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We’re excited to present AYM’s newly restructured Teacher Training, new faculty, new structure!

This year we are welcoming Shankara Darby to the faculty to delve a little deeper into the aspect of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Shankara brings decades of teaching experience and a special relationship to the Ashtanga Vinyasa of Pattabhi Jois.

 

 Our Anatomy section will be presented as online material with senior teachers Amy Matthews & Leslie Kaminoff.  Leslie Kaminoff is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with four decades’ experience in the fields of yoga and breath anatomy. He leads workshops for many of the leading yoga associations, schools and training programs in the world.

Leslie’s book Yoga Anatomy,  (co-authored with Amy Matthews), sold out its first print run within one month of its June 2007 release, and has been a top-selling yoga book ever since. Yoga Anatomy has been used as reference in the majority of Teacher Trainings, we have done better and brought you his full live Anatomy study.

Learn to teach safely with skill, confidence, compassion, and creativity.

 

Available online and in-person, all sessions are recorded and available to all participants through the duration of the program — allowing flexibility within your schedule.

 

 

Weekend 1: June 7& 8

       Introduction and The Foundations of Ashtanga

 

During our initial weekend together, we will commence with a comprehensive program overview. Shankara will provide an in-depth introduction to the foundational principles of the Ashtanga practice, which will be interwoven throughout the entire program. We will delve into various aspects of the Ashtanga series, establishing a structural blueprint and a practical formula that you can seamlessly integrate into your own teaching practice.

 

Online Anatomy Program and Continued Support

 

As we conclude the weekend, you will receive access to the online Anatomy program. While this component of your studies will be conducted online, we will maintain consistent communication and host regular follow-up sessions to address any inquiries that may arise from the course material. Our team remains readily available to provide guidance and support as you navigate the intricacies of anatomical study.

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Weekend 2: September 6 & 7

          Breath, Nervous System, & Practical Intro to Restorative 

 

This weekend workshop expands on the anatomy lessons with Leslie, and concentrates on the nervous system. We will explore the structure and functions of the nervous system, the connection between breath and the nervous system, and various techniques to influence the nervous system. These techniques range from simple (yet effective) positioning to basic breath work, active and restorative asana, and meditation techniques.

 

The workshop will include breath and meditation exercises as well as discussions on the profound impact of the nervous system on our daily lives, asana practice, and classroom dynamics in a teaching environment.

 

Weekend 3: October 4&5

   Sequencing & Teaching Methodology

 

This weekend will expand upon participants' existing knowledge of delivering instructions by exploring pose categorization and the principles of sequencing based on those categories. We will also examine how to regress or progress poses based on their principle actions and how to structure a beginner’s class. The weekend will conclude with further refinement and discussion of teaching methodology in general.

 

Weekend 4: November 8 & 9

   Yoga History & Philosophy

 

Knowing yoga’s history & its philosophies is integral to understanding modern yoga’s place and direction. Shankara skillfully and passionately presents this context in ways relevant to the modern yogi — making history relevant and philosophy engaging! Shankara will also introduce yogic anatomy: aspects of the subtle body, and teach an asana class based on the subtle body so that participants can experience the richness of this tradition beyond academic theory & discussion. The material introduces Sanskrit terms that may be new and unfamiliar, so we will also discuss Sanskrit, important terms & asana names, mnemonics to help remember some of those names, and chanting as the vibrational element of Sanskrit.

 

Weekend 5: January 10 & 11

 Preparing Classes & Applied Teaching

 

This weekend workshop will focus on enhancing your teaching skills and building upon the knowledge acquired through the Learn, Do, Teach methodology. Participants will have the opportunity to practice teaching small sequences and other manageable challenges. These activities are designed to improve both teaching and communication skills, and will serve as a crucial step towards leading full classes.

 

Weekend 6: February 7& 8

    Finding your Path, Business & Ethics of Yoga

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By this point in the program, participants have been presented with many facets of yoga, different approaches, and learned how to instruct several poses. Sometimes this can seem overwhelming! This weekend aims to help participants navigate the vastness that yoga can encompass, and focus in on areas where participants may want to hone their personal approach. The weekend also discusses touch, ethics, & business — individually and their intersection within teaching as a career, along with some of the practical realities teachers face within the profession.

 

Weekend 7: March 14 & 15

       Final Weekend, Practice teaching, Setting up classes 

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Wrapping it up! This weekend we will work together to answer any remaining questions and help to get you a little more comfortable with teaching and all the tasks that go along with leading a class.

 

Workshops:

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June 14 : Standing Poses

September 13 : Backbends 

October 13 : Twists & Forward Bends 

November 15 :Yama, Niyama, & the 8-Limb Path 

December 6 :  Pranayama

January 17 : Inversions 

February 14 : Restorative

March 7 : Arm Balances

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What’s new for 2025/26?

 

At AYM, we’re always learning from our experiences and looking for better ways to foster the learning/teaching development process — which includes nurturing the skills needed to grow a fulfilling, successful teaching career.

 

As a result, we’ve incorporated our experience as teachers and from previous teacher trainings to present a program that builds a strong foundation for new teachers to present safe and adaptable classes, based on principles that are applicable to nearly any style or level of practice.

 

Participants will begin teaching from day one, initiating the cyclical process of learning, doing, teaching, and then learning more and repeating the cycle so that teaching and learning are integrated throughout your experience in the program and beyond.

 

YA certified, this improved program meets Yoga Alliance’s forthcoming Elevated Standards, which recognize that current minimum standards leave some teachers feeling like they aren’t ready to teach (even when they are!). Our improved program goes beyond the current minimums to develop teachers that are confident, creative, & skillful, while also being safe, caring, & compassionate.

 

AYM’s YTT is also accredited by Employment and Social Development Canada and Revenue Quebec (tax receipts available). Because this is seen as a vocational training we will be able to meet in person in case of another shutdown.

 

 

Who it is for?

 

• Yoga practitioners who would like to become teachers

• Yoga practitioners looking to deepen their personal practice

• Yoga Teachers interested in refining their current skills

• Teachers in other fields looking to incorporate yoga into their current teaching practice

 

AYM’s 200hr Yoga Teacher Training is open to anyone with a regular yoga practice or similar physical/movement practice, especially for those who wish to start a career as a yoga teacher.

 

Our pedagogical and content approach is built on an understanding of the similarities and differences between several styles and approaches to yoga practice, where a common thread is awakening the body’s innate intelligence through natural breath, functional anatomy, and internal experience. Here, we question with curiosity your own body's alignment, and with that understanding, be inspired to share.

 

This program is a wonderful opportunity to develop and deepen your personal yoga practice — investigating layers of yoga’s practice, principles, and applications that are beyond the scope of standard group yoga classes. These aspects are crucial for teachers to understand when planning and leading their classes, but are also beneficial to those who simply love yoga and enjoy learning about the yogic process.

 

That said, this program uniquely emphasizes teaching, right from the first day. We will explore a repertoire of poses that span each pose family, and we will investigate modifications, alternatives, progressions and regressions, sequencing, and how to assess what you see to adapt to the individuals you are teaching. These skills also include effective language and instruction, demonstration, and adjustments — all with safety and personal/individual experience foremost.

 

Because of this unique integration of practical teaching throughout, rather than prioritizing content first and application later, AYM’s YTT is also ideal for teachers outside the yoga realm to learn how to incorporate yoga into other learning environments, as well as health, sport, and movement professionals who want to understand how yoga can be integrated into their respective disciplines.

 

The program is also a continuing education opportunity for current Yoga Teachers to revisit the fundamentals through a new lens, hone and refine technical skills, or explore the material in a deeper, more personal way.

 

Investing in your learning and development is a great gift to yourself, and we will do our best to bolster your voice in sharing that gift with others. 

 

 

 

Prerequisites:

 

First and foremost, a willingness and openness to learn. More specifically, the ability and desire to invest in an engaged practice, while questioning their ideas and visions yoga & yoga practice.

 

It is recommended to have at least 2 years of diligent asana practice, and some experience with meditation or other forms of self-inquiry.

Those with less experience in yoga are invited to communicate with our program directors to discuss whether the program will benefit you and if so, how to make the most of your experience.

 

Language requirements:

 

The training is offered mainly in English, but basic bilingualism is recommended. Participants are welcome to submit homework, teaching assignments, and participate in teaching exercises in French or English, and we encourage all participants to become moderately comfortable giving and receiving basic instruction in both languages.

 

 

 

Included in the program:

 

• Weekend sessions covering the major aspects of teaching and yoga — anatomy & physiology, philosophy, meditation, ethics, pedagogy, and of course, asana

• Practice teaching exercises incorporated into each weekend, helping you grow increasingly comfortable with various teaching skills

• All class recordings — rewatch, revisit, and recap at your convenience

• 8 in-depth workshops, focused on learning through practice

• Monthly classes to integrate practice and see how principles learned in the program are applied in-studio (minimum 2 per month)

• Unlimited ZOOM membership for all regularly scheduled studio classes

• Homework assignments that help you explore & clarify what you’re learning

• A manual & workbook designed to engage your learning process

• Discounts on most AYM workshops throughout the year

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Message Us To Set Up A Call And Discuss Any Questions

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