29 Day 200-Hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course in Los Caños de Meca, Spain

Certification

Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).

Course objectives

• Have a sound foundational knowledge of modern and yogic anatomy
• Teach a 60-minute shortened Ashtanga primary or Ashtanga based Vinyasa Flow lesson to your peers including pranayama and meditation
• Develop your yoga asana and pranayama practice, increasing strength, flexibility, and focus
• Be familiar with the main teachings of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
• Learn about different aspects of yogic lifestyles such as Ayurveda and Kriyas
• Three delicious vegetarian meals
• 28 nights of accommodation in gorgeous Andalucian villas

Asana practice

Your morning asana class will be focused on learning the Ashtanga primary series as a foundation for your development as teachers. In the first two weeks of your course, you will be led through the whole series by your lead teacher and you will also be adjusted and corrected by the assistant. When the group is ready, you will transition into the more traditional self-practice style of Ashtanga yoga. The practice is geared towards both experienced Ashtanga yogis and those not so familiar with the series.

Self-practice is not only an excellent way to work with students individually, but also great for those with less experience to familiarize themselves with a practice they can safely and confidently perform without guidance upon completion of the course. Practice on Tuesdays and Fridays will be Vinyasa flow with a specific aim or theme. For example, classes could focus on arm balancing or working towards Hanumanasana.

These classes will serve as an excellent example for those that want to develop their teaching in the style of Vinyasa Flow. Your morning practice will also be supported by evening workshops which will give you time to break down and discuss different techniques and answer any personal queries you may have.

These workshops will include arm balancing, back bending, and transitions. There will also be time for some more restorative practices such as Yin yoga and ball release to complement your learning experience.

Pranayama and meditation

Within your pranayama and meditation session, you will be guided through basic pranayama (breathing) techniques. By the end of the course, you will have developed your own sequence of pranayama techniques that you will be able to self-practice and take away with you into the world.

Breath is your bridge between the mental and physical, the subtle and tangible parts of your being. Pranayama's benefits, when practiced regularly, are significant and can transform your mental clarity and self-control.

Wild Warrior Yoga treats pranayama as a meditation on the breath, as a tool to focus your mind and balance your emotional state. During the first week of pranayama, as they slowly guide you through the techniques, they will also use visualization and mindfulness techniques that will help you to focus and build your meditation practice. Theory classes will explain the benefits accompanying these breathing and meditation techniques enabling you to practice effectively during guided classes.

Anatomy and alignment

The anatomy and alignment module is structured through the Ashtanga primary series, working through the alignment and anatomical activity of forward folds, twists, backbends, and the rest.

This module opens up the internal workings of the body and allows students to gain a deeper understanding of function and purpose. Rather than being occupied with how a posture looks, they want you to gain the wisdom of how the postures functions in your own body and in the bodies of others, there is no one size fits all.

This class is also an excellent opportunity to explore your own practice and learn suitable modifications for your own body and others. This module will also help you to retain the Sanskrit names of the postures and the order of the primary series so that you have a refined and integrated ashtanga self-practice.

For those that are interested in developing their understanding of Vinyasa Flow yoga, there will be a workshop dedicated to postures that appear outside of the Ashtanga primary series so you get a well-rounded knowledge of all the asana types.

Teaching methodology and practicum

This module focuses on the skills needed to become a successful, engaging, and adaptable yoga teacher. The class centers around peer led feedback and practical activities so that you begin to teach in the very first lesson.

Topics covered within this module include creative sequencing, use of voice, clear cueing, demonstration, inclusivity, and language. Unlike other courses, this teacher training equips all graduates with the skills to teach after the course.

By the end of the module, you will have a one-hour yoga class that you will have practiced and refined. You can choose a set template class that has already been designed or you can create your own sequence with the help of your teacher. The template option can be a very good way for those wishing to focus more on Ashtanga or for those who are less confident with English as a first language to feel confident when they teach.

Whichever option you choose, this module will give you a strong class to teach that you will be able to take with you wherever you go and adapt accordingly to your students. You will also have the tools and knowledge to be able to design and plan a range of classes, based on different themes and geared to different levels.

Yoga philosophy and Ayurveda

Philosophy class will focus on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, covering the main sutras within the first two chapters. You will also explore the eight limbs as understood in both a traditional and contemporary context by comparing different commentaries and interpretations.

Special focus will be given to the yamas and niyamas, the ethical code of the eight-limb system, and how you can interpret these teachings into your lives as students and teachers.

It is important that the philosophical teachings of yoga are integrated with the physical practice in order to gain and experience the real benefits. There will also be two Ayurveda classes during the first part of the training. These classes are a great introduction to the vast science of Ayurveda and give you a taste of some of the routines and rituals you can incorporate into your life on and off the mat to find even more balance.

Supporting modules

Throughout the month, there will also be time for supporting classes to enrich your yoga experience and vocabulary such as Yin, Acro yoga, and inclusive yoga workshop.

Daily schedule

• 07:30 - 09:30 Asana practice - Ashtanga Vinyasa
• 09:30 - 10:15 Pranayama or meditation
• 10:15 - 11:15 Breakfast
• 11:15 - 12:45 Anatomy and alignment
• 12:45 - 13:00 Tea break
• 13:00 - 14:30 Teaching methodology or philosophy
• 14:30 - 16:00 Lunch
• 16:00 - 17:30 Workshop
• 19:00 Dinner

Please note that this is an example schedule and it is subject to change under the needs of students and lead teacher. Per week there are 5.5 days of classes with one half day and one full day off.