200hr Program Details

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The Path of Discovery


The Path of Discovery is an advanced study and yoga teacher training program that offers you a transformational journey of a lifetime.  In this program, you will experience the meaning of yoga as you discover who and what you truly are.  Along this path, you will evolve as a student and a teacher by learning to successfully draw from your own in-depth experience to find a confident voice that is genuine and luminous.

You will be guided, supported and encouraged by knowledgeable, passionate and accessible teachers along your journey, surrounded by others on the same path–yogis who are inspired and dedicated to become healthier, happier human beings and contribute to the greater happiness of the world!

 

Program Philosophy

Our teaching methods are based on the belief that true knowledge is acquired through direct experience. Therefore, The Path of Discovery is equally an advanced studies & teacher training program. You will be immersed in the practice and study of yoga asana, pranayama, meditation and self inquiry PLUS you will study presentation skills, do regular practice teaching and assisting, receive supportive and constructive feedback, and review the business side of teaching yoga.

 

Who is This Program For?

We have many current yoga teachers looking to expand and refine their skills as teachers attend this training as well as students who are not yet sure whether they want to teach. Because of the deep exploration and experiences that take place, your growth as a teacher or a student is guaranteed. Typically a minimum of 6 months of dedicated Vinyasa practice is recommended, though we have accepted dedicated and passionate students with less experience in the past. An application to determine acceptance into the program is required and in some cases a conversation with the lead teacher is required to make a final determination. We welcome anyone interested to inquire!

 

Program Format


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.

 

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.

 

2012 Schedule: Dates & Times


200 Hour Module Program

  • September 9 – December 9, 2012
  • Mondays 7:00-10:30pm, Thursdays 5:30-10:30pm, and Sundays 7am-3pm (First Sunday meets until 5:30pm)
    **Please note that we do not meet every week, see module details below.

 

200 Hour Module Schedule, 2012

 

Module 1: About the Path

September 9-27  (Off September 28 – October 4)

Module 2: Increasing Awareness

October 7-October 25 (Off October 26 – November 3)

Module 3: Integration

November 4 – November 19 (Off November 20 – December 3)

Module 4: The Journey Within

Retreat: December 4 – 9

*If you wish to attend The Advanced Studies portion of the Program ONLY, you may register for Modules 1-3 only. This option will not qualify you for a teaching certificate.

 

200 Hour Immersion Program 

200 Hour Immersion Schedule, 2012

200 Hour Summer Immersion Program

  • July 12-21 Asha Yoga, Sacramento
  • December 4 – 9 Land of Medicine Buddha, Santa Cruz

 

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

 

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A Note from Cori:

Cori MartinezTo those of you thinking of pursuing a yoga teacher training/advanced studies course but aren’t sure if you’re advanced enough, enlightened enough, happy enough, kind enough, _____ enough (fill in the blank): you don’t have to be anything enough. Because you already are.
I get it. Because while I know this now, I didn’t for a long time. In the past, I have felt like a phony as a teacher when I couldn’t live up to my own ideas of what a yogi should be. I often felt like a failure. Some of my greatest joy has come from realizing that not only is this normal—ask any yoga teacher, and he or she will tell you the same thing—it is, in fact, an important part of the journey. And the most amazing part is that, once I discovered this, I was able to find freedom from the cycle and then teach others how to do the same.

And that’s the joy of the journey. We learn, and then we teach what we know. We understand, because we’ve been there ourselves. This is what you have to offer: your own unique and fantastic take on the world.

It is more important that we open to the possibility that we already are perfect, that everything is. It is more important that we see our own humanness within the journey. Being human means we will sometimes fail, we will sometimes react, we will sometimes disconnect, disengage, get defensive, get angry, hurt, self righteous, self-centered and narrow-minded…yes, even when we’re yoga teachers! Opening to the possibility that we are perfect allows us to soften, to feel lighter, to forgive our selves and others when we stumble.

A Vedic astrologist once informed me that I would lead people all over the world to find deep and lasting peace. “But unfortunately,” he said, “you, yourself, will never experience the level of inner peace you will help some people to find.”

As you can imagine, this was not exactly what I wanted to hear. At the look on my face, the astrologer simply shrugged his shoulders and said, matter-of-factly, “Sorry. Can’t argue with the stars!”

Now, I’m not saying that I believe his prediction…but I did notice a quiet sense of relief as I considered the possibility that I didn’t have to be perfect. That I could still authentically teach what I teach, even in those moments when I didn’t feel like my ideal self. Ironically, I felt more inner peace about my role as a teacher than ever before.

So consider the idea that you—as you are right now—are the person your future students need the most. And see you on the mat!

With Gratitude and Love,

Cori Martinez

Learn More About Me

 

Hear from Past Students


“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:


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


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.

 

Please Review Asha’s Refund Policy BEFORE registering!

 

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What’s Next?


Check back in to find out!