Frequently Asked Questions about the Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training Program
- How long do I need to be practicing yoga before I join the program?
There is no set time you need to have been practicing. It should be enough time for you to know that you want to deepen your practice. For some that may be 6 months, for others a few decades. So while there are no set rules for that, you do need to come to classes at Yoga Loka a number of times before signing up. Ideally you will try each type of class, Yoga as Therapy, Level 1, Level 1-2, Mixed level, to make sure that we teach a style that you are interested in.
-When I come to my first class, are you evaluating my practice?
Not at all. You are auditioning us. See if you want to spend time months here! It’s up to you to make sure this style is in line with your beliefs and desires.
-What if I don’t want to teach Yoga?
That is fine. Only about 30% of the people starting teacher training are doing it because they intend to teach yoga. Most people take a program like this for more information, more time to practice, to spend more time around other people who are as enthusiastic about yoga as they are.
If you are not interested in teaching, you wont have to be so careful about following the set assignments. The curriculum is set up so you can, at the end of the training, apply to the national association responsible for certifying yoga teachers, The Yoga Alliance. They have a very specific grid set up for certain hours spent on certain subjects. If you want to apply after the training for your certification, you do have to attend all classes and do all assignments because we have designed our schedule to meet their requirements.
-Can my application be rejected?
We do not accept everyone in to the program. Feel free to ask questions before, during and after the application process. Many of the graduates are available to speak with you about the process as well as the programs.
-How much time will the training take each month?
The 200 hour training is about 185 hours direct contact and the 300 hour is about 280 hours direct contact, meaning you will be at a yoga studio for either workshops, asana classes or lecture for that amount of time. There are also homework and reading assignments. You can talk to some graduates and see how the training impacted their daily life if you are not sure if you can juggle all of your responsibilities and the training at the same time.
-What if I can’t do all of the poses that are in a regular yoga class?
That is not a problem. In fact a good portion of the training will be focusing on how we adapt poses to each individual. Over the course of the training, and hopefully beyond, you will understand how to adapt poses to your ability. And more important, to see clearly what your ability is.
-What style yoga do you teach?
The basis of all the asanas is based on Structural Yoga Therapy by Mukunda Stiles. (Click here to read more about SYT)
The vinyasa flow classes are based on the Saraswati River Yoga tradition taught by Parvathi Nanda Nath Saraswati.
The philosophy we study is from Kashmir Shaivisim, and the Shri Vidya tradition.
All levels of asana classes will be looked at, although we will focus mostly on preparing to teach mixed level classes at the 200 hour level and beginner and therapeutic and beginner classes at the 300 hour level.
-What have your graduates done after the training? Do I get to teach a class at Yoga Loka after the training is done?
Many of the graduates go on to deeper study of yoga, either at Yoga Loka or elsewhere. Some students, even those who never thought they would teach, have gone on to teach friends, co-workers, at gyms, yoga studios, and some develop classes in different location. Some teach at Yoga Loka, but there is no guarantee of a teaching position once you graduate. Many of the graduates are added to the YL sub list.
Have other questions not addressed above? Send an email at [email protected]. Come in for a class and speak to some graduates, or join us for the information meetings listed below.
