Spring 2009 Teacher Training
Deadline February 28th! Space is limited - Register Today!

There are several aspects of the Bikram's Yoga Teacher Training course - you'll work hard, Bikram and the staff will be tough on you - but would you want it any other way? At the end of training, you will feel a strong confidence in your ability to return home and start teaching Bikram Yoga the very next day!

Components of the Course

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive training class that encompasses all of the important aspects of being a Bikram Yoga Teacher. For that reason, each day is broken down into segments, referred to as "evolutions" - each evolution relates directly to your further growth as a teacher. The key components of our curriculum are:

• Practice and Theory of Bikram Yoga
• Bikram's Beginning Yoga Dialogue
• Yoga Philosophy
• Allopathic Physical Systems
• Integration of Medical and Yogic Systems
• Yoga Therapy
• Opening a Bikram Yoga College of India Franchise

Practice and Theory of Bikram Yoga

Each weekday, you will be required to attend two 90-minute Bikram's Beginner Yoga Classes in a room heated to 105 degrees with significant humidity, as well as one class on Saturday. This aspect of the training is key to a meaningful comprehension of the 26 postures and two breathing exercises from both a personal and teacher perspective. As we study each posture through dialogue training and lecture, you will have an immediate opportunity to apply that knowledge to the posture and develop a deeper understanding of the nuances of each asana. Not only will you improve your own yoga practice, you will be prepared to help your future students develop their own postures.

Bikram himself will guide you through all 26 postures both from the podium and in the lecture hall. Through practice, demonstration and theory, you will leave training knowing the intricacies of each posture, how to properly execute it, common beginner mistakes, and typical corrections/modifications. Toward the end of training, you will witness a demonstration of the complete hatha yoga system of 84 postures (asanas, pranayamas, mudras, kriyas and bandhas), also known as the Advanced Series.

Bikram's Beginning Yoga Dialogue

Your main tool for teaching Bikram's Beginning Yoga Class is the dialogue used to conduct the class. As soon as you are accepted into the course, you will be sent a copy of the dialogue. For successful graduation, each student is required to memorize the dialogue in its entirety, verbatim.

As a key component of training, you will focus on each individual posture in a smaller group setting - referred to as a Posture Clinic (~40 people). There, you will perform the dialogue in front of the group with mock students and experienced proctors who will give you needed feedback and support to learn strong dialogue delivery. Over several weeks, all 26 postures will be covered. Techniques for memorization, effective delivery, connecting with your students and integrating your own personality into the class while maintaining strict dialogue will be addressed.

Yoga Philosophy

As an introduction to the theory and practice of hatha yoga, Bikram will give a series of talks on yoga philosophy. He will share this with you from the perspective of his own life as a yogi, his Indian heritage, and his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject as learned through study under his guru. Included will be:

• The Four Steps of Life
• The Eight Kinds of Yoga
• Human Concepts
• The Eight Characteristics of Yoga
• The Five Steps of Hatha Yoga

For a detailed outline, click here.

Allopathic Physical Systems

Guest medical doctor specialists from the U.S. and India will familiarize you with the various aspects the human body system. Over several weeks, you will learn about all the major systems of the human body - anatomy, physiology, nutrition and pathology (disease). For a detailed outline, click here.

Yogic Physical Systems

In order to understand the sometimes-called esoteric human systems, specialists will present to you about "Subtle Anatomy" - including Energy Fields, Energy Flow, and Energy Regeneration. In addition, the Chakric System will be covered with discussion of the seven main Chakras along with the associated anatomy and physiology.

Integration of Medical and Yogic Systems

Bikram will tie together philosophy from both Eastern and Western medicine as he discusses the methods and processes for total human physical and mental health. This topic will include biochemical balance, body/mind balance, and enhancement of major body functions through yoga practice. Finally, he will describe the benefits of each of the 26 postures for a healthy person.

Yoga Therapy

This exciting topic helps you gain a thorough understanding of the application of asana to chronic diseases, disorders and injuries. You will learn from Bikram and other experts how the postures can be used to correct particular aliments.

In this area, you will be taught the correct alignment of each posture, as well as modifications for physical limitations. In-depth, the scientific process of hatha yoga will be covered highlighting maximum benefits for optimal functioning of all internal organs, important glands, veins, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and minute tissues. Overall, this area of focus will leave you with a clear understanding of how hatha yoga achieves complete balance of the body.

Further, you will learn the importance and benefit of performing only the first part of posture 100% correctly when that's the student's limit, rather than the error of attempting any advanced part of a posture before the first part is done correctly. Here Bikram emphasizes his concept of "trying the right way," integral to a successful Bikram Yoga practice, as well as to being an effective teacher. Resources for assisting severely infirmed students will also be provided.

Opening a Bikram Yoga College of India Franchise

You will learn what it takes to open and operate a Bikram's Yoga College of India franchise. Topics will include everything from facility requirements, how to conduct a class, how to get new students, financing, and how/when you qualify to get started!

Disclaimer: Curriculum is subject to updating and availability of guest speakers. Note that topics can change at any time without notice.

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