18-Day Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, India (200-Hour YTTC)

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Step into the birthplace of yoga and elevate your practice and teaching with our 200-Hour Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, the sacred Himalayan town known as the Yoga Capital of the World.

 

This intensive 18-day residential course is designed for serious practitioners and aspiring teachers seeking deep immersion in the Ashtanga Vinyasa system, taught in its traditional form with modern tools to enhance teaching clarity, precision, and confidence.

 

Important: This course is not recommended for complete beginners. Participants must have prior experience with Ashtanga Yoga and should be able to comfortably practice at least Half Primary Series (led or Mysore-style).

 

 

What You Will Learn

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• Ashtanga Vinyasa Fundamentals

  Master the structure, flow, and philosophy of the Primary Series, learning how it supports strength, flexibility, and discipline in body and mind.

• Mysore-Style Practice

  Engage in daily Mysore-style classes, receiving personalized guidance to help refine your practice at your own pace—just as it’s taught in Mysore, India.

• Led Classes with Sanskrit Counting

  Develop fluency in the traditional Sanskrit vinyasa count to preserve the authentic rhythm and transmission of the Ashtanga method.

• Hands-On Adjustments & Teaching Skills

  Learn effective adjustment techniques, verbal cueing, and class structuring to teach with clarity, confidence, and safety.

• Philosophy & Yogic Wisdom

  Dive into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the eight limbs of yoga, and the role of discipline (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya), and surrender (Ishvarapranidhana) in a yogi’s journey.

• Pranayama, Bandhas & Meditation

  Cultivate deeper awareness through daily practices of breath control, energetic locks, and meditative stillness.

• Anatomy for Ashtanga

  Study essential functional anatomy with a focus on movement, breath-body awareness, and injury prevention.

 

 

Learn from Experienced Indian Teachers

 

Our faculty includes senior Indian teachers who have taught across Europe, Asia, and the USA, bringing a blend of authentic knowledge and modern pedagogy. Their guidance ensures you’re not only prepared to teach but also to embody the essence of yoga in your own life.

 

Certification

Upon successful completion, students receive a 200-Hour Yoga Alliance USA Certificate, recognized globally, allowing you to teach anywhere in the world.

 

Why Rishikesh?

 

Surrounded by the sacred Ganges River and the serene Himalayas, Rishikesh offers the perfect environment for deep yogic learning and transformation. You’ll live and study where the great masters once walked, tapping into the timeless energy of yoga’s origins.

 

 Course Highlights

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• 18-day immersive residential training

• Daily Mysore-style and led Ashtanga practices

• Sanskrit counting, sequencing, and hands-on adjustments

• Daily sessions on yoga philosophy, pranayama, and meditation

• Functional anatomy & teaching methodology

• Onsite accommodation and sattvic vegetarian meals included

• Small group size for personalized attention

• Certified 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Training

• Located in the spiritual heart of Rishikesh

 

Curriculum in detail -

 

Module 1: Introduction to Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga  

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- History and Philosophy: Understand the origins of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, its foundational philosophy, and its connection to the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.  

- Eight Limbs of Yoga: Explore the principles of the eight limbs as outlined by Patanjali, emphasising their application within Ashtanga practice.

 

Module 2: Comprehensive Asana Practice  

Dive deep into the heart of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga with this module focusing on the Primary Series and its intricacies.

 

- Primary Series Breakdown: This section provides a detailed study of the Ashtanga Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy), designed to detoxify and align the body. Each asana will be taught through a lens of alignment, breath, and intention.

 

- Asana Details: Participants will practice key postures, including:

  - Surya Namaskara A & B (Sun Salutations): Learn to integrate breath and movement through the foundational sun salutations, which warm up the body and prepare for further practice.

  - Standing Postures: Focus on postures such as Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side Angle Pose), and Virabhadrasana I & II (Warrior I & II) to develop strength, balance, and flexibility.

  - Seated Postures: Master the techniques of sitting postures like Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) and Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose), highlighting the stationary focus and deepening of breath.

  - Inversions and Finishing Postures: Explore inversions such as Sirsasana (Headstand) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), emphasizing their psychological and physiological benefits in building confidence and grounding energy.

 

- Alignment and Adjustments: Intensive training on alignment techniques to ensure safe practices:

  - Understanding Lineage and Key Adjustments: Learn the significance of each posture within the series, including how to make effective adjustments to support students physically and mentally.

  - Safe Adjustments: Employ hands-on adjustments and verbal cues, ensuring that each student fosters their practice safely, regardless of their experience level.

 

- Breathing and Movement Integration: The essence of Ashtanga lies in the synchronization of breath with movement (Vinyasa).

  - Drishti (Gaze Point): Instruction on how to utilize gaze points to help focus and deepen concentration, enhancing both physical practice and meditation.

  - Role of Bandhas: Explore the key internal locks (bandhas) that support energy control in your practice:

    - Mula Bandha: The root lock that stabilizes the pelvic floor and grounds energy.

    - Uddiyana Bandha: The abdominal lock that lifts and energizes the body, enhancing breathing and concentration.

    - Jalandhara Bandha: The throat lock that regulates energy flow and promotes calmness.

    - Understand how these bandhas enhance strength, improve alignment, and help in transitioning between poses, creating a dynamic flow.

 

Module 3: Pranayama Techniques  

- Breath Control: Master core pranayama practices, understanding their significance in energy flow and the development of concentration.  

- Pranayama Practices: Techniques such as Ujjayi (Victorious Breath), Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing), and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath).

 

Module 4: Yoga Philosophy and Meditation  

- Exploring Yoga Sutras: Dive deeper into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, discussing concepts such as meditation, mindfulness, and non-attachment.  

- Meditation Practices: Incorporate daily meditation routines into your practice to enhance focus and self-awareness.

 

Module 5: Anatomy and Physiology for Yogis  

- Functional Anatomy: Study the human body's muscles and skeletal system concerning yoga practice, including the biomechanics of movement.  

- Injury Prevention: Learn how to recognize common injuries in Ashtanga practice and modify techniques to prevent setbacks.

 

Module 6: Sanskrit Counting and Vinyasa  

- Learning Sanskrit: Immerse yourself in the Sanskrit language as it pertains to yoga. This unique module focuses on the correct pronunciation and the importance of Sanskrit in Ashtanga.  

- Counting Vinyasa: Learn how to count vinyasa in Sanskrit, enhancing your teaching skills and providing a deeper connection to the roots of Ashtanga practice.  

- Cultural Significance: Understand the significance of Sanskrit in traditional yoga texts and the benefits of using it in practice.

 

Why Choose Our Ashtanga Vinyasa Teacher Training?

 

- Authentic Learning: Experience traditional Ashtanga teachings from knowledgeable instructors trained in the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.  

- Hands-On Experience: Engage in practical teaching sessions, gaining confidence and proficiency in leading classes.  

- Community Support: Join a family of passionate individuals dedicated to personal growth and the philosophy of yoga.

 

 Enroll Today!

 

Take the first step toward becoming an Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher and join us in this enriching program. Elevate your practice, deepen your understanding, and share the transformative power of yoga with others.