200 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING

Ashtanga Vinyasa

This 200 hour teacher training is a deeply intensive hybrid 3 week offering, designed to immerse you into the foundational wisdom of becoming confident teachers of yoga. Join us on this deeply transformational journey of Sadhana, the passage of spirit to the higher Self for 2 weeks in Portugal and 2x long weekends in Copenhagen.

Honouring the established system of Ashtanga yoga, this course is the perfect blend counter-balancing tradition with the creative flow style of Vinyasa yoga. We will be sharpening our senses and diving deep into spirit, filling the cup of knowledge of what it takes to be a great space holder, how to teach yoga as a holistic experience and inspire students in our community.

We are here to train confident, magical, poetic and knowledgable teachers in the yoga community: empowered voices spreading the light of yoga around the world. What you bring to the table is the most important tool, the greatest teacher is you and we want you to bring your individuality and ideas whilst developing your own personal teaching style and voice. In our beautiful Sangha, community, we experience the extraordinary sense of connection and trust the process of practice and dedication, together.

This is just the beginning,

Welcome.

COPENHAGEN
5 - 7 May + 19 - 21 May 2023

PORTUGAL
3 - 17 June 2023

Overview

Highlights

Spend 14 nights in our secluded forest home in the Southwest of Portugal
Nourish yourself with food grown on-site and from local producers
Meditate and practice in a converted victorian greenhouse
Moving meditation alongside swaying trees whilst practicing on the hill-side yoga deck.
The opportunity to visit our neighbouring Iberian Wolf Recovery Centre, or just hear them howling to the moon at night.
Take part in cacao ceremonies, drinking in this heart medicine and dancing as the sun rises.
A half day trip to beautiful Lisbon.
Learn how to hold space, become the story-teller and the sequence weaver of being a yoga teacher.
Come away confident and creative in your words and presence as you find your authentic flow.
Drink chai post-dinner whilst we discuss matters of the heart and of ancient wisdom in evening Satsangs
Sing medicine songs and learn mantras with instruments to take home for your future teachings
Learn how to teach yoga as a business

The Experience

A safe, compassionate learning environment whilst also gently taking you out of comfort zones
Learn to teach and practice asana in the way of traditional ashtanga, ready for your own style of vinyasa
Be ready to see what is beyond asana
Dive into creativity through teaching methodology, theme weaving & new use of your voice
Become empowered and confident in holding the room
Grow your personal development with workshops on self-love & speech empowerment
Get technical with alignment and assisting
Become comfortable through the important art of touch, and learn hands-on-adjustments for students
Take on new approaches to meditation and pranayama, from the basics to the intriguing
Geek out in functional anatomy classes, and learn about ALL the bodies is by using our group's various shapes and sizes
Explore modifications and variations of asanas
Take your personal practice to the next level
Personally explore a subtler and deeper sense of awareness
Live in your new Sangha, community, in paradise.

The

Practice

The Physical

Meditation, Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Mantra, Chanting, Kriya

The largest part of the training, starting each day with sunrise gatherings in meditation/ pranayama/mantras followed by a two-hour dynamic and challenging asana practice in either vinyasa or ashtanga (alternating days).

Some evenings will end in another asana practice but balancing the heat with a cooling yin or restorative yoga.

The Art of

Practice

The Technical

Alignment, adjustment, technique, posture clinics, sequencing, demoing, tone, rhythm of class

The technical side, learning the above in workshop style classes. Discussing postures, learning how to approach the pose in its variations and basic alignment of the pose. In posture clinic we break down some trickier postures such as inversions, arm balances and advanced postures.

We play with adjusting each other, building confidence to touch students and move them in a way that feel safe and secure for their needs.

Workshop classes in groups to play with sequencing and creating the tone and rhythm of a class.

The Art of

Teaching

The Space Holder

Methodology, Empowerment, Voice, Becoming the Wordsmith, Space Holding, Ceremony

This section is what makes us unique, we are dedicating lots of time for you as an individual to grow into your own space as a leader and new teacher. Discovering your confident voice, getting out of those comfort zones, stepping into your power and owning the room.

Workshop style classes on language, writing, creative linguistics, how to inspire students through holding powerful space: all the deep delicious stuff happens right here.

We will also host lectures on Yoga as a Business.

Depth: Philosophy & Ethics

The Self

Yoga Philosophy, Ethics, Traditional Texts to Modern works of the Mind

Cultivating a foundation in Yogic Philosophy, we apply ancient wisdom with a modern approach. We take an in-depth look into Patanjal's eight-fold path, looking at concrete ways of applying this to our own existence. Studying the Bhagavad Gita and the Sutras, we ask how can we relate these teachings to our own practice and personal development. Dive into the stories of deities, gods and goddesses: who is Shiva? What does Ganesh have do with us? Studying ethics, we will see how we can apply these teachings into becoming the teacher, and what it means to be a safe and supporting guide in our communities as well as covering spiritual bypassing, cultural appropriation and decolonising your practice.

Depth: Applied Anatomy

The Body

Biomechanics, Physical Anatomy, Energetics

In-depth, hands-on lectures understanding the actual biomechanics of the body. The focus will be on creating a deep knowledge in what's physically happening in the body during movements, injuries and the stresses of life. To remember what we learn we have to feel it, so expect this to be equally physical and theoretic. We will be using our group to show what happens on real people with real bodies.

Here we dive into the human anatomy as well as the intricate area of energy: prana, chakras, nadis and bandhas.

Practicum

The Work

Teaching, Video feedbacks, Exams, Shaking off the Nerves

From day 1 we start to use our voice and teach our peers, simple challenges such as leading opening with an AUM, leading a Sun Salutation, all the way to hosting a final 60 minute class.

We get it, it's scary getting up in-front of your peers let alone a group of strangers to teach, but you got this!

You can only complete the YTT by completing a written 2 hour exam and teaching a final class.

Sample Schedule

This training takes place over 20 intensive days. The below sample schedule is that of the time we spend in Portugal, with some time off to enjoy the beach, explore the nearest towns, or to read and rest. This schedule below is just a sample, each day my slightly vary and on alternating evenings we have gatherings such as satsang (conversations of spirit) or some surprises in store. When in Copenhagen, the days will be less intense but with as much depth.

07.00 - 07.30 Sunrise, The Practice: meditation, pranayama or mantra

07.30 - 09.30 The Practice: Āsana - Vinyasa or Ashtanga

09.30 - 11.00 Breakfast

11.00 - 13.00 Depth: Philosophy or Anatomy

13.00 - 14.30 Lunch

14.30 - 16.30 Art of Practice: technical, adjustment / Art of Teaching: methodology

16.30 - 17.00 Break

17.00 - 18.00 Art of Teaching: methodology, empowerment, space holding, ceremony, the wordsmith

18.00 - 19.00 The Practice: Yin or Restorative / Art of Practice: Posture clinic

19.00 - 20.00 Dinner

20.00 + Evening gatherings / Free time

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

The Space: Copenhagen

Our Studio

The unification of a hidden Moroccan abode and Oaxacan bohemia, Iluma Yoga Studio is nestled in a quiet courtyard in Frederiksberg. Read more about our philosophy and see more pictures here.

The Space: Portugal

Our Home

A quiet and secluded venue, our home is an old Quinta set in a national park and is endowed with beautiful fruit trees, giant oak corks, grape vines, vistas and a stream at the end of the garden where we often encounter our neighbours; deer and wild boar. At night we hear the howl of the wolves from the Iberian Wolf Sanctuary next door and the hoots of wise owls who keep close.

Practice Spaces

We have the luxury of chosing from two shalas for our practices and lectures. First we have the Garden Shala, a converted Victorian greenhouse with light pouring in from the glass roof and walls.

Our hillside yoga deck has a phenomenal view of our magical valley to complement an outdoor yoga practice and immersive activities in nature. The dappled light from the surrounding pines, creates ample shade and a sense of being held by the surrounding natural environment.

Food

Inspired by self-reliance; we wish to live more sustainably, eating from garden to plate and using natural energy resources. Here is a place to feel balanced in a nourishing environment supportive for freedom and growth.

The food we eat every day can be a medicine with the power to transform, nourish, strengthen and heal imbalances. We have a plant based approach providing nutrient dense dishes; mostly organic, locally sourced or from our garden and delicious!

We like our food to be eclectic and colourful, packed full with flavour, superfoods and antioxidants that cleanse and enrich the body, mind and soul. When we design our recipes, we look at the seasons, the environment and food energetics to maintain and support harmony in the body.

Key things we feel are important to remember: its got to taste good, enjoy what you eat, avoid overeating, use local and seasonal produce, have fun in the kitchen and eat an inclusive, broad diet.

Southwest Portugal

Within a 15 minute drive we reach the beach, see the fierce waves of the Atlantic coast and the charming surf town, Ericeira. Only half an hour from Lisbon and the airport, we are in an ideal location for Lisbon connections.

The Venue's values

The space was created in 2012 as a space to facilitate
transformation, healing & well-being:

A U T H E N T I C I T Y

Being truthful & natural is important to us, we do our best to align with the Nature & hold a safe space for transparency & healing. Every month we contribute to the reforestation of our planet by making donations to TreeSisters.

K I N D N E S S

We assume the best, respect & support healthy boundaries
with a sincere care & understanding for life & the challenges we all face.

S I M P L I C I T Y

It is not always easy in our world today but we seek to live an uncomplicated life, not holding on too tightly as we honour the resources of our planet.

C U R I O U S I T Y

An active interest & genuine curiosity supports self-discovery, deeper thinking & creativity. We appreciate an inquisitive nature & wonder!

D I V E R S I T Y

We recognise how essential diversity is essential to thriving life. Our community is at the heart of all we do, we encourage self-responsibility & support the essential growth & learning needed to live, work & play harmoniously

Facilitators

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Faye Baldwin

Faye (Wildest Yoga) is currently based in Copenhagen running Iluma Yoga Studio & eating too many of the cinnamon buns the city has to offer. Half Singaporean, a large portion of her time each year is spent traveling around the world , exploring new places on small budgets and diving in to the local cultures.

Expect laughs & bliss in her light-hearted yoga classes, where she will help you to find the internal and external balance of sweetness and intensity. Here we expand together and illuminate as one. Her offerings weaves together her various trainings in Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Rocket, Mandala vinyasa, Ceremony holding and Embodied Yin.

She is most passionate about blending creative vinyasa teamed with delicious music, and sharing knowledge of ceremony, sound and mantra. Finding yoga first through meditation at the age of 16, Faye is dedicated to offering work on both the inner as well as the outer Self.

With 1000+ hours of training, she felt something was missing from YTTs: new teachers unsure of their voice & unconfident in their offerings. Faye's passion is creating self-assured, positive teachers in their teaching and hosting space. A lot of sweetness is on offer here, surprises await...!

Nanna Hoffman

Nanna's story with Yoga can actually be summed up to one sentence she heard in a podcast years ago: "The work that heals you, is the work you end up doing in the world". Just like that, Yoga was it for Nanna and it continues to heal and guide her home every single day.

Till this day she's still amazed to end up coming home to her heart whether it's through a practice of breathing, movement or stillness. As a teacher that's where she's coming from. She truly has faith in the practice and what it capable of doing. Not just for herself but also for her students. In her teachings you will find that there's an infinite trust in how amazing you already are. She truly believes that you are perfect right now and believes that Yoga is just there to help you see it yourself.

A certified Physical Therapist graduated from VIA University College in Aarhus in 2019, we will be geeking out together in anatomy classes as well as some of The Practice (ashtanga queen!) and philosophical talks.

Her passion shines through empowerment and creative language, these beautiful workshops in The Art of Teaching are full of magic.

"Hello you. My name is Isabella and I am a Danish yoga teacher based in Aarhus, Jutland. As a former martial arts performer, I have major respect for all abilities and limitations of both body and mind. Yoga drew me deeper into self awareness, spirituality as well as inner growth and reflection.

My own yoga practice is mostly about allowing myself time and space to focus on my body, breath and state of mind. To work on my goals and challenges in a space without judgement and negativity, but with acceptance and joy from a humble mindset. When I teach, I prefer to link my classes with the traditional yoga philosophy as well as clear anatomical cueing. But there will always be room for your individual practice, no matter your prior experience."

Isabella Westh

Requirements

Attitude

This is not a retreat, there will be long days with plenty of study and homework as well as challenging practices. This is not to scare you off especially if you think you are quite a 'beginner', (we all were!) but for this to be a transformational experience, the work needs to be done even before joining us on this journey:

You will be required:

To have an asana practice minimum twice a week, preferably three times a week to build up your stamina, strength and also determination for practising everyday.
Remember this is primarily a Vinyasa training, so it is good for you to grasp the foundation of a vinyasa practice, as well as other practices you enjoy.
This training is also based on the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga, it would be beneficial for you to attend a few led-primary Ashtanga classes and get familiar with the primary sequence (you can google the print out sheet for this.)
Students will be asked to document the last 20 classes taken leading up to the training, documenting the date, the style of class and getting the teacher to sign - please try a variety of styles, not solely vinyasa
More importantly we would love for you to breakdown your favourite 3 vinyasa classes, what you enjoyed about the class, the type of language the teacher used, the music, details of breathwork/meditation in the class, the atmosphere created. Why did you love it? How were you inspired?
Start a journal - minimum 1 month of entries before the training. How are you feeling about the beginning of this journey?
Bring an open-minded, positive attitude! Our community is created through authenticity and individuality to make us whole. Take what you need from this course, and be open to learn.

Reading List

Below are two reading lists. Make sure to read the essential as we will be discussing them in lectures, bringing them either in physical form or as an e-book is required to refer to in class. The second list is not essential BUT, these are incredible works of art, either for language or to melt the mind with wisdom. We highly recommend reading these, perhaps bringing them to read on the beach.

Essential

The Great Work of your Life - Stephen Cope
- A book breaking down the traditional Bhagavad Gita into more relatable, modern stories.
The Eight Limbs of Yoga, Pathway to Liberation - Bhava Ram
- Beautiful book explaining the 8-limbed path in a more manageable, easier to understand read.
Yoga Anatomy, 2nd edition - Leslie Kaminoff

Recommended

Radiance Sutras - Lorin Roche
- If you love Rumi, Hafiz, The Tao, if you love words dancing out of the mystery, this is the book for you.
Meditation Secrets for Women - Lorin Roche
- Even if you don't identify as a woman, this book is for all want who want to honour instincts and desire in meditation. Is sitting still in meditation a challenge? This is poetry and creativity for that.
Daring Greatly, Rising Strong, Dare To Lead - Brené Brown
- Thought provoking, evocative, essential.
Living your Yoga - Judith Lasater
Inner Engineering - Sadhguru
The Heart of Yoga - Desikachar

What you get

Included

PORTUGAL: 14 nights of accommodation
Three meals a day plus snacks, water, tea and coffee
Tuition for 200 hours training
In-depth training manual
Booklet of medicine song and mantras
One-on-one sessions with one of the faculty throughout the training
Support and post-training mentorship
Special surprises along the way!

Not Included

DENMARK: accommodation & food
Travel
Insurance
Airport transfers
Day trips

Investment

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