The one who is aspiring to become a Yoga Trainer knows the importance of a Yoga Teacher Training Course. It is that tool which demarcates the participant as a quality trainer and a cut above the rest of the run-of-the-mill trainers. Authentic and relevant training techniques, guidance on intricacies of Human Anatomy, true essence and philosophy of Yoga can be brought out only by the best of the Yogic Trainers and Yoga schools. These schools are a recognized authority for imparting Yoga Teacher Training.The schools are qualified to award certifications to Yoga Trainers upon completion of the course. How does one differentiate between mediocre Yoga training and the best? This article helps with standard Yoga Certification needed for a trainer as well as a curated list of Top 10 Yoga Schools across the country that can help to achieve the certification
A Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) is a distinction given to those whose training and teaching experience meet Yoga Alliance Requirements. One must complete training with a Registered Yoga School (RYS), and then be registered with the Yoga Alliance. Once this is done, the individual is an internationally recognized RYT. India, being the birthplace of Yoga, is home to countless yoga schools. These schools, located primarily in (but not limited to) Rishikesh and Goa, offer Yoga Teacher Training Courses for varied duration such as: 100-Hour, 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour programs. The curriculum extensively covers several aspects of Yoga – Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga, Shatkarma, Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Physiology, Kundalini, Ayurveda and such. Below, AyurUniverse has listed the best, accredited schools from across the country:
- World Peace Yoga School
Location: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh, India
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
The World Peace Yoga School offers a picturesque and vibrant environment for students to learn the core Yogic principles, including asanas, meditation, philosophy and lifestyle. Located in the Yoga Capital of the world, WPYS is a member of the Yoga Alliance, and all courses are approved and certified by Yoga Alliance International, and Yoga Alliance USA. The teachers and masters, led by founder Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi, are highly acclaimed, trained and experienced in the all-encompassing practice of yoga.
This is one of the only Yoga schools that offer Teacher Training Courses free of cost. The school is concerned with propagating yoga globally in its truest and purest form, and aims to make yoga accessible to all, regardless of socio-cultural or socio-economic status. Students are expected to pay nominal fees only for their food and accommodation.
The WPYS offers Yoga Alliance Certification for 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour Teacher Training Programs. The school also offers 6-day and 4-day yoga retreats, drop-in classes and an Ayurvedic retreat.
- Yoga Vidya Mandiram
Location: Rishikesh, India and Chiang Mai, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun and Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Mai
The Yoga Vidya Mandiram, founded by Acharya Chandramani, is a yoga school registered with Yoga Alliance USA, and aims to impart the yogic knowledge of the Himalayan masters. This school attempts to bridge the gap between the pure and traditional form and the contemporary form of yoga and meditation. The teachers and masters have a deep understanding of the concepts under yoga, and interpret them through scientific verification.
The school is open to all, with a mission of spreading peace, health and joy through yoga. Students at the Yoga Vidya Mandiram learn a myriad of subjects, from Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar Yoga, Shatkarma, Pranayama, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Physiology, Kundalini, Ayurveda, etc. They offer several registered Teacher Training Courses for the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced level. Certification is offered for 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour Yoga TTC, as well as other Yoga Courses and Yoga Retreats.
These courses are offered both, in the lap of the Yogic Capital, Rishikesh, as well as in the highlands of Chiang Mai in Thailand.
- AYM Yoga School, Rishikesh
& AYM Yoga School, Goa
Location: Tapovan/Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh and Arambol, Goa
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun and Dabolim Airport, Goa
The Association for Yoga and Meditation was founded by Yogi Chetan Mahesh, and a few other reputed gurus, in 2005, to address the lack of basic yoga training amenities and facilities in India. The AYM Yoga School is a non-profit organization registered with the Government of India. The aim of this organization is to spread happiness and health through the traditional and ancient wisdom of yoga. As of 2011, AYM Yoga School has also been registered with Yoga Alliance USA.
The school offers 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour Teacher Training Courses. The focus of these courses is on asana alignment, the art of assisting in postures, and human anatomy and physiology explained in relation to yoga. The end goal is to help the students develop yoga techniques that will heighten their own practice, the ability to teach yoga, as well as provide a refreshing and life-changing experience. The AYM branch in Rishikesh also offers yoga retreats, Ayurvedic courses and Yoga College.
The Goa branch of the AYM Yoga School opened in 2016, near Arambol Beach, and has quickly become one of the best in the country. The school teaches several types of yoga – Hatha, Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar, Sivananda, Power, Flow, Hatha Vinyasa, Restorative and Yoga Therapy. In 2019, AYM Goa was given the Global Excellence Award for Best Yoga Training Institute of the Year.
- The Yoga Institute
Location: Chorâo Island, Goa
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa
The Yoga Institute, founded in 1918 in Mumbai, is the oldest centre for yoga in the world. Shri Yogendraji, the founder, believed that yoga was not exclusively for the gurus and rishis, but for the household as well. At the Institute, yoga is taught as a “science of awareness and culture of consciousness”. It is taught more as a way of life than a simple physical practice.
The Goa branch of The Yoga Institute at Viva Chorão, is located on Chorâo Island. The Mandovi River provides the perfect backdrop for this island, tucked away from this tourist city. Within this scenic environment, full of charming flora and fauna, The Yoga Institute conducts 200-Hour Teacher Training Courses. The syllabus consists of an introduction to the history and background of Yoga, Asanas, Pranayamas, Kriyas and their benefits, diet and hygiene, Yoga anatomy and physiology, as well as communication and teaching skills. Courses range from AYUSH Level 1 to Level 3.
- Samadhi Yoga Ashram
Location: Tapovan/Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
The Samadhi Yoga Ashram was founded by Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi, who had spent many years travelling extensively to spread the teachings of yoga, spirituality and meditation. Located amongst several yoga schools, this ashram has slowly garnered fame for being one of the best Yoga Teacher Training schools in Rishikesh, as it combines both the ancient and modern forms of yoga. The ashram boasts of highly experienced and revered yoga gurus and masters.
A wide range of training is offered, for short term and long term courses, depending on individual suitability. The experience is highly customized, and includes Holistic Yoga, Kundalini Yoga, Ayurvedic Yoga, Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Reiki Training. Drop-in classes and short duration courses are offered for visitors and short-travelers.
- Vinyasa Yoga Academy
Location: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Vinyasa Yoga Academy is one of the most popular yoga schools in Rishikesh. Also founded by Yogi Vishnu Panigrahi, the Academy is affiliated with Yoga Alliance USA, UK, and Yoga Alliance International. Vinyasa means “connection”, and Vinyasa yoga is the practice of breath-synchronized movements.
This Academy boasts of modern-day facilities and quality education. With its renowned gurus and masters, this school offers 100- Hour, 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses, and a Holistic Vinyasa Teacher Training Course. It also offers 4 and 6 day Yoga & Meditation Retreats for short-travelers and visitors looking to detoxify and re-energize their mind, body and soul. The curriculum mainly focuses on the practice of Vinyasa, Ashtanga and Hatha yoga, and includes detailed studies on subjects such as Flow, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Anatomy, Meditation, Pranayama and Chakra Alignment.
- Himalayan Yoga Association
Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
The Himalayan Yoga Association is one the most reputed yoga schools in Rishikesh. The aim is to spread the traditional teachings “as it is”, of Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga across the globe. All courses are accredited by Yoga Alliance USA, UK and Yoga Alliance International.
The yoga teachers and gurus are highly accomplished, and teach not only the basics, but the meaning of living a true yogic lifestyle. The Himalayan Yoga Association offers 100- Hour, 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses, as well as Yoga retreats and Trekking retreats.
- Shiva Tattva Yoga
Location: Tapovan, Rishikesh
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
The Shiva Tattva Yoga school is one that is world renowned, and aims at teaching yoga more as a way of life than a mere practice. This institute also has a research wing, where active research is conducted into the ancient yogic philosophies, then fused and implemented in the teacher training programs. It is also known for enforcing a strict schedule to ensure the maximum assimilation of knowledge.
The Yoga Alliance certified courses offered are 200-Hour, 300-Hour and 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses. These are said to be highly effective, efficient and well-organized. The teachers at this institute undergo regular training through workshops and lectures to expand and update their knowledge. This ensures that the course curriculum is always modifying and growing to include new and modern trends, as well as existing traditional formats.
- Kashish Yoga
Location: Palolem/Canacona, Goa
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa
Kashish Yoga is said to be one of the most unique and affordable Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Goa. Kashish, registered with Yoga Alliance International, aims at transforming the individual from within – be it a teacher in training or a simple novice.
Students are assured of courses conducted by well-trained and experienced teachers, and designed by revered yogic minds. This school offers 100-Hour Aerial & Yin Yoga, 200-Hour Multi-Style Yoga, and 300-Hour Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training. Meals are carefully curated to be made apt for both a yoga course and Indian weather. The school also abides by the Indian Gurukula system, which places emphasis on the student-teacher or guru-shishya relationship.
Kashish Yoga is one of the only schools that provide the opportunity to explore Kundalini, Hatha, Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Aerial, Yin and Acro Yoga, as well as a variety of meditation techniques.
- Fusion Yoga
Location: Laxman Jhula, Rishikesh
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
The programs of Fusion Yoga are rooted in the ancient teachings of yoga, but one of the more alluring aspects of this school is the opportunity to meet and interact with new people. Fusion Yoga aims at equipping a yoga teacher with the necessary tools to impart yogic knowledge, but also aims at providing the individual with a look at their own lives from a spiritual perspective. This goal of these training courses is to find a healthy and harmonious balance between introspection and self-acceptance.
The science of yoga is taught in a concise and relatable manner, making it easier for the modern practitioner. Theory and practice are seamlessly weaved together to provide a holistic understanding of the subject. Certified by Yoga Alliance International, Fusion Yoga offers 100-Hour Aerial and Yin Yoga Teacher Training, 200-Hour multi-style yoga Teacher Training.
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