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We’re excited to present AYM’s newly restructured Teacher Training, new faculty, new structure!

This year we welcome back Shankara Darby to the faculty to delve a little deeper into the aspect of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Shankara brings decades of teaching experience and a special relationship to the Ashtanga Vinyasa of Pattabhi Jois.

 

 Our Anatomy section will be presented as online material with senior teachers Amy Matthews & Leslie Kaminoff.  Leslie Kaminoff is a yoga educator inspired by the tradition of T.K.V. Desikachar. He is an internationally recognized specialist with four decades’ experience in the fields of yoga and breath anatomy. He leads workshops for many of the leading yoga associations, schools and training programs in the world.

Leslie’s book Yoga Anatomy,  (co-authored with Amy Matthews), sold out its first print run within one month of its June 2007 release, and has been a top-selling yoga book ever since. Yoga Anatomy has been used as reference in the majority of Teacher Trainings, we have done better and brought you his full live Anatomy study.

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Learn to teach safely with skill, confidence, compassion, and creativity.

 

Available online and in-person, all sessions are recorded and available to all participants through the duration of the program — allowing flexibility within your schedule.

 

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Online Anatomy Program and Continued Support

 

Once payment is made, you will receive access to our online Anatomy program. While this component of your studies will be conducted online, we will maintain consistent communication and host regular follow-up sessions to address any inquiries that may arise from the course material. Our team remains readily available to provide guidance and support as you navigate the intricacies of anatomical study.

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Weekend 1: September 19 and 20

   Yoga History & Philosophy

 

Understanding yoga’s history and philosophical foundations is essential for recognizing the place and direction of modern practice. This weekend approaches these teachings not as abstract theory, but as something to be explored through direct experience.

 

Shankara presents the historical and philosophical context in a way that connects clearly to practice, showing how these teachings inform not only what we do, but how and why we practice. The emphasis is on bridging text and experience—using practice as a means to understand the teachings, and the teachings as a way to refine practice.

 

An introduction to anatomy will include both physical anatomy and an exploration of the subtle body, with the latter presented as a complementary perspective informed primarily by the meridian system of Chinese medicine. An asana practice will allow participants to experience these principles directly. Sanskrit terminology and key concepts will be introduced progressively, supporting familiarity with foundational language and helping participants navigate both practice and teaching with greater clarity.

          

 

 

Weekend 2: October 17 & 18

Breath, Nervous System, & Practical Intro to Restorative 

 

This weekend workshop expands on the anatomy lessons with Leslie, and concentrates on the nervous system. We will explore the structure and functions of the nervous system, the connection between breath and the nervous system, and various techniques to influence the nervous system. These techniques range from simple (yet effective) positioning to basic breath work, active and restorative asana, and meditation techniques.

 

The workshop will include breath and meditation exercises as well as discussions on the profound impact of the nervous system on our daily lives, asana practice, and classroom dynamics in a teaching environment. 

 

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Weekend 3: November 21 & 22

  Sequencing & Teaching Methodology

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This weekend will expand upon participants' existing knowledge of delivering instructions by exploring pose categorization and the principles of sequencing based on those categories. We will also examine how to regress or progress poses based on their principle actions and how to structure a beginner’s class. The weekend will conclude with further refinement and discussion of teaching methodology in general.

     

 

 

Weekend 4: December 12 & 13

  Foundations of Ashtanga & the Underlying Principles of Vinyasa
 

This weekend offers an in-depth introduction to the foundational principles that underlie the Ashtanga system, which will be woven throughout the entire program. While the primary series serves as a practical reference point, the emphasis is on the broader principles that inform vinyasa-based practice.

 

Through exploration of breath, movement, structure, and progression, participants will develop a clear framework that supports both personal practice and teaching. The aim is to establish a structural blueprint and practical methodology that can be integrated with clarity and confidence, offering a cohesive understanding of how practice can be organized, adapted, and sustained.

 

Weekend 5: January 9 & 10

 Preparing Classes & Applied Teaching

 

This weekend focuses on the transition from understanding to application, using teaching as a means to deepen one’s own practice and clarity. Building on the Learn, Do, Teach approach, participants will begin working with small sequences and guided teaching exercises.

 

These experiences are designed not only to develop communication and teaching skills, but also to refine the practitioner’s understanding of the foundational principles explored in previous weekends. Teaching becomes another layer of practice—an opportunity to observe, organize, and articulate what has been learned through direct experience.

 

By working progressively with manageable challenges, participants gain confidence and precision, laying the groundwork for leading complete and coherent classes. 

 

 

Weekend 6: February 20 & 21

    Finding your Path, Business & Ethics of Yoga

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By this point in the program, participants have been presented with many facets of yoga, different approaches, and learned how to instruct several poses. Sometimes this can seem overwhelming! This weekend aims to help participants navigate the vastness that yoga can encompass, and focus in on areas where participants may want to hone their personal approach. The weekend also discusses touch, ethics, & business — individually and their intersection within teaching as a career, along with some of the practical realities teachers face within the profession.

 

Weekend 7: March 20 & 21

       Final Weekend, Practice teaching, Setting up classes 

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Wrapping it up! This weekend we will work together to answer any remaining questions and help to get you a little more comfortable with teaching and all the tasks that go along with leading a class.

 

Workshops:

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September 12 : Standing Poses

September 26 : Twists & Forward Bends 

October 24 : Backbends 

November 28 :Pranayama

December 5 : Restorative

January 16 : Inversions 

February 13 : Yama, Niyama, & the 8-Limb Path 

March 13th : Arm Balances

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What’s new for 2026/27?

 

At AYM, we’re always learning from our experiences and looking for better ways to foster the learning/teaching development process — which includes nurturing the skills needed to grow a fulfilling, successful teaching career.

 

As a result, we’ve incorporated our experience as teachers and from previous teacher trainings to present a program that builds a strong foundation for new teachers to present safe and adaptable classes, based on principles that are applicable to nearly any style or level of practice.

 

Participants will begin teaching from day one, initiating the cyclical process of learning, doing, teaching, and then learning more and repeating the cycle so that teaching and learning are integrated throughout your experience in the program and beyond.

 

YA certified, this improved program meets Yoga Alliance’s forthcoming Elevated Standards, which recognize that current minimum standards leave some teachers feeling like they aren’t ready to teach (even when they are!). Our improved program goes beyond the current minimums to develop teachers that are confident, creative, & skillful, while also being safe, caring, & compassionate.

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Who it is for?

 

• Yoga practitioners who would like to become teachers

• Yoga practitioners looking to deepen their personal practice

• Yoga Teachers interested in refining their current skills

• Teachers in other fields looking to incorporate yoga into their current teaching practice

 

AYM’s 200hr Yoga Teacher Training is open to anyone with a regular yoga practice or similar physical/movement practice, especially for those who wish to start a career as a yoga teacher.

 

Our pedagogical and content approach is built on an understanding of the similarities and differences between several styles and approaches to yoga practice, where a common thread is awakening the body’s innate intelligence through natural breath, functional anatomy, and internal experience. Here, we question with curiosity your own body's alignment, and with that understanding, be inspired to share.

 

This program is a wonderful opportunity to develop and deepen your personal yoga practice — investigating layers of yoga’s practice, principles, and applications that are beyond the scope of standard group yoga classes. These aspects are crucial for teachers to understand when planning and leading their classes, but are also beneficial to those who simply love yoga and enjoy learning about the yogic process.

 

That said, this program uniquely emphasizes teaching, right from the first day. We will explore a repertoire of poses that span each pose family, and we will investigate modifications, alternatives, progressions and regressions, sequencing, and how to assess what you see to adapt to the individuals you are teaching. These skills also include effective language and instruction, demonstration, and adjustments — all with safety and personal/individual experience foremost.

 

Because of this unique integration of practical teaching throughout, rather than prioritizing content first and application later, AYM’s YTT is also ideal for teachers outside the yoga realm to learn how to incorporate yoga into other learning environments, as well as health, sport, and movement professionals who want to understand how yoga can be integrated into their respective disciplines.

 

The program is also a continuing education opportunity for current Yoga Teachers to revisit the fundamentals through a new lens, hone and refine technical skills, or explore the material in a deeper, more personal way.

 

Investing in your learning and development is a great gift to yourself, and we will do our best to bolster your voice in sharing that gift with others. 

 

 

 

Prerequisites:

 

First and foremost, a willingness and openness to learn. More specifically, the ability and desire to invest in an engaged practice, while questioning their ideas and visions yoga & yoga practice.

 

It is recommended to have at least 2 years of diligent asana practice, and some experience with meditation or other forms of self-inquiry.

Those with less experience in yoga are invited to communicate with our program directors to discuss whether the program will benefit you and if so, how to make the most of your experience.

 

Language requirements:

 

The training is offered mainly in English, but basic bilingualism is recommended. Participants are welcome to submit homework, teaching assignments, and participate in teaching exercises in French or English, and we encourage all participants to become moderately comfortable giving and receiving basic instruction in both languages.

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Included in the program:

 

• Weekend sessions covering the major aspects of teaching and yoga — anatomy & physiology, philosophy, meditation, ethics, pedagogy, and of course, asana

• 8-4:30 Saturday and Sunday

• Practice teaching exercises incorporated into each weekend, helping you grow increasingly comfortable with various teaching skills

• All class recordings — rewatch, revisit, and recap at your convenience

• 8 in-depth workshops, focused on learning through practice

• Workshop days we meet 9:30-5

• Monthly classes to integrate practice and see how principles learned in the program are applied in-studio (minimum 2 per month)

• Unlimited ZOOM membership for all regularly scheduled studio classes

• Homework assignments that help you explore & clarify what you’re learning

• A manual & workbook designed to engage your learning process

• Discounts on most AYM workshops throughout the year

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Message Us To Set Up A Call And Discuss Any Questions

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