200-Hour Yoga Alliance Approved Teacher Training
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Are You….
Looking To Transform Your Life & Be The Best You?
Passionate About Making A Positive Difference In The World?
Excited About The Possibility Of Sharing Yoga With The People You Love?
Interested In Taking Full Responsibility For Your Own Well-Being?
Longing To Create An Authentic Life?
If so, then the Asha Yoga Teacher Training might be the perfect fit for you!
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Dear Yoga Student,
Finding the right yoga teacher training for you can be a bit overwhelming. The amazing transformational process that takes place at a teacher training requires the appropriate instructor and safe environment. With all the schools and programs to chose from, how will you know which is the best one for you?
We feel honored that you would take the time to learn more about our school and we take our role VERY seriously. As your potential teacher, mentor, guide, and friend, we want to make sure that we do everything we can to ensure that we are the right school for you.
On this page you will find out everything you need to know about our program along with some frequently asked questions:
Is your school registered with the Yoga Alliance?
Yes it is.
Not only do we meet the highest standards set by the Yoga Alliance, but our lead instructor Cori Martinez is an accredited teacher of the highest standard with the Yoga Alliance as an E-RYT500 (Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher 500 hours). After training with our school you too will have the opportunity to become a registered teacher with the YA should you choose to.
How long has your school been around?
We have been teaching students yoga for over twelve years and for the last three years the Asha Yoga Teacher Training program has been supporting students interested in:
- Building more confidence
- Creating an authentic life
- Teaching yoga professionally
- Making a positive difference in the world
- Integrating the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga
- Transforming deeply rooted beliefs that causes suffering.
- Exploring the depths of yoga that cannot be covered in a regular class.
What style of yoga is taught at the teacher training?
Vinyasa Flow Yoga.
When asked about why Cori chose this style of yoga here is what she said…
“I fell in love with Vinyasa Yoga fifteen years ago because my body felt amazing right away. I had never paid so much attention to my breath and doing so left me energized yet calm and clear headed (plus I hated the gym and loved that I was exercising my body on the sly). The relationship between Vinyasa Yoga and myself lasted because of how the practice seemed to affect so many other aspects of my daily life. Vinyasa is a dynamic practice that includes physically challenging postures and movement with the breath. I practice and teach it slowly. I believe that attending to the many details of physical alignment, being challenged and learning to surrender, while connecting to the breath and being mindful of each step on the mat helps us to develop those same skills in our daily lives…which is essentially what so many people are looking for.”
What do past students have to say about their experience with your school?
“I just want you to know how very grateful I am for the beautiful experience of your teacher training. My heart feels so full of love, respect and gratitude. It was truly an amazing experience.” -Laura
“From the very first day of this 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.” – Leslie
“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
“This training has brought out the person I want to be and 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’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.” –Brad
And here are some smiling faces….
How has your teacher training impacted student’s lives?
We truly believe that to become a yoga teacher one must be ready to face their fears. However, this does not mean you must be perfect. Our teacher training is specifically designed for those individuals who are ready to start their transformational process of becoming more self aware and responsible for their choices and own well-being. Many of our students come to us with their own unique self-limiting challenges and then leave our program a completely new person.
Here is an example of a recent students transformation…
Amanda came to our teacher training out of pure “curiosity” and said she had no intention of teaching yoga. She was very quiet, constantly apologizing, and consistently putting herself down. After about a month of the program we started to notice some significant changes in her: Her shoulders had begun to roll back and relax, her smile seemed more natural, she started to speak up and assert herself more into the class.
After facing her fear of public speaking and leading her first chant, she felt so good she actually whispered in my ear that she was thinking about teaching yoga professionally.
Towards the end of the training, while on our retreat, she came to me one day crying. She confessed that she felt overwhelmed, missed her children, and that self-doubt had started to set in and she felt she was kidding herself in thinking she could become a yoga teacher. She hit her “brick wall”.
I honored her feelings and gave her the sacred and safe space to explore them further. I assured her that she had accomplished so much already, she had a lot to be proud of no matter what she decided. The next day she came back with a huge glow, a smile on her face and fire in her heart, ready to continue. From that moment on she was a completely different person.
Amanda went on to ace her teacher training performance exam and was one of my first students from this class to go out and get a teaching job!
What types of students attend the teacher training?
The students who tend to join our teacher training are generally female (although we’d love to see more men!) who are either looking to delve deeper into their own personal well-being or are looking to teach professionally. They can range in age and personality but all share one common interest:
A commitment to transform their lives and make a positive difference in the world.
What level are they at in their practice?
Generally speaking, students who can attend our teacher training should have at least a 6-month dedicated practice. This does not mean you need to do every yoga pose nor does it mean that you need to understand all of the yogic philosophy. But some level of commitment and understanding is required and we are able to gauge this in your application process.
What are some of the benefits of your teacher training?
- You will have a safe and sacred space to transform the limiting beliefs and challenges you are facing in life.
- Develop the skills to teach yoga (either professionally or with your peers and family).
- Deepen your understanding of your own spiritual beliefs.
- Address the constant negative mind chatter and find true freedom.
- Learn to build stronger relationships with the people in your life.
- Learn to authentically and sincerely “go with the flow”.
- Build a stronger relationship with your mind and body.
- Develop a stronger sense of self and more confidence.
- Establish your ability to connect with your students so that you can guide them as their teacher.
- We provide a fun atmosphere to learn deep and serious teachings.
What is unique about your yoga teacher training program?
More Than Yoga
Here at Asha Yoga, we believe that anything that is transformative and integrative falls under the yoga umbrella. More than a program that explores the basics of yoga (postures, breathing, meditation, etc…), our teacher training is for students who are looking to go beyond that and take the next step in their own life. To be a yoga teacher means you must be ready to walk the talk. Regardless of whether you teach professionally or a friend or relative in your living room, after you leave our training you will be a new person ready to take on anything that comes your way.
Building Confidence
Many students come to us feeling nervous and anxious about their own life or having to lead or speak in front of a class. After our program, you will have more confidence in your life and the foundation to start the process of teaching in front of a group.
Personal Attention
Because of the type of intimate work we do, we ensure that each one of our students gets the personal attention they need ensuring that no one is left behind. You can rest assured that if you need more help and support along the way, we will be there for you.
Authenticity
Nothing is scripted in our teacher training which means everything being taught is unique to the students who attend. Everyone has different reasons for coming that means we customize the program to fit your needs.
Training Manual
Our training manual that will be given to you is organized in a way that makes it an easy to use reference that will answer any questions you may have.
Who is the main instructor for the teacher training?
Cori Martinez is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500hr level with the Yoga Alliance. She has founded three very successful yoga studios over the last twelve years and currently operates Sacramento’s largest studio Asha Yoga. She has been featured in prominent yoga and wellness sites such as Mind Body Green, Elephant Journal, Yoga Training Guide, and many others. She has also taught at the infamous Wanderlust Festival and has led classes for the Yoga Aid Challenge. Cori’s approach to teaching combines strength, humility, humor, nurturing, and ancient wisdom with a modern twist.
If you would like to read a personal message from Cori for all potential students please go here.
Where does the teacher training take place?
Asha Yoga is the premier yoga school in Sacramento, CA, which is about an hour away from San Francisco. While many people are unfamiliar with this area, we specifically chose to set up our school here because it has many hidden gems in which students can truly find sacred space to transform themselves. 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. 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.
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 does the curriculum cover?
Our teacher training curriculum will cover:
- Posture alignment and modification
- Sequencing philosophies
- Assisting and adjusting
- Pranayama
- Meditation
- Self-Inquiry
- Anatomy
- Chanting
- How to present
- Creating themes for your class
- History of yoga
- Yogic philosophy
- The business and ethics of teaching yoga
Will I be able to start teaching after the program?
Yes.
However, there are several steps that are required before you can get your certificate. Should you follow through with them all and do them with integrity, you should have no problem getting your teaching credentials.
Will I be READY to teach after the program?
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.
What you put in is what you get back.
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.
How are the teacher trainings formatted?
We offer two types of 200-hour teacher trainings:
1. Immersion
Our immersion program is structured for those students ready to jump in and have the time available to commit to the studies.
- 10 days of intense study
- 4 months home practice
- 5 day retreat to complete the program
2. Module
Our module program is structured to be better suited for students with busy lives and is spread out in a way so that it easily fits into your current work schedule.
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When are your upcoming trainings?
Immersion – Jul 12, 2012.
- July 12-21 Asha Yoga, Sacramento
- Homestudy
- December 4 – 9 Land of Medicine Buddha, Santa Cruz
Module – September 9, 2012.
- 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.
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
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Format Details
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
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
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.
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.)
What if I am not ready to sign up yet?
No problem! We offer tips and tools for aspiring teachers who are still trying to figure out of this is right for them. Sign up to our email list and you will get access to
- Tips for aspiring yoga teachers
- Video courses
- Audio programs
- And some special surprises!
