The Prana Yoga Center draws from 10 years of experience
educating teachers to
bring you this comprehensive training in the practice and teaching of Yoga
Our faculty is extremely well respected throughout the yoga community and within their respective fields of expertise. We have an excellent reputation for training teachers authentically and our graduates leave the program with the knowledge, fundamental skill and confidence they need to become great yoga teachers
and enjoy a lifelong practice.
Our curriculum places the physical exercise of Yoga into its philosophical, anatomical and energetic contexts, encouraging trainees to cultivate a true understanding of the practice. A large portion of our curriculum has been passed down from Guru (teacher) to student and from these direct students to our trainees. These kinds of teachings are invaluable to you as a practitioner/teacher and what makes our program unique.
This 12-week program includes approximately 250 hours of training.
The actual training is scheduled on the weekends and also includes a required amount of practicum during the week which is included in your tuition.
The Prana Yoga Teacher training Program is a registered Yoga Alliance School (RYS®)
and graduates are automatically eligible for registration as RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher).
To receive an application contact us at: [email protected]
or call 305-567-9812
OUR CURRICULUM
Yogic Philosophy ~ Laying The Foundation The philosophy portion of our curriculum is based on readings and discourse of ancient yoga texts.
The sage Patanjali first systemized and compiled the core principles and philosophies of the science of yoga thousands of years ago in the form of a text called the “Yoga Sutras”.
We use the "Yoga Sutras" and “The Bhagavad Gita” as well as the study of Tantric philosophy some of the oldest science and philosophies known to humankind.
Discussions focus on distillation and integration of core yogic philosophies and their application to everyday life as well as methods of communicating these ideas in our own practice and to our students.
Sanskrit ~The Path of Luminous Shabda SANSKRIT ALPHABET Luminous Shabda Series Level 1
This course is an immersion into the Path of Luminous Shabda (“sound as light and awareness”) through study of the Sanskrit alphabet, Meditation, Yogic life principles and Mantras.
What you Will Learn:
Develop insight into the unique relationship between breath and sound, which is energy and consciousness.
Practice Yoga meditation and the Yoga of Sound to soothe the mind and return it to a natural energized state of tranquility.
Understand how and why Sanskrit sounds are energetically healing.
Experience the harmonious circularity of Sanskrit sounds.
Elements of the Level 1 Course Include:
Learning proper pronunciation of Sanskrit through study of the five mouth positions.
Developing understanding of breath patterns and how to work with them in mantras.
Develop a practice of silent conscious listening.
Introduction to select Mantras, practice of Yoga Meditation, and discovery of key elements in the Yoga of sound.
Reading the Devanagari and Transliteration script.
Light homework exercises support the course material.
“Level 1 is An Introduction to Sanskrit and teaches students how sound can become a doorway to freedom, through light and awareness.” ~ Manorama
Asana ~ The Energetics of Sequencing We begin our journey by examining the principles of Vinyasa Krama"wise progression", which presents the physical practice of yoga through in-depth examination of the relationship between the asana it's anatomical alignment and it's subtle energetic effect on the body and consciousness.
This training will give you the tools to design and create a complete practice of effective preparation, apex and resolution using the principles of:
Sequencing
Alignment
Physiological / Energetic Benefits of Each Asana
Contraindications
Adjustments
Observation
Counter Poses
Modifications
Pranayama ~ Expanding The Dimensions of Prana Pranayama reduces anxiety and stress, revitalizes organs, limbs and metabolic systems and is essential for self transformation and changing consciousness.
As our exhalation transports the impurities of the mind and body, we learn to appreciate the significance of the science of pranayama as one of the most intricate aspects of our practice.
This module of our training focuses on the 5 forms of pranic awareness (prana vayus) and the influence of the flow of prana in the subtle body in relation to our practice.
We will learn safe and effective techniques that can be integrated in our own practices as well as in a class setting such as:
Sama Vritti
Nadi Shodhanam
Ujjayi
Kapalbhati
Bhastrika
Meditation ~ Transformation- The Journey Inward Yoga is the union of the self with the Self. Meditation is the connection to our own consciousness which is the source of all life and transformation. The focus of this part of your training is on understanding, experiencing and developing your own daily meditation practice. Meditation is the practice that supports our growth and development and is an essential aspect of every yoga practice/group class.
We will study different types of meditations and corresponding meditation techniques for all level students such as:
Concentration
Systematic relaxation
breath awareness
Visualization
Mantra recitation
Japa meditation
Ayurveda ~ The Science of Life In order to fully understand the aspects of yoga asana, pranayama, kryia, deep relaxation and meditation, one must have a "working knowledge" of yoga's sister science, Ayurveda. This "life science (ayur= life, veda= science) offers us understanding of how the yogi's have understood the body and mind and how to maintain health on all the various sheaths or koshas. Ayurveda is a path way to wellness and a life of ease and tranquility. We will cover the basic gunas (qualities) of each dosha; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We will look at how the ayurvedic clock works to help us coordinate with nature and swim downstream in life, not against the flow. We will begin to understand the energetics of the asana, pranayama, and kryia's and how they help us in our daily practice to balance our doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). The Maha gunas will be introduced as well, Tamas, Rajas, and Svatta. They will help us understand the psychology of our mind and how it is impacted by the outside world's impressions. Together the Doshas and the Gunas make up our body and mind.
We will also study the sub doshas, including the Prana Vayus or sub doshas of Vata which are integral to understanding how to move prana (life force) within the body/mind. Finally, we will address the subtle doshas or Ojas, Tejas and Prana and how they sustain us and support our efforts to walk in the light of the divine that dwells within us all.
Subtle Energetics ~he Body As Consciousness Our subtle bodies are the repository of all our samskaras (impressions) and pranas.
Subtle energetic teachings correlate the relationships between the subtle bodies , the emotional psychic bodies, their components and functions . These teachings are essential to the awareness and transformation of mind, body and spirit.
Subtle energetics:
3 main gunas of Prakriti (sattva, rajas, tamas)
5 Koshas
5 Prana Vayus
Bandhas
7 Chakras
Agni
Anatomy and Physiology ~ The Body as a Unit Through intensive workshops, students learn the principles of physical anatomy and the integration of these principles in their yoga practice. Trainees are presented with accessible teachings that incorporate asana and emphasize experiential learning. These teachings begin with an overview of the dynamics and systems of the physical body.
Anatomical Ideas
Overview of joint classification
Explanation of joint components
Description of basic movements in the body
Connective tissue as a system and its various forms and purpose
Muscular system overview, its workings, function and dysfunction
Integrated view of nervous system and muscular system
Overview of the skeletal system
Exploring the leg
Discussion of the feet including the arches, ankles, and movements
Overview of the knee, its major functions and dysfunctions including the four major ligaments: ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL
The knee and lotus
Pelvis and hip joint including
Sacroiliac, surrounding tissues, general tightness and how it effects the knee
Psoas and Spine
Parts and pieces of the spine, named and labeled with their movements
What movements happen where in the spine
The discs, their functions and dysfunctions
Learn exactly where your psoas is and its relationship to core
Integrate the psoas into your practice very simply
Breath and Arms
Exploration of the shoulder girdle including
Rotator cuff muscles, their function and location
The integrated movement of the clavicle, scapula and humerus
Diaphragm anatomy and function
Relationship to the psoas and breathing
Prenatal Yoga~ The ultimate goal of prenatal yoga is a healthy mom and healthy baby.
This segment of our training will provide awareness that will help you and your students address the natural feelings of fear, joy, and at times anxiety that might be present along with the joy, excitement and feeling of fulfillment prenatal yoga provides.
Prenatal yoga helps expecting moms carry their pregnancy with grace and inspires them to deeply connect with their babies, preparing them for this new and beautiful journey together.
We will explore all aspects with regard to asana (movement) by trimester,Pranayama (breathing) and truly connecting with the beautiful journey into motherhood will be deeply examined.
Focusing on new discoveries, developing strength, flexibility, proper breathing and an overall inner peace will prepare your students for a beautiful birth and rewarding shift into motherhood.
Implementing the Teachings This module of our training incorporates all principles learned throughout the training as we add other elements to our practice that make a good teacher:
Vinyasa Krama (Class sequencing)
Teacher presence
Relaxation techniques
Importance of a daily asana, meditation, pranayama practice as a teacher
Continuing education
Teaching Ethics and professional conduct
and more……..
The program culminates teaching in a group setting giving trainees an opportunity to teach classes to their classmates at different intervals working their way up to a 90-minute class. We give the trainees opportunities to synthesize the teachings and discuss fears, concerns or ideas about presenting the material. Throughout the program, trainees are also required to observe and assist teachers at our center exposing them to a variety of teaching styles.
Karma Yoga ~ Selfless Service The yoga of Action! Teacher Trainees are required to complete 5 hours of karma yoga.
Volunteer for an organization in need
Help out at the center
Teach a community class
Teacher training classes are held on weekends
Required classes in addition to training hours may be taken during the week
at your convenience and are included in your tuition Tuition: $2,800
All materials and classes included
Graduation Requirements:
Completion of all required asana, meditation and pranayama classes within the 12- week period, ideally taking three to four classes per week.
Attendance to all workshops. This is mandatory as some instructors are flown in specifically for this training.
Observation of led classes at the Prana Yoga Center.
Assisting teachers in classes at the Prana Yoga Center.
Completion of five hours of karma Yoga (selfless service).
Approximately 50 hours of independent study, reading and homework, including the completion of a report on The Bhagavad Gita.
Before beginning this training students are asked to begin a daily 5 minute meditation practice and keep a journal.
Written and Teaching Final Exam
Please note* we do not recommend applying for our training unless you have taken classes at Prana Yoga. It is important for you to have previously experienced the style of yoga you will learn in this program.
To ensure interest and dedication to the program, applicants must have been practicing yoga consistently for at least one year.
All applicants will be required to fill out an application and complete an interview process before acceptance into the program.
To receive an application contact us at: [email protected]
or call 305-567-9812
Teacher training Faculty
Anamargret Sanchez: Director Anamargret’s mission is clear: share the light of Yoga. An eternal student, Anamargret has been practicing yoga on and off the mat for many years. She was intiated into the Himalayan Tantric lineage by her Guru Yogarupa, Rod Stryker, founder of Para Yoga and is honored to assist him during trainings and conferences. Her continuing education also includes extensive study with Manorama (director of Sanskrit Studies) in mantra, philosophy and Sanskrit.
Through the grace of yoga she has been priviledged to study with many other teachers that have helped transform her life. This includes training in India at KYM, the viniyoga school founded by T.K.V. Desikachar and restorative yoga with Judith Lasater.
She is director of the Prana Yoga teacher training program and leads workshops and retreats here and abroad.
Her classes are strong, fun, compassionate and enlightening.
One of the biggest lights in her life is her little sister Chandline who has taught her how to smile from the heart. Shanti Shanti.
Manorama: Sanskrit and Yoga Philosopy The director of the School of Sanskrit Studies in NYC, Manorama leads workshops on the Path of Luminous Shabda, a path that combines Sanskrit, Meditation and Yoga philosophy. She teaches in NY at Ananda Ashram, Jivamukti Yoga, Omega Institute, Integral Yoga Institute, Kripalu Institute and Laughing Lotus Yoga. She leads workshops nationally, as well as internationally in Europe and Canada.
Manorama's mix of earthy charm, deep scholarship and humorous teaching style were born from years of close study with her Guru, Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati, the founder of Ananda Ashram.
She continues her studies in Sanskrit working closely with the renowned Acharya,
Dr. R.K. Sharma, president of IASS. She is a graduate of Columbia University.
Sandra Anderson Co-author of the award-winning Yoga: Mastering the Basics, and columnist for
Yoga + Joyful Living magazine, Sandra Anderson’s work draws on her studies of traditional yoga texts and her extensive visits to India, where she conducts an annual yoga teacher-training program. Sandra holds a degree in geology and began her studies in yoga while working in the environmental protection field. Initiated into the Himalayan tradition in 1988, she lives at the Himalayan Institute, and teaches all aspects of yoga nationally.
Kathryn Templeton Certified ParaYoga Teacher, psychotherapist and Ayurvedic Consultant.
She assists at the Kripaulu School of Ayurveda and continues her studies with Dr. Vasant Lad, Dr. Robert Svoboda and Yogarupa, Rod Stryker. Kathryn has been working in the field of trauma therapy for almost 20 years. For the last 5 years she has been developing small group yoga therapy programs to help folks in treatment with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Kathryn’s private practice also includes serving as an adjunct for psychiatrists and other health care providers using yoga, ayurveda and
TF-CBT to support clients working toward healing wounds of trauma. She is a professor
at Gateway Community College teaching psychology and human development. She is
also a proud mother of three pittas.
Katrin Loveland: Alignment, Inversions and more…. Katrin was born in Magdebug, Germany where she was a pre-med student and received a degree in Child Education. She found her way to New York where she began to do yoga at 26 because of her backaches and bad posture caused by Scoliosis. Katrin’s passion for yoga came naturally, she just knew that teaching was her path and says that the most important aspect in her teaching is, “to give people the knowledge and tools to work with around limitations in their body in order to achieve a healthy pose.” Katrin has attended workshops in various styles given by Rod Stryker (Pure Yoga), Rodney Yee, Baron Baptist (Power Yoga), Shiva Rea and Tias Little (Vini Yoga). She has worked with Iyengar teachers Joan White, Julie Shulman, Judy Rice and currently works closely with teachers Colleen Gallagher and Manuso Manos. She is a certified Iyengar Teacher.
David Kiel: Yoga Anatomy As an instructor of Kinesiology (the study of movement and musculoskelatal anatomy) at Miami's Educating Hands School of Massage, David had developed a fun, informal and informative style of teaching. By repeatedly teaching incoming students who had no prior understanding of anatomy, David was confronted with the problem of making such a complex and beautiful system accessible and understandable to the average person. David has a private practice where he uses bodywork techniques to relieve chronic pain. A Licensed Massage Therapist and Certified Neuromuscular Therapist, David has taught seminars in Body Mechanics for Massage Therapists and has also worked with other local and national audiences. David's current personal yoga practice is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Since 2002 he has had the honor of studying with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, in Mysore (he has traveled the every year since) as well as with John Scott, author of Ashtanga Yoga, with whom he also has the extreme honor of teaching. David is authorized to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. For more information on David's Ashtanga yoga schedule visit Ashtanga Yoga Miami
Lynn Matthews: Alignment Lynn Matthews, E-RYT500 has been studying yoga since 1997 and is both ParaYoga® and Anusara® certified. Her teaching embodies the art and science of yoga by seamlessly blending bio-mechanical principles of alignment with the deeper, more subtle aspects of yoga. Lynn enriches her students' experience by skillfully weaving pranayama (breath work), meditation and chanting into her classes. She brings humor, compassion and encouragement to her teaching. Lynn also teaches yoga nidra, using this ancient practice to help students learn to relax, reduce stress and define the direction they want their lives to take. Lynn is the founder of Yoga 4 Life and Golden Heart Yoga in Annapolis, MD where she developed and teaches nationally recognized teacher training programs. A graduate of the University of Virginia, Lynn taught/trained at the corporate and collegiate level for over 20 years and uses those skills to enhance her yoga workshops, trainings and retreats.
Richard Sherman: Prenatal Yoga A long time practitioner of yoga asana and meditation, Richard is a certified instructor through Yoga Alliance and has an advanced certification in prenatal yoga with Janice Clarfield
Through a combination of asana, pranayama, visualization, meditation and stillness he creates a safe space for his students making them feel at ease and allowing for a sense of well-being. He gratefully acknowledges all his teachers and feels his best instructors are ultimately students themselves.
