This curriculum and philosophy are focused on traditional Hatha yoga. As you will learn during the course, Hatha yoga is a way of approaching life, and the asana practice is only one of the eight limbs of the Hatha philosophy. You will learn how to integrate the empathetic and spiritual practice of Hatha into your life, learning how to exist in the spiritual world and the modern-day world we are all accustomed to. Vinyasa is a more modern form of yoga that comes from the Hatha Asana practice. Vinyasa focuses on using breath with movement, harmonizing each movement in the yoga flow with an inhale or an exhale. No two vinyasa classes are the same and we will teach you how to sequence beautiful Vinyasa flows that will embody your unique teaching style.
Besides teaching the Hatha philosophy: this course also puts a focus on teaching traditional Ayurveda; the Ayurvedic diet, learning about your Ayurvedic profile (the doshas), using Ayurveda for preventative health and wellness. As a yoga teacher, it’s important to understand the human anatomy and how yoga influences our bodies on an anatomical level, our course teaches anatomy from its more traditional biological standpoint as well as the conjunction between yogic philosophy and biological principles.
This training is a great mix of Hatha and Vinyasa yoga to teach unification, strong foundations, good alignment as well as moving through posture and breathing.
Not only that, this teacher training includes teaching breathwork and meditation. You can add massages, acupuncture, Tibetan bells, and other healing experiences in your free time at an additional cost and La Casa Shambala encourages you to bring instruments to play during evening Kirtan. Upon completion of this program, you will be a certified yoga instructor.
La Casa Shambala's methods of teaching are interactive, focusing on a fully immersive yoga experience, teaching, and group dynamics. This course includes methods of reflective self-analysis as well as a proper diet. All in a lovely, private Thai-style home.
This will allow you to enjoy and evolve in the perfect environment for your study. Whether you are just starting your journey or if you are a student who is already teaching and wants to deepen your knowledge, this course is perfect. La Casa Shambala prides itself on teaching strong foundations. This course will cover:
Techniques, training, and practice: 100 hours
The topics in this category include chanting mantras, pranayamas, asanas, kriyas, relaxation, concentration, meditation, and other traditional yoga techniques. You will discover guided practices, how to teach, and how to practice those techniques.
Teaching methodology: 25 hours
The topics in this category include communication skills such as group dynamics, time management, and the establishment of priorities and boundaries of the body, speech, and mind as well as how to address the specific needs of individuals with difficulties and/or health issues. You will also cover principles of demonstration, observation, assisting, and correcting teaching styles. You will perfect your Hatha and Vinyasa Flow yoga qualities and go over the behavior of a teacher and the student learning process. You will also include instruction on the business aspects of teaching yoga.
Anatomy and physiology: 20 hours
The topics in this category include human physical anatomy and physiology, organs, energy system, chakras, and nadis along with their application to yoga practice. You will cover the benefits, contraindications as well as healthy and safe movement.
Yoga philosophy, lifestyle, and ethics for yoga teachers: 30 hours
The topics in this category include the study of yoga philosophies and traditional texts such as the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and Bhagavad Gita yogic lifestyle following the 8 limbs. You will cover proper diet and be understanding the value of teaching yoga as a service as well as being of service to others.
Practicum: 10 hours
This category covers the practice of teaching as the lead instructor. You will learn how to receive and give feedback and observe others' teaching. You will assist other students while someone else is teaching.
Things to note about Thai culture
- Do not put your feet on furniture or show the bottoms of your feet to another person.
- Wear appropriate attire (no showing lots of skin, cover your shoulders, nothing too short) when in temples and around local (at the beach is okay).
- Do not touch people's heads (even children)
- Speak in a quiet tone and be respectful
Sample of daily schedule
- 07:00 - 08:00 Kriya / chanting / meditation / pranayama
- 08:00 - 09:30 Asana practice - Hatha / Vinyasa
- 09:30 - 10:30 Breakfast
- 10:30 - 13:30 Philosophy / anatomy / teaching methodology
- 13:30 - 15:30 Lunch and rest
- 15:30 - 17:30 Asana clinic
- 17:30 - 18:30 Yin / Restorative yoga
- 18:30 - 19:30 Dinner
- 19:30 - 20:30 Self-study
Please note that this schedule is an example only and is subject to change, based on location and in line with seasonal changes.
