Hatha Yoga – Inspired Teaching Programme

Safety is our topmost priority. Sadly, yoga, which is meant to heal has its share of inflicting pain as well, and this is preventable if it is done carefully and progressively. The role of a practical teacher is essential for the safety of their students. This cannot be overestimated.

Developing Excellent Teachers

This programme has been a spiritual and humbling learning experience for me. Over the years, I have redesigned the course to focus more on the training components which are needed the most in helping our trainees cultivate a sustainable, progressive and purposeful self-practice at home.

Likewise, there will be more teaching and presentation drills in this programme to help our trainees develop confidence in class-management, demonstration, delivery, and effective presentation. On the meditative side, I have added topics which go beyond the physicality of yoga and they are all inspired by my self-practice of meditation, healing, and energy-channelling.

Other members of our faculty shall also contribute their expertise to the programme. They are highly-trained and experienced yoga teachers and self-care coaches. We promote a welcoming environment for practice, learning and teaching.

Students are welcome to join and later on, if the calling comes, could proceed to the teaching phase.

The objectives for 2024 training are the following:

1. Sustainable Development Through Self-Practice and Online (videos) support.
2. Progession and advancement of Pranayama and Mudras particularly the Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, Nabho and Shambhavi Mudras.
3. Class Management Tools for Effective Sequencing and Impactful Presentation
4. Hatha Yoga Asana, Pranayama and Mudra for General Abilities
5. Deep Backbends and Hip-Openers
6. Energy Channelling and Meditation
7. Restorative Class Sequencing

Anatomical and Energetic Alignment ©

The principles of The Anatomical and Energetic Alignment ©, a method which is inspired by my own practice, tackle the evolution of the trainees from self to others and back to Self. It is a well-planned Learn-Practise-Teach approach to training. It gives more weight to the hands-on and participative application of the principles and concepts we will learn in this course. 

There is a focus as well on individualised instruction to suit everyone’s needs and differences. We expect commitment, active participation and dedication to the programme amongst our trainees and students.

All the practice teaching exercises are done in actual class scenarios to promote a real hands-on experience for our trainees. We are committed to making sure that our graduates keep developing through our continuing education and upskilling programme.

We take our craft seriously. It starts with well-trained teachers.

Techniques in Summary

Modules and Topics

Module One  – 6 Weeks
Initiation and Developing a Sustainable Self-Practice

We would study the principles of Anatomical Alignment for Standing Poses, Twists and Arm Balances. There would also an emphasis on the general principles of the breath and its relationship to the movement of the body (flow). All these would be tackled through application in the practice sessions.

Classroom discussion of Basic Yoga Philosophy, as well as exposure to actual class scenarios (shadow teaching), would also form part of Module One.

Expect written assignments (journals) and research papers to be accomplished in this module.

• Initiation: Introduction to Sadhana
• General Principles and Benefits of Asana
• General Principles and Benefits of Breath in Asana and Flow
• Surya Namaskar
• Sequence Writing – Class for General Abilities
• Basic Pranayama – Natural Breath, Surya Bhedan, Sitkari Pranayama
• Live Assessment | Online Consultation (for online trainees)
• Presentation: Basic Class (In-person or Online) – For Teacher Trainees only

Module Two – 8 Weeks
The Energetic Body

The main objective for this module is to lay down the rudimentary elements needed for the cultivation of the energy locks or the Bandhas. With safety and progression on top of the agenda, we would tackle in theory and practice the anatomy of the spine and hips to effectively practise the elements of Back Bends and Hip Openers.

Introduction to Kriyas (cleansing and preparatory energetic practices), the concept of the Nadis and more advanced breathing methods shall also be tackled in Module Two. These, together with the learnings from Module One shall lead to a stronger energetic flow, better and lighter physical alignment.

All practice teachings are to be done in an actual class set up. There will also be written assignments focusing on class sequencing as well as research paper about the Hatha Yoga concepts of the Kundalini Energy.

Expect written assignments (journals) and research papers to be accomplished in this module.

• Energy-Activation and Channelling
• Active Asanas and Core Strengthening Flows
• Kapalbhati Pranayama and Nadi Shodhana
• Principles and Benefits of Kumbhakas
• Restoratives
• Two Live Calls | Online Consultation (for online trainees)
• Creative Sequencing – Basic and Intermediate Classes
• Live or Online Presentation (for teacher trainees only)
• Research Paper and Basic Philosophy (for teacher trainees only)

Module Three – 6 Weeks
The Spiritual Path to Self: Meditation, Teaching and Service

Practice teaching and presentations shall continue in this module. Asana (practice) wise, we would learn the principles for safety and efficacy of Forward Bends and Basic to Intermediate Inversions. There would also be an introduction to Kundalini Energy and the Meditation process.

Topics in this module would also include Demonstration, Adjustments, Ethical Guidelines and Common Health Issues.

• Pre-Meditation Practice | Sequence in relation to Granthis (spiritual knots)
• Forward Bends, Backbends and Inversions
• Sitting Asanas for Meditation
• Nadi Shodhana Progression and Bhastrika Pranayama
• Ujjayi and Sitali Pranayama
• Kundalini and the Mystical Union
• Cultivating the Nada
• Principles and Benefits of Stillness and Savasana
• Two Live Calls | Online Consultations (for online trainees)
• Presentation – Full Spectrum Class (for teacher trainees only)
• Paper – Basic Philosophy (for teacher trainees only)
• Developing Effective Class Management Skills (for teacher trainees only)

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Key Areas of Learning

TECHNIQUES, TRAINING & PRACTICE:

This course gives weight to the practical application of yoga. This includes asana, alignment, and safety, breathing and meditation. In the latter part of the course, there would be lots of practice teaching in actual class setups.

INDIVIDUALISED / SMALL GROUP SESSIONS / ONLINE LIVE CALLS / ONLINE SUPPORT:

During one-on-one and small group sessions, the finer details of your alignment are improved. We acknowledge individual differences thus, we shall design a coaching plan patterned solely for you, from structural to teaching and presentation skills. We ensure your wellness too as you develop with us.

JOURNALS, ASSIGNMENTS AND RESEARCH:

You will be tasked to document your journey through written assignments and research papers. From self-practice to observing a class to teaching a class – all of these form part of your self-investigation. There would also be regular presentations and recitations of the topics assigned to you. Our training method is very participative. We start advancing your skills already beyond the physical by learning how to present in front of a group in an effective and impactful manner.

MONITORING AND ACTUAL CLASS EXPOSURE:

Your progress would be monitored regularly and feedback would be given timely. Reinforcement, as well as action plans, are discussed regularly. As part of your exposure, you would be required to attend our classes regularly and by doing so, you would be exposed to different levels of abilities as well as ways to handle actual class scenarios and situations.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY:

Topics include sequencing, class control, and communication skills. Trainees are taught how to address the specific needs of individuals and special populations, to the degree possible in a group setting; principles of demonstration, observation, assisting and correcting; qualities of a teacher, teaching styles and the student learning process.

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY:

Topics in this category include both human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, bandhas etc.) During the latter phases of the training, there would be supplementary courses on Kundalini Awakening, Energy Channeling and Restorative and Rehabilitation.

YOGA PHILOSOPHY:

Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers. It also includes the study of yoga philosophies and texts; lifestyle and precepts, understanding the value of teaching yoga as service to others.

PRACTICUM:

Topics include practice-teaching, receiving and giving feedback, observing other trainees teach and assist students. The culmination is leading a whole class (individual and partner work) for actual students of different abilities. 

What is Kundalini?

In essence, Kundalini Awakening signifies an elevated state of awareness. Our classes are meticulously crafted to provide students with a gradual and secure learning journey. The notion of Kundalini Awakening introduces a unique approach, addressing specific and unique facets of the hatha yoga practice.

No, we do not force this subtle energy to flow out. Rather, we learn the preparatory elements leading to its gentle awakening. We also guide our pupils to understand the essential long-term implications of the practice by immersing them into the philosophical principles of yoga which are mostly how we connect with the community. This shall align not only the body and the mind but most importantly, the heart and spirit.

It is a meditative process to attune to the subtlest composition of body, breath and the spirit. If the calling is present, we could even guide our students to the life of service and teaching. One component is always present though in the lessons and that is to create a healthy flow of the healing energy throughout our system for health and wellness, mental clarity and balance, joy and peace of the heart and spirit.

Our teachers are so well-trained to do just that. Each class is different yet so the same. Our classes follow a structure but the elements and the teaching methodology are different from one another to suit differences in abilities, goals, and intentions.

All the physical poses, breathing exercises and meditation techniques that we teach are done repeatedly for extended periods until the technicalities become meaningless and the essence manifests.

When this happens, this newfound awareness shall realign everything we do to flow harmoniously, from the physical to the breath and to seeing own unblemished spiritual identity.

This is Sukha, a Happy Place.

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