This program is for...
HEALTH & WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS LOOKING EXPAND THEIR SKILLS SET AND OFFERINGS
CURIOUS STUDENTS LOOKING TO MASTER THE FOUNDATIONS & PRACTICE WELL FOR LIFE
CERTIFIED TEACHERS REQUIRING CEU'S OR TO STUDY IN THE HATHA VINYASA STYLE
DEDICATED STUDENTS READY TO TAKE THE SEAT OF TEACHER
why take a teacher training?
Investing in YOU
- Learn to understand your own body better and how to practice safely and well for life
- Learn how to create a personal practice that deeply into the practice in a way that is safe, healing and empowering.is deeply nourishing and healing and serves you at any age and stage of life
- Go beyond asana - experience yoga as a lifestyle that supports greater physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing
- Explore the ancient wisdom teachings of Yoga as journey to greater self knowledge and inner peace
- Share your passion for the practice and learn to teach confidently and authentically
- Start a new exciting career and/or expand your skillset in the Wellness Industry
- Become a lifestyle ambassador and community builder changing lives for the better.
“The teacher is the first letter (of the alphabet); the student is the last letter. Knowledge is the meeting place, instruction is the link” – Taittriya Upanishad (3.1.1)
techniques, training & practice
taking the seat of the student
Teaching yoga is an extension of practicing yoga. Learning through direct experience (pratyaksha) is the foundation for authentic, informed, and powerful teaching. Students will:
Develop proficiency in the foundational poses across the family of asanas - standing poses, standing balances, heating and cooling inversions, core work, arm balances, backbends, seated poses (twists, forward bends and hip openers and restorative poses) and savasana
Learn how these foundational poses support more advanced poses in terms of both flexibility, strength and neuromuscular conditioning
Explore how the breath, bandhas, drishti and sankalpa support the asana practice - physically, mentally and energetically
Use the asana practice to prepare the body for pranayama.Activate and strengthen the subtle body with introductory pranayama practices and kriyas and mudras
Discover the power of sound and vibration as healing with the chanting of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and other mantras
Practice a variety of guided meditation practices to cultivate mental focus and self inquiry.
part 1 - personal practice: the seat of the student
Learning through observation -- The ability to observe is an invaluable teaching skills, crucial to teaching well. Observing senior teachers as they sequence, instruct, adjust and hold space in real time group class setting.
Seeing the Individual - observing their fellow students and students in public classes they will learn to "see and read" bodies in poses. Recognizing and honoring the individual expression of poses is a key teaching skill.
Supporting the Individual - Using clear verbal instruction, props, and variations (regressions / progressions) aspiring teachers will learn to support and deepen a students understanding and execution of the practice in a mixed level class environment.
Deeping the Individual Experience - learning to give safe and appropriate verbal and hands on adjustments is a necessary learned skill for being an effective teacher.
Sequencing for transformation – learn the art and science of effective and transformative Vinyasa Krama - create sequences that are appropriately challenging, empowering and transformational, weaving together asana, pranayama and philosophy for a well rounded, inclusive and life affirming practice
part 2 - moving towards the seat of the teacher
functional & energetic
anatomy & PHYSIOLOGY
practice safely and well
ANNAMAYA KOSHA - PHYSICAL BODY
Become familiar with the “language of anatomy” which will assist you in ongoing studies and research. Learn how to weave anatomical words and instructions into your teaching vocabulary in a fun and interesting way.
Study the Human Movement System (Skeleton, Muscular & Nervous) and learn how to move safely and well in your practice
Explore asana for strength, balance, co-ordination and injury prevention
Understand how movement affects the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and how this relates to better health
Explore the Digestive System as the system which builds all the tissues in the body and its role in building stronger immunity
PRANAMAYA KOSHA - LIFE FORCE / BREATH BODY
Study the Cardiovascular & Respiratory Systems and how proper breathing supports health
Understand how posture affect breathing
Learn how breathing affects the Nervous System responses in the body and how to use breathing exercises to better manage stress, enhance our energy and improve digestion and immunity
Explore different pranayama methods to affect our energy, mood and focus
Discussion of the 5 prana vayus and how they support different functions in the body
MANOMAYA KOSHA
Learn the structures & function of the spine and Nervous System as a command and control system for moving, motor control & learning, stretching and proprioception
Understand the stress response and how to activate vagal tone and the para-sympathetic NS for stress release and better health and wellbeing
Explore the relationship between the Nervous System and the Endocrine System in stress, sleep, recovery and mood
VINJANAMAYA KOSHA & ANANDAMAYA KOSHA
Explore the benefits of mindfulness, reflection, and meditation on mental and emotional health to support whole -person whole-life health & wellbeing
functional ANATOMY- journey THROUGH THE KOSHAS
yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self
- Bhagavad gita
Learn to work with the chakras in your yoga practice
Chakras, literally meaning “spinning wheel” in Sanskrit, are places where consciousness, energy, thoughts/feelings, and the physical body merge. Our consciousness (mind) gets projected through these wheels, and this largely determines how we experience reality from our emotional reactions, our desires or aversions, our level of confidence or fear, even the manifestation of physical symptoms.
As "organizing principles" Chakras help us bring order and integration into our lives through investigation and understanding of our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of life.
We gain greater levels of understanding, insight and energy to support our physical and spiritual health and begin the journey from the self to the Self and in doing so reach our highest potential.
We will work with these 7 energy centers throughout the training through asana, pranayama, mantra, mudra and self reflection journalling and group discussion.
ENERgetic ANATOMY - JOURNEY THROUGH THE CHAKRAS
YOGA HUMANITIES -HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, LIFESTYLe & ETHICS
applying yoga to life for personal growth
Yoga in context
Introduction to the History of Yoga, and how these teachings came to the West
Lineages and schools of yoga being practiced today
Discussion of the primary branches of the yoga "tree" – Raja, Hatha, Bhakti, Karma and Jnana Yoga and how they support the yogic spiritual practice (sadhana) and overview of key texts and teachings
Introduction to Raja Yoga (Meditation) and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and Ashtanga Yoga
Meditation as a practice for self knowledge and self realization
Exploration of the 4 pada's and key sutras
Ashtanga Yoga - the 8 Limbs of yoga and how to incorporate these into one's personal life
How to share these teachings (Yamas and Niyamas) in a classroom environment
The Bhagavad Gita - exploration of the key teachings relating to karma, dharma, bhakti and moksha.
Ethics in Yoga - Drawing from the Yogic teachings and industry guidelines relating to Scope of Practice, Codes of Conduct, Inclusion & Equity when teaching
Yoga for You - embracing the Yogic lifestyle – introduction to Ayurveda as the sister Science of Yoga to support your individual physical, mental & emotional constitution for vibrant health and balanced living.
Yoga as service (SEVA) – Opening our hearts and building stronger communities through yoga and selfless service by offering yoga to those less fortunate .and in need.
YOGA BEYOND the POSES
“True yoga is not about the shape of your body, but the shape of your life. Yoga is not to be performed; yoga is to be lived. Yoga doesn’t care about what you have been; yoga cares about the person you are becoming. Yoga is designed for a vast and profound purpose, and for it to be truly called yoga, its essence must be embodied.” — Aadil Palkhivala
teaching methodology
taking the seat of the teacher
Through group discussions and lectures we will explore:
* The sacred teacher-student relationship - creating a sacred container; cultivating mutual respect; and cultivating humility, receptivity and deep listening as the doorway to learning
* Qualities of a student and teacher - what makes for a good student and a great teacher - how can we cultivate these qualities in ourselves
* Clarifying your teaching values
* Identifying your teaching style
* Developing your unique teaching “voice” – language style, projection, modulation, articulation
* Managing the teaching environment and group energy
*Identifying and matching “learning styles” in your students
* Developing Communication skills in the classroom - verbal and non verbal
* How to offer precise, relevant and appropriate physical demonstrations, verbal instructions, gentle hands on adjustments
* Identification of obstacles and supporting and motivating students through them
* Working with music - including legal considerations
* Teaching through themes – deepening the understanding and experience of Yoga
* Teaching in Sanskrit, the language of Yoga
becoming professional, powerful & authentic
“THE TEACHER IS THE FIRST LETTER (OF THE ALPHABET); THE STUDENT IS THE LAST LETTER. KNOWLEDGE IS THE MEETING PLACE, INSTRUCTION IS THE LINK” – TAITTRIYA UPANISHAD (3.1.1)
- Yoga Alliance Registration (Yoga Alliance)
- Logging teaching hours for credentialing
- Ongoing Education & CEU's - building on your training and experience
What it means to be an independent contractor
- Teaching insurance
- Invoicing and contracts
- Use of waivers - in person and online
Ethics of Yoga - personal & professional integrity and scope of practice
Finding a Mentor / Mentorship Program - For support, guidance and ongoing training
Developing your online presence
- Being in alignment both in and outside of class
- Living and sharing the Yogic Lifestyle and values
- Website guidelines and tips
- Building an audience and email and SM marketing guidelines
Applying for a teaching position
- Identify what studios look for in a teacher
- Writing a resume
- Preparing for an “interview class”
the yoga professional
practicum & certification
Examination, Certification, Graduation, Celebration
PRACTICUM TEACHING
Teaching others is a powerful way to remember and integrate what you have been learning. During the 2 week intensive students will be required to teach an additional 5 x 1hr "classes" to fellow students, and at the end providing a written synopsis of their teaching experiences - sharing what they learnt, their insights from teaching others, identifying their strengths and where they are seeking more support. Self reflection is a key skill in teaching well. This will provide the foundation for ongoing mentorship and support even when the training has been completed. 1 of these "classes" will need to be recorded for assessment and feedback purposes prior to the final practicum exam.
CLOSED BOOK EXAMINATION
Students will be tested on their proficiency of the Sanskrit names of the poses, mudras, chakras and koshas.
They will be required to display basic knowledge of the bones, joints, planes and directions of movement as pertain to asana and list all the key systems of the body.
They will know the major muscle groups and what movements they create/limit at the joints
PRACTICUM TEACHING EXAM
During these hours students will have the opportunity to “put into practice” all they have learnt.
Teaching to each other, senior teachers and invited members of the public and family, students will be assessed on sequencing, the use of variations and props, giving adjustments, communication and presentation skills. At the end of their practicum class there will be time for feedback and suggestions on how to further improve their teaching skills.
TEACH CONFIDENTLY & AUTHENTICALLY
“Never regard study as a duty but as an enviable opportunity to learn to know the liberating influence of beauty in the realm of the spirit for your own personal joy and to the profit of the community to which your later works belong." - albert einstein
These contact hours are a combination of personal practice, observation hours and practicum teaching to others.
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how it works
THIS program is carefully designed to serve as:
- a deep dive immersion for curious students who WANT To establish an excellent foundation to practice well for life while ALSO exploring aspects of the yogic teachings and lifestyle not typically shared in an asana class.
- a 200hr training that meets all Yoga Alliance requirements for you to be certified as a RYT-200 Yoga Teacher.
The Yoga Teacher Trainings/Immersions happen in two parts:
- MASTERY OF ASANA FOUNDATIONS ACROSS ALL FAMILY OF POSES - STANDING, BALANCES, CORE, INVERSIONS, ARM BALANCES AND SEATED POSES
- FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS AS THEY RELATE TO INTELLIGENT SEQUENCING
- ENERGETIC ANATOMY (KOSHAS and THE CHAKRAS)
- YOGA BEYOND POSES - STUDY OF KEY TEACHINGS OF THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI AND BHAGAVAD GITA as a roadmap to self knowledge, inner peace and living with purpose
- INTRODUCTION TO PRANAYAMA, MUDRA, MANTRA AND MEDITATION
- THE YOGA WELLNESS LIFESTYLE (AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES & ROUTINES)
EACH WEEK YOU WILL RECEIVE:
- 1-2 PRE-RECORDED ASANA CLASSES HIGHLIGHTING THE ANATOMY AND SEQUENCING LECTURES OF THAT WEEK
- GUIDED PRANAYAMA AND MEDITATION VIDEO;
- ADDITIONAL VIDEO LECTURES AND HANDOUTS ON:
PART ONE - MASTERING FOUNDATIONS
Online Immersion
- INTRODUCTION TO FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY & BIOMECHANICS,
- SEQUENCING PRINCIPLES,
- EXPLORING YOUR PERSONAL CONSTITUION & PRACTICING GUIDELINES FOR YOUR DOSHA,
- AYURVEDIC DAILY ROUTINES AND SEASONAL LIFESTYLE GUIDELINES
- INTRODUCTION TO THE 8 LIMBS OF YOGA
- YOGIC TEACHINGS FOR SELF KNOWLEDGE AND MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE AND WELLBEING ;
- HANDOUTS AND READING ASSIGNMENTS AND QUIZZES TO TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
AT THE OF EACH WEEK YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT ALL JOURNALS, QUIZZES, READING COMMENTARYand questions TO YOUR PRIVATE STUDENT PORTAL.
WEEKLY GROUP "OFFICE HOURS" will be held VIA ZOOM TO ANSWER QUESTIONS, SHARE INSIGHTS AND be in support and community with YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS. (RECORDINGS AVAILABLE IN THE PRIVATE STUDENT PORTAL)
MAUI, HAWAII
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
IN THESE FINAL 2 WEEKS YOU WILl:
- PRACTICE INTENSIVELY WITH YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS working on advanced expression of foundational poses and transitions
- OBSERVE AND TEACH OTHERs - taking the seat of teacher
- REFINE YOUR SEQUENCING,
- LEARN TO READ AND ASSESS BODIES AND MOVEMENT LIMITATIONS
- REFINE VERBAL AND HANDS ON ADJUSTMENT SKILLS,
- COMPLETE YOUR PRACTICUM EXAM
- WRITE YOUR FINAL EXAM
GRADUATE!!!
PART TWO - PREPARING TO TEACH
In Person Certification Intensive
Small classes – a maximum of 15 students ensures as much personal guidance and mentorship as possible
Highly experienced teachers who have devoted their lives to the study, practice and teaching of Yoga
Small teaching faculty – too many teachers with varied styles and personal methodology can leave students overwhelmed with what may appear contradictory information and techniques. In this training a small faculty ensures alignment and consistency in the presentation of material
Clearly defined teaching method you can explore and draw from to support and cultivate your personal teaching style
Well rounded and comprehensive curriculum that will help you teach with confidence
Well planned curriculum that lays a solid foundation for ongoing 300hr study
A good balance between learning through doing, learning through watching and learning through teaching
Mentorship opportunities
AT THE END OF THIS TRAINING
- have laid the foundation for a powerful personal practice FOR LIFE
- have refined the fundamentals of the practice to allow for personal breakthroughs to the next level so you can lead students confidently and well
- go beyond asana to integrate the wisdom teachings of yoga for personal growth, healing and transformation
- come to know yourself better so you can make better lifestyle choices, engage intentionally in your relationships, navigate your busy life and daily stressors and remain healthy and vibrant with a positive mindset and approach to life
- gain greater confidence in public speaking and leading groups
PROFESSIONALLY you will:
- enter into the exciting and expanding Health & Wellness Industry, helping to change people’s lives for the better
- lay the foundation to become a successful full time yoga teacher
- receive an internationally recognized certification
- be able to register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT-200 teacher and gain access to many benefits such a ongoing education CEU’s and industry offers and discounts
- become a leader in your community
- be able to
- know how to:
- sequence for mixed level classes
- “break down” poses to teach them confidently and well
- approach peak postures through intelligent sequencing
- address common challenges that students face in their practice
- introduce pranayama, meditation and yoga philosophy in a group class setting
BOOK A CALL
I'LL ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS AND WE CAN DISCUSS YOUR GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
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STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
- MOVING TO A NEW COUNTRY,
- BUILDING A thriving TEACHING CAREER AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF STUDENTS AND FRIENDS
- THE JOYS AND CHALLENGES OF MARRIAGE,
- getting hit by a bus (literallly!),
- A MAJOR HEALTH CRISIS,
- LOSING A BODY PART AND MY DREAM BUSINESS
and coming out the other side stronger and wiser and even more commited to helping others achieve body-mind-spirit health mastery to live a life of thrive!
MAHA YOGA IS MY SIGNATURE STYLE AND METHODOLOGY DEVELOPED OVER the past 20 years of deep personal practice, INSPIRED BY MY TEACHERS and students AND MY TRAINING IN CORRECTIVE EXERCISE, NUTRITION AND HEALTH COACHING.
"Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." ~ Rumi
Yoga student first, passionate teacher second, I've spent the last 20 years sharing the teachings and practices of Yoga in a way that transforms not just how we move our bodies but how we move through life.
My passion? Helping my students access the ancient wisdom of Yoga to live their healthiest, happiest and most fulfilled lives.
READ MY STORY AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MAHA YOGA
When I was offered the opportunity to attend Karin's 200 hr teacher training I jumped at the chance. I already knew her to be a teacher of rare intelligence and intuition, and was excited for a more comprehensive exploration into both my practice and the history/philosophy of yoga. Karin far surpassed any expectations I had!! Beautifully designed classes allowed me to understand not only "how", but "why?"--both in asana and in functional anatomy. The mastery and passion she instilled into every lesson was inspiring, motivating, and for me, life-changing. I am so, so happy to have had the chance to study under her and am grateful to have her as teacher, mentor, and friend.
Leah Honma
"She teaches with kindness and patience and has a knack for taking philosophical or esoteric knowledge and making it accessible."
I'd like to thank you for the amazing training. Going to several different classes and seeing the difference between my training and others I feel like I have learned a great deal more than just a basic script that most run off of. The training helped me on so many levels and becoming an instructor has given me strength I didn't know I had in me anymore -
Miranda Cossuta
"The training helped me on so many levels and becoming an instructor has given me strength I didn't know I had in me anymore"
First off I want to say thank you. Thank you for the most amazing experience I have ever had in my 28 years of living. You brought me and my career goals back to life. I went into this program with some fear of the unknown. I was very hesitant and nervous going into it but fortunately I built up enough courage to just shoot for the stars and go after what I have always dreamt of. I can honestly and truly, from the bottom of my heart, say that I couldn't have asked for a better teacher and mentor. . You are an inspiration not only to me but everyone who attends your practices.
Karissa Allbery
"You have made me fall in love with the practice of yoga more than I ever could have imagined and I have discovered yoga in a completely different light"
I wanted to thank you sincerely and wholly for what was an incredible experience! Your passion for yoga, teaching, anatomy, and even the philosophy really shone through throughout the training. After years and years of schooling, you are easily one of my favorite teachers. Your rigor, attention to detail, complete grasp of the subject matter all mix so well and are kept light with some humor, smiles, and passionate speeches. You've definitely inspired me to not just be a yoga teacher, but to be a great yoga teacher.
David Marwil
"Your ability to teach is top-notch, but your ability to inspire is an even greater asset. "
Karin has a unique ability to integrate the foundations of yoga, such as Alignment, breath and sequencing, with the science of the human body to ensure all of her students know the reasons for everything they learn from her. I recommend her to anyone that wants the most solid foundations for their own practice, and wants to share their knowledge with others, knowing that they are teaching from not only a rich and deep yoga tradition, but also from a sound and invaluable scientific one as well.
Paul Claire
"One of the most valuable lessons I learned from Karin is that you are your own best yoga teacher. "
Our 6 month 200 hour teacher training was a true reinvention of myself and my physical body. While getting the opportunity to recommit my practice to a rehabilitative approach. Developing my strength to my core, putting true attention to the way muscle and joints move. Through weekly guidance I found a completely new energy to the intensity of my practice. Continuing to play with shapes I had never been strong enough or open for. Ultimately driving me forward to teach with the intention to bring more people into their bodies, while providing an environment for their lives to thrive.
Alisha Rose Marquis
"Through the work I formed a lifelong personal practice."
My intentions were to never actually teach yoga. I wanted to get a good understanding of the basics for my own personal practice. Karin Kuhn did exactly that.. Helping me feel where my body and mind are in that present moment. Being a super beginner at yoga never once did I feel like I did not belong there. She was incredibly hospitable and kind. While some of the poses were challenging and difficult she always made the room comfortable and non judgmental. I'm forever grateful and appreciative I was able to take this teacher training from Karin
Noah Brittain
" In such a beautiful and detailed way she was able to breakdown every movement big and small so I could understand and feel what I was actually doing and why"
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