500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Retreat description

Fully dive into our comprehensive 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training program that seamlessly fuses our 200-hour and 300-hour training courses in a 10-week all-encompassing course. This intensive package is specifically designed for those who are looking for an immersive yoga experience to elevate their practice beyond asanas and delve into the nuances of effective teaching methodologies.

Throughout the training, you’ll dwell on the details of yoga asanas and unravel their anatomical underpinnings along with their effects on your energetic body. The study of ancient yoga philosophy will unlock the secrets of thousand-year-old wisdom, wrap the teachings into the right context, and explain the reasons behind the techniques employed.

Our guided meditation program is designed to deepen your introspective practice, preparing you for a life-long mindful journey pointing you in the direction of the goal of Yoga – self-realization.

The breathing exercises practiced in the progressive pranayama classes will raise your energy and teach you powerful Prana techniques to purify your body and mind from energy blockages.

Our experienced instructors will reveal invaluable teaching tips and lead you to create a safe space to guide your students on their spiritual path. With a focus on teaching methodology, our training course will help you develop the skills to correctly sequence a class, adjust and assist students, and respond to the unique needs of each student.

All this, in our private beachfront resort, surrounded by nature and the crystal-clear waters of a paradise island in Thailand with healthy plant-based meals served daily. Plus, as a special benefit, you will get 30-day free access to One Yoga Online Studio to help you keep up your practice, any time, anywhere thanks to our Yoga & Meditation App, featuring over 900 classes, courses, and challenges.

Our 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training is not just an educational program, but a transformative journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and professional development. Immerse yourself, evolve, and emerge as a certified, confident, and compassionate yoga teacher.

Top-Level Certification

Our curriculum is designed to adhere to and surpass Yoga Alliance standards. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be qualified to register as RYT 500. This is the highest certification level recognized by Yoga Alliance, the largest professional organization for yoga teachers.

An RYT 500 certification will pave the way for a bright future in the yoga field, anywhere in the world. With a clear edge over the popular 200-hour training and the advanced 300-hour certification, a 500-hour certification opens the doors to outstanding career opportunities as a yoga teacher.

Extended Practicum

Newly-certified teachers may find it challenging to apply what they have learned in the controlled environment of a Teacher Training course to real-life yoga classes. This is why at One Yoga we offer the possibility of continuing the practical training by teaching free classes to the local community.

This is a unique opportunity for new teachers to grow their confidence, sharpen their teaching skills, and learn how to address specific student requirements. Our experienced teachers are always around and happy to answer your questions and support you every step of the way.

As you sharpen your teaching experience in a familiar environment, you also give back to the local community and share your passion for yoga with others.

What Makes This Training Special?

The combination of our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training courses gives you a seamless and profound learning experience. As the first-level training naturally flows into an advanced course, those who long to “know more” will feel completely satisfied.

One Yoga’s vision goes beyond teaching physical asanas as part of our holistic approach to Yoga as a multifaceted, comprehensive self-development journey. Our 500-hour training covers subjects such as pranayama, philosophy, mudras, bandhas, and meditation techniques with a particularly high level of detail.

As described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, meditation is a cornerstone of spiritual practice and a way to liberation. As we tap into the real essence of Yoga, we will be dedicating increasing amounts of time to meditation throughout the 10 weeks of training.

As a matter of fact, many teachers who choose to further develop their teaching skills months or years after their first training course, find themselves in need of reviewing basic notions of yoga philosophy, anatomy, physiology, and specific technique details. The second part of this 500-hour training reinforces and deepens the concepts learned in the first part while your memory is still fresh.

As you develop a deeper bond with our teacher team and grow more familiar with the facilities and the space, you find yourself in a proficuous learning environment. On the other hand, our teachers will also get to know you deeper so they can tailor their supportive efforts to your specific needs.

Dedicating 10 weeks of your time to our intensive 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training course is a life-changing experience. It will shape your future as a fully qualified Yoga instructor, surpassing the standards of most entry-level yoga teachers in terms of preparation, confidence, and depth.

Healthy Food

Throughout your learning journey with us, included in the course fee, you’ll be treated to a daily buffet of hearty and nutritious vegetarian meals. Kickstart your day with a healthy breakfast comprising tropical fruits, coconut yogurt, granola, or a filling serving of scrambled tofu.

The lunch buffet offers a multitude of options drawn from Thai, Indian, and Western kitchens, featuring a diverse range of salads, curries, and other dishes, all prepared with plant-based ingredients. Most of our food is vegan with several vegetarian options (clearly marked).

The first 4 weeks of the training, which correspond to the 200h TTC, will include breakfast and lunch on all teaching days. On non-teaching days or for dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice with lots of nearby restaurants offering a wide array of healthy and typical Thai options.

The last 6 weeks of the course, which correspond to the 300h TTC, will also include dinner, every day.

Why One Yoga?

Our instructors are dedicated and seasoned practitioners. They boast years of experience and expertise in yoga and meditation, and a deep-rooted personal commitment to their practice. They’re eager to share their skills with you, coming from a genuine, service-driven, and heart-oriented service.

Positioned in the idyllic island setting of Koh Phangan, a well-known sanctuary for yoga enthusiasts, One Yoga stands out as a devoted Yoga learning center. Our primary mission is to sincerely impart the fundamental principles of yoga as dictated by age-old traditions. We embrace and promote the yogic lifestyle as passed on by the guardians of this ancient spiritual practice.

We recognize the significance of having a ‘sangha’ or spiritual fellowship, a nurturing environment where you can establish real and enduring relationships. Our school has been graced by thousands of students, instructors, and yoga lovers from across the globe. We warmly invite you to become part of our close-knit One Yoga community.

The daily schedule

06:20 - 07:00
Meditation
07:00 - 8:30
Yoga Practice
8:30 - 10:00
Breakfast
10:00 - 11:30
Art of Teaching
11:30 - 12:00
Tea Break
12:00 - 13:30
Anatomy and Physiology / Meditation
13:30 - 16:00
Lunch Break
16:00 - 17:30
Philosophy
17:30 - 19:00
Dinner Break
19:00 - 19:40
Meditation

From Monday to Saturday. Lighter schedule on Sundays.

What you will learn

Curriculum To Be Covered

01

Yoga techniques, training, and practice

  • Asanas – the classical yoga poses along with their physical, energetic, and healing effects. Modern additions and variations from intermediate to advanced are included.
  • Pranayama – traditional yogic breathing techniques will be practiced on a daily basis.
  • Mudra – important yogic “gestures” will be studied and practiced.
  • Bandha – “energetic locks” will be applied, combined with asana and pranayama.
  • Kriya – classical purification techniques will be explained and practiced.
  • Meditation – five classical techniques will be introduced and practiced daily.

02

Teaching methodology

  • Demonstrating, adjusting, and assisting students.
  • Teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, and the student’s process of learning.
  • Class sequencing and class layout.
  • Preparation points for building a yoga class.
  • Meeting the needs of students.
  • 4 tools of teaching.
  • Principles of teaching different asanas; standing, balancing, seated, core, backbends, restorative/ cool down poses, etc.
  • Advice for teaching based on Karma Yoga.
  • Combining asana and pranayama for more powerful classes.
  • Teaching various kinds of meditation, from modern mindfulness practices to the classical techniques outlined in the Yoga Sutras.
  • Teaching the philosophy of yoga to beginners.
  • Weaving yogic philosophy into your classes.
  • Accessible yoga – teaching targeted classes (such as yoga to regulate the nervous system) and specific populations, injuries, prenatal and postnatal.
  • Trauma awareness – holding space, safe vocabulary, and asana awareness.
  • The business of yoga and principles of online teaching.

03

Yoga anatomy and physiology

  • Subtle Anatomy (Chakras, Nadis, Energy bodies & Kundalini).
  • Physical Anatomy (Human skeleton, Joint-segments with movement and functions, Muscle tissue and Fascia theory).
  • Functional Anatomy (Main Muscle groups and their functions, Skeletal variations and the influence on Yoga Asana performance, Spinal health, and most common injuries).
  • Human Physiology (The major body systems and organs, special focus on the Respiratory system and the Nervous system).

04

Yoga philosophy, lifestyle and ethics

  • What is Yoga?
  • The purpose of Yoga.
  • Deep look into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and key verses including Dharana, Bhavana, and Ishwara Pranidhana.
  • Looking at each sutra in detail, translating it, then practicing with it (sadhana), and understanding how to embody it into our life.
  • The 8 limbs of Yoga.
  • History of Yoga.
  • Sat Karma Kriyas (Purification techniques).
  • The Gunas and Ayurveda. Understanding the play of the Gunas and how to increase Sattva (balance).
  • Going beyond the Gunas.
  • Tantra.
  • Meditating on the verses of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra and how each one can be a way to live life with a greater depth of awareness.
  • Supernatural powers and liberation.
  • The Bhagavad Gita.
  • Buddhism & Yoga including essential teaching: Anatta, 4 noble truths, 8 fold path.
  • How to include yogic philosophy in our day-to-day living and develop trust in the way life works.

05

Practicum

  • Practicing teaching.
  • Receiving feedback.
  • Observing others teaching and listening/giving feedback.
  • To assess your teaching skills and understanding of the course content, you will pass 3 practicums – in week 4, 7, and 10. Each practicum consists of a 60-minute guided yoga class. In addition, you will assist your fellow students as an adjuster.
  • In week 4 and 10, you will also need to take written exams in order to successfully complete the course.
  • Optional extended practicum after graduation.
Price

4,999 USD

For the first 4 weeks of the training (corresponding to the 200-hour part), the course fee includes breakfast and lunch on all teaching days.
For the last 6 weeks of the training (corresponding to the 300-hour part), the course fee includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on all teaching days.
Shared accommodation in our Guest House is included. Accommodation upgrades are available, check out our Accommodation page and pick your selection during checkout.

Available dates

Book now

05 May 2024

13 Jul 2024

The teacher team