Hatha Vinyasa
YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
The Full Spectrum of Yoga: A Foundation & Beyond
2-27 Feb 2010 l Koh Samui, Thailand l 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Course
Take a powerful step along the path: Join senior teacher trainer, Stephen Thomas, onKoh Samui Island for a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification course in Hatha Yoga!
BECOME A CERTIFIED YOGA TEACHER
Next Course: 2-27 February, 2010
Location: Koh Samui, Thailand
*now accepting applications!
APPLY NOW
Date:March 11, 2010
From: Stephen Thomas (E-RYT 500)
Dear Yogis,
I will be spending the month of February on Koh Samui Islandtraining a select group of students in the art and science of teaching yoga during a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification course.
I’ve learned that there are moments in your life when you realize that it’s time for a change, a transformation. The yoga tradition lays down a clear path for you to follow, and for most, a teacher training course is giant step along that path.
“Grow your practice, learn to teach, and inspire others by sharing the healing benefits of the ancient practices of yoga with the world!”
For many people, an intensive teacher training course is one of the few opportunities they have to step out of the normal condition of life and transform though inner growth, learning and sharing. Trainings to teach yoga often initiates huge positive changes in people’s lives—on every level!
Yoga has a message for humanity, for the body, for the mind and the spirit. In the words of my Guru:
“Are there some… willing to step forward to learn so that this practice can be shared throughout the world?”
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TEACH?
- Inspire students & change lives
- Stay fit & healthy
- Work in a positive environment
- Live & work anywhere in the world
- Enjoy a flexible schedule
- Have plenty of free time (work less hours)
- Receive a good salary
10 Things You Must Know Before Enrolling
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PREPARE TO BE CHALLENGED, INSPIRED, AND TRANSFORMED!
The form of yoga taught requires previous Hatha Yoga experience and a good level of awareness of movement and breath. You will learn how to move deeper into your body and breath, slowly and with proper alignment and technique.
The training will be physically and mentally challenging. There will also be a strong pranayama andmeditation component which means students must be prepared for the stamina of sitting. You will also learn and explore the cleansing kriyas of Hatha Yoga and how to incorporate a supportive diet into their lifestyle.
HERE’S AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- How to teach a 90-minute Hatha Flow-style class
- How to structure a class and sequence postures
- How to safely and appropriately adjust students in class
- Kriyas (yoga cleansing techniques) & pranayama (breathing exercises)
- Yoga history, philosophy & anatomy
- Ayurveda
"After just one class, I found what my
definition of a ‘dream class’ should be…"
After just one class, I found what my definition of a ‘dream class’ should be, after searching for such a long while. Stephen teaches a well balanced class, and one always feels refreshed rather than tired even though it is actually quite a deep practice.
- Jasmine Sun (China)
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE CLASSES
Hatha Vinyasa Yoga is a fun and powerful practice that teaches students to integrate their body, breath, and spirit. The yoga poses taught include standing asanas, seated postures, inversions, balancing poses, and twists—the same sequences that ancient yogis have done for thousands of years.
Hatha Vinyasa combines the dynamic vinyasas and internal heat practices of Ashtanga Yoga with detailed alignment instruction and a wide range of postures and sequences. It’s a challenging practice that is accessible to all students regardless of age or ability. On a more subtle level, Hatha Flow includes specific breathing exercises, cleansing practices, and philosophies that make it a truly holistic approach to living more than just a yoga class. Hatha Flow creates light bodies, clear minds, and open hearts.
THE LIFE OF A YOGA TEACHER
- Fulltime teachers usually teach 2-3 classes per day with one day off per week.
- Teachers’ can earn between $20-60 per class and might receive housing and transportation allowances when working overseas.
- Hatha Yoga studios are all over the world, so there are always many studios looking for new teachers.
- Most teachers have plenty of free time to pursue their hobbies and interests such as art, travel, writing, and learning foreign languages!
ARE YOU READY TO TEACH?
So how do you know if you’re ready to teach? You’re ready to teach when you fall in love with the practice; when you feel something deeper growing inside you; when your awareness extends beyond your physical body and out into the world.
When this happens, the natural urge is to share yoga with others… to teach!
BASIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Must have an established, committed yoga practice (6-12 months minimum)
- Must be mentally and physically prepared for an intensive training
- Must bring a positive, healthy attitude and a sense of lightness and humor
AND WHAT ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION?
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a 200-Hour Yoga AllianceTeaching Certificate. This is the internationally-recognized standard certification for beginner and intermediate-level teachers. 200-hour Yoga Alliance certified teachers are fully qualified and prepared to teach.
“Stephen is to me a world-class teacher!”
I have studied yoga for 7 years and no one ever noticed my scoliosis. Every time I do meditation in padmasana, I come out with a terrible backache… that day I was in tears when I realized how Stephen’s observation extended to included every student of the 45 student class and yet it was so focused that he could catch something that was off in the slightest of alignment.
– John Ang (Director of Yoga Living, Taipei)
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”
– Henry Adams
During our time together, I’ll help you explore the deeper dimensions of the sacred path of yoga from all angles, both on and off the mat! Together, we’ll embark on a 24-day journey into the depths of yoga asana, the power of pranayama, the centering bliss of meditation, and the healing science of Ayurveda.
A “DAY IN THE LIFE” OF A TRAINEE
07:00-07:30 Pranayama (breath work) & Kriyas (cleansing exercises)
07:30-09:30 Yoga Class
09:30-10:15 Breakfast (seaside at Smile House)
10:30-12:30 Workshop*
12:30-13:30 Lunch (at The Love Kitchen)
13:30-15:30 Workshop*
15:30-17:00 Yoga Class
18:30-19:30 Dinner (at The Love Kitchen)
20:00-21:00 Satsang, Meditation, Questions or Yoga Films
*Workshops will include yoga lectures, practice teaching, posture clinics, and leadership skills.
There is 1 day off per week
PLEASE NOTE: The training will be conducted in English
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.
- 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
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 foods
- Additional food, snacks, and beverages can be purchased at any time from The Love Kitchen
All trainees will stay at Absolute Sanctuary, our newly-opened, Moroccan-style resort with stunning sea views.
- Quite 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)
“Stephen has given me great inspiration…”
I’m so blessed to have Stephen as my teacher because of his great teaching techniques, adjustment skills, caring personality, and most important above all is his connectivity with students.
I feel so peaceful, motivated and anchored in all his classes because he is teaching us with his HEART.
– Cindy Chow (Hong Kong)
10 Things You Must Know Before Enrolling
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This training is rare opportunity to explore the widespectrum of Hatha Yoga rooted in ancient teachings. The core of your studies will revolve around the practices of three of the most influential modern schools of yoga: Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Bihar . From the ancient scriptures,you’ll also study the philosophical teachings of Patanjali’s, Yoga Sutras, and the universal life lessons of the Bhagavad Gita.
On a physical level, you will study and practice vinyasa, bandhas, andbreath. You will also learn to apply and teach precise alignment to make postures safer and more therapeutic.
On a subtler level, you’ll be introduced to the transformative teachings of pranayama, mudra and meditation along with music and mantra for uplifting the spirit!>
To give you a well-rounded base of knowledge, you’ll also delve deep into the formal study of functional yoga anatomy, Ayurveda (including diet and cleansing), and yoga history andphilosophy all taught in a fun and relevant way that you can apply in your daily life as a student and a teacher!
“You must first understand yoga through the body and the breath… but to teach, we must begin to awaken and experience our own essential nature!”
With this in mind, a big part of your journey will be experiential. Through trial and error, you’ll feel the real life effects of asana, pranayama, and meditation. This is challenging of course, but it’s also incredibly rewarding; a way to connect deeper into yourself and find your true essence.
“Great teaching comes from committing to the practice, living what you are taught, and sharing your experience with others,” says Stephen. “What I teach is rooted in the ancient scripture and traditions that have been passed down for generations, and my goal is to take you right into the heart of yoga!”
“Everyone is smiling and very excited about the experience…”
…in Stephen’s teaching, you can feel the build up of energy, the climax and then the smooth transition to cool down, it is very comforting! Like the journey of life! In addition, you will feel inspired with his thoughts and sharing in between, not to mention his sense of humor!
– Maria Law (Professional Dancer, Hong Kong)
MAIN STUDY POINTS:
• Asana (yoga postures) – There is much more to yoga postures than strength and flexibility. During the course, you’ll learn how specific poses affect the energy in our bodies and promote health and peace within.
• Pranayama (breathing exercises) – In the tradition of Sri. O.P. Tiwari, you’ll learn the subtle science of breath. For most students, it’s challenging enough to remain aware of their breathing, but our goal is to go much further… to learn to control and expand the breath consciously for health and spiritual growth.
• Kriya (yoga postures) – The ancient yogis developed a very specific set of cleansing practices that are just as powerful today as they were thousands of years ago. During the course, you’ll learn how to naturally detoxify your system.
• Mantra (vocal repetition of sacred sounds) – The yoga of sound is one of the easiest to experience. If you sit in a room and chant the sound of OM, immediately you feel the power of yoga mantra! During the course, we will learn and experiment with many different sacred sounds.
• Meditation (seated practice) – Perhaps the most challenging practice of all is the practice of stillness. Meditation can be very intimidating, but during the course, we’ll take baby steps as we learn to practice properly.
• Ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) – Ayurveda and yoga are sister sciences. You’ll discover how your body’s constitution relates to you yoga practice, the foods you should eat, and even your behavioral tendencies.
• The Art of Teaching — Teaching a great class requires a delicate balance of skill, experience, and inspiration. You’ll learn how to bring out the best in any student through real-life practice sessions.
• Yoga History & Philosophy — Through the study of the ancient yogic texts, you’ll learn practical ways to apply these classical teachings in a modern world.
“I was working at a corporate job but
was thirsting for a change…”
…something that resonated more in my heart. I took a chance and enrolled in Stephen’s 4 week training at Pure Yoga, which turned out to be extremely rich, potent and an absolutely transformational experience for me.
Stephen’s teaching is highly emphasized on the spiritual elements as well as healing the body & soul by applying integrated alignment through asana, kriya (cleaning) to remove the samskara (impression) and the wisdom teaching by raising the level of consciousness and awareness.
The integrated alignment strengthens my asana practice and also have helped to heal some of my old injuries; the kriya washed away my long-time sinus problem; and the wisdom teaching have greatly guided me even since.
– Michelle Chu Yoga Teacher (Space Yoga. Taipei, Taiwan)
ABOUT STEPHEN THOMAS (E-RYT 500, course director)
Stephen Thomas comes from the natural beauty of Canada’s West Coast where he originally began his yoga practices and teaching. After being guided into the foundations of Yoga, he began teaching at a studio that he co-founded with close friend and fellow teacher, Patrick Creelman. There at that mountainside studio, was a period of intense creativity and energy which transformed the coming years.
In 2002, through a grace-filled inspiration, he left Canada for to Asia to deepen his studies and understanding of Yoga, Buddhism and the essence of life. He now studies under his spiritual and pranayama guru, Sri. O.P. Tiwari. As his major teachers and influences Stephen also lists Sri. K Pattabhi Jois, B.K.S. Iyengar, Richard Freeman, Dharmanidhi Saraswati and Paul Dallaghan. He continues to visit India, Tibet and Sri Lanka as a seeker on the path and as a yoga pilgrim.
Stephen teaches a dynamic transformative approach to Yoga that balances his many years in the Ashtanga System with the alignment approach of the great master B.K.S. Iyengar. He also borrows inspiration from his interest in Tibetan Buddhism and the powerful, life affirming Yoga practices of a Tantric Yoga philosophy. His classes and workshops cover the range of Hatha Yoga practices from asana, to pranayama and chanting.
The intention of his teaching work is to present Yoga in its classical form, as a way rediscovering our essential nature and awakening to our fullest potential in all aspects of life. His approach mixes a reverence for the original teachings, with a lightness, creativity and humility that allows students to make there own deep enquiry from a foundation of knowledge and experience.
Stephen is currently based in Taiwan during his months in Asia, and Zurich during the summers in Europe. He has been a part of the Yoga Thailand community since it opened in 2003. He teaches immersions, teacher intensives and classes throughout Asia and Europe.
More information can be found at www.StephenThomasYoga.com
MY TEACHING TEAM
Rachel Tsai (history & philosophy)
Rachel currently teaches workshops and training courses in Ayurveda, the healing and therapeutic sister science of Yoga and Yoga Philosophy around Asia. She holds qualification in both Ayurveda and Yoga (Therapy) and has an advanced Sanskrit and Jyotish (Hindu Astrology) studies with teachers she sought privately.
Rachel is a dedicated Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practitioner and has made two trips to India to study Sanskrit and Yoga with Sri K Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangaswamy. She also takes yearly Ayurvedic internship at the Dhanvantari Dham Herbal Research Centre in Vrindaban India.
During the training program, Rachel will teach workshops on Ayurveda Foundation and Yoga History and Philosophy, with an aim to broaden the scope of the study of yoga and enrich the depth of our practice.
For more information about Rachel, please visit: www.matipatha.com
Richard Hackenburg (Functional Yoga Anatomy)
In 1979, Richard started practicing hatha yoga and pranayama because of a severe breathing problem. His interests in psychology and anatomy along with his passion for music and travelling have been balanced by his yoga practice ever since.
In 1998 he discovered the basic alignment of B.K.S. Iyengar and completed a 3 year 750 hrs teacher training. He studied anatomy with the intention of merging the western scientific approach with the traditions of the east like Ayurveda and Hatha Yoga.
Although Richard has studyied with many influencal modern yoga teachers and practiced asthanga, anusara and vinyasa; he always feels drawn back to basic hatha yoga.
Richard got his E-RYT 500 in 2006 and is currently teaching and training teachers in anatomy, pranayama and basic alignment in Europe and Asia. His therapeutic work is influenced by gestalt and biodynamics.
Richard is greatful for being tought by Roger Cole, Adil Palkivala, Michael Forbes, Lois Steinberg, Rita Keller and O.P. Tiwari.
“Stephen is a truly inspiring yoga teacher!”
Stephen is a truly inspiring yoga teacher who manages to effortlessly combine both the yin & yang aspects of yoga in his classes, the “ha” & the “tha” so effortlessly that you can’t help but become seriously addicted to his teachings!”
– Bobsy Gaia, Co-Owner/Founder of Life Cafe (Hong Kong)
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TUITION INVESTMENT |
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COURSE TUITION |
124,950 BAHT |
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ACCOMMODATION & MEALS |
55,000 BAHT |
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TOTAL COURSE TUITION: |
179,950 BAHT |
TAKE THE NEXT STEP!
My objective is to give you all the tools needed so that you’ll walk away with the personal experience and knowledge that builds the foundation for all inspired teaching. It will be a challenging and rewarding course to be sure, so ask yourself:
“Where do you want to be a year from now, and how does yoga fit into your life?” Form a clear vision in your mind, and begin to make some declarations.
If a yogic life is for you, then you need to take steps in that direction. I’d be honored to be your guide and share with you what I’ve learned from my teachers, so we can walk on this path together.
In peace,
Stephen Thomas (E-RYT)
stephenthomasyoga@gmail.com
p.s. We are now accepting applications. To learn more, please follow the link below… I hope you can join us.
“Students will be inspired to set off into the path of their own growth…”
I was able to full immerse myself into the training programme from the very first day… Stephen has a way of seeing and shaping to the needs of the group and its individuals.
– Veronika Dangl (Australia)
