APPLICATION & PAYMENT
How do I book and register for the course?
The number of participants is strictly limited to ensure an optimal learning environment and perfect support. Our courses are always fully booked, and sell out many months in advance. Early booking is therefore essential and is encouraged with a US$ 300 early-bird discount.
To book for our certified course, we kindly ask you to fill out the book now page. Please include a very short description of your previous Yoga experience, and share your current motivation. We do require a non-refundable deposit of US $ 200 to hold your space in our popular program. Please feel free to contact us with your questions.
Which payment options do I have?
To reserve your space, you may choose between PayPal and a credit card via our BOOK NOW / SIGN UP NOW links to our secure payment site (Transaction fees may apply).
ONSITE COURSE (BOOK NOW)
We ask you to send a US$ 200 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space.
The remaining tuition is due at least one month prior to the start of the training. To make use of the US$ 300 early-bird reduction, you have to complete the full payment two months before the course start date.
ONLINE COURSE (SIGN UP NOW)
We ask you to send FULL Tuition fees in US$ non-refundable to reserve your space. Once payment is received you will have full access to the course.
REFUND POLICY
What if I cannot make it to the course after registration?
Compared to most other Yoga schools, we do offer a very fair refund policy. We provide a complete description of the registration process and the cancellation policy.
WITHDRAWAL INFORMATION & REFUNDS
The small US$ 200 deposit is non-refundable in any circumstance.
In case of cancellation up to two months prior to course start date, the tuition will be refunded – except for the non-refundable deposit, or the full tuition can be transferred to a future training within one year.
In case of cancellation up to one month before course start date, half of the tuition will be refunded – except for the non-refundable deposit, or half of the tuition can be transferred to a future training within one year.
ON-SITE COURSES
Tuition transferal to a future training is not guaranteed and only possible as long as open spaces are available. Early booking is required.
In case of cancellation less than one month before course start date, the tuition cannot be refunded or postponed.
We reserve the right to make changes of scheduled teachers, teaching hours, venue, or other matters at any time, if this should become necessary. Such cases are very improbable, and we shall inform you as early as possible.
The Akasha Yoga Academy does not accept any responsibility or liability for cancellations, delays, changes, or losses caused by acts of God, war, threat of war, closure of airports, civil strife, natural disasters, accidents, or any other events beyond our control. The same waiving of all liabilities also applies to students’ injuries, illnesses, medical or psychiatric conditions.
ONLINE COURSES
The tuition fee is non refundable once you sign up.
OFFER & COSTS
What is the price of the training?
Akasha Yoga Academy aspires to keep the regular tuition for the Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Training stable and affordable. Please find the complete list of the current dates & prices on the respective overview page.
What is included in the tuition?
Our all-inclusive offer covers:
– comprehensive preparation material,
– tuition for 200 contact teaching-hours,
– tasty breakfast buffets for the entire month,
– systematic teachers’ handbooks with 700+ pages,
– Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita & other scriptures,
– truly huge collection of audio, video & ebook files,
– supervision during five teaching practicums,
– individual interview sessions,
– Kriya Yoga purification set,
– Yoga Alliance certification,
– letter of recommendation,
– long-term support,
– caring friendship,
– and much more.
We can offer you an affordable full residential option, as our hosts provide tasty food and nice rooms to our group. Our nice-price already includes breakfast buffets for the duration of the course, but the costs for lunch, dinner and lodging are not yet included in our tuition.
The reduced long-term rates for a shared bungalow in paradise.The booking of the exact accommodation is a detail, which we will organize with you after your deposit payment. We will in any case help to arrange a suitable place for you. Take a look at our marvelous venues by clicking on the various links on our location page.
Other courses are cheaper. What makes this training so special?
The professional quality of our academic training cannot be compared to most regular courses out there. We aspire to provide perfect conditions, and our commitment to this standard is reflected on every level – from preparation to graduation. We transmit the essence of classical Indian Yoga with “Made in Germany” quality. In our educational program we blend in our scientific background, and our lucid approach incorporates modern research & holistic views. This eye-opening training will provide you with a solid foundation to practice & teach a genuine style of Yoga in an authentic way.
The 200 contact-hours of this internationally certified course are mostly facilitated by the the founders of the Akasha Yoga Academy (whereas the common standards only require 65 contact-hours with the lead trainers). The intense presence of our head teachers and the small group size allow for personalized guidance and individualized support. The enthusiasm of the instructors and the amazing spiritual environment of Asia can trigger profound transformations, turning this program into a life-changing experience.
Some places may offer courses for slightly lower rates, though many other schools charge significantly more. As in other areas, a common proverb can be applied: “You get what you pay for.” The cheapest option is not necessarily the best – so choose wisely.
Our exclusive courses are hosted in stylish locations in the middle of lush tropical nature. Our beautiful yet cozy venues carry the peaceful flavor of a secluded haven, providing ideal surroundings to explore the depth of Yoga & spirituality. Live your dream, come to our paradise island, and allow yourself to evolve in this perfect environment
PRE-REQUISITES
How much Yoga experience do I need?
Our foundation program is very suitable for both beginners and advanced practitioners. There are no specific formal prerequisites to join this intensive course, although practical experience is of course beneficial. The key is your openness and your sincere enthusiasm! When you cultivate these attitudes everything else will unfold surprisingly easily. You can trust us on this one. ;-)
How can I prepare myself for the training?
To tune in, we of course suggest a very regular formal Yoga practice. We encourage you to also explore different styles by visiting new classes, and to strengthen your general constitution by adopting a healthy life-style.
STYLE & CONTENT
What kind of Yoga do I get to learn and to teach?
The teachings of our educational program are based on a very broad approach to Yoga. The foundations of our practice are classical Hatha Yoga, Spiritual Heart Meditation, and the non-dual vision of Advaita Vedanta. We teach an authentic form of Hatha Yoga which incorporates the focus on breath, chakras, and kundalini energy.
Our balanced style combines engaging yang and relaxing yin qualities: The practice incorporates various dynamic elements, such as a variety of warming exercises, different variations of the sun salutations (including classical, A & B), Ashtanga type warrior sequence, demanding standing poses, basic arm balances and more.
The contemplative atmosphere of our slow-flow cultivates mindfulness of alignment & breath, and emphasizes a refined awareness of the present moment in the style of Eckhart Tolle. The sequence of 36 asanas includes backward and forward bends, side bends, twists, and inversions.
The syllabus also encompasses plenty of powerful pranayama exercises, purification techniques, and a lot of practical yogic philosophy. We transmit the ancient wisdom in an applicable, modern way, and incorporate a variety of classical practices such as meditation, heart centering, Bhajan chanting, Bhakti & Karma Yoga, Raja & Jnana Yoga, and so much more.
In the hands-on instructor training we provide applicable tools for alignment & adjustment. To improve your ability to correct students, the curriculum also includes lessons in Thai-Yoga Massage & the art of touch. Lectures on teaching techniques transmit helpful practical knowledge about body language, voice, rhetoric, marketing & networking. We provide individual guidance in several one-on-one sessions, and personally supervise your practicum assignments, offering you detailed teacher & peer feedback.
The authentic content of our teachings, the enthusiasm of the group & facilitators, and your sincere openness to transform and dive deep can turn this course into the experience of a lifetime. Our thorough educational approach will ground your understanding in authentic Yoga sources, while helping you to develop and refine your own personal practice. Our foundation course is a beautiful opportunity for self exploration, a stepping stone for future studies, and a very solid base for an aspiring Yoga teacher.
What is the actual content of the ON SITE YTT course?
Practice
– Sun Salutation sequence with all standard variations
– 36 classical Asanas
– 3 fundamental Pranayama breathing techniques
– 3 main Bandhas of Kundalini Yoga
– Purification techniques of Shatkarma
– Spiritual Heart Meditation
– Bhajan chanting
Teaching Techniques
– Posture alignment
– Adjustment & assistance training
– Efficient instruction & skillful usage of voice
– Holding space & leadership qualities
– Class structure & sequencing
– Thai-Yoga massage & the art of touch
– Responsibilities of teaching Yoga
– Marketing & network strategies
– Personal interviews
Anatomy
– Introduction to anatomy: basic terminology & directions
– Human anatomy: skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems
– Applied anatomy: key muscles of the essential Yoga poses
– Subtle energetic anatomy: chakras, nadis, vayus, panchakosha
Philosophy
– Philosophical basis of Yoga: unity & polarity
– Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras & the Eight Stages of Yoga
– Yama & Niyama: ethical tips for a harmonious life
– Classical paths: Karma, Raja, Jnana & Bhakti Yoga
– Bhagavad Gita: the Yoga of selfless action
– Yoga & health: intro to Yogic dieting & Ayurveda
Teaching Experience – 5 Practicum Assignments
1. Sun Salutations (one-on-one)
2. Sun Salutations & relaxation (teaching to a small group)
3. Presentation on Yoga in daily life (teaching to a group)
4. 60 minutes Hatha Yoga class (teaching to a group)
5. 90 minutes Hatha Yoga class (teaching to a group)
All assignments are supervised by an experienced instructor and are systematically evaluated with instructor & peer feedback. This careful and competent guidance allows aspiring students to step into the new teacher’s role with confidence.
Is there a specific code of conduct I should know about?
The students who gather in our life-changing courses come from all around the world, and are contributing to an inspiring and vivid community. The family-like setting provides a protected space that welcomes all expressions of life. Experience shows that a certain commitment of all participants opens a safe atmosphere in which everybody can go deeper. Over the years, we have developed a code of conduct which ensures a smooth flow during this intense shared period. Students therefore agree to the principles outlined on our etiquette page.
ETIQUETTE & PARTICIPATION TERMS
What terms am I agreeing to by joining the course?
I understand that this Teacher Training can be an intense and challenging experience for me and my fellow students. I will do my best to adopt a positive attitude, and I will provide a loving and supporting environment for others. I agree to conduct myself in a respectful manner towards all teachers, fellow classmates and staff.
I understand that this is a demanding full-time course. I will devote my time and energy to give full priority to this training. I will practice responsibility, ownership of my emotions, thoughts & actions, and I aspire for consistent engagement in self-study & self-awareness.
I understand that this Yoga Teacher Training is an educational program designed for groups. I am aware that if I face major physical or psychological challenges, I need to seek outside professional support. I understand that the Akasha team holds space for the entire group, and therefore I cannot expect exclusive personal guidance and psychological coaching beyond what is offered as part of the curriculum and during the standard personal interviews.
I understand that 100% punctuality and active participation is expected for all classes. Early arrival 5 minutes before each lecture/practice is required.
I understand that attendance to all classes is mandatory to successfully complete the course. In the event of a properly excused absence, I understand that I can miss no more than two course days in total. Legitimate reasons could be sickness or administrative issues, e.g. visa. I also understand that if I miss more than the allowed number of hours, in compliance with the official Yoga Alliance standards, I am not entitled to receive the accredited Yoga Instructor Certificate.
I understand that using electronic devices during a class or a lecture is disruptive for myself & others, and I agree not to use any electronic devices during the sessions.
I understand that I am required to fulfill the above obligations in order to remain on the course, and that tuition payment alone does not guarantee certification from the Akasha Yoga Academy Teacher Training.
Punctuality, full participation, completion of all practicum assignments, demonstration of an understanding of the training content in a final exam, as well as acting in a respectful manner will ensure certification and successful completion of the training.
I agree to abide by the payment policy: US $ 200 non-refundable deposit paid upon initial registration; closing date for full payment is one month prior to the training’s commencement. To benefit from the early-bird offer, the full payment is due already two months prior to the course start date.
(The full refund policy & the sign-up process are outlined here: www.AkashaYogaAcademy.com/application )
The tuition includes daily breakfast buffets, all teachings, handbooks & manuals, Yoga Alliance accredited certificate, letter of recommendation, and ongoing assistance in our long-term support program. I understand that the tuition does not include transportation, and further meals, nor does it include accommodation (unless the booking was made through BookYogaRetreats or BookYogaTeacherTraining).
I love Yoga :)
TEACHERS
Who is teaching the course?
The training is led by Kirsten & Burkhard, the directors of the Akasha Yoga Academy, and their inspiring team.
Kirsten & Burkhard both draw from more than 15 years of full-time research & practice. They each have more than 3000 hours of intensive teaching experience and continuously inspire others with their dedicated life-style.
Kirsten & Burchard have been living in Asia since 2007, and have had the opportunity to study full-time under various eminent spiritual & academic teachers. During more than 4000 hours of education, they have explored Ashtanga Vinyasa, Hatha & Kundalini Yoga, Pranayama, Kundalini, Ayurveda, Yoga Sutras, Sanskrit, meditation, and alignment with superb teachers like BNS Iyengar, Mark Whitwell, Reinhard Gammenthaler, Sivananda Ashram, and many others. Their classical style of Hatha Yoga is influenced by the Bihar School of Yoga (related to Sivananda), as well as Krishnamacharya.
In their personal lives, they emphasize the practice of meditation in the style of Ramana Maharshi / Advaita Vedanta. They joined dozens of silent group retreats, and withdrew for 49 days into the jungle mountains of Thailand, dedicating themselves to 7 weeks of extensive solitary practice.
The international team is complimented by qualified instructors & assistants. Their radiant presence & enthusiasm generates a truly heart-opening atmosphere of trust & connection.
CERTIFICATION
Is this training Yoga Alliance registered & recognized?
The Akasha Yoga Academy is a Registered Yoga School and a member of the internationally recognized Yoga Alliance (Registry-ID: 87485). The curriculum of our accredited Teacher Training meets and exceeds the requirements of this leading organization.
Our primary instructors are Experienced Registered Yoga Teachers at the highest level (E-RYT-500). During this certified course we facilitate more than 200 contact-hours (whereas the common standards only require 65 contact-hours with the lead trainers).
The public profile of the Akasha Yoga Academy can be accessed via this official link:
Yoga Alliance School Profile https://www.yogaalliance.org/SchoolPublicProfile?sid=365
Will the certificate be acknowledged in my country?
You will receive an internationally recognized Yoga Instructor Certificate. With this degree you can sign up with the international Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).
With more than 53,000 registered Yoga teachers & schools, Yoga Alliance is by far the largest provider of credentials and certification in the world. The US based organization is internationally recognized, and to sign up with them supports your reputation globally.
Experience shows that most national Yoga associations also acknowledge certificates that are approved by the international Yoga Alliance. As we are accredited members of this global organization our graduates are usually able to register with their respective national associations. Please contact your local organization to verify the respective terms for your specific country.
Find out how to register with the international Yoga Alliance:
www.YogaAlliance.org/Credentialing/HowToRegister
What kind of certificate do I get?
Upon successful graduation you will receive an officially recognized Yoga Instructor Certificate. With this degree the Akasha Yoga Academy authorizes you to become a Registered Yoga Teacher and a member of the renowned Yoga Alliance (RYT-200). Additionally, we provide a personal letter of recommendation, and offer continuing assistance in our long-term support program.
BECOMING A TEACHER
Does this course prepare me to teach right away?
On our tropical island we create the ideal conditions for you to grow into a competent and confident instructor. It is wonderful to see how the experience of teaching Yoga can empower and enrich our lives in so many ways. Our strong pedagogical framework and the supportive feedback of our professional instructors empowers participants to feel comfortable as a Yoga teacher. Our curriculum includes tremendous variety, with topics ranging from holding space, to voice training, to leadership qualities, which allow aspiring graduates to become truly inspiring teachers.
A crucial factor in becoming a good Yoga teacher is practice. Our Teacher Training emphasizes the direct experience of teaching students in a studio setting. Five practical assignments help the student-teacher cultivate and eventually master the skills needed to successfully teach their own classes . After the practicum sessions the aspiring instructor receives systematic feedback from peers, and very thorough feedback from our advanced supervisors.
Can I find a job as a Yoga teacher?
It is surprisingly easy to find work as a certified Yoga teacher. Most of our graduates start teaching right after our training! In a modern world full of stress and burnout, Yoga has widespread appeal. Countless people need energization, relaxation, and the beautiful harmony that comes from a dedicated Yoga practice. It has been the experience of our students that their humble offerings are gratefully received in their communities.
A 2016 study by Yoga Journal & Yoga Alliance shows that there are currently more than 36 million people practicing Yoga in the USA. This is almost twice as many as 4 years ago! Not to mention that there are an additional 80 million Americans with an openness to take a first-time class in the coming year. The enormous numbers of this study show the incredible potential in this flowering alternative field.
With almost 40 % of the US population generally open to Yoga, we can be sure that there will be a lot of working opportunities for all of us. When you combine the expanding Yoga scene with the “made in Germany” quality of our training, all doors can open for you. There are innumerable opportunities, and you will for sure find your niche!
Here is the link to the mentioned survey:
www.YogaAlliance.org/Learn/About_Yoga/2016_Yoga_in_America_Study/Highlights
Yoga is a powerful and transformational practice. What a joy and a privilege to be able to pass on this valuable gift to others. We trust that you will find ways to share your love for Yoga with your community. Come learn the skills that can make sharing yoga as fun as practicing yoga.
Can I join if I only want to deepen my own practice & understanding?
We build on sincere personal practice ourselves and strongly emphasize this essential element in the training. Every course day therefore contains around 4 hours of asana and breathing exercises. A strong self-practice is a wonderful foundation for anybody who wants to explore Yoga on a deeper level. One session per week is dedicated to your individual self-guided practice, and we also share useful recommendations on how to establish your own routine at home.
Many of the students who join our courses come only to deepen and enjoy their own personal Yoga practice, without the intention to teach. Nevertheless some who come without that intention wind up teaching. When you love something, sometimes it is hard not to share it!
The intensity of the program, the provided material, and our enthusiastic way of transmitting the yogic wisdom, provide a direct encouragement to practice and to pass on this valuable knowledge.
TESTIMONIALS
Where can I find reviews & testimonials?
The intense practice & the eye-opening content of our full-time training trigger evolution on many levels – rewarding you with a new perspective on yourself & the world. Our intensive course is thus much more than a formal Teacher Training that will certify you as a Yoga instructor. We explore the fascinating world of authentic spirituality, and cordially invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Our exploration of the art and science of Yoga will most definitely provide a life-changing experience for you!
Check out the genuine videos & written accounts of previous participants on the testimonial page.
Our Facebook page provides authentic ratings & first-hand reviews. https://www.facebook.com/pg/AkashaYogaAcademy/reviews/
Make sure to take a closer look at the independent public reviews on this official credential page: Yoga Alliance School Profile.
https://www.yogaalliance.org/SchoolProfileReviews?sid=365
A thorough evaluation of our professional program is offered on True Yoga Reviews. True Yoga R https://trueyogareviews.com/review/akasha-yoga-academy-200h-yoga-teacher-training-eviews
You can find some additional video testimonials and other clips on the Akasha Yoga YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_it-VI0YKydHLZf7L5cnAA
ONLINE TEACHER TRAINING
Is the online certificate the same as on-site?
The comprehensive curriculum of our fully accredited online instructor course meets & exceeds the standards of the international Yoga Alliance.
The certificate is the same as in our on-site 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training. You will receive a regular Yoga Alliance certificate that carries exactly the same value as one coming from an on-site course. (It does not specify “online” anywhere on the actual certificate.)
Successful graduation from this online program authorizes you to become an officially Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).
What about the timing of the course?
You are free to take the course at your own pace – while being fully supported by the momentum of a global group of Yoginis.
With this option you can create your own flexible schedule – while enjoying the benefits of (optional) daily Zoom meetings.
We provide sample schedules for a 1-month intensive format and for a 3-month weekend flow. But it is of course also possible to choose a slower or faster pace. Our experienced team will in any case guide you on each & every step of the way.
You must successfully complete all assignments before the official Yoga Alliance deadline.
The currently projected date is 31 December 2021. Finishing before that will give you full certification and will allow you to sign-up as a Registered Yoga Teacher: RYT 200.
I am a beginner. Are there any pre-requisites?
Experience shows that our foundation program is suitable for beginners with some basic practical experience. There are no specific formal pre-requisites to join this intensive course, although practical experience is of course of advantage. The key is your openness and your sincere enthusiasm!
How do you check my poses online, making sure I’m doing it correctly?
If you need one on one assistance we are here to help, you have our full support & dedication to the process, just as if you were on-site with us. We check your asana postures during the class you lead and teach. – Our Support Team are always available for advice and assistance.
I am worried about adjustments. How will you teach them?
All of our participants will be working with practice models (friends or family that they are in quarantine with) and that is how they will practice the hands-on adjustments, this included with intensive teachings as well as inter-active live sessions and direct feedback from the teachers will provide a strong foundation for your development.
What is the maximum group size?
In the online format you have our full personal attention. You will receive plenty of personalized guidance and individual feedback about your alignment and teaching skills in supervised practicum assignments.
You can always reach out to us directly via WhatsApp and there are various interactive elements such as our daily Zoom calls. We strictly limit the number of participants per group call to 30.
What language will the instruction be in?
English
What happens if I have questions?
Any questions that arise will be answered via multiple channels (Zoom/Facebook/WhatsApp)
What timezone are you in?
Time zone of Akasha Yoga Academy - Bali (Central Indonesia Time GMT +7).
What if I have Internet connection issues?
If you know your internet connection is particularly bad, we actually recommend you first download the Asana, Pranayama & Meditation classes so that you can have an uninterrupted practice.
Are there any assessments/examinations?
Please see below for the rough outline of how your participation will be assessed and integral standards measured. As you are taking the program at your own pace, the below schedule will be spaced out accordingly.
Week 1 - Quiz, Film & send self-practice.
Week 2 - Film & send 60 min practicum.
Week 3 - Film & send 90 min practicum.
Final Assessment: 30 multiple choice questions along with a written exam part (that replaces the physical part of what we would do onsite).
Online partipation tools?
[Teachable - Zoom - Facebook - WhatsApp]
Materials etc PDF - lifetime remote access without physical manuals (great for travelling or if you lose/forget your manuals)
: Recorded - playback, pause & lifetime access - the ability to retake/refresh your course at any time - 1 - 5 - 10 years’ time! Priceless.
: Daily zoom meetings - Q&A with teachers
: Interactive time zone meetings - Peer to peer community
Live session timings?
We group all of our participants by time zone and then schedule a live zoom session at a reasonable time.
The exact times of these sessions are confirmed upon the start of the program as we assess the number of participants in each time zone and schedule the calls accordingly.
Certification requirements
In order to gain certification we require: dedicated full-hearted participation, completion of all practicum assignments, demonstration of an understanding of the training content in a final exam, as well as acting in a respectful manner.
You are required to fulfill the above obligations in order to remain on the course, and please note that tuition payment alone does not guarantee certification from the Akasha Yoga Academy Teacher Training.
Online certification
The Akasha Yoga Academy is registered with Yoga Alliance US. However, the different international Yoga Alliance branches across the world share the same Standards for Yoga Teacher Training Programs, Continuing Education and they all maintain an updated International Registry of certified Yoga Teachers and Yoga Schools.
Upon successful graduation from the course you will receive our official 200-Hour Accredited Certificate which authorises you to become an officially Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and enable you to register with the Yoga Alliance.
I have a very busy schedule (kids/work etc) - is it possible to stretch out the course over a longer duration?
Kind of possible, yes. (Up to 2 months should be bearable). After consulting with the Yoga Alliance, we can confirm the possibility of doing the program at your own pace due to your specific circumstances. If you would like to take part in the course, you could do it over reduced hours a day but over a longer period than 3 weeks. The only requirement is that you complete the full program before the 31st December 2020 (*unless there is an extension from the YA).
Is full payment expected upfront?
Yes
What are the implications of dropping out?
Non-certification and no refund.
Booking Conditions & Cancellation
Once you signed up for the online course your tuition the fee is non-refundable.
