Harmony Yoga Academy 

Vinyasa Krama Yoga

200 Hour Teacher Training and Practitioner Certificate Course

Each section will be taught in modules consisting of  11 weekends and a 7 day intensive.

Module 1 & 2 Art & Science of Vinyasa Krama Yoga, Core Vinyasa-25 hours
Workshops covering the core postures and sequences of Vinyasa Krama Yoga.
The theory and principles of practice will be introduced. We will also cover how to develop a personal practice.

Module 3 Art & Science of Vinyasa Krama Yoga, Complete Vinyasa - 45 hours
In the complete Vinyasa Krama series, the entire range of vinyasas (numbering about 700) in ten classical sequences will be covered in depth. Important seated postures, pranayama, chanting and meditation methods taught by Krishnamacharya will be included.
Krishnamacharya was responsible for restoring this ancient method of yogasana to prominence. This is the most comprehensive coverage of the full spectrum of classical yogasana available. The special Vinyasa Krama sequences will be included. Important sequences like Sun Salutation and salute to the directions with and without mantras will be taught.  Other sequences in this series are Vasishta, Anjaneaya and bird sequence, unusual sequences that are fun to practice and great to teach to children.
All the main sequences of Vinyasakrama and adaptations will be covered. It will be an indepth coverage of the complete Vinyasa Krama series. This will provide the practitioner/teacher with a full range of tools to use in their personal practice and teaching situations.
We will also be including instructions and guidance on asana practice from Krishnamacharya’s book’s ‘Yoga Makaranda’ and ‘Yoga Rahasya.

Module 4 Pranayama Methods - 12 hours
A variety of classical Pranayama methods will be covered. The methods of pranayama will be taught and practiced along with the Bandhas. Teaching methods, sequence and practice planning for the various procedures will be covered. Use of Mantra in Pranayama will also be covered. Pranayama techniques and parameters from the Hathayogapradipika and the Yoga Sutras will be taught. The physical and mental health benefits with therapeutic applications will be covered. The spiritual application of pranayama will also be reviewed.

Module 5 Anatomy and Physiology – 12 hours
This module will take an overview of the major bones and muscles of the body. We will look at their location and function and specifically how they can be utilized in various yoga postures.
The resiratory and cardiovascular system will be covered.

The module will consist of lecture sections as well as hands on work in the postures.

Some home study hours will also be required on this subject which will also cover the functions of other major organs and systems.

Breathing, circulation, and the health benefits of Yoga will be integrated into other modules of the course to make this subject ‘live’ and applicable to Yoga and its unique health paradigm.
 
Module 6 Yoga Anatomy – 12 hours 
The Yogic paradigm of health will be presented including subtle anatomy. The unique methods to achieve optimum holistic health that the Yogis devised will be covered.
Yoga has a limited but a powerful selection of procedures—different asanas   and myriad vinyasas, breathing exercises, a variety of unique mudras and  meditation techniques to strengthen almost all systems of the human body/mind. It is therefore called sarvanga sadhana, or a method of accessing and working on every part and system of the body, including the internal organs.
Emphasis will be placed on a proper assessment of the available yoga techniques to impart health to different parts of the body, especially the internal organs. Procedures specifically for the different systems and organs like the heart and the circulatory system, lungs and the respiratory system, the abdominal organs and the digestive system, pelvic organs, the brain, spine and the nadis all from a yogic perspective will be discussed and practiced. Aided by proper diet and a calm mind, Yoga could ensure healthy internal organs and a robust disease free life.

Module 7 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - 10 hours
Sri Krishnamacharya would tell his students to eschew all yoga practices that are inconsistent with the teachings of Yoga Sutra of Patanjali. Svatmarama the author of the famous Hatha Yoga Treatise, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, says at the outset that his work on Hatha Yoga is intended to help prepare yoga aspirants to be able to practice Raja Yoga (Yoga of enlightenment propounded by Patanjali). So it is useful and necessary for Hatha Yogis and other serious yoga students to make an in-depth study of the Yoga Sutras.
An overview of the goal (Kaivalya or spiritual freedom) and the means of attaining the goal will be given. Efforts will be made to explain the progression of the thought process of the sutras emphasizing the importance of the various components, Yoga psychology, the mental transformation, the conceptualization of vrittis and their stoppage and the true nature of the Self.  All the four chapters will be covered highlighting the main points and practices.
Practice of chanting the sutras will be introduced using the conventional method of “chandas” whereby the sutras will be broken down to manageable portions and the participant will repeat the portion twice after the teacher.

Module 8 Meditation Methods  – 12 hours
Meditation will be covered showing the various methods available in Yoga. The preparation and progression of practice will be explained. 
Mantras as a means of developing the mind toward meditation will be discussed. Several classical mantras including Pranava (Om), Gayatri mantras will be taught along with an introduction to Vedic mantras.  Meditation procedures as enunciated by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras along with the preparatory practices will also be taught. We will explore how to choose a suitable meditation practice for a personal practice.

Module 9 Sri T Krishnamacharya’s Works -  12 hours
Sri Krishnamacharya’s teaching methods and his philosophy of Yoga are contained in his works, especially Yoga Rahasya and Yoga Makaranda. These texts will be covered.

Module 10 & 11 Teaching Methodology, The Viniyoga of Yoga  - 25 hours
‘Viniyoga’ is the application of Yoga appropriate to the situation. In these module we will explore the application of Vinyasa Krama Yoga to students of all ages and abilities. Teaching groups and individuals. Practice planning, sequencing and course planning. 

Module 12 Yoga Business  - 6 hours
This module will be devoted to a brief overview of the nitty gritty of the business of teaching Yoga. We will cover different ways to get started, tools and techniques to support growth and sustainability, how to avoid burnout and how to reconcile marketing and business with Yoga. Practical information on internet presence, starting and maintaining a newsletter and cultivating personal referrals will be provided, as well as basic tips for personal finances, taxes and liability insurance.

Tutor: Sally Lever M.A.(Oxon), Dip.M, LCH Dip.

Personal Lessons – 9 hours
Personal lessons will be required with an approved teacher. 

Home Study-20 hours minimum
Home study will be required of recommended texts, anatomy and physiology and Yoga theory.

Note: You will also need to obtain a valid first aid certificate before you begin to teach.

 

Evaluation and Assessment

This will take the form of short exams, practice observation, observed teaching practices and a final observed teaching practice.

For those wishing to attend the course and not teach, there will be personal feedback to support the development of your practice. If you later decide to teach you can go through the teaching module and observed teaching practice procedure.

To receive your Teaching Certification you will need to:

· Complete the 12 modules in full.
· Have a minimum of 9 hours personal tuition with an approved teacher.
· Complete the home study tasks.
· Keep a learning journal during the course.
· Teach an observed class as a Final Teaching Assessment.

Before you begin teaching the public you will need to have:

· Indemnity Insurance.
· A first aid certificate.
· The consent of your tutor.