John Bell Yoga Teacher Training School Prospectus Accredited by Yoga Alliance Level One Yoga Teacher Training Diploma To become a yoga teacher is not primarily our choice. It is our answer to add to people s lives, a calling of love Course Director: John Bell Venue: Santosha Yoga Studio, Ebrington Business Centre, Derry/Londonderry, Telephone: 07732783830 E mail: jbell.yoga@gmail.com
Website: www.johnbell-yoga.co.uk Cost: 2250 paid in instalments ( 135 per weekend plus 225 deposit) or 2000 as a one off payment Course dates: Starting 2 nd September 2017 Finishing October 2018 (15 weekends)
Yoga is a natural order push the river. happening- Let the happen and don t Are you interested in taking the next step in your yoga journey? Are you interested in deepening your own and others yoga practice? Do you want to teach yoga, safely, with confidence and passion? This comprehensive and professional yoga teacher training course will give you an experiential understanding of yoga and equip you to teach yoga, creatively confidently and safely, with compassion and awareness. It will provide a safe, nurturing and joyful environment in which to evolve your understanding of Yoga and its teaching. This course will strip your yoga asana practice back to basics so you can learn to build a strong foundation for yourself and for your students. This foundation is based on developing strength, suppleness, stamina and sensitivity, with relaxation being the master key to gain these qualities. This comprehensive course harmoniously integrates the living principles of yoga throughout all its modules so participants learn traditional yoga principles as well as developing more self- awareness. As well as developing skills which you can use to create a new career or supplement an existing one, this course will also suit students who are interested in learning and growing more, through their love and interest in yoga. This course takes you deeper into the joy of self-discovery that yoga provides bringing more gratitude, passion and emotional content into your life as you grow as an individual and along with the other participants on the course. Throughout the course you will be consistently challenged, encouraged and guided to develop the skills and experience needed to be a professional and creative yoga teacher so you can add to your client s lives by promoting
such principles of yoga as : empathy, compassion, equanimity, humility and love. Pre-requisites Students should have been practicing yoga for a minimum of 2 years and have a good understanding of yoga postures before they apply to the course. They should be open and receptive to the wide and profound teachings of Yoga, and their transformational power. Accreditation This training school has met the stringent requirements set by Yoga Alliance UK demonstrating that the course is of the highest standard and that our graduates may use the title Registered Yoga Teacher RYT as a sign of quality training when they register themselves with Yoga Alliance UK. This course follows the Yoga Alliance syllabus and specifications. Yoga Alliance We recommend that trainee teachers join Yoga Alliance UK as a trainee teacher. For a small fee you get benefits including on-going support and training opportunities as well being insured, once ready, to teach 2 classes a week as a trainee teacher to get the experience that you need. To register go to http://yogaalliance.co.uk/becoming-a-member/traineeapplication/ Hours The course runs over 15 weekends and consists of 180 tutor contact hours with 70% of the contact hours being with the Course Director. Home assignments cover the remaining hours. Dates These are the dates for this course. To be confirmed 2/3 rd September 2017 Assessment Day A single day in October 2018.
Expectations Students are expected to attend the whole programme. Students are expected to arrive in good time and show commitment, mutual respect and co-operation. For assessment purposes, if a student has to miss time due to extenuating circumstances then they cannot pass the course unless they have attended a minimum of 90%. If more time than this is missed, then students need to make up the extra time by attending workshops or booking private sessions with tutors at their own cost. Please Note: It is essential that all anatomy sessions are covered and if missed this time needs to be made up at the student s own expense!
Course Objectives By the end of the course participants will: Have progressed in their yoga journey, and deepened their personal understanding on all levels physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Be able to teach Yoga postures confidently and safely to a high standard, with appropriate modifications as needed. Learn how to break down each asana into its components with intelligent understanding of the movement of muscles and joints. Be able to develop systematic yoga class plans Learn how to create an appropriate, safe and nurturing, learning environment for their students. Have a thorough understanding of the safe practice and teaching of a range of breathing practices (Pranayama). Have a thorough understanding of the practice, and teaching of Yoga Nidra and other simple but effective relaxation methods. Have a sound grasp of the key concepts of Yoga Philosophy and Psychology as the matrix of Yoga practice and balanced lifestyle. Have a strong foundation in the living anatomy of yoga. Have a solid understanding of the Yoga Code of Ethics for teachers and how to deal with common class problems. Have a pragmatic understanding of the small business skills needed to set up as a yoga teacher.
Modules Asana Module This module covers participants progressing in and learning classical asanas (yoga postures) and sequences to build a strong foundation for their practice. Every training day will start with a practice concentrating on safety, alignment, stability, relaxation and consistency of practice. We will be covering a variety of asanas including; sun salutations, standing, balancing, forward bends, backward bends, rotations and inversions. During this course, you will get to know these postures inside out including their modifications and this is what you will be expected to teach during the course. We will also cover several mudras (symbolical hand and body postures), bandha (energy locks)and Pawanmuktanasana ( a subtle system to stimulate the flow of energy (prana). You will be taught how to practise and teach these postures effectively exploring their form, purpose and benefits. Remember 5 degree of movement is massive. Teaching Methodology Module In this module, you will experience supervised teaching practice to progressively build your confidence, presentation skills and expertise. The teaching will be phased from term to term, and you will initially practise in micro-groups, building up to larger groups throughout the course. You will be taught demonstration and observation skills as well as modifications and adjustments. Other aspects of teaching include communication skills, speaking and listening, group dynamics, relaxing and having an open and empathetic attitude in teaching and learning from your students. Also included are awareness of boundaries, time and class management. We will also be covering lesson planning. You will also explore how to address the specific needs of individuals and special groups. You will have the opportunity to assist at John s classes to gain experience.
Throughout the course, students should attend a regular Yoga class, and practise asana, pranayama, meditation and relaxation for a minimum of an hour a day. Students are encouraged to practise their teaching skills with family and friends throughout the course. With insurance from Yoga Alliance you can take 2 paid classes a week after six months on the course, as long as it is evident you are a trainee teacher. Build a Strong Foundation Get Back to Basics. The Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga Module This module will be taught in a fun and organic way to help you develop an understanding of the workings of the physical body including the anatomy of asana, health and safety, contra-indications, preventing injury, principles of movement, alignment, and individual differences. As well as anatomy, you will learn physiological systems that are relevant to yoga including the respiratory system, the nervous system and the endocrine system. You will also be guided in how to examine and read bodies sensitively so you can give the safest instructions to your students. Pranayama Module Students will learn to practise and teach a range of classical pranayama (breathing practices). These include: Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, Complete Yoga Breath, Brahmari Pranayama, Cooling Breaths and focused 12 breath. You will learn the the connection between the breath and mind as well as the anatomical and physiological aspects of these practices. Yoga Philosophy Module In this module, you will be introduced to key sections and principles of classical yoga texts including the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. You will learn: the trajectory of Yoga history; the eight limbs of Yoga and their relevance to Yoga practice; the five great paths of Yoga; Yoga teachings on the human condition and the paradigm of Yoga psychology.
You will be encouraged to integrate the perennial teachings of Yoga Philosophy into their lives as part of personal practice (sadhana) and teaching. Subtle Anatomy Module You will learn about the Yogic science of the energy body, including: prana (subtle energy), nadis (energy pathways or meridians), koshas (subtle sheaths), and the Chakra System of subtle energy centres). This module will be supported by the practices of pranayama, mudra, bandha and mantra. Satsang (questions and answers) will be a regular setting for teaching Yoga wisdom, and indeed all aspects of the course. Relaxation Module You will experience, and learn to teach, a range of traditional and contemporary relaxation methods, as well as Yoga Nidra in all its key sequential components. Meditation You will learn the basic principles of Yoga Meditation centred on the breath, and how to practice and teach simple but effective yoga meditation techniques. Ethics Module The module will consist of a comprehensive understanding of Yoga Alliances' Code of Ethics through direct teaching, experiential learning and group discussions. Topics will include: Understanding the importance of ethics Boundaries Confidentiality/Privacy Anti-Discriminatory Practice How to deal with ethical dilemmas Issues of power and control in the yoga space Conflicts of interest Sexual Harassment, bullying, abuse Awareness of self in relation to the student potential teachers competence Why and how referrals to other health professions should or could be made The importance of CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
The necessity of engaging with a qualified, experienced yoga teacher/therapist for Supervision purposes Self-care and why this is essential for the longevity of yoga teachers Protection of children and vulnerable adults Students explore how they can personally learn to carry their message of yoga as they progress through the course and develop into teachers who embody the principles of yoga. Small Business Practice Module This module advises students on the practical side of setting up and establishing a business and looks at self-employment, marketing, bookkeeping and legalities. Assessment Assessment is on-going throughout the course and you will be continuously observed by the tutor team in how you integrate the teachings you have been given, not only in your asana practice but in how you participate in the course, with the tutor team and with the other participants. At the end of the course you will either have passed or been referred. If you are referred you will be given specific feedback on what is needed in order for you to reach the level expected and encouraged and supported to achieve that level within a negotiated time frame. Personal practice Students will be informally assessed throughout the course and it is expected that their personal practice will attain a standard suitable for teaching so they can teach a wide range of students. There will also be a formal assessment of an hour personal practice toward the end of the course with an external assessor ensuring they are practicing safely and appropriately with focus and awareness to a suitable level and with an appropriate structure. Teaching Practice Students will be continually and informally assessed, monitored and encouraged throughout the teaching practice aspect of the course to ensure that their teaching is safe, grounded in awareness and appropriate, for both the individual student as well as the type of student. The formal assessment of the teaching practice will be by an external assessor who will give each student two random postures to teach to their peers. Students will be expected to know the modifications and contraindications Anatomy and Physiology
Students will be given an exam paper which they can work on at home or with each other to ensure they can apply their understanding of principles of anatomy to safe yoga practice. Your Yoga Journey You will be assessed on how you have integrated Yoga into your lives on the journey you have taken in the course. This will take the form of a presentation to your peers near the end of the course on a Yoga- related topic of interest to you. The topic will be chosen in consultation with the course tutors. Yoga is not attained by trying; neither is it attained by not trying.
Teaching Team I have put together a professional and experienced team with a broad range of expertise to give you the best possible training experience in a supportive and fun environment. We want the course to be enjoyable and relevant to you. You will receive an integrated immersion in Yoga. John Bell- Course Director and Senior Tutor My first study of yoga was about healing after a period of treatment in the Northlands Centre, Derry (Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre) in July 2002. My counsellor, Mary Cooley suggested yoga as part of my recovery programme. Addiction left me mentally, physically and emotionally bankrupt, but after just one month of practising Hatha yoga I began to notice positive changes in my own well-being. I felt better physically and began to feel calmer emotionally, with mental clarity and I began to acknowledge the feeling of a spiritual presence within my life. My yoga philosophy is totally integrated with the twelve-step recovery programme. I set up my Santosha Yoga Studio in Derry/Londonderry in 2005. I teach 15 classes a week both in the studio and in the community where I share my message of yoga and I am learning everyday from the people who come to my classes. I also have run many workshops, weekends, retreats, holidays as well as continue my professional development with Joey Miles, John Scott and Matthew Sweeney. For me teaching yoga is a personal methodology which has proved extremely successful. The things I always apply in teaching others are consistency, creativity, passion and emotional content as well as instilling having a childlike attitude. I encourage people to explore their boundaries and capabilities as I firmly believe consistency is the most productive way to work through many of life's difficulties. I have studied and am certified in positional release with Dr. Michael Kerr and Dr Paula Fyfe to ensure safe adjustments for all my students. I am a certified senior tutor with Yoga Alliance. Michael McCann Senior Tutor of Philosophy, Subtle Anatomy, Pranayama, Meditation and Yoga Nidra. Michael has been a teacher-trainer for nearly twenty years and has followed an integrated Yoga path Hatha, Karma, Raja, Bhakti, and Gyana Yoga. Michael s satsangs, meditation and philosophy teachings offer a wellspring of wisdom and
experiential insight into all aspects of Yoga. Michael has taught all over Ireland in the major Yoga schools. Michael has followed the Yoga path since the early seventies. He studied under Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati, master of Yoga, and director of Mandala Yoga Ashram, from whom he imbibed the spectrum of Yogic teachings, including asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha; subtle anatomy and the chakras; mantra, yogic methods of meditation, yoga nidra, and, of course, Yoga philosophy. Michael has studied the scriptures of all great religions and spiritual philosophies as well as the ancient Yoga texts including: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Michael s aim is to make the timeless wisdom accessible to everyone, whatever their experience or interest, so that they remain relevant, organic and natural. He believes that this wisdom is intuitive and it is a question of uncovering it within ourselves rather than the discovery of something external. Michael is a writer and has contributed many articles to various Yoga journals; he is currently vice-chair of the Yoga Fellowhip of Northern Ireland, as well as being the editor of its magazine. He has assisted with, and edited, books by Swami Nishchalananda on The Chakras, The Edge of Infinity and The Vigyana Bhairava Tantra. (www.mandalayoga.net) Yoga is both inner and the outer and Michael s teaching which reveals the subtle dimension of the practice is the perfect balance to John s grounded teaching on the mat- we need two wings to fly. Paula Fyffe Anatomy Tutor Paula was interested in chiropractic since the age of 11 and her first qualification was an ITEC diploma in Swedish massage in 1996. Since then she completed her Bsc and Msc in Chiropractic and is currently studing for her Paediatrics. She is a fully qualified Doctor of Chiropractic and has been working as a chiropractor since 2003. She set up her own practise in 2007. She is originally from Derry but now lives in Limavady working there full time and raising her two sons. Roisin Richmond-Ethics Tutor Roisin qualified as a counsellor/psychotherapist in 1999. Since then she has been in practice. She was also a lecturer in counselling studies. Her interest in Indian philosophy and religions stems from her many visits to India. She is
particularly drawn to the philosophy of Vedanta and the practice of yoga Nidra. Her knowledge of Yoga wisdom and psychology is a valuable complement and support to Michael s teaching. (Guest tutors may also supplement the teaching on the course.)
Course Materials and Reading List You will be provided with a comprehensive manual covering the modules. Suggested Books How to Know God- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali- translated by Swami Prabhavanada The Upanishads (translation by Juan Mascaro) Penguin Classics Functional Anatomy of Yoga by David Keil Anatomy and Asana, Preventing Yoga Injuries by Susi Hately Aldous The Bhagavad Gita (translation by Eknath Easwaran) Penguin Arkana Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati Yoga Nidra by Swami Satyananda Saraswati Bringing Yoga to Life- Donna Farhi Teaching Yoga- Donna Farhi Web Sites www.yogajournal.com www.dailybandha.com Apps for anatomy There are lots of good Apps for Yoga and Anatomy. Check out I Muscle There are many books and resources available on-line to further your journey