Spend 4 weeks on Koh Samui Island studying yoga, eating healthy food,
and training to Become a Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher.

Michel Besnard l Thailand l 1-29 March 2010

Become a Yoga Teacher: Inspire students, quit the 9-5 rat race, work anywhere in the world, and live a healthy life sharing the wonderful practice of yoga with others… are you ready for a change?

Date: March 11, 2010
From: Lucas Rockwood (Koh Samui, Thailand)

Dear Yoga Students,

Let me guess… you LOVE yoga? You take class every day, you read yoga books, watch DVDs, and hang out on yoga Web sites while you’re at work…

… sound familiar?

If you ask any teacher, “How did you become a yoga instructor?” most will tell you a similar story. At some point, yoga becomes such a big part of your life—such a source for joy and balance—that the next logical step is to teach. Are you ready?

TOP 7 REASONS TO TEACH YOGA

1. Inspire Students & Change Lives – Most people get a job to pay the bills, but as a yoga teacher, you do a lot more than just “get by.” When your day-to-day work life consists of helping people grow in healthy, peaceful living; now that’s an amazing job to have!
2. Receive Fulltime Pay for Part-time Work – Life is short, the world is crazy, and most people never get a chance to step back and take deep breath! Teaching yoga is one of the rare jobs that allow you to work part-time and earn as much as you would working fulltime. If you’re like most people, that extra time is the one of the greatest gifts you could ever be given!

   Working a 15-20 hour week instead of 40-50 hours allows you to focus on your own practice, your own growth, and other interests as well! Many yoga teachers are also artists, writers, fulltime parents, and travelers! And the best part is, whenever you step in front of a group of students, your added life experience is what makes your classes so rich and inspiring… what an amazing way to live!

3. Stay Healthy & Fit – Have you had enough of those stuff-your-face, beer-guzzling office parties? Well, yoga teachers’ lives are all about healthy living, so if that’s the direction you see your life going, than you’ve come to the right place!

   It’s hard to be the only salad-eating, seltzer-drinking person in a group of friends, but as a yoga teacher, you’ll see a whole new, health conscious world open up; and your new friends and co-workers will share your passion for healthy, conscious living.

4. Work in a Positive Environment – A yoga studio is one of the few places where peace and positivity are actually expected from people. How refreshing! The world will never be free of office politics, impossible bosses, and overtime… but ask yourself, do you really want to be a part of that system anymore?
5. Travel & Work Anywhere in the World – Yoga came from India, spread to the western world, and then looped full circle back to the East. Today, yoga is everywhere, and as a teacher and student, you’ll find it almost impossible not to teach and study all over the globe. And the best part is, yoga teachers travel with a purpose, and ultimately, live with that same purpose as their guiding light!
6. Enjoy a Flexible Schedule – A big part of the yoga tradition is discipline, but true discipline can only come from the freedom to choose. Yoga teachers are able to set their own working schedule to accommodate the needs of their personal lives and personal practice. This is both a luxury and a necessity for growth and fulfillment (plus, it just feels great not to have to be anywhere at 09:00 a.m. every Monday morning!).
7. Do What You Love – 83% of people worldwide do NOT like their jobs. This is a tragedy! We live in a world where you really can craft your own lifestyle, your own reality; and if yoga is what you love, why not teach and share it with others? Very few people follow their passion in life, but for those that do, the opportunities that await you are amazing!

MICHEL BESNARD (ERYT-500, head trainer)

Originally from France, Michel has become one of the most sought-after teachers in Asia since he opened YOGASANA, the very first Ashtanga Yoga studio and training center in Hong Kong.

In class, Michel gives clear guidance while listening to the needs of students’ bodies without pushing or straining. He encourages students to take their practice very seriously—but not themselves.

Michel will help you discover the balance and openness that yoga can provide, and he’ll also teach you how to enjoy the process. Michel is immersed in the tradition of yoga with 30 years of study with world-renown teachers.

As a student, Michel began practicing yoga in 1978, and has been teaching since 1983. Michel practiced Iyengar yoga and was a direct student of BKS Iyengar himself
making regular trips to study under his teacher in Pune, India. Michel later discovered Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, and after 1993 that became his primary focus. He studied
directly under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India on several extended trips to India and now teaches and practices this powerful, ancient system of yoga himself.

Along with yoga, Michel has an extensive background in bodywork and postural alignment. He is an advanced Reiki practitioner and a certified Advanced Postural Integrator certified by Psycho-Physical institute of San Francisco and holds a certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Melbourne Australia.

Truly a teacher’s teacher, Michel has trained instructors in 10 different countries and is accredited by IYTA (International Yoga Teacher Association) and Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level trainer level (highest possible). Michel brings the depth of knowledge and years of experience into class that is so often lacking from modern yoga teacher trainers.

CARLOS POMEDA (History & Philosophy)

Carlos Pomeda, was born in Madrid, Spain, and having traveled extensively, currently resides in Austin, Texas.

He received formal, traditional training in yoga during almost 18 years as a monk (swami) of the Saraswati order, 9 of which he spent in India, at the Siddha Yoga ashram, studying and practicing under Swami Muktananda and Gurumayi Chidvilasananda.

During this time he learned the various systems of Indian Philosophy and immersed himself in the practice of yoga. He combines this traditional training with his academic background which includes two Masters degrees: one in Sanskrit, form U.C. Berkeley (where he taught) and another one, in Religious Studies, from U.C. Santa Barbara.

As a teacher, Carlos is known for his love of the Indian yoga traditions, his insight, his humor, his deep empathy with his audiences and his ability to convey the deepest scriptural teachings in a way that is clear, meaningful and applicable.

Studying with Carlos is a truly delightful and enlightening experience. Visit his website www.pomeda.com.

Charat Singh (Pranayama & Meditation)

Originally from India, Charat Singh has been studying and practicing yoga for more than 20 years—so yoga has become a permanent part of his life.

Charat was deeply influenced by his grandmaster Shri Yogeshwaranand Parmahans in his practice and teaching; he teaches traditional Hatha yoga for all levels with emphasis on the fundamentals of breath and bandhas (energetic locks within the body).

Charat also teaches pranayama, mediation and the various cleansing techniques as well as conducting workshops and talks on Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Principal of Upanishads.

Charat holds a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy and a post-graduate diploma in Yoga Education. He has taught in India and China currently, he lives and teaches in Singapore.

Michelle Lam (Yoga Anatomy Trainer)

Michelle is a physiotherapist specializing in sports injuries and prevention. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1998; and now, after working in the sports rehabilitation for nearly 10 years, Michelle has developed a unique way of incorporating physiotherapy with exercise training and performance enhancement. Michelle is also a Personal Trainer, Group X instructor, and a part-time lecturer in the Chinese University Adult Learning Center in Hong Kong.

ROSLYN started her yoga journey in 2000. She began studying in the Iyengar tradition with renowned teachers Faeq Biria, Peter Scott, Birjoo Metha and Shirley Daventry. Later, Roslyn’s interest in Ashtanga grew and she studied with Nancy Gilgoff, Chunk Miller, Maty Ezraty, and Richard Freeman.

In 2005, Roslyn completed the Yoga Teacher Training with Yogasana, and now she is a 200 hours Yoga Alliance certified teacher.

Her interests in yoga philosophy and Ayurveda led her to undergo formal study with Carlos Pomeda. Dedicating herself to both the study and practice of yoga, Roslyn has a passion to share what she has experienced on this genuine journey.

For Roslyn, the yoga journey is both physical and emotional. She believes that yoga challenges you to walk out of your comfort zone; and when you do, life unfolds in ways you’d never imagine!

Rosalyn is a dedicated student of Michel Besnard and part of his regular training faculty in Asia and around the world.

“Yoga lets you expand by removing all the unnecessary frames.”

YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE TEACHING YOGA

Teaching what you love is one of the most rewarding career choices you can make! Yoga Alliance Certified teachers spend their days sharing the benefits of yoga with the world.

“Here’s some good advice: choose a training course taught by a great teacher. The course should give you all the skills needed to be an effective instructor—but also make sure it excites you! Yoga is supposed to be fun!”

WHAT WILL MY DAYS BE LIKE?

Wake up early, take in the sunrise and the sea view, and then meet at the yoga studio! On training days, you’ll practice yoga first thing each morning at 7 a.m. You’ll learn so much! Michel and his teaching team will work one-on-one to give you hands-on adjustments and suggestions in Mysore-style classes.

Practice tips and pose secrets make yoga so much fun. The morning Mysore class is great because Michel can share with your specific adjustments and tips based on your body from his 30+ years of experience. Believe me, you’ll be amazed at how much different you’ll feel in your practice when you learn subtle changes that make a world of difference.

Sample Daily Schedule:

After the morning class, you’ll have a lovely breakfast with fresh fruit, homemade toast, tea, and juice. Shortly thereafter, you’ll have a morning workshop held either indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. Here, you’ll learn all the fundamentals: safety in class, how to setup the mats, where to stand, and how to speak.

Lunch is at 1 p.m. The food is healthy and delicious, prepared by our exceptional team of cooks who have now been keeping yoga students healthy and fit for nearly 3 years straight!

After lunch, you’ll have some time to relax by the pool, get a massage, or take a nap before it’s back to work withpresentations and hands-on practice sessions that address the more advanced teaching skills you’ll need to be an outstanding teacher.

The training day finishes after dinner with an evening gathering just before 9 p.m.—and then it’s bedtime. Trust me, you’ll be tired! Now that’s a day well spent!

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN!

• How to teach a class (from start to finish—and everything in between)
• How to create fun and effective posture sequences
• Yoga history & philosophy with a modern twist!
• Real-world anatomy and physiology
• Ayurveda, yoga diet, and meditation
• Breath work and kriyas (cleansing exercises)

It’s one thing to know how to do a posture—but it’s another thing altogether to teach it! During the course, you’ll learn tips and tricks that will make your classes popular and your students loyal.

LEARN SKILLS THAT TOP TEACHERS USE EVERYDAY!

• Overcome stage fright (public speaking)
• Deal with injuries in class
• Draw clear student-teacher boundaries
• Inspire students so they want to learn
• Beyond asana… teaching more than just poses (inspiration, spiritual teaching)
  in class

Good news! This training course follows Yoga Alliance comprehensive guidelines for training curriculum which means you’re going to be a well-rounded teacher who knows more than just yoga poses.

“Here’s the best part: This course is designed to give you all the tools you need so you can go out and begin teaching-right away!”

WHAT IF I’M A SLOW LEARNER?

Don’t worry. The training always covers the required topics, but we also leave plenty of “open sessions” where we can address the teaching topics that are most challenging or most interesting to you.

Having trouble pronouncing the pose names? We’ll break up into groups for practice.

Can’t remember the order of the postures? You can meet with the assistant teacher during lunch to learn some memorization tricks.

Not sure if your femur connects at the hip or the shoulder? No problem. You’ll have handouts and guidebooks to study from—plus one-on-one time with the guest teaching staff trained specifically in anatomy.

So let’s be honest. To become a yoga teacher, there’s a lot you need to learn—but it’ll be lots of fun too. You’ll make new friends, take your yoga practice to a whole new level, and discover things about yoga and yourself that you never even considered before.

Is it easy? No. Is it worth it? Yes!

“It’s truly a pleasure to spend an entire month immersed in the study and practice of yoga- something you love so much!”

Facilities, Rooms & Food

Let me tell you, if you’ve never been to Koh Samui in Thailand, you’re in for a treat! Absolute Sanctuary is located on a quiet hillside overlooking the sea. We have a health food restaurant called, The Love Kitchen, an DVD lecture room, a detox center, a spa, and a bright practice studio with hardwood floors.

After a long day, you’ll sleep like a baby! Your room is just up the hill from the studio with lovely sea views, air conditioning, hot water, and plasma televisions. And it gets even better! We encourage trainees to enjoy Absolute Sanctuary’s swimming pool, steam room, and spa which are all a great way to unwind after practice.

Let’s me show you what I mean…

THE YOGA STUDIO
All classes and most workshops will be held at Absolute Sanctuary, our newest yoga facility on Koh Samui nestled into a hillside overlooking the sea. This studio is bright and sunny, yet it stays cool from the sea breezes.
	Brand new hardwood floor studio State-of-the-art heating system Showers, lockers, changing rooms Cool, breezy space Excellent natural light and green hillside views
THE FOOD
We serve simple, healthy meals every day in buffet style. To keep your training costs as low as possible, the food is self-serve (no waiters) and family-style. Don’t expect fine dining, but our Thai and international chefs do a great job preparing tasty, healthy meals made from scratch for you to enjoy.
	3 group meals daily (included in tuition) Group menu includes : fruits, homemade breads, burritos, stir fries, rice, noodles, Italian, Thai, American, and Mexican food Additional food, snacks, and beverages can be purchased at any time from The Love Kitchen
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES
All classes and most workshops will be held at Absolute Sanctuary, our newest yoga facility on Koh Samui nestled into a hillside overlooking the sea. This studio is bright and sunny, yet it stays cool from the sea breezes. All trainees will stay at Absolute Sanctuary, our newly-opened, Moroccan-style resort with stunning sea views. The resort is located on a quiet hillside over-looking the Gulf of Thailand, and the cool evening breezes are spectacular. Rooms are very private and comfortable—ideal for yoga students who need a place to study and escape! Quiet location with an infinity pool and full spa Outdoor gazebo (some sessions held here) TV, air-con, hot shower rooms, Shared room (private rooms available for extra charge)

The course is divided into two main sections, Level I and Level II. It’s highly recommended that all students attend both levels, but under special circumstances, it may be possible to attend just one, two-week session.

FUNDAMENTALS (Level I: 1-14 March, 2010)

Jump right into the deep end! The first two weeks are where you learn all the basics, from yoga history to teaching techniques. Yoga is a vast subject, so we’ll primarily focus on the knowledge that you’ll find useful every day in class.

Level I – 100-Hour Yoga Alliance Certification

TEACHING PRACTICUM (Level II: 15-28 March, 2010)

Now it gets fun! During weeks three and four, we’ll start learning the more advanced teaching techniques that separate good teachers from great ones. I’m sure that at least once you’ve taken a yoga class that really blew your mind. Well here, you’ll learn how to create that kind of experience for your students.

Level II – 100-Hour Yoga Alliance Certification

Please note: 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certification is the international standard for beginner and intermediate level yoga teachers, so it’s highly recommend that all students attend the full 1-month course with Level I and Level II.”

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING…

“To say Michel is an amazing teacher is truly an understatement…”

He is deeply understanding, observant, funny, and inspirational. He draws upon a deep well of experience and allows his students to drink freely from it; he opens himself to his students wholeheartedly, and dedicates himself completely in each hour he spends with his students. He is real, he is honest, and he gains your trust from the first time you step on a mat next to him.

The one month I spent in Koh Samui has had a profound impact on me. Taking the 200-hr vinyasa course with Michel has catapulted me on my journey as a yoga teacher, and more importantly, as a life-time yoga practitioner. The course is intricately designed, and well thought out. Aside from giving us a complete course with asana practice, anatomy, philosophy and ayurveda, Michel expertly wove in theory with practical application, techniques to help us improve our practice on the mat, and ideas to stretch and enrich our minds.

Of all of the great things I learned during my 200-hr training with Michel, I take away three major lessons for myself: humility and diligence as a yoga student; detachment and evenness as a yoga practitioner; confidence and inspiration as a yoga teacher.

Since I’ve been back to the States, I’ve begun teaching right away and am loving it every day. Michel’s voice and wisdom guides me through my daily practice and through each class I teach.

– Jessica Shi (USA)

“None have touched my life the way Michel has!”

Being a practitioner for 7 years has taught me that having a good teacher is essential to the journey of Yoga.

None have touched my life the way Michel has.

He is the kind of teacher who can see your light even when you yourself didnt know it even existed. Michele taught me the most important thing about being a teacher – that the responsibility you have to your students is your own practice. I would encourage anyone to study under Michel.

– Stephanie Wong (Singapore)

“Michel is an extraordinary teacher…”

The one month that I spent in Koh Samui doing the teacher training with Michel Besnard was the most challenging, enriching, uplifting feat that I have done in my life as a committed yoga student.

The content of the training was expansive and well presented by brilliant, energetic faculty of teachers. This training gave my asana practice the extra push that I so badly needed and came out of it alive and super strong!

Michel is an extraordinary teacher, and his candor, charm and decades of yoga experience and his generosity to share what he knows makes him connect more easily to his students. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to deepen their yoga practice or to students who aspires to be yoga teachers. It’s sooooo worth it!

- Christina Ong (Hong Kong)

“Since the course I have become a yoga teacher.”

What an awesome experience! Excellent and entertaining teachers-all experts in their field. A wonderful and upbeat group of fellow students. Since the course I have become a yoga teacher.

I am able to pass the valuable knowledge and love for yoga that I have learnt from Michel & his team, over to my students. I highly recommend this course!

Cathy Towill (South Africa)

“Yoga is about the journey, not the destination!”

Very insightful course which has given me the confidence to go out and teach yoga classes, knowing I have received fantastic training from an outstanding teacher. Michel is a kind and compassionate teacher, whilst ensuring we all tested our boundaries and discovered our own potential.

The phrase that now sticks in my mind is ‘Yoga is about the journey, not the destination.’ Thanks Michel and the team for the wonderful experience.

– Joanna van der Merwe (UK)

“I had high expectations and the training exceeded them all.”

The Teacher Training with Michel Besnard and his team was one of the best experiences of my life. I had high expections and the training exceeded them all. I found Michel to be an extremely knowledgeable teacher whose passion for Yoga inspired me tremendously, who taught me to think outside of the box and try different approaches to postures I had done many times before.

Above all, I felt completely safe in his classes as he would take into account every student’s individual strengths and weaknesses, and always stressed the importance of respecting our body limits. It was a very inspiring and at the same time very enjoyable month. Thanks to Michel and the other lecturers for the wonderful experience.

– Michaela Tippel-Huang (Taiwan)

“I highly recommended his course to train as a teacher as well as improve your own personal practice.”

My training with Michel Besnard was a wonderful experience. I am a teacher trained under Yoga alliance 500 hrs and run a yoga studio in India called Viom yoga.

Michel is a master of Ashtanga Yoga as well as Iyenger Yoga. He has been fortunate to work with both the masters. Thus he trained us in the sequence of Ashtanga Yoga but with the detail to alignment of Iyenger. He needed various props so that the student could be in the right form. it was a combination of the both the yogas and reminded us that both the masters had the same guru, Krishnamacharya. Another strength of the course was the knowledge of anatomy provided by a physiotherapist.

– Lali Singhania (India)

“A life-changing experience for his students…”

The quality of any training program is largely dependent on the instructor. Michel brings with him many years of experience as a Yoga practitioner and teacher, as well as a deep understanding and appreciation of the various aspects of Yoga. However, it is his personality and unique approach that makes his teacher training not only effective but also a life-changing experience for his students.

Michel is highly intuitive, firm and light-hearted all at the same time. This unique combination allows him to quickly develop a good understanding of each of this students to find the most effective approach in helping them explore their boundaries and limitations or overcome barriers, without “taking themselves too seriously.

For me, one of the many valuable learnings from this training is “total acceptance” which has allowed me to stop focusing on my limitations and start experiencing the wonder of each moment. This is especially true during our morning practice where as a relatively new practitioner of yoga, it is easy to compare yourself with other more experienced practitioners in the class. However, by having this awareness, I’ve been able to step on my yoga mat without judgment and surrender to my practice. I look forward to helping my students experience this during their practice.

– Denise Pang (Singapore)

“Enjoy every moment of our practice!”

The 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Michel was very challenging, but very rewarding. Even I don’t have a strong desire to become a teacher before the training, this is a great training to deepen my practice. Michel’s teaching is highly emphasized on the body awareness by applying alignment through asana, Kriya and meditation to observe your breath/mind. Michel makes me understand my own practice and difficulties – we are all unique with different bodies – we must listen to your body while practicing!

Michel always says “Yoga is a journey not a destination! Enjoy every moment of our practice!”

– Winky Chan (Hong Kong)

“The best yoga teacher training that you will ever receive in your lifetime!”

This is the best yoga teacher training that you will ever receive in your lifetime. The experiences and the given attentions from all the teachers are so great and the ambiance of the location is impeccable.

By the time you finish the course, you will have a very strong foundation in practicing yoga, teaching to yourself and also to the others. The best part of it is, you become very strong and happy spiritually, mentally and physically.

– Alisa Asavabhokhin (Bangkok, Thailand)

“Yoga lets you expand by removing all the unnecessary frames.”

ROSLYN started her yoga journey in 2000. She began studying in the Iyengar tradition with renowned teachers Faeq Biria, Peter Scott, Birjoo Metha and Shirley Daventry. Later, Roslyn’s interest in Ashtanga grew and she studied with Nancy Gilgoff, Chunk Miller, Maty Ezraty, and Richard Freeman.

In 2005, Roslyn completed the Yoga Teacher Training with Yogasana, and now she is a 200 hours Yoga Alliance certified teacher.
Her interests in yoga philosophy and Ayurveda led her to undergo formal study with Carlos Pomeda. Dedicating herself to both the study and practice of yoga, Roslyn has a passion to share what she has experienced on this genuine journey.
For Roslyn, the yoga journey is both physical and emotional. She believes that yoga challenges you to walk out of your comfort zone; and when you do, life unfolds in ways you’d never imagine!
Rosalyn is a dedicated student of Michel Besnard and part of his regular training faculty in Asia and around the world.

SO HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

This teacher training will change your life, but luckily, it won’t cost you nearly as much as you thought! Our training facility is located on the beautiful but affordable island of Koh Samui so accommodation, food, and transportation costs are lower than most parts of the world—and we pass those savings on to you!

Tuition includes all training materials and certification.

124,950 THB (Level I and II): 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certification Course
30,000 THB: Shared room (1 roommate)
25,000 THB: 3 meals daily

—————————————
179,950 THB all inclusive (no extra fees)

Please Note: Most graduates will be able to earn back their tuition within 4 months!

For Exchange Rates: www.xe.com

Space is limited, so request an application today!

Can I ask you something? Do you know that feeling you get when you’re about to do something that will change your life forever? I love that!

I’ve participated in 3 teacher training programs and about 16 yoga workshops—so I know what I’m talking about when I tell you that if you’re serious about becoming a teacher, this course will really blow you away.

Enter your email above, and I’ll send you an application along with some excellent information about teaching so you can get started learning today.

Congratulations on your decision to become a yoga teacher! I hope to see you on sunny Koh Samui very soon!

Keep practicing,

Lucas Rockwood
Absolute Yoga Samui
lucas@absoluteyogasamui.com

p.s. Michel Besnard is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher at the 500-Level, the very highest trainer certification granted. His exclusive Hong Kong courses have been sold-out for years, and he now only comes to the beautiful island of Koh Samui once per year—so don’t miss it!

p.p.s. As an added special, all students accepted will receive a FREE YOGA MAT & FREE MASSAGE upon arrival as well as 20% off any future training tuition at Absolute Sanctuary for 1 full year!

Proudly accredited by:

QUESTIONS?
Please email lucas@absoluteyogasamui.com or call +66.77.601.190 (Thailand) or +1.310.878.4829 (USA).
or call +66.81.557.5103 (Thailand)