200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Begins October 2019 in Seattle, Washington
Are you interested in deepening your personal yoga practice, or even teaching one day? The Taj Yoga 200 hour Teacher Training is a comprehensive program of asana, pranayama, philosophy, and spiritual study designed for those who are curious to expand their understanding of yoga. Our program integrates alignment-based asana technique with principles of foundational movement, and is accompanied by an in-depth study of key philosophical texts and pranayama practices. Our mission is to develop discerning teachers through an emphasis on personal practice, preparing graduates with the tools and understanding to teach yoga with confidence and clarity.
Asana and Anatomy:
The foundation of our training includes a thorough study of the fundamental yoga postures, from the perspective of both the student and teacher. Understanding the principles of asana, in combination with individual details of each pose, facilitates clarity in verbal communication and physical demonstration. The study of the human body in asana is further explored in the anatomy section of the training.
-Technique of Alignment and Precision -Anatomy and Physiology
-Adaptations of Poses -Developing a Personal Practice
Pranayama and Meditation:
Observing the breath leads to new levels of awareness in body and mind. Various techniques are practiced to adjust the timing and effects of the breath. Each student learns to develop a practice suited to their individual needs, opening the doorway to states of mental clarity and meditation.
-Breath Awareness -Learning to Sit
-Location, Ratio and Kumbhaka -Bandhas
Yoga Philosophy and Self Study:
Philosophical texts form yoga’s spiritual foundation and are essential to understanding the roots of practice. Through study of traditional literature, we explore the lessons yoga has to offer in supporting us in our daily life.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali -Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads
-Sanskrit -Mantra/Chanting
The Art of Teaching:
Teaching yoga is a craft unique to each individual. It requires a commitment to personal practice and a keen understanding of the human body and mind. A skilled teacher is attuned to the needs of the individual student, while creating a space of awareness for the group as a whole.
-Use of Voice, Body Language -Asana Sequencing
-Hands on Adjustments -Student/Teacher Relationships
-Seeing and Understanding Bodies -Classroom Management and Logistics
Marketing and Business:
There are many avenues for teaching. All share the need to understand state and city laws, as well as offering authentic communication and marketing in order to thrive as a yoga teacher.
-Securing a business license -Yoga Insurance
-How to apply for teaching positions -Social Media and Email Marketing
The Trainers:
Michelle Befus: E-RYT 500, YACEP - Asana, Pranayama, Philosophy
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness. Her primary teachers are Theresa Elliott and Kathryn Payne of Pacific Yoga, with whom she completed her 500 hour Advanced Studies Certification.
Kathleen Meehan Lorenzo: RYT 500, YACEP - Asana, Teaching Methodology
Kathleen's yoga teaching is rooted in her belief that anyone can do yoga and that all bodies are yoga bodies. She helps her students meet themselves where they are in the present moment and encourages them to employ safe movement and awareness. She also invites students to include a sense of physical and mental challenge in their practice. Kathleen’s focus on anatomy and alignment is motivated by her continued curiosity about the human body and how it works. She is fascinated by the inherent connection between the body and the mind and how the practice of yoga strengthens that connection. She continues to study with Theresa Elliott and is a graduate of the Pacific Yoga 500 hour Advanced Studies program.
Theresa Elliott: E-RYT 500, YACEP - Anatomy
Theresa is a nationally recognized practitioner and teacher of yoga who creates and teaches her own unique content through humorous, no-nonsense instruction, delivered in plain English. In class, she cultivates intellectual engagement and presence of mind through attention to the physical precision of yoga asana. “Why” and “what are we doing” are continual themes in class as students come to understand the rules of the body, and then the rules for breaking the rules. Theresa became a certified Iyengar teacher in 1990 and has been teaching teachers for over 20 years. Originally, The Yoga Tree Teacher Training (1996-2003) was created and taught by Theresa Elliott and Kathryn Payne. The program was renamed Pacific Yoga Teacher Training and Advanced Studies in 2003 and moved to Taj Yoga in 2004, the studio founded by Theresa. Pacific Yoga offered both 200- and 500- hour programs until 2014, when the partners retired the training. Often called "The Harvard of Teacher Trainings", Pacific Yoga included the full spiritual practice of yoga, trained hundreds of teachers, and had a deep impact on yoga in the Seattle area. http://theresaelliott.com/index.html
Dylan Noebels: E-RYT 500 - Philosophy
Dylan's intent is to adapt the practice to the individual and make yoga accessible, safe and fun for all. He breaks yoga down into plain English so that you can gain a greater awareness of your body and mind through proper alignment – one pose at a time, one breath at a time. https://www.a-1yoga.com/
Schedule:
October 11-13, 2019
November 8-10, 2019
December 6-8, 2019
January 17-19, 2020
February 7-9, 2020
March 6-8, 2020
March 27-29, 2020
April 17-19, 2020
May 15-17, 2020
June 5-7, 2020
Fridays: 12:00 - 7:00pm
Saturdays: 11:30am - 6:00pm
Sundays: 11:30am - 6:00pm
All sessions are held at Taj Yoga: 9250 14th Ave NW, Room 4, Seattle WA 98117.
Make-Up Policy
Students can miss up to 5 hours of the training without make-up. Beyond 5 hours, students must make up time missed within the corresponding category by attending additional classes and/or private sessions. All make-up classes are at an additional cost to the student, and must be approved by a Lead Trainer.
Cost:
Option 1: $3,400 paid in full at time of application
Option 2: $3,600 paid in 5 installments. A $1500 payment is due at the time of application, along with four $525 checks dated December 1, January 1, February 1 and March 1. Checks will be deposited on the indicated dates. Please note: If you miss a weekend, you are still responsible for the payment.
Download the application HERE
We offer a scholarship option. To apply, email info@tajyogateachertraining.com, with the following:
1) Why are you requesting a scholarship?
2) Two letters of recommendation
Scholarships awarded up to 50% off total tuition cost.
Refund Policy
There are no refunds or credits on any deposited payments after the training session begins. This includes full or partial payments. If the program is full, or your application is denied, all payments will be refunded in full. Full refund policy can be found on the application.
Questions? Contact Michelle HERE
Asana and Anatomy:
The foundation of our training includes a thorough study of the fundamental yoga postures, from the perspective of both the student and teacher. Understanding the principles of asana, in combination with individual details of each pose, facilitates clarity in verbal communication and physical demonstration. The study of the human body in asana is further explored in the anatomy section of the training.
-Technique of Alignment and Precision -Anatomy and Physiology
-Adaptations of Poses -Developing a Personal Practice
Pranayama and Meditation:
Observing the breath leads to new levels of awareness in body and mind. Various techniques are practiced to adjust the timing and effects of the breath. Each student learns to develop a practice suited to their individual needs, opening the doorway to states of mental clarity and meditation.
-Breath Awareness -Learning to Sit
-Location, Ratio and Kumbhaka -Bandhas
Yoga Philosophy and Self Study:
Philosophical texts form yoga’s spiritual foundation and are essential to understanding the roots of practice. Through study of traditional literature, we explore the lessons yoga has to offer in supporting us in our daily life.
-The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali -Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads
-Sanskrit -Mantra/Chanting
The Art of Teaching:
Teaching yoga is a craft unique to each individual. It requires a commitment to personal practice and a keen understanding of the human body and mind. A skilled teacher is attuned to the needs of the individual student, while creating a space of awareness for the group as a whole.
-Use of Voice, Body Language -Asana Sequencing
-Hands on Adjustments -Student/Teacher Relationships
-Seeing and Understanding Bodies -Classroom Management and Logistics
Marketing and Business:
There are many avenues for teaching. All share the need to understand state and city laws, as well as offering authentic communication and marketing in order to thrive as a yoga teacher.
-Securing a business license -Yoga Insurance
-How to apply for teaching positions -Social Media and Email Marketing
The Trainers:
Michelle Befus: E-RYT 500, YACEP - Asana, Pranayama, Philosophy
For over 20 years, Michelle has studied movement, breath and balance; earlier as a professional ballet dancer and as a yoga teacher today. Her accessible, grounded classes integrate anatomical precision, thoughtful vinyasa transitions, breath awareness and intelligent sequencing. Michelle’s articulate, down-to-earth approach educates and inspires, offering techniques that facilitate healthy movement patterns and elevate mind-body awareness. Her primary teachers are Theresa Elliott and Kathryn Payne of Pacific Yoga, with whom she completed her 500 hour Advanced Studies Certification.
Kathleen Meehan Lorenzo: RYT 500, YACEP - Asana, Teaching Methodology
Kathleen's yoga teaching is rooted in her belief that anyone can do yoga and that all bodies are yoga bodies. She helps her students meet themselves where they are in the present moment and encourages them to employ safe movement and awareness. She also invites students to include a sense of physical and mental challenge in their practice. Kathleen’s focus on anatomy and alignment is motivated by her continued curiosity about the human body and how it works. She is fascinated by the inherent connection between the body and the mind and how the practice of yoga strengthens that connection. She continues to study with Theresa Elliott and is a graduate of the Pacific Yoga 500 hour Advanced Studies program.
Theresa Elliott: E-RYT 500, YACEP - Anatomy
Theresa is a nationally recognized practitioner and teacher of yoga who creates and teaches her own unique content through humorous, no-nonsense instruction, delivered in plain English. In class, she cultivates intellectual engagement and presence of mind through attention to the physical precision of yoga asana. “Why” and “what are we doing” are continual themes in class as students come to understand the rules of the body, and then the rules for breaking the rules. Theresa became a certified Iyengar teacher in 1990 and has been teaching teachers for over 20 years. Originally, The Yoga Tree Teacher Training (1996-2003) was created and taught by Theresa Elliott and Kathryn Payne. The program was renamed Pacific Yoga Teacher Training and Advanced Studies in 2003 and moved to Taj Yoga in 2004, the studio founded by Theresa. Pacific Yoga offered both 200- and 500- hour programs until 2014, when the partners retired the training. Often called "The Harvard of Teacher Trainings", Pacific Yoga included the full spiritual practice of yoga, trained hundreds of teachers, and had a deep impact on yoga in the Seattle area. http://theresaelliott.com/index.html
Dylan Noebels: E-RYT 500 - Philosophy
Dylan's intent is to adapt the practice to the individual and make yoga accessible, safe and fun for all. He breaks yoga down into plain English so that you can gain a greater awareness of your body and mind through proper alignment – one pose at a time, one breath at a time. https://www.a-1yoga.com/
Schedule:
October 11-13, 2019
November 8-10, 2019
December 6-8, 2019
January 17-19, 2020
February 7-9, 2020
March 6-8, 2020
March 27-29, 2020
April 17-19, 2020
May 15-17, 2020
June 5-7, 2020
Fridays: 12:00 - 7:00pm
Saturdays: 11:30am - 6:00pm
Sundays: 11:30am - 6:00pm
All sessions are held at Taj Yoga: 9250 14th Ave NW, Room 4, Seattle WA 98117.
Make-Up Policy
Students can miss up to 5 hours of the training without make-up. Beyond 5 hours, students must make up time missed within the corresponding category by attending additional classes and/or private sessions. All make-up classes are at an additional cost to the student, and must be approved by a Lead Trainer.
Cost:
Option 1: $3,400 paid in full at time of application
Option 2: $3,600 paid in 5 installments. A $1500 payment is due at the time of application, along with four $525 checks dated December 1, January 1, February 1 and March 1. Checks will be deposited on the indicated dates. Please note: If you miss a weekend, you are still responsible for the payment.
Download the application HERE
We offer a scholarship option. To apply, email info@tajyogateachertraining.com, with the following:
1) Why are you requesting a scholarship?
2) Two letters of recommendation
Scholarships awarded up to 50% off total tuition cost.
Refund Policy
There are no refunds or credits on any deposited payments after the training session begins. This includes full or partial payments. If the program is full, or your application is denied, all payments will be refunded in full. Full refund policy can be found on the application.
Questions? Contact Michelle HERE