200-Hr Yoga Alliance Approved Teacher Training

 

 

“Breath in the fear and self-doubt that may arise, feel it completely, and then move on. If you want to teach, just do it, don’t let fear and self-doubt hold you back.” -Cori Martinez

The Path of Discovery

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Are you ready to take your yoga practice to a whole new level?

If you sign up for this training (or any in-depth study with me, Cori Martinez) you will soon learn about a crazy monkey that lives in your head. Seriously.

We all have the ongoing voice in our mind that judges, resists, doubts, makes ridiculous claims and has impossible expectations. This voice isn’t going anywhere, it’s part of the human make-up. –Which is I why I suggest we treat this crazy monkey more like a Diety (like Ganesha or Hanuman) than a disturbance. Loving the sweet little guy and writing a chant in his honor is going to be much more effective than trying to get him to be quiet and nice. And honestly, more in line with what the system of yoga suggests.

Beware though: Discovering this monkey is shocking at first and this training is a lot about discovering this monkey. Honestly, it can feel absolutely terrible to admit, even to our selves, the reality of what goes on in our own mind. But you will. Because in this training you’ll be with people who have become like family, they may become your best friends, and you will support each other through the challenges, heartbreak and insight that will undoubtedly arise. And I will support you too. I will dedicate myself to this every hour we spend together. And then one day you’ll notice…everything has changed. I really mean everything.

You can’t open your body, your heart and your mind as much as we do in this training and not see the whole world differently.

“I was totally unprepared for the emotional and physical breakthroughs that happened in this program. Looking back, I feel like I reached a sense of closure or completion with some very painful situations. -Something I had never been able to reach through other therapeutic methods.” –Recent Grad.

 

Do you have any doubts about whether or not you’re ready?

Listen, being a yoga teacher is not about being perfect in the ways you might think. It’s ok that you get angry sometimes, hurt, self-defensive and communicate poorly. This doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of teaching yoga.

You also don’t have to know EVERYTHING and you don’t have to be able to do “all the poses”.  If you are passionate about yoga and open to learning from ALL the teachers in your life (that means not just yoga teachers but your family, friends, the people in the grocery store, on the freeway, at work, etc.)  you will have a lot to offer. And the students that need exactly you will find you.

So…breath in the fear and self-doubt that may arise, feel it completely, and then move on. If you want to teach, just do it, don’t let fear and self-doubt hold you back.

 

Could the Asha Yoga Training with Cori Martinez Be Right For You?

I don’t know. If the whole “crazy monkey in your head” thing doesn’t freak you out, it might be!

Students in this training are asked to arrive on time, complete all assignments, listen to and seek to understand different points of view, communicate honestly and look within during challenging situations.  That said, this program is geared toward open minded students who are interested in learning a great deal about the system of yoga, and who are prepared to dedicate a lot of time and energy toward their own growth throughout the process.

This training is not for those who are interested in teaching yoga as a fitness routine, or for those who want to graduate and start teaching ten classes the following week at the hot power yoga studio in their town. If your goal is to learn a script and graduate as a “rock-star” teacher, this is not the training for you.

If you want to dive deep, see what this life is all about, and potentially share what you discover…then keep reading, we could be a fit.

Six months to a year of yoga experience is about the minimum requirement (though exceptions can be made). We spend our time diving into challenging concepts, exploring bodies, doing our own in-depth practice of postures, meditation and breath-work, plus sharing and learning from each other’s experiences and bodies…so it’s really ok if you are fairly new to yoga, as long as your interest and passion for it run deep! 

 

Note: We will BOTH have high expectations

Well, I know that I would have high expectations if I were enrolling in a training that was going to take this much of my time as well as a substantial financial investment, so I’m just going to assume that’s true for you. But I also want to be clear that I will have high expectations of you as well. As promised above, I will dedicate myself to supporting you…and I will expect that you are equally dedicated.

“Although Cori is immensely understanding, she can also be tough. Which I think is important in a teacher who helps you find and cross your edge as she so brilliantly does.” -Recent Grad

 

WHY is it important to point your toes in the same direction (or along the same line) as your knees in standing poses?

I’m not really going to answer that question here. But I am going to say that you’ll find out in this training, along with WHY you do and don’t do a lot of other things in yoga practice. And most of the time I can keep it pretty simple and easy to understand. Unfortunately, this is something I often find lacking in other trainings (not just yoga). Personally, I like to know why. So if I’m teaching you how to do something, I will also teach you why. I feel this is an important part of how you come away with an authentic voice.

“I’ve heard several people who’ve been through other teacher training programs say that the Asha Yoga program with Cori is the best training they’ve done. People talk about coming away from this training feeling like they understand WHY much better: Why do yoga, why chant om, why move in a particular way through a pose or sequence.” –Recent Grad

 

Technical Stuff

I mean this very lovingly… Often the “free spirit monkey” that takes charge in many yoga teachers lives has absolutely no interest in such trivial and boring things as writing a teacher training manual. I can relate in some ways (because my own free spirit monkey doesn’t so much care for doing the dishes and paying the bills…although I do it!) but I actually LOVED writing the teacher training manual for this program. With the US government looking to get more involved with yoga training schools, and the financial investment cost of most programs, it is in everyone’s best interest that yoga teacher training schools take every aspect of their program seriously, especially the training manual. Unfortunately, this is frequently not the case. At this point the Asha Yoga training manual is 200 pages of cohesive content, customized for this training.

This helps to ensure you have a reference to record and review important details about practicing and teaching yoga.

 “I loved that on the first day we were handed a large, well-organized binder of materials. Frankly, I felt like the binder alone was worth the cost and time commitment, but it ended up being only about a quarter of what was actually taught. So much of Cori’s instruction, while having a basis in the binder, was experiential. I knew she knew a lot about yoga but I wasn’t aware of just how deep her knowledge is in all aspects. Yet she is also the kind of teacher I love: the kind who isn’t afraid to say ‘I don’t know. Let’s find out.’” -Recent Grad

 

What is the number one most amazing thing about this training?

Actually, there is no way I can narrow it down to ONE. But I can tell you that most students complete the program with a very special place in their heart for the work we do on the retreat. At a Buddhist center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with no wi-fi and telephone communication discouraged, we begin a process of self-inquiry inspired by the amazing work of Byron Katie. Late nights, morning walks, silent (and delicious) meals, afternoon naps, and a lot of meditation and pranayama create the perfect dynamic for the deep inner work that plays a huge role in changing everything in your life.

Former students also talk a lot about the magic of transitioning from the stomach-churning-nervousness of leading their first chant to singing their hearts out with a room full of friends and tears in their eyes. (And if you’re not the nervous one your tears will be for someone else, whose growth is so clear and inspiring that it feels like your own.)

There’s also the hours spent in the womblike comfort of the beautiful Asha Yoga studio space: practicing, breathing, sharing, laughing, crying (sometimes from laughing so hard) with candles on the alter, dim lighting and the lingering energy of all the bodies who have surrendered completely to the dark wood floors.

I have to stop myself at this point, or I may go on forever! Teaching this training is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. There is a lot about it that’s amazing. -Did I mention your teacher??? 15 years experienced with E-RYT 500 status

Program Format and Application

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Our 200-Hour (Yoga Alliance approved) program is offered in two different formats:

 

1.Immersion: The immersion program consists of a ten-day immersion at a world-class yoga center, followed by approximately two months of home study (where weekly assignments are provided and weekly on-line check-ins are required) and closes with a 6-day life changing retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

During the 10-day immersion program in Sacramento at Asha Yoga you are expected to show up at your best – every minute of every day. We meet from 7am- 6pm every day and you will frequently have homework. Therefore, you will need to be completely free of all other commitments during these 10 days.

A typical day during the immersion begins with light movement, 20 minutes of pranayama and 20-30 minutes of meditation. This is followed by a group-check in and discussion regarding your personal experiences, insights and challenges of each of those practices. The remainder of most days includes lecture, asana practice, asana study and exploration, assisting, practice teaching, feedback, chanting, spontaneous laughter, possibly a few tears, and a lot of LOVE.

During the home study Portion of the immersion program you will be required to participate in a minimum of approximately 7-10 hours per week of assigned home study/practice. (These hours include asana and meditation practice plus reading, writing and posting in an online discussion forum.) 

During the 6 day retreat at The Land of Medicine Buddha in Santa Cruz you are also fully immersed in study.  Our daily schedule begins at 7:30am and ends as late as 10:30pm with a 2-3 hour afternoon break.  There is no Internet access and you are invited to refrain from all telephone communications while on retreat. (This is optional and will be your choice).

A typical day at the retreat consists of an early morning walk followed by the first of three freshly prepared delicious, wholesome and nutritious vegetarian meals of the day. The remainder of the time consists of asana, pranayama, and meditation practice plus self-inquiry and other exercises designed to inspire deep insight. The retreat is the highlight of the training. It is an opportunity for everything you understood about the philosophy of yoga to be experienced and known.  Though we may try, words cannot describe the effects of this retreat.

ASTTImmersionApplicationandEnrollmentPacket-1.doc

 

2. Module Program: The module program requires you to live in Sacramento for the entire duration of the program. We meet 2 nights per week and all day Sundays for 3 months. (We do not meet every week- see exact schedule dates) The module program also includes the retreat to Santa Cruz (Please note the details of the retreat below).

Throughout the module course you will be expected to maintain a regular asana, pranayama and meditation practice. You will have homework, though the program is designed to accommodate those with a full time job so the homework will be fairly minimal.  (1-2 hours per week)

Typical days vary during the module program. Sundays begin with light movement, 20 minutes of pranayama and 20-30 minutes of meditation. This is followed by a group-check in and discussion regarding your personal experiences, insights and challenges of each of those practices. Other elements include lecture, asana practice, asana study and exploration, assisting, practice teaching, feedback, chanting, spontaneous laughter, possibly a few tears, and a lot of LOVE!

During the 6 day retreat at The Land of Medicine Buddha in Santa Cruz you are also fully immersed in study.  Our daily schedule begins at 7:30am and ends as late as 10:30pm with a 2-3 hour afternoon break.  There is no Internet access and you are invited to refrain from all telephone communications while on retreat. (This is optional and will be your choice).

A typical day at the retreat consists of an early morning walk followed by the first of three freshly prepared delicious, wholesome and nutritious vegetarian meals of the day. The remainder of the time consists of asana, pranayama, and meditation practice plus self-inquiry and other exercises designed to inspire deep insight. The retreat is the highlight of the training. It is an opportunity for everything you understood about the philosophy of yoga to be experienced and known.  Though we may try, words cannot describe the effects of this retreat.

ASTTModuleApplicationandEnrollmentPacket.doc

 

2012 Schedule: Dates & Times

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200 Hour Module Program

• September 9 – December 9, 2012
• Mondays 4:30-9:30pm, Wednesdays 4:30-9:30pm, and Sundays 8am-3pm (First Sunday meets until 5:30pm)
  **Please note that we do not meet every week, see module details below.

 

 

200 Hour Immersion Program

 

Both Formats Cover:

• A safe and mindful approach to dynamic asana
• Intelligent sequencing
• Thoughtful assisting and adjusting
• Pranayama
• Meditation
• Self-inquiry
• Chanting
• Anatomy
• Skills for presenting
• Inspirational themes for leading classes or self-practice
• The history of yoga
• Yoga philosophy
• The business and ethics of teaching yoga

 

SIGN UP NOW

 

 

ASTTImmersionApplicationandEnrollmentPacket-1.doc

ASTTModuleApplicationandEnrollmentPacket.doc

 

 

Hear from Past Students

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“From the very first day of Asha’s Teacher Training Program, I felt welcomed.  Cori led the group to become like a family, making every minute of the training a harmonious discovery for each of us and as a whole.

Because of Cori’s sweetness and her direct, easy way of explaining things, my nervousness was quickly transformed into more passion for yoga and for learning about life.  We covered a variety of yoga philosophies and anatomy of the body to help us find our own way of teaching.” -Robin

 

“I’m sure, Cori, that you have been told you have a special gift. I just want to reinforce that you do. My hope was to gain insight about yoga and myself through this training, and I did. -Plus so much more. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me to find my way ‘home’- to myself.” -Laura

“Having already done another Teacher Training Program prior to Asha’s, I had previously studied many of these subjects. But Cori’s inspiring strength and enthusiasm helped me find a deeper understanding both physically and spiritually. This led to a freedom in myself I had never known, but always wished for.”  -Jill

“Practicing at Asha has brought out the person I want to be and this training has given me the tools to teach others to do the same for themselves.  I feel very honored and grateful I was able to take this program.  I’d do it again in a heartbeat!” -Robin

“I went home so many nights just bursting with excitement about yoga. I loved this training and feel so fortunate to have chosen it over any other.” -Lauren

“I loved this training. I gained so much more insight into yoga and yoga philosophy as well as into myself.” -Stephanie

“Cori, I think you are an amazing and gifted teacher. I thank you for the jewels of knowledge that I am taking away from this training. I look forward to continuing my practice under your guidance.” -Michele

“Cori has profound knowledge and compassion and gracefully instills the motivation to do your best as much as you can and to also take it easy on yourself.” -Katy

“I’m not sure I can find the words to capture how positive this experience was for me. A truly well conceived program, delivered with passion and knowledge from a teacher and community with so much to offer. I couldn’t be happier to have taken this step with my yoga practice.” -Brad

“I just want you to know how very grateful I am for the beautiful experience of Teacher Training. My heart feels so full of love, respect and gratitude. It was truly an amazing experience.” -Laura

Frequently Asked Questions:

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Is the training Yoga Alliance approved?

Yes.

Will I be able to start teaching right after the training?

Technically, you may begin teaching whenever you are ready. There are several steps, however, that will need to be completed in order for you to receive a certificate of completion of the program. These things will include about 50 hours of home assignments and you will have 4 months from the end of the training to complete everything and apply for your certificate.

Will I be READY to teach when the program is done?

Everything you need to know to begin teaching is offered during the training. Whether or not you will personally feel or be ready to teach when the program is over cannot be known. We have had many students graduate and begin teaching right away, while others have attended a 3-month mentorship program with Cori at Asha Yoga and then felt more ready. Others have required additional time to continue practicing and reviewing the material in order to build more confidence within themselves.

Do I need to be able to do “all” the yoga poses to attend?

No. It doesn’t matter what poses you can do, it matters how you do the ones you can. And this training is an opportunity to learn to do each pose you take with strength, steadiness and ease.

Is it okay if I don’t know much about yoga philosophy?

Yes. Many people mistakenly believe that they need to already know “everything” about yoga in order to attend a teacher training. That is not the case. This training is an opportunity to learn.

How is it determined whether I PASS?

Your full participation in the program is required in order for you to receive the certificate of completion.

• Attendance: We encourage you to show up for 100% of the meeting hours. If an exception is needed, hours missed will need to be made up. Sometimes this will be at an additional cost, though we do our best to accommodate you without extra charge. An example of when there may be an additional charge is if you miss a presentation by a guest teacher that cannot be made up at Asha Yoga. In this case, you may need to attend an additional training elsewhere to make up that content.
• Completion of all homework, reading and assignments: There will be required reading, weekly awareness practices, and minimum requirements of asana, meditation and pranayama practice during the training. Upon completion of the training and prior to applying for your certificate there will be additional requirements to observe classes, create full sequences, teach full classes, and additional reading. Each assignment will require a form to filled out, a report to be written or questions to be turned in. (Complete details are provided during the training).
• Final Exam: You must receive a passing score on the final exam. The exam includes a written test and 20 minutes of teaching.

What happens if I don’t pass the test or the teaching aspects of the final exam?

We are here to support you in the entire process of the training include the passing of the final exam. If you do not pass the first time around there will be multiple opportunities to continue studying and to retake the exam at a later date. The teaching aspect of the exam may need to be done in the form of a video recording if this needs to be re-done.

What is Asha Yoga like?

Many people say that Asha Yoga is the most beautiful yoga studio they have ever been to. Simply walking in the door allows people again and again to drop their stories of stress or struggle and feel the peace residing within. In addition to the care and attention to detail given in creating the physical space, the teachers and staff are incredibly warm and welcoming.  We are here to support you and most people can feel that very deeply. You can read a bit more about what others say on yelp and we encourage you to do so. You can also learn more on our website.

What is the area around Asha Yoga like?

The teacher training programs are held at Asha Yoga-Midtown. Midtown Sacramento is full of hip, yet very down to earth, local businesses, bicyclists, and a variety of local restaurants, bars, coffee shops and boutiques. Asha Yoga is located in a recently renovated mixed use building that is know throughout Sacramento for it’s unique “Modern-Bohemian” feel.  A large deck that surrounds the building is  shared by multiple restaurants (Sandwiches, pizza, Mexican food, fusion cuisine) a Pete’s coffee, magazine shop, and a clothing boutique. The many trees, bamboo, and artistic elements of the building make it a very desirable place to hang out and sip coffee or tea, eat or read a magazine outdoors. Though you will have limited time for this during the training, this should give you an idea of the vibe!

What accommodations are available during the immersion?

We can frequently offer student housing for those coming from out of town to attend the immersion program. This means that someone from the Asha Yoga community may be willing to rent out a private room in their home for $200-$300 for the ten days. Space for this is limited and will require full payment in advance to reserve your space. This option may require the need of a car. There are also plenty of options for hotel or motel throughout the area that are a short drive, walking or biking distance away.

What is the required reading for the course?

• The Asha Yoga Advanced Study and Teacher Training Manual: The Path of Discovery by Cori Martinez
• Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar
• Light on Life by BKS Iyengar
• Loving What Is by Byron Katie
• Anatomy and Asana: Preventing Yoga Injuries by Susie Hately Alduous
• Yin Yoga by Paul Grilley
• The Flowering of Awareness: an Introduction to Tantrik Yoga. (DVD)

Are there any additional costs?

Your tuition includes: Unlimited classes at Asha during the training, The Advanced Studies & Teacher Training Manual, 6-day/5 night retreat with basic accommodations and 3 meals per day in Santa Cruz.

Your tuition does not include: All other required reading materials and travel to and from retreat site. (Expect $150 in reading and other basic materials, retreat location will be under 3 hours driving time from Sacramento.)

 

Tuition Options

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All payments (in full or deposit for payment plan) must be received by 14 days prior to day one of all trainings. Your first assignment will be given at this time.

Option 1: Early registration discount – $2,800
Must pay in full 30 days prior to day one of training. Begin taking classes with Cori for these 30 days. (Advanced Studies ONLY Early Registration: $2,150)

Option 2: Regular Price – $3000
Pay in full after the early registration deadline. (Advanced Studies ONLY: $2,350) Please note: registration closes 14 days prior to all trainings.

Option 3: Payment Plan – $3,300
A $900 deposit is due 14 days prior day one of the training followed by 8 monthly installments of $300. Payments to begin 30 days after deposit is paid and will be auto charged to a credit or debit card. (Advanced Studies ONLY Payment Plan: $2,650 total with a $900 deposit and 7 monthly installments of $300, and one monthly installment of $250)

Tuition Includes: Unlimited classes at Asha during the training, The Advanced Studies & Teacher Training Manual, 5-day/5 night retreat with basic accommodations and 3 meals per day.

Tuition does not include: Required reading materials and travel to and from retreat site. (Expect $150 in reading and other basic materials, retreat location will be under 3 hours driving time from Sacramento.)

**If you are an out of town student in need of accommodation, please contact us. Student housing accommodations are available for the 11-day period for $250.

 

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