22 Days Kalaripayattu 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Auroville, India

Facilities

Kalaripayat is considered as a time-honored physical practice essentially resulting in the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of every individual who is practicing it. The foundation of Kalaripayattu, a martial art that originated in South India, is attributed to Agstya Muni - the legendary saint of the ancient ages. This martial skill is not merely about doing the impressive movements, but about achieving a state of consistent agility and reflexes. It is an invasive discipline, meaning to deepen the presence of mind, which in turn will facilitate fast and fluid physical movement.

The Kalarippayattu Movement Technique ‘KMT’ is a healing methodology in its evolution, based on the movement aspect of Kalaripayat practice. In recent years, there has been significant development in understanding human movements in relation to physio-psychological theories. This has brought newer insights about the various KMT that can be used to bring about change in the functional qualities of the human mechanisms.

The underlying principle of KMT is that body and mind are inseparable. All our experiences are stored in the body memory. Body movement reflects inner emotional states and that changes in the movement of behavior, which in turn lead to changes in the psyche. Every individual is capable of being creative and the creative process itself is healing. KMT lays emphasis on self-expression and self-exploration. It provides a framework for building an interpersonal relationship, body image, and personality development.

The KMT has a broad range of health benefits. It has been demonstrated to be clinically effective at improving breathing mechanisms, digestive metabolism, sleeping patterns. It can also reduce stress, fears, and anxieties, as well as lessen feelings of isolation, body tension, chronic pain, and depression. In addition, it can enhance the functioning of the body’s circulatory systems and musculoskeletal functionalities.

KMT has also been shown to benefit adolescent and adult psychiatric patients, the learning disabled, the mentally handicapped, and the elderly. Proponents of Movement therapy claims that it has also been used successfully to help people deal with brain injury, arthritis, stroke, cancer, and a number of other physical ailments.

In this course, you will get the initiation of Meipayat, which constitutes the initial training regime of Kalaripayat. It is also known as Mei Irakkam. The term ‘mei’ means body, and ‘payattu’ means training or practice. Meipayat is considered to be the significant training part of the entire structure of the training. It combines unique body movements based on the integrity of the spine and the development of grip and postures of the body.

The vigorous exercise regime helps the participant in developing higher consciousness about himself and leads him to achieve higher levels in the practice. This physical practice is very essential for the next stages of training. Various stances and poses included in Meipayat bear some resemblance with the postures of the wild animals, such as lion, cat, boar, snake, cock, etc. Different moves practiced during this stage are derived from various combinations of body movements.

You will immerse yourselves in the Kalaripayattu training and yoga to make a positive impact on you while empowering you, and increasing your own sense of being, health, mindfulness, and joy. Becoming a yoga teacher will inspire others to explore this yogic path.

Bala Yoga School’s 200-hour teacher training course is one of a kind in India, based on the teachings from the East, while implementing them into the West. They strive to impart the core knowledge of what yoga is all about and make it relevant to your personal expression of this ancient knowledge of yoga.

Becoming a great teacher is difficult - it needs your dedication and hard work. They are here to help and assist you to master the art, technique, and principles of becoming a great yoga teacher. Their course is designed to train you in philosophy, practice, teaching techniques, and much more. Upon successful completion of this program, you will be a well-rounded yoga teacher who understands the physical, physiological, psychological, and philosophical aspects of yoga.

Curriculum

You will learn the following theories and practices during the TTC:

Yoga philosophy and lifestyle

• The meaning of yoga
• History and origin of yoga
• The eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga
• Guidelines for a traditional practice
• Yogic lifestyle
• The yogic diet
• Yoga and fasting
• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• Different margas / paths of yoga
• Spread of modern yoga
• Different schools of yoga

Asanas

• The meaning and beauty of asana
• Classification of postures
• Different surya namaskars
• Warming up exercises
• Relaxation postures
• Meditative and sitting postures
• Standing postures
• Forward-bending postures
• Backward bending postures
• Twisting postures
• Inverted postures
• Arm balancing postures

The art and science of sequencing

• Levels of a student
• Specific pre-set sequencing
• Sequencing principles
• Themed sequencing

Pranayama: the art of breathing

• Important concepts in pranayama
• Benefits of pranayama
• Different breathing techniques and pranayama styles

Meditation and chanting

• What is meditation
• Meditation postures
• How to practice meditation
• Benefits of meditation
• Types of meditation
• Chanting

Bandhas, mudras, and kriyas

• Definitions
• Important practices

Anatomy and physiology

• Anatomy of bones, muscles, joints, and fascia in the human body
• Digestive system
• Endocrine system
• Skeletal system
• Muscular system
• Respiratory system
• Circulatory and cardiovascular system

Subtle anatomy

• Three bodies and five Koshas
• Seven Dhatus
• Five Vayus
• Kundalini Shakthi and chakras

Teaching methodology

• Communication skills
• Principles of demonstration, observation, assisting, and correcting
• Qualities, roles, and responsibilities of a yoga teacher
• Ethical, moral, and professional conduct of a teacher
• How to address the specific needs of individuals and special populations
• Business of yoga

Kalaripayattu movement

Course highlights

• Small class sizes (maximum of 25 students) - this allows for optimal one-on-one training, attention, and personalized care.
• Over 100 contact hours with lead trainers.
• Primarily experiential and practical learning techniques in a wide spectrum of topics covered.
• Thoroughly trained lead teacher with a broad yoga education and teaching background. Bala Yoga School has refined its syllabus, content, and teaching styles to ensure they bring you the very best of what they know, going above and beyond the minimum criteria set for such programs.
• The study of both Hatha and Vinyasa styles of yoga, along with introductions to many other styles.
• In-depth knowledge of Kalaripayattu.
• Enhancing and challenging your own personal practice and movements.

Daily schedule

• 06:30 - 07:30 Morning mantras / pranayama / meditation / chanting
• 07:30 - 09:00 Asana practice or Kalaripayattu - Hatha / Vinyasa styles
• 09:00 - 10:30 Breakfast
• 10:30 - 11:15 Philosophy, Ayurveda, and yoga theory
• 11:15 - 12:00 Teaching methodology of yoga
• 12:00 - 13:00 Asana analysis and kalari study
• 13:00 - 15:00 Lunch
• 15:00 - 16:30 Anatomy, subtle anatomy, etc.
• 16:30 - 17:30 Asana practice
• 18:00 - 19:00 Kalaripayattu
• 19:00 Dinner
• 22:00 Lights out

Please note that the daily schedule is subject to change and vary each week. A detailed program will be given during the course.

The union territory of Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry; generally known as ‘Pondy’) was under French rule until 1954. The city retained its French look with hits wide roads and splendid colonial houses. The internationally famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and its offshoot just north of town, Auroville, drawing large numbers of spiritually minded visitors.

Pondicherry is famous for its colonial-era ville, more bohemian-chic, new-age-meets-old world hang-out on the international travel trail. The older 'French' part of town is full of quiet, clean streets, lined with bougainvillea-draped colonial-style townhouses numbered in an almost logical manner. Newer Pondy is typically, hectically South Indian.

Auroville, 'the city of dawn', is a place that anyone with idealistic leanings will find compelling. It's an international community dedicated to peace, sustainability, and 'divine consciousness' where people from across the globe, ignoring creed, color, and nationality, work together to build a universal, cash-free, non-religious township.

Some 12 kilometers northwest of Puducherry, Auroville was founded in 1968 by 'the Mother', co-founder of Puducherry's Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Tucked into the jungle are more than 100 scattered settlements, with about 2,500 residents of 52 nationalities - some 60% of Aurovillians are foreign.

Visiting offers a glimpse into this self-styled utopia, where you can bliss out on the peaceful setting, the oddly beautiful Matrimandir and the easygoing friendliness. What's more, you'll find some excellent restaurants and cafes within Auroville and surrounding villages.

Your accommodation is just at the entrance of Auroville, making it ideal for you to experience an alternate lifestyle along with practicing yoga.

Distances

• The beach - 5 kilometers
• Pondicherry - 10 kilometers
• Fossil tree park - 25 kilometers
• Mahabalipuram - 75 kilometers
• Thiruvanamali Shiva temple, Ramana Ashram, and Vipassana center - 75 kilometers
• Chidambaram golden temple - 75 kilometers
• Chennai International Airport (MAA) - 130 kilometers

Simple vegetarian meals based on Tamil and Kerala cuisines are included in the price. Since it's a gurukula style, special dietary requirements are difficult to be provided. Food is cooked in a traditional open-hearth method. The place has many restaurants serving international cuisines in Auroville.

It's possible not to go on the trip to Mahabalipuram and enjoy the swimming pool and visit Auroville. All Sundays are free days. For this day, you will be provided with breakfast, but lunch and dinner are on your own. Bicycles / mopeds can be rented to go around the town area.

Kalarigram is situated very close to the intriguing Auroville international township, home to a number of interesting spaces to visit. Visitors could experiment with surfing lessons at the Kallialay Surf School of India, or learn horse riding at the much-acclaimed Red Earth Riding School.

There are several unique community enterprises built with the sole idea of sustaining and liberating local communities. While at Adishakti, guests can also make spiritual and cultural day trips to Chidambaram, Pitchavaram, Mahabalipuram, the Gingee Fortress, and Vailankani.

Kalari massage and Ayurveda massage are available in the facility itself. Many world-class spa giving treatments like Watsu, sound bath, massages of various types are available around Kalarigram and can be enjoyed at your free time and cost.

• 21 nights accommodation
• 3 daily vegetarian meals, except for lunch and dinner on Sundays
• Tuition
• Yoga manual
• General stationery
• Opening and closing fire ritual / ceremony
• Free Wi-Fi in-room
• Filtered water, coffee, and tea
• Laundry (as per guest house rules)

• Flights
• Taxi from and to the airport
• Non-vegetarian food
• Lunch and dinner on Sundays
• Any other items explicitly not mentioned

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 50% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.