Concordia Yoga Teacher Training School (CYA-RYS 200 Member)

School Info

At the Concordia Yoga Teacher Training, we approach the study and practice of yoga as both a living tradition and a personal journey. Our curriculum integrates physical alignment with philosophical inquiry, encouraging students to refine their awareness and deepen their understanding of yoga's roots, techniques, and applications.

Course Outline

Philosophy (30 hours)

The students are introduced to the roots and evolution of yoga through an exploration of key philosophical systems and sacred texts. Topics include: What is Yoga, the History of Yoga, the Upanishads, Advaita Vedānta, the Bhagavad Gītā, Classical Yoga, Kashmir Śaivism, and Buddhism. Students also study the Subtle Body, Haṭha Yoga, and are encouraged to contemplate and integrate these teachings into their personal and teaching practice through reading, discussion, and reflection.


Postural Practice (70 hours)


In these sessions, students practice and study alignment-based āsana. We begin with Presence and Intention, understanding foundations, and exploring the Optimal Blueprint. Students refine engagement and integration, extension and expansion, and rotational actions of the legs. Upper body alignment, secondary principles of alignment, and their application to the syllabus’ categories of poses are emphasized. Practice sessions integrate postural analysis, safe entry and exit strategies, preparatory exercises, and counterposes, connecting each āsana to broader patterns of movement and awareness.


Anatomy & Physiology (30 hours)

Western anatomy and physiology are taught in direct relation to yoga practice. Students study the skeletal system, major bones and joints, muscle groups involved in āsana, and types of muscle contraction. The curriculum also covers the nervous system, including the stress response and polyvagal theory; immune/endocrine and the respiratory system with attention to breathing mechanics. Basic biomechanics are applied to joint movements, stabilization, balance, stretching, and awareness of physical limitations, with emphasis on safe practice and adaptation.


Meditation (10 hours)

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Students are introduced to meditation theory and practice, including mindfulness, focused techniques, and open-awareness techniques. Instruction covers key terms, approaches to practice, and strategies for teaching meditation within a yoga class. Practice sessions allow students to experience and guide short meditations, deepening both personal understanding and teaching skills.


Prāṇāyāma (10 hours)

The study of prāṇāyāma begins with natural breath awareness and preparatory exercises. Students learn techniques such as Ujjāyī, Viloma A & B, Nāḍī Śodhana, Kapālabhātī, Bhrāmarī, and Bhastrikā. Instruction combines theory, practice, and methods for introducing these techniques safely to students in group and private settings.


Teaching Methodology & Professional Development (25 hours)

This module weaves together the art and science of teaching yoga. Students explore sequencing, pacing, cueing, demonstration, and both verbal and physical assists, along with effective class management strategies. We also examine how to create and hold a trauma-informed space, ensuring that classes are safe, inclusive, and empowering. Professional ethics, scope of practice, and our equity position statement form the foundation for responsible teaching. In addition, we explore pathways for lifelong learning, self-reflection, and professional growth. Practical business skills are covered, including marketing, promotion, insurance, waivers, and invoicing, equipping students to navigate the realities of working as a yoga professional with integrity and confidence.


Practicum (25 hours)

Students demonstrate knowledge, skills, and experience across twelve key competencies, including āsana, prāṇāyāma, meditation, anatomy, and teaching methodology. The practicum includes supervised teaching, mentorship, and structured feedback, enabling students to refine their teaching presence and competency in a supportive environment.

Graduates

N/A

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