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| 200 hr teacher training courses | |
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| about the course: | |
While designing this course there were a few factors that we considered crucial to the success of such a program. after completion we want everyone involved to understand very clearly what yoga is how it works and how to communicate that experience in a led class format. So the goal of these courses is to help everyone to first practice yoga with the confidence that on their own they can calm their mind, relax their body and experience pure consciousness. Then to be able to teach in a way that shares that personal connection. Therefore enough time and guidance for personal progress to happen has been woven into the schedule To make this process easy lets make it fun and interesting. We begin teaching just one pose to one other person, gradually we teach more poses to more people. By the middle of the course teaching a 1.5 hour class to whole group and by the end of the course having the confidence and imagination to create our own sequences and classes. What makes this course a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in learning to teach yoga are the media resources which capture the course content. The two sequenced practices are each explained in a workbook with full colour pictures and again in a full practice DVD. These resources will assist the students to achieve a satisfying self practice at home for years to come after the course is over. The Pranayama and Meditation classes are recorded on CD to also allow for a lasting experience to aid in self practice. This course is very special because the various components create a synthesis which is rare in TTC taught interntionally these days. In part one the asana practice will be explained and verified alongside the anatomy section. Similarly in part two the practice of asana, pranayama and especially meditation will be examined and explained in parallel with the study of yoga philosophy. For part three we will look at individual aspects of asana practice like hip openers, inversions or backbends and begin to create mini sequences. Having opened up the possibility of creativity in asana to individual interpretation to help understand how to express that we will look at the art of teaching in the Theory Section. |
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Course Requirements: Things You may take from this course: Material Resources: |
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| certification with yoga alliance | |
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Sukhashanti Yoga: is a registered school with the Yoga Alliance. This teacher training program is internationally accredited and recognised as valid qualification for 200-hr Yoga Alliance Registration. The 200-hr Teacher training program includes 30 days of training scheduled in three separate 10 day intensives. The combination of contact hours together with co-ordinated home study and practice (prerequisite reading, report and asana and pranayama practice) make this course exceed greatly the minimum requirements. |
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| schedule: |
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26 Days of Practice: Course Structure: |
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Each day of this course we will be teaching to each other and to the group as a whole. As we gain confidence and become familiar with being the voice and the source of the practice the challenge is to deliver longer sequences with more continuity. One of the main goals of this TTC is to learn to teach asana in a led practice format and these daily afternoon sessions devote more than double the time usually alloted TTC. Teaching just like public speaking has a performance side which people usually either love or hate, the sukhashanti method provides the essential skills to be able to lead a class and enough experience to become familiar with the role. These afternoon sessions offer a chance to examine and dissect the poses and the links between. We will examine alignment principles, adjustments and modifications to deepen the palette of tones and textures allowing us to adapt our teaching to suit individual needs. The poses will be demonstrated and explained then practiced. Beginning with baby steps we will teach single poses to one other person. Building day by day we will introduce more poses and longer sequences. Also each day we repeat the material from the previous day gradually bridging the gaps until the whole practice becomes seamless. The beauty of this format lies in the repetition and consistency of the method. Because the afternoons mirror the morning practice sequence we have a double opportunity to absorb the system. I have found that this arrangement allows everyone to quickly digest the practice and to practice from memory unassisted by the end of each 10 day session. The set sequences of the first two parts of the course give everyone the opportunity to learn by rote and simply copy a method. In the third part of the course however our skillbase will be expanded as students can make up their own sequences. Creativity and the ability to improvise are really the final test of an individuals ability to be comfortable and at ease with teaching. Having overcome personal fears and doubts its time to have fun. |
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| practical curriculum | |
ASANA: Exploring the progression from guided practice to self practice: In the first two of these sections a precise sequenced practice will be learned. The aim of these sessions is to move the student into deep self practice. To build the confidence and knowledge to allow this to happen Noah's skill as a senior level teacher is put to use. We will begin with a fully led class and progress to complete self practice. Beginning with an open mind we will learn the practice one breath and one movement at a time. Building day by day we will lengthen the sequence. Gradually the students will be guided into full self practice. Establishing the correct approach: The guided classes will lay the foundation for the yoga to begin. During these classes the basics components of Sukhashanti style asana will be explored. How to place the body, where to take the drishti and which internal adjustments to make. How to flow with the breath and when to experience the stillness of the pose. The Sukhashanti sequences allow the practitioner to have complete confidence in themselves. Take advantage of Noah's 20 years of experience, he can identify difficulties before they arise, remove unseen obstacles and clarify any doubts regarding the details of this practice. Progressing to Self Practice: What makes this course special is the transitional shift that takes place as we begin to practice independently. Noah has devised a program which requires self practice of small sections gradually culminating in full self practice. The beauty of this formula is that it requires students to grasp the practice before then repeating it on their own. SUKHASHANTI ROOTS: The basic sequence is a beginners practice. The poses chosen are simple and essential and the technique to practice is performed in an easy way. The purpose of this sequence is not to develop the difficulty of the practice but rather to become grounded in the quality of practice. We will focus on alignment and symmetry, both within the poses and in the transitions between poses. Teaching this sequence opens up the possibility of making yoga practice accessible to the uninitiated. the modifications allow for a deep and comforting experience. This is yoga you can teach to your own mother. In the beginning we must come to relate to gravity and the earth, not merely standing on the ground but relating to it. For the beginners placements of hands and feet are essential elements and then understanding how we cooperate with gravity for balance. The essential concepts of what is required to complete forward bend, backbend, sidebend, twist and inversion are explored and will connect us to the advanced stages with primary principles of movement and posture. Linking the static postures we will become embedded in Vinyasa, the incorporation of measure, drishti, breathing and counterpose. Strength and stability are the qualities we will emphasise as we touch the fundament. SUKHASHANTI ASCENSION: This set sequence utilises the techniques of the first and provides a deeper challenge for both flexibility and strength. A second Surya Namaskar will add depth and potency to the firmness of the first. We will use poses which are shoulder and hip openers. Headstand and some simple arm balances and introduce some of the essential asana positions like lotus and many others. With our feet on the ground we can reach for the sky without falling over. Having a firm hold of the basics it is possible to extend the practice safely and begin to explore the limits. The cardinal directions are mapped out with asana which progress in sequences and allow for gradual realistic progression without setbacks. Asana like mountain climbing requires a planned and supported approach avoiding dangers and securing the ground covered. The way is steep and sometimes obscured but by focussing on forward movement the obstacles are overcome. SUKHASHANTI PEAK: The third practice series opens up a range of possibilities to suit the individuals needs. We will explore many of the aspects of practice as independent areas. Surya Namaskar, standing poses, inversions, forward bends, back bends, sidebends, hip openers and arm balances. This phase of practice we will examine the use of sequence and repetition to deepen poses. Opening up infinite possibilities with multiple variations on poses seems fancy but what is substantial is to understand how to use progressions to safely develop asana depth. At the summit we can see where we have been and where we are going now is the time for celebration and expression of joy. The poses reflect the exhiliration and bliss of feeling at home in a special place. The peculiarity of existence is reflected in the many and various possibilities. Having used a map and formula to find our path we now see that there are other ways. Yet the end is just another beginning as here we see the introduction to advanced asana. Beyond this the individual must travel alone but now not merely equipped with a map we can learn to make our own maps. PRANAYAMA: Often lauded as the special terrain of hatha yoga. By gradually lengthening the breath we can slow down the heart rate and eventually the brains metabolic rate evoking a profound state of relaxation. Pranayama gives us the tools to reprogram our bodies response to stress with a direct feedback system. This ancient art is inseparable from meditation and yet is much more approachable for lay practitioners. Noah has practiced pranayama regularly for over 5 years and reduced his breath rate during practice to below 1 breath per minute. By combining the effects of pranayama with meditation the Sukhashanti method was born. This style of practice has made sense of what is often a neglected area of yoga practice. Sukhashanti style pranayama uses a systematic method beginning with guided practice and then moving to self practice. In this manner every individual will be able to find their own level of depth. From an already established path to progress requires simply to place one step in front of another. Having covered the core concepts of the seated posture, the use of hand positions, the breathing techniques and the correct way to focus the mind in concert with the breath we will progress to pranayama proper with retention and gradually establish self practice. MEDITATION: The jewel in the crown. For this most important practice we will take the seated position developed in asana and bring about steadiness of the body. Then use the pranayama techniques to make the breath even and minimal and begin to calm and soothe the mind. From this base we will begin to learn Dharuna (concentration) using Sukhashanti Method of taking many points of focus for short periods. Lengthening the period of concentration and keeping the point of focus fixed brings us to Dhyana (absorbtion). Samadhi arises out of awareness which focuses in on itself, it is a natural consequence of practice. Meditation can be difficult and is commonly misunderstood. Most yoga teachers either embellish or avoid this most vital and fundamental aspect of yoga. To clarify and lay the path we will study Patanjalis yoga sutra. Without philosophy yoga can be misguided and even dangerous. Without practice philosphy can be dry and theoretical. Through meditation liberation is possible in a way that asana and pranayama rarely achieve. The process will begin with fully guided practice and gradually develop to self practice. The Sukhashanti approach uses shifting points of focus, gradually covering the layers of manifest consciousness. Eventually we identify consciousness iteself as the source. |
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| theoretical curriculum: | |
ANATOMY AND KINESIOLOGY: 20 HOURS Understanding anatomy enables a way to see bodies vitally important to a yoga teacher. In our own practice we develop a keen intuitive understanding of our bodies, yet without the language to communicate this knowledge teaching can be frustrating. To teach yoga well verbal communication must be consistent with physical demonstration. The basic terms of anatomy describe the positioning and movement of the human form in three dimensional space. With clarity and consistency teachers will develop the self-confidence that comes from knowing rather than guessing. The limitations of the body must be respected for progress in asana. To understand the basis of these physical limitations anatomy provides the answers. Bones, muscles and tissues have various inherent properties relevant to physical strength and flexibility. In fact the riddle of the many and varied asana can be comprehended by knowing which areas of the body are being targeted by the different poses. By studying the articulations of the body the different types of movements possible can be understood. With his background as a chiropractor coupled with a bachelors degree in anatomy, physiology and neurology Noah is uniquely qualified to teach anatomy for yoga teachers.He presents this subject with a therapeutic view in mind drawing from years of practice and clinical experience. This workshop has distilled the essentials into an interesting and interactive package. PHILOSOPHY: 20 HOURS To achieve a philosophical understanding of the system of yoga we will study one of its most important texts, Patanjalis Yoga Sutra. We will cover the first two of the four chapters in this two thousand year old Text. The first chapter or Samadhi Pada deals with the concepts that describe the structure of our own consciousness. Patanjali describes the nature of the mind and the soul and explains how Yoga works through the mind to "see the soul". The second chapter or Sadhana Pada describes yoga practice. Here Patanjali defines the ashtanga system and goes on to discuss meditation practice in detail. This text examines the nature of the our existence. It is a practical manual discussing Yoga in terms of the quality of the state of mind. To relate to the text it is necessary to have some experience with meditation practice. So this section of theory is scheduled together with the meditation practice to be used as an aid to achieving self practice of meditation. The text will be studied by comparing different interpretations of the original sanskrit that are presented in the English Language. Reading texts will be provided and the philosophy will be discussed as a group in a tutorial format. This allows for discussion and discourse so necessary to absorb the content. ETHICS AND THE ART OF TEACHING: 20 HOURS This program is designed very much to enable the student to gain the skill, knowledge and experience required to be an informed and confident teacher of hatha yoga. The landmark performance of this ability is to deliver a 1.5 hour asana class which is safe and effective. Ask any experienced teacher and they will tell you that teaching beginners is generally the most challenging task. Sukhashanti yoga uses a set sequence designed for its accessibility to the lay public and gives the teacher the language and clarity to express the teaching verbally. Together with clear and noncompetitive demonstration and the ability to read and adjust the students poses. The result is a well defined form which could be taught to your own mother or someone already with a background in human movement. The energy which we require to perform the action of teaching is often even with the best of intensions misguided. For example it is a common mistake to presume that while demonstrating a pose for a class the more we push our own body the greater the understanding of the students will be. And so in a class teachers often strain and injure themselves trying too hard and overdoing poses in an attempt to inspire the students. Sadly this frustrates the teacher and provides no benefit to the students at all, they will not notice if you can force your shoulder blades down an extra centimeter. And so the need for ethics in the teacher student relationship arises. Both to protect the student and the teacher. A little bit of wisdom goes along way. Having a clear idea of what we are trying to accomplish in a yoga class is the first step in adopting the right attitude to teaching. Without this road map our passions can carry us away to a place where we cant remember why we teach. Is it just because we love the control of the group energy? Do we do it because we need the money? Or is Teaching simply a natural expression of who and what we are shared compassionately with others in a non competitive environment. Ethics is applied philosophy and here lies the link between practice and exposition. Its the knowledge of the meaning of yoga hand in hand with the experience of self-practice communicated to others. Then given the right tools we can be authentic teachers. The theory content for this the third section of the course will be the art of teaching yoga. SUGGESTED READING: 1. Yoga Philosophy 2. Anatomy and Physiology HOMEWORK PROGRAM: Written assignments: A. Choose one muscle from each of these regions: * Shoulder 1. Describe the muscle giving details of origin and insertion and actions. B. Write a 300 word essay on any themes from the Samadhi Pada of Patanjalis Yoga Sutra. C. Write a 300 word essay on any themes from the Sadhana Pada of Patanjalis Yoga Sutra. D. Design a 1 hour lesson plan for an asana class at beginners level E. Design a 1 hour self practice plan taking into account personal limitations. |
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1. 200 Hr Yoga Alliance Accredited Teachers Training Course 2. 200 Hr Yoga Alliance Accredited Teachers Training Course 3. 200 Hr Yoga Alliance Accredited Teachers Training Course 4. 200 Hr Yoga Alliance Accredited Teachers Training Course
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| application process: |
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To apply for a place in a Sukhashanti Yoga Teacher Training Course please follow these steps. 1. Fill in the application for below and wait for confirmation of your place. 2. Having received acceptance of your place in the course then go ahead and arrange payment to get a confirmed booking. This should be done through the Mystic School in India. |
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| price and how to book: | |
To apply for a place on a scheduled course the first step is to submit a completed application form and await confirmation. If accepted then payment can be arranged to confirm your booking. Course numbers are limited and payment will ensure your position. The full fee for courses in India is 60000 INR, an early bird price of 50000 INR will be available if booked well in advance before cut off date. All payments for trainings conducted in India should be made to the Mystic School.
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| terms and conditions: | |
Teacher Training Courses require alot of background work and in turn we expect commitment.
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| faq: | |
Q. Will I be able to teach yoga if I do this course? Q.If I have any injuries can I attend the course? Q. Does this course include travel, accomodation and food? Q. Is the course certified? Q. Is this course worth it? Absolutley Yes, the same course has been taught in Europe for almost four times the price. Q. Why is this course different from others offered in India? The level of sophistication and communication is unparalleled by similar courses. The quality of the information and proceses is top level. I know because I have attended both as a participant and as a teacher on many other programs. Q. What to do if I have other questions or concerns? |
TESTIMONY:
I honestly think that studying with Noah has saved my practice in several ways. He taught me that by deconstructing the way you approach your practice, whether it may be asana, pranayama or meditation, by calmly looking at the pieces instead of staring blindly at the goal, you can find your way into a practice which will heal you in every aspect of what you are. If trying to find compassion towards your mind and your body it is essential to understand how they function and relate to each other. This I learned during his TTC 1 and 2. I am truly grateful and looking forward to the 3rd TTC!
I just want to tell you that I have listened to the advice that you gave us at the teaching training. I feel so well in my back and in my hip now! (I used to have pain every week for at least 12 years!) Now its been gone for 3 months solid after doing my own yoga for a year! Even though I lift heavy children at my work every day I don't get any pain.
It feels as if I have been given my health/life back!
I listen to my body's needs now in a way that i did not before I meet you. You tauught me to listen to myself more. I am rich now! Rich in health! Nothing is more important than that! Thank you so much! I do my own routine which is ..... about an hour with relaxation afterwards. I also do the pranayama that you taught us, and I love it! I feel that I learnt so much from you I just want to tell you, that you are one of the best yoga teachers ever! I am so grateful that I got to be your student!
- Zandra Nordvall
Noah´s workshop was perfect for exploring and getting going with a healthy and inspiring self practice. The combination of attention to detail and spiritual guidance has taken my practice to another level. Noah´s approach and knowledge has simply made it more fun and rewarding.
- Sandra Andreis
My name is Kripa Patra and I am a yoga teacher in Stockholm. I have come in contact with Noah's way of teaching when he came to live here Spring '09. I find his style very inviting and inclusive for yoga practicioners of all levels. I recently also participated in a Pranayama workshop which he offered in connection with a Teacher training. For the first time, I meet a teacher who make this ancient yogic art very approachable. His simple and methodical directions make Pranayama practice effortless and enjoyable. He takes the students through stages of the practice, during the course of two weeks, and successively facilitates the unfolding of this yogic "limb" within each and everyone. I recommend his courses highly to beginners as well as advanced practitioners -- his vast knowledge propels the student onto a new level.
- Kripa Patra Rode
I don't want to end his course now! I love to learn and I'm so grateful that I met you. Ive learned alot. Thank you for sharing.
I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to practice with you. Looking forward to more.
-Leyla Belle Drake
Noah brought an amazing presentation of yoga anatomy with him to the GAVY Teacher Apprenticeship. I recommend him 100% to any yoga practitioners and teachers that want to understand what is going on within the body during asana practice. All in an exciting, dynamic way. Noah Rocks!
Owner: Ashtanga Americas
Noah's presentation is clear, accessible and thought provoking. A gift to yogis both new and seasoned.
Owner: Byron Bay Yoga Shala
All our students loved Noah's workshop. He combines great knowledge about yoga and the physical body in a very interesting and fun way. An absolute recommendation for all yoga students and teachers!
Owner: De Yoga Studio
When we had It´s Yoga Stockholm we had the privelage to work with Noah on and off for a couple of years. We are truely grateful to have had him as a teacher. He is an excellent teacher, professional, organized and with a cool style that inspires his students.
Thank you Noah for charing your knowledge with us!
Owner: Its Yoga Nicuagura
Our shala was doing well. We enjoyed teaching every morning and had led classes in the evening that were well attended. And then, one April afternoon a very strong, very real presence entered our space. It was Noah Mckenna. He came asking only to practice. It took all of two weeks before we were asking him to share his wealth of knowledge with the rest of our 120+ students. What Noah Mckenna did for us and our students was to add theory, theory to our practice, practice. We had over 30 students sign up for Noah's course within the first two weeks of announcing it. Each and every one agreed that if Noah were to ever return to our shala they would be the first to sign up again.
Owner: Ashtanga Adelaide
I found Noah's classes invaluable to my practice.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and inspiring the group at Purple Valley.
Owner: Yoga Art Matrix
I must admit that I was most impressed by both your course content and delivery. I always swore I would never do a TT course and was rather sceptical at first. I've spent the past few years in the shala in Mysore.. I really feel your course has helped me deepen my understanding of the practice.
Owner: Ashtanga Yoga Ireland
After attending Noah Mckenna's Anatomy Workshop I immediately enrolled for the workshop again. His teaching style is a totally natural imparting of the key points about anatomy as it relates to yoga from a starting point of complete understanding. If a teacher is completely in command of their subject the teaching comes with such ease. Noah answered questions thoughtfully & clearly & ensured the whole group grasped the concepts he was explaining. I would highly recommend his workshops for every level in yoga.
-Sarah Gordon
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful and fantastic workshop. I learned so much from it, and all I've learned immediately payed-off in my daily practice. The next day, it was just very easy to come into urdhva dhanurasana, while before it has always been a struggle.
-Saskia Soekar
I really enjoyed your talk about anatomy.. I found the information very useful and the way you delivered it was exceptional. I just wish we actually had more time.
-Iman Elsherbiny
I would just like to thank you for your time and efforts to provide our group with the anatomy part of our teacher training course in Goa, I have studied anatomy quite a few times on various occasions for the different things I teach and Therapies I provide but there is always more to learn or to re learn when the memory of things fade, I found your course interesting and very informative.
-Roger Hooten
I had a wonderful weekend and it changed my view on yoga. Looking back we did quite a lot of intense postures, but it did not feel like it while doing it. I loved your gentle approach and learned so much more about anatomy and stretching that it really changed and deepened my practice. I highly appreciate your openess to share your knowledge, views and personal experiences with us.
-Boukje Theewues
