+ FUNDAMENTALS OF YOGA

The Fundamentals of Yoga guides students on an inner and outer journey by developing and expanding personal practice both on the mat and in life. Curriculum includes:

• Develop a solid foundation in asana practice, including: general form, energy flows, breath integration, and anatomical nuances of postures.
• Comprehensive study of Kula’s Level 1 Syllabus, which includes 27 principal asana (postures) that encompass standing poses, hip openers, arm balances, backbends, inversions, twists, seated postures, and restorative poses.
• Pranayama (breath practice) and meditation.
• Study of human anatomy and its functional relationship in asana.
• Fundamentals of posture modification.
• Introduction to Yoga Philosophy and its relevance to practice and daily life.
• Applied study through Kula’s Postural workbook assignments and study materials.

+ HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF YOGA

Yoga has a rich and varied history, which encompasses different philosophical and religious traditions from classical to contemporary teachings. In History and Philosphy of Yoga, You will study Yoga texts and practices through the lens of a contemporary Tantric Yoga Tradition. Taught by author and renowned international Tantric scholar, Christopher “Hareesh” Wallis, you can expect a thorough introduction to the history of Yoga, and to learn the most current and cutting edge perspectives on Tantra and Yoga philosophy.

+ ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Becoming a skillful Yoga teachers requires a thorough understanding of the human body. In Anatomy and Physiology, you will learn the biomechanics of asana and the human body through the Smart YogaTM system. You will develop a thorough understanding of how the muscles and joints work in relation to the practice of Yoga, and how this knowledge can be applied in teaching. Finally, you will learn to deconstruct postures from an anatomical perspective and modify them to benefit individual students.

+ MEDITATION, PHILOSOPHY & PRACTICE INTENSIVE

During this intensive you will develop the most important cornerstone of being a teacher, your practice. You will be practicing regularly throughout the program; however, this segment is designed to enhance your growing edge by going deeper into the practice of Yoga, practical Philosophy, Meditation and Pranayama. Weekly extended practices allow time to combine various modalities in an in-depth and experiential way. Be prepared to transform, be inspired and shine!

+ THE ART OF TEACHING, SEQUENCEING & BECOMING A YOGA TEACHER

Learn how to apply your knowledge of Yoga philosophy, anatomy, asana, meditation and pranayama into teaching skillful, inspiring and intelligent classes. This includes understanding how to sequence a class around a theme or specific area of the body, or create movement-focused classes (i.e. back bends or hip openers). You will learn how to adapt your teaching style as needed, from gentle restorative classes to powerful Vinyasa classes. You will also be able to teach competently in both a hot and regular temperature studio environment. You will learn to: • Communicate clearly and effectively • See your students and understand their needs • Apply effective hands-on adjustments • Modify postures for diverse anatomical needs • Create classes that attend to varying student levels • Hold the auspicious seat of the teacher • Use props effectively to supports students • Demonstrate postures concisely and powerfully To hone your skills and increase your confidence as an instructor, you will practice teaching your fellow students, as well as a diverse group of guests from the public. You will also observe and assist in regular classes at Kula.

+ OBSERVATION

To maximize the learning experience, Teacher Trainers will observe three classes at Kula, following which they will assist in three classes at Kula.

+ PERSONAL PRACTICE

As a commitment to study, and deepening one’s practice, Teacher Trainers are expected to take a minimum of 1 additional class per week at Kula during the program.