The syllabus at a glance

The Virya Yoga teacher training consists of six components:

–       asana practice & biomechanics
–       anatomy
–       philosophy & yoga lifestyle
–       pedagogy
–       communication
–       practice teaching & feedback

Asana practice & biomechanics:
YA:Techniques, Training and Practice

Asana practice
Asana analysis

Biomechanics theory and structure
Biomechanics focusing on yoga asanas

Observing yoga classes

Assisting yoga classes

Meditation techniques

Pranayama techniques
Learning the names of the asanas in Sanskrit

Individual session with a naprapath or a physiotherapist

Homework:
– yoga practice 3 times per week
– assist and observe classes
–  make your own flash cards with the Sanskrit names

Anatomy:
YA: Anatomy and Physiology

Understanding function of the skeleton, joints and muscles.

Learning names in Latin, insertion, origin and function on the most important muscles.

Movement analysis.

Basic understanding of the anatomy of the yoga asanas in the Virya yoga sequences

Familiarity of injuries linked to yoga.

Basic general physiology
Basic understanding of the physiology of breath and bandhas in yoga

Anatomy test

Homework:
– Read “The Breathing Book” by Donna Fahri

Philosophy & yoga lifestyle:
YA: Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers:

The history of yoga: basic overview

Yoga History and Philosophy on a deeper level

Orientation in Samkya, Vedanta and Tantra philosophies

Studies of the Yoga Sutra and Bahagavad Gita

Seminars on Ayurveda

The body image in Hatha Yoga
The Chakra system
Yoga ethics

Seminars on the latest research in yoga

Homework:
– Extensive open-book exam
– Write in your gratitude journal and your yoga journal
– Read Lovingkindness
– Read Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita.

Pedagogy
YA: Teaching Methodology part 1

Verbal and visual instructions

Correction techniques and adjustments

Basic therapeutic yoga

Class organization

How to teach private sessions

Workshop and course outlines

Working with different groups of students

Coaching techniques

Film sessions and feedback

Working with a philosophy and biomechanics theme

Presenting a theme: verbally and written

Homework:
– Prepare themes and classes with the rhetoric structure

Communication:
YA: Teaching Methodology part 2

Rhetoric

Voice

Body Language

The yoga teacher’s role

Working with your personality

Practice teaching + feedback
YA: Practicum

Talk throughs/practice teaching in small groups

Film sessions and feedback

Homework:
– practice teaching