK.

You will be entering a study & practice ‘community’ that will exist long after the course has been completed. Come prepared to participate fully & become an informed, safe, & skilled teacher of yoga, with a network of support & on-going study.

On registration you will be given, the pre-course reading list & study requirements, essential course reference book list, & essential props list.

On commencement of the course, at the first residential period, you will be provided with a full curriculum & schedule of activities.

Where possible it is recommended that each student teacher attends workshops and courses before during and after The Yoga Academy Teacher Training Course. Simon will highlight courses and workshops that occur over the course period, which he considers to be particularly appropriate. All students are required to complete a basic first aid course, (at their own expense), before graduating from the Teacher Training Programme. While the ongoing and final assessment and guidance process will be rigorous and demanding it is designed to maximise your benefit from this Teacher Training Course and guide you toward a successful graduation.

The Yoga Academy course offers contact & non-contact hours well in excess of Yoga Alliance certification requirements, & fully meets the requirements of the British Wheel of Yoga.

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Course Schedule, Residential Venues and Fees

Simon has selected Commonwork Farm as the Teacher Training venue with which he is very well acquainted through teaching yoga weekends & previous teacher training courses. It works extremely well as a study venue being an ideal environment for a focused and enhanced learning experience & also as a very comfortable residential site within easy reach of London.

COURSE FEE: £3975

FEE INCLUDES:
Tuition & mentoring
All Residential Accommodation
All meals & hot drinks on residential weeks.
Tutoring & facility fees for any scheduled Teacher Training day workshops.
Printed Course materials for your Teacher’s Manual
BWY support materials
Certificate

FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Books on the pre-course reading list
Essential course books
Essential yoga props
Travel expenses
Writing materials
Cost of Basic First Aid Course
2nd & 3rd teaching assessment fees that may be applicable

BWY Annual Student Teacher Membership (this includes student teaching insurance & is currently £60. For those who are already BWY members the cost is £35 to upgrade your annual membership to student membership. NB: This is an essential requirement for all students on this course.

Please Note: Our course price is as competitive as possible & is all-inclusive (no additional costs, other than those listed above & any books you choose to purchase for your personal library). To keep book costs to a minimum we have a library-sharing scheme for books on the recommended ‘Course Reference Book List’. This will be given to you on registration. We also have an arrangement with ‘Yogamatters’ where you will receive a good percentage reduction for books & equipment. Please inform Yogamatters when ordering.

BWY Student Teacher Membership, BWY Course Registration & Basic First Aid Course are compulsory.

If you are offered a place on this course we will ask you to confirm acceptance by completing The Yoga Academy Registration Form which should be returned to us with your registration payment & BWY Course Registration fee.

NB: If paying course fee in full prior to November 1st 2008 there is a reduction of £150 from the total fee. i.e: £3825

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Application Details

Places on this course will be offered in response to applications made in writing /email. Listed below are details of specific information required in the application and suggestions to help you with your application, which may be written in ‘essay style’ if you wish.

• Name, date of birth, full contact details including email address.
• Occupation.
• Summary of education/further education listing all qualifications achieved.
• Current hobbies/interests.

YOGA EXPERIENCE

All applicants need to have practiced yoga consistently for a minimum of two years prior to your application.

Describe your yoga practice, stating how long you have been studying and where you currently practice. Please describe your established self-practice. What styles of yoga do you practice? Do you have a preference for any particular style? Give reasons. Are you currently teaching yoga or have you ever taught yoga? Give details.

How many classes a week do you attend? Name your current teacher/teachers and any others that you have worked with consistently over an extended period. Give details of any retreats/workshops/ courses of one weeks duration or more that you have attended. Include details, if relevant of any weekend workshops that you have attended.

State why you would like to become a yoga teacher, and what special qualities you think a good yoga teacher requires. Why do you think you would make a good teacher? Why do you choose to undertake training with The Yoga Academy?

Please describe your level of physical fitness & clearly inform The Yoga Academy of any physical conditions, disabilities, or injuries.

TWO LETTERS OF REFERENCE with your application: Your referees should have a good knowledge of your practice and be able to comment on your standard or be able to give an assessment of your suitability for the course with a brief character reference.

FIRST REFEREE:
Yoga teacher [Compulsory unless you are a regular student of Simon Low, Sue Delf or Simona Hernandez]

SECOND REFEREE:
May be selected from the following suggested sources:
• Recent college/course tutor.
• Holistic Health Practitioner.
• Employer.

Please Note: unless you are currently a regular student of a Yoga Academy tutor you may be requested to attend an interview or class with a Yoga academy tutor prior to acceptance on this course.

Forward your application:
By Email: info@theyogaacademy.org

By post to:
The Yoga Academy
Attn: Simon Low
Vine Cottage, Easton Lane, Easton, Hampshire SO21 1EF

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