500 hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification

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Yoga Teacher Certification

Classics of Yoga Teacher Training

500hr Classics of Yoga Teacher Training and Immersion

Please check back soon for future program dates

This amazing journey into the history and philosophy of Yoga is open to All Levels.  Students will graduate with a Certificate of Attendance.  To be eligible for the 500-hour YA certification students will need to have already obtained a Yoga Alliance Certification at the 200-hour level, (from the Asheville Yoga Center or elsewhere). It is not necessary to have a 200 hour YA certification to attend the training, if you are not working towards 500 hr YA certification.

Do you have questions, comments or concerns? Please contact us.

Welcome

In this course we’ll deeply explore the history and philosophy of yoga and meditation, drawing from many ancient texts like the Upanishads, Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. We will also examine research in contemplative neuroscience.  We’ll enrich our own practice with time-tested methods for well-being and practice a wide variety of teaching techniques so we can share them with others.  This training will include:

  • Meditation principles and techniques
  • Pranayama techniques and practice guidelines
  • Sanskrit, reading, writing and pronunciation to better understand the texts
  • Mantras for healing and personal development
  • Ayurvedic assessment and recipes for well-being
  • Great Steps on the Path of Enlightenment


Required Reading:

    1. Consciousness: A Very Short Introduction by Susan Blackmore (Please get the second edition released in 2011)
    2. Buddha’s Brain by Rick Hanson and Richard Mendius
    3. Incognito by David Eagleman
    4. The Yoga Sutra (Suggested translation by BKS Iyengar)
    5. The Bhagavad Gita (Suggested translation by Stephen Mitchell)
    6. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Suggested translation by Swami Muktibodhananda)

Each weekend includes: bhakti vinyasa, meditation, pranayama, restorative/yin yoga, Ayurveda nutrition, Sanskrit, student teaching.

We'll enrich our own practice and our understanding of the Yoga Sutra by seeing it in dialogue with the works before and after it in the four-thousand-year-old conversation about yoga.

The Classics Program is geared mostly towards the ancient doctrines of Yoga, the roots of the art and science of Yoga. The Classics Program is the Jnana Yoga path, or the Yoga of Knowledge. Though it is not all lecture, there will also be plenty of asana and practice weaved into and related to the material.

This program will look at depth into these classic yoga doctrines and language.

  • Sanskrit
  • The Upanishads
  • Yoga Sutras
  • Bhagavad Gita
  • Hatha Yoga Pradipika

This program is being headed up by Michael Johnson.

Michael Johnson
Since he can remember, Michael’s parents were his first and perfect Teachers in this life. In a way, everyone he meets continues to teach him perfectly by being examples of both how and how not to live. Among the many teachers who continue teach him, he has learned from Sri Swami Satchidananda, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Geshe Michael Roach, Lama Christie McNally, Lama Marut, Kimberley Theresa, and his beloved partner, Stephanie.

It is his honor, privilege and hope to return the kindness that so many people have bestowed upon him, by teaching the highest practices of Yoga to all levels of practitioners… responsibly, joyfully, and in a way that will help others achieve their goals in this life and beyond.  

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Application Process

(By acceptance only)

To apply fill out and submit form below, then use one of the links below the form to pay a deposit or in full.

All fields are required

Name
Name you prefer to go by, if different from above.
Address
Phone
E-mail
What is your current age, gender and state of health?
Where did you complete your 200 hr certification? Please included the
school's name and location.
When did you received your Yoga Alliance certification?
Are there any transfer credits you would like for me to consider? Please list where and when taken.
(These must be advanced studies)
Do you currently teach Yoga classes? If so where and how many per week?
Do you have any injuries? Please describe.
Are you currently on any medications, if so which ones and what for?
How did you hear about our program?
Anything else you want to tell me? Questions, comments or concerns.

Important, Please Read!
You need to do both, click the send and pay below button and then click on a Register and Pay link below. We do not save your spot until we've received payment. You will receive an immediate e-mail once your card has been successfully processed.  Thanks!

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Thank you. Thank you. I loved every minute of the program. It has challenged me, strengthened me and opened my heart! No complaints. I feel well-prepared, though I know I will never stop learning. –Live in Total Yoga Graduate

"Thank you and Peace. I've learned so much about myself during this course. I feel it has just been the beginning of a life's work. The seeds were planted long ago now the sun of Yoga has warmed them to sprout and grow. I loved all the reading. Every weekend was challenging and rewarding. I never felt as if my time was being wasted. All the instructors were patient kind and knowledgeable I love learning about and being exposed to so many different aspects of Yoga.–C. Eberhardt.

Thank you! all my teachers! You inspire me to always be present and true. I realize that the hard work will never end, I rejoice in the work and learning ahead.–Jackson Drew Whisnant

The most amazing thing I've ever done!!! (besides Burning Man!)–(on the Total Yoga Immersion) Meredith Nelson-Wray

Immersion with Stephanie was life changing!–Kim McMurray

"I love how you incorporate all aspects of Yoga into the training: History, philosophy, reading, pranayama, meditation, asana, self-exploration, chanting, play.. I also love how you bring in so many different teachers so we are exposed to many different and affective styles. Thank you for a great experience!"–Live in Total Yoga Graduate

These last months have been beyond my wildest dreams - Yoga has become my passion. My life! I was in awe of the education I have received..much deeper and more technical than anything I gained from medical coursed I have taken in the past. I am thankful for all the knowledge and compassion that has been passed on to me through such beautiful people and I am grateful and thankful for them all. This has been quite a humbling experience for me. Stephanie, thanks for your love, support, your gifts, your wonderful storytelling, sharing yourself with us and all your hard work!.–S. Dulken

Teacher training with Steph: Thirty bodies bathed in sweat. Windows completely steamed pull the shade on the outside world. "It's not the pose. It's the journey" has become my mantra.–Sky Bridges

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