Go beyond
learning postures.
This training takes you through a comprehensive curriculum beyond postures and classroom application. This is the kind of learning that you won't do on your own.
Get certified.
Learn with expert faculty.
You'll hear different perspectives from our lead faculty who have 30+ years of teaching experience and come from BIPOC backgrounds.
Choose your own learning format.
We provide weekends and immersion programs to accommodate your life schedule.
Have flexible payment options.
Our trainings are GI Bill® eligible and MyCAA approved. We offer scholarships and payment plans.
Have a genuine community.
You get access to a network of colleagues and community of teachers.
Upcoming Trainings
2025 dates, format, and tuition have not been announced yet. Fill out an Interest Form below and join our newsletter to get updates.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we provide scholarships and work-trade options. More information will be available when we announce the next training.
Here's what to expect.
This is not a safe space.
This is a brave space.
This will not be a safe space. This is a brave space. Only you can determine what is safe for you. And you will be encouraged to hold space for yourself and for others.
This is not a transformative teacher training. You are already a whole person. This training is here to teach you skills and advance your knowledge.
This is not a pedagogical training. You will learn as much from your fellow trainees as you will from faculty. More over, our faculty are just as excited to learn from you!
This is not a vacation.
This is a place to learn.
PREPARATION
Prior to YTT, practice with as many different teachers and styles as you can. Note down the things you like, don't like, and why. Observe what teachers do to create an inclusive learning environment, such as their language choices, sequencing, and class setup.
READING
Required reading before YTT:
- Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson
Required during YTT:
- Heart of Yoga by TVK Desikachar
- Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali, Chip Hartranft
Recommended texts during YTT:
- Yoga for Everyone by Dianne Bondy
EQUIPMENT
- 2 yoga blocks
- 1 yoga strap
- 1 yoga bolster
See what our graduates say.
FAQ
We encourage you to take at least 2 yoga classes a week for 2 months prior to the training (a total of 16 classes minimum). If this is not possible in your situation, please let us know during your enrollment process so that we can discuss your personal yoga history. We welcome beginner and seasoned students.
TECHNIQUES, TRAINING AND PRACTICE, 75 HOURS
Asana
● Historical context
● Posture alignment
● Complete and safe sequencing
● Anatomical/alignment principles and contraindications
Pranayama & Subtle Body
● Historical context
● Effects of pranayama on body
● Sequencing with alternatives and adaptations
● Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, others
● Koshas, kleshas, chakras, nadis, prana vayus
Meditation
● Key meditation terms
● Methods
● Ability to practice meditation
● Chanting, mantras, and mudras
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, 30 HOURS
Anatomy and Physiology
● Skeletal system, muscular system
● Nervous system (stress response, mind-body connection)
● Bodily systems as they relate to yoga practice
● Respiratory system involvement
Biomechanics
● Types of joint movement
● Movement for balancing, stretching, awareness, and
physical limitations
● Contraindications, adaptations
YOGA HUMANITIES, 40 HOURS
History
● Definition of yoga
● Lineage, key ideas, and dates of Vedas, Vedanta, Hatha, Colonial, Modern
Philosophy
● Relationship of asana, pranayama, meditation
● Major yogic texts
● How philosophy relates to the practice
Ethics
● Yoga Sutras ethical precepts
● Yoga Alliance ethical scope of practice
● Increasing equity in yoga
● Accountability measures
● How yoga ethics relate to practice and teaching
PROFESSIONAL ESSENTIALS, 55 HOURS
Teaching Methodology
● Sequencing, pace, cueing (verbal, visual, physical)
● Environment, class management
Professional Development
● YA credentialing process, continuing education
● Ethical commitment, liability, insurance, waivers
● Continuing education
● Professionalism, marketing, and promotion
Practicum
● Practice teaching exercises in small groups
● Giving/receiving feedback, mentoring, self-evaluations
● Design & teach a full yoga class in personal style
● Yoga research or specialized applications
● Practicum is completed within the training with classmates and lead teacher
Electives
● Ayurveda
Your yoga certification will be in multi-style yoga. We feel it is valuable in modern times to have a well-rounded yoga education. We pride ourselves on giving you a unique educational experience with an introduction to many yoga styles and traditions so that you may develop your own individual teaching voice from what you've learned.
Absolutely! Yoga is for everyone and every body. There are lots of ways to practice, teach, and engage in the training without doing every single posture. Your experience will serve as a teacher to others. Plus, we spend lots, if not more, time on philosophy, ethics, and the non-physical parts of this discipline.
Yes! After you complete the full 200-HR yoga teacher training, you will have the tools to organize and teach classes. You will also be able to register as a nationally recognized yoga teacher through Yoga Alliance (YA). While many studios do not require you to be registered with YA, they may request to see a graduation certificate from the yoga school you studied with.
We require all students to have English-language competency, go through a 15-minute phone interveiw, have experience practicing with a yoga teacher or therapist, and demonstrate physical/mental health and readiness to fully participate in the demands of this program. You can read through all of the pre-enrollment information HERE.
• 100% attendance
• Participation in daily classroom discussion and teaching-practicum
• Prepare and teach a 20-minute yoga class
• Prepare and teach two 60-minute yoga classes
• Complete and demonstrate comprehension of the final written exam
All of these items will explained in-depth at the beginning of training and completed throughout the duration of the training. You will be well prepared to accomplish these items.
We recognize that 200 hours is a big commitment, and that there are some unavoidable time conflicts. However, we do have an attendance policy that we ask ALL students to agree to before enrolling. Missed hours require private make-up sessions and a make-up fee. If you'd like more information on this, please reach out, and let's chat about your needs.
Scholarships are given on an individual basis. Here is the application. We do offer an early-bird discount for the 200-HR and 300-HR programs. We also accept MyCAA and GI Bill payments.
HYI's 200HR in-person program is approved for students with VA benefits. Please click here to check your eligibility for the GI Bill® or call the GI Bill® Student Help Line at (888) 442-4551. We look forward to helping you complete your 200-HR YTT with this special tuition assistance option.
If you are a spouse of someone who is active in the military, you may be eligible for the federal MyCAA tuition assistance program. Please click here to learn more about the MyCAA program. We look forward to helping you complete your 200-HR YTT with this special 100-percent tuition assistance option.
Yes! If you have specific questions about payment or certification, please reach out.
For the extended weekends program, we do NOT offer housing. However we are happy to make some recommendations and connect you with any other students who are also looking for housing.
For the 3-week immersion program, YES, we do offer housing. More information is here. Space is limited.
We can't wait to learn with you.
2024© Hawaii Yoga Institute is a 501(c)(3) corporation organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill | Yoga Alliance®
info@hawaiiyogaintitute.com
(808) 262 - YOGA