240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program (RYT-200)

September 14-December 14, 2024

Ajna’s 240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification program is run over a 12- week period. This course is designed to be hybrid (in person or online), with a blend of live hours with a teacher every second Saturday and pre-recorded learning. Graduates can register with the Yoga Alliance as RYT-200 and teach all over the world.

Deepen your own practice and learn how to safely teach therapeutic Hatha/ Flow yoga to beginner students. Ajna’s 240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training certification program exceeds the requirements from the Yoga Alliance. This course is designed to be a hands-on learning experience, with practical applications of student-centered teaching techniques. We have been training teachers since 2008 and we know that adults learn most effectively through hands on, personal experience. Our program is trauma-informed, with a foundation in yoga therapy. Graduates can register with the Yoga Alliance as RYT-200 and teach all over the world. The 240 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program was reviewed and approved by the registrar of the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills & Training.

Click to Register for the 240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program.

Online Registration

Click to access the 240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Certification Program FAQ.

240-Hour FAQ

Click to learn more about Ajna Yoga’s bursary opportunities.

Bursaries

240 Hour (RYT-200) Program Details

Tuition: $2,600.00 ($2,300 for early bird price and $2,950 for International students)
If applying to Student Aid BC, choose the full-time option on the application form. No deposit required for students with student loans.
$150 is a non refundable registration fee ($500 fee for International students)
Deposit: a minimum of $400.00 is required to hold your spot.
Remainder of payment due 3 weeks before the program start date.

Dates:
- - September 14-December 14, 2024
Times:
- Live teaching online or in person, bi-weekly Saturdays 9am-2:30pm

240 Hour (RYT-200) Payment Options

Option 1: Full Payment at Registration

Option 2: Payment Plan

Option 3: Apply for a Student Loan

Pay by:

Cheque made out to Ajna Yoga
To pay by cheque, please mail to:
- Ajna Yoga
  209-2250 Oak Bay Avenue
  Victoria, B.C.
  V8R 1G5
Cash
- To pay by cash, click on the “Contact” link in the main menu, or call Michelle at (250) 812-8355

E-transfer sent to jules@ajnayoga.ca
Visa or Mastercard through our Wellness living registration site

Pay by Visa or MC

240 Hour (RYT-200)Program Testimonials

Open the accordion section to read what our graduates are saying about student the 240 hour program.

Student Testimonials

“This teacher training went above and beyond in meeting my expectations. There was a positive learning environment that was created along with an amazing dynamic within our group. I loved the interactive learning process and the chance to learn and grow from one another. Jules and Michelle: You both are truly inspiring teachers! Your generosity and passion really shines through in your teaching. Your hearts sure are at the right places. Your in-depth knowledge about the many aspects of yoga is amazing, thank you so much for sharing and for such a fun course.” – Brittany D.

“Jules and Michelle truly nurtured each person’s skills and provided us a safe place to explore our teaching styles. Each class was so thought provoking and inspiring. I looked forward to classes as friendships grew and our group supported each other through this beautiful journey. I had heard that the program was going to be amazing but I didn’t realize it would be life changing. Thanks you Jules and Michelle for your knowledge, your kindness, your presence, your guidance, your support and your generosity.” Mabel C.

“You both create such a safe, loving place to explore yoga. I always know when either of you are teaching a class, I’m in a safe place to practice and explore. Thank you for giving all this knowledge and comfort to listen to my inner voice and body. I will be forever grateful. I look forward to the next practice I get to take from you both. Thank you for being such amazing teachers!” – Krystle B.

“During this teacher training it was a joy to witness everyone’s teaching skills develop, their confidence grow and blossom as well as my own. The availability of both Jules and Michelle for questions and extra help was impressive. I felt that when I asked for assistance during or after the class I was well attended to and supported with genuine care and attention. – Sarah N.”

“The yoga teacher training course increased my competence as a teacher and exceeded my expectations. It was skillfully presented, and challenging without ever being overwhelming. Jules and Michelle are both warm and compassionate teachers and I felt cared for during the program.” – Janis C.

“This teacher training program was as amazing as everyone told me it would be- you surpassed my expectations. I most appreciated the kind loving intention behind the whole program. I felt wonderfully supported. Thank you both so much for what you have created.” – Chris T.

“I was amazed at both Jules and Michelle’s in-depth knowledge of the body. The passion for both the body and Yoga was palpable. This course was amazing and truly life altering. I feel like I was re-built from the ground up and am so grateful for the time reserved for introspection. I feel like the growth that occurred is not only going to reflect on the mat in my own practice but also off the mat. The changes in my perception of both my practice and myself are profound and I will eternally be grateful. You are both amazing, Thank you so much for your guidance, your love, and sharing your passion.” – Lara S.

“I enjoyed everything about this course. I loved the way it was laid out. How we started at the feet and worked our way up through the body following the chakras. Everything seemed to knit together along the way – finishing like a beautiful blanket. I want to express to Jules and Michelle my gratitude. This has been quite a journey over the last few months, and I do feel it is just the beginning of a life long journey. I will never forget my experience. Thank you.” – Robin M.

“The teachers have a willingness to share personal experiences that encourages students to reflect and open up. You are both very clear about what the expectations are for each class, providing precise instruction throughout the course for every component. The course design was excellent, offering opportunity for immediate practice and group discussion, and time for deeper independent reflection. You are both excellent teachers, so lovely and kind and fun – able to offer visual and verbal instruction, advice, and you really listen to your students. I received so much more out of the course than I ever expected. Thank you so much!” -Sarah C.

“I enjoyed everything about this course. I think the format of the course is beyond perfect. It seemed designed to train us in a particular order, giving us the proper tools that we needed and the confidence to ultimately teach our own class. My favorite part was to watch each person blossom from beginning to end, like a lotus.” – Lori P.

“I had a delightful experience with this course. It really was incredibly worthwhile. I have personally benefited from the class in so many ways and have found a new sense of awareness in my own body. I feel that this course was exactly what I needed, even though I didn’t know it when I first signed up, it feels like it was meant to be. I am just so glad I was able to go on this journey with Michelle and Jules, they have been so supportive and helpful and have absolutely left me feeling confident and eager to share what I know, as well as continue to learn as a student myself. Everybody involved in the course has helped me grow and blossom as I transformed into a confident yoga teacher myself. It has been a great joy to spend so much time with fellow Yogis, and has left me feeling very inspired!” – Michelle T.

“Thanks to you both Jules and Michelle for the wonderful guidance over the course of these past weeks. It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know each of you and my classmates. Your teaching of course, has had and will continue to have a strong influence on the yoga teacher that is developing within me. I look forward to continued growth as I carry on through the 500 hour program.” – Sue W.

“This course was AMAZING! I’m still fairly new to yoga and this was a great way to build on my own practice, as well as learning how to teach others. If you’re one of those people who loves yoga but would like a better understanding of the background and postures, you should think about taking this course to broaden your horizon! Michelle and Jules are professional, understanding, patient, motivating, and their love of yoga shines through every minute of this course. They prepare you every step of the way so that you come out in the end 100% confident you’ll be able to teach a large yoga class or an individual one on one session. All the guest instructors that were brought in were terrific, and knowledgeable. It gave a great variety to the course. The entire course and ALL the instructors really validate that yoga is for EVERYONE! 🙂 Many Thanks To You Both! All The Love” – Lee D.

“The program was more than a yoga teaching program. Yes, the focus on asanas was great, and we learned them, but there was another important part of the education. We focus a lot in society about the physical world (hatha yoga), but in Ajna, Michelle and Jules also taught the spiritual and emotional aspects of yoga. We learned by discussion, writing, and reading, but we also learned by example. In today’s business world there is the term emotional intelligence, we got to experience Emotional and spiritual intelligence in all of our classes. We learned by seeing and doing, by being kind, supportive, compassionate, excited and grateful, just like our teachers. The virtues the teachers brought to their classes rubbed off on us students, as we started to introduce the virtues into our everyday life. Yes, we learned how to do the warrior poses, but we also learned how to be better balanced in the spiritual and emotional world too.” – Pete R.

“So much thanks for everything you’ve done for us in this course, it has truly been a life altering experience. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from you and Jules, the course has surpassed all of my expectations, and has transcended into my every day life. Thank you!” – Kim G.

“I have taken many Fitness, Life Coaching, University, and Management courses and I must admit I was not expecting the challenge of the 300 Hour course. The course is ‘The Best’ course for anatomy I believe I have taken and with the addition of the ‘Yoga related’ information –This is an amazing course! I am so fortunate to have you both as teachers. You have created an atmosphere and teachings to allow me to feel comfortable to bring back my compassion for others, my intuition, my truth, my passion to teach and my spirituality.” – Anne R.

“Thanks to you both for your inspired vision and passion. You are providing a much-needed local forum for personal growth, transformation and connection – one that is safe, nurturing and profound. Your students will go out into the world and help to make it a better place. This is very good work that you are doing! I feel privileged and honoured to have you as my teachers.” – Guy F.

“Michelle and Jules, you have offered me such a unique opportunity to search, find, welcome, and then strengthen. And to know that this is a life long process but that one should find solace in doing so and never stop believing and being aware. I love you both for it. You have opened up a side of me that I have been stunting for so long.” – Lori K.

“You are inspiring teachers, Jules and Michelle– welcoming, knowledgeable, grounded, open, supportive, and honest. You share your practice and knowledge with us in a kind, supportive, and authoritative way. I think you also work together well as a team and your cooperative and collaborative style is infectious. You speak very respectfully of all styles of yoga and the yoga community and instill a sense of respect in your students. I also really liked the structure of the program where we came together and practiced as a group at the beginning of each class. As practice is the foundation, it was good to have that built into the program.” – Adia K.

240 Hour (RYT-200) Program Outline

The 240-Hour Yoga Teacher Training includes a free, 3-month unlimited yoga membership to Ajna Yoga studio classes during the program as well as 3 certification program classes a week. We begin each program class with an Asana class, break for food, and then explore the curriculum through lecture, discussion and hands-on learning.

Our program is based on following the “8 limbs of Yoga” as we explore:

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Asana Classes

Deepen your understanding of your own yoga practice.

Teaching is ultimately about sharing your knowledge with others. Each time we meet (3 times a week for 12 weeks), you will be a student in a yoga class with a Ajna Yoga faculty member. Each yoga class is based on a different aspect of yoga practice – themes range from increasing core strength to incorporating yoga philosophy in your physical practice. We support your development of a regular yoga practice, so you can share your authentic experience as a yoga practitioner with your students. Personal attention is given in each class so that you can better understand your own body in the context of yoga practice.

Applied Anatomy

Yoga teachers need to know the basics of how the body works. You learn anatomy—the major muscle groups, the skeleton, the respiratory system, the nervous system—as you learn postures and breathing techniques and how yoga can bring greater health to you and your students. We integrate yogic anatomy in the lessons each week – the chakras, the nadis, the koshas and the vayus – and examine how both systems of anatomy can be included in your teaching.

History and Philosophy of Yoga

Yoga comes from an ancient tradition. In order to truly understand the benefits and the practice of yoga in our lives today, we need to look at yoga in the context from where it evolved. Using the Yoga Sutras and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as our main texts, we will examine how the pearls of wisdom from the yogic tradition can be applied in our daily lives. Through reading, discussion and writing assignments, you will begin to integrate the wisdom of yoga into your wider life – your work, your relationships and how want to live your life.

Meditation, Pranayama, Mantra, and Kriyas

Adjustment and Alignment Workshops

Each body has its own unique challenges and tendencies. Ajna Yoga Centre teaches you how to teach to each individual student that comes into your class. In our Adjustment and Alignment workshops, held twice a week, we examine the ‘ins and outs’ of each of the 52 yoga postures covered in the course curriculum. We look at the common tendencies and limitations you will see in your classes and techniques you can employ to offer the most ease and enjoyment for your students.

How Chakras Connect the Mind and Body

Different Styles of Yoga: Sequencing Classes

Introduction to Yoga Therapy

Boundaries, Ethics, and Emotions In Teaching

Teaching: Practicum and Practice

Given our philosophy of ‘learning through doing,’ you begin the process of teaching within the first few weeks of the course. There is a team of people to support you during this process. You mentor with a member of the Ajna Yoga Center faculty throughout the course and that mentor is there for you to help answer one-on-one personal questions and offer advice. You practice teaching first by teaching small sections of a class to build your confidence as a teacher and to gradually assimilate your growing knowledge of yoga. The final exam is a one-hour yoga class.

The Business of Yoga

What Makes Our 240 Hour (RYT-200) Program Unique?

Our course is designed to teach you (as a student) to go inward, to feel into your body and to move from a place of listening to your inner teacher.

You will learn how to make yoga accessible for all bodies and give you 16 hours of Therapeutic Yoga Training. We feel yoga therapy is an essential skill to have as a teacher.

The course begins with the foundations of yogic philosophy and the literal foundation of the physical body – the feet. Each week, we delve deeper in the applications of yogic philosophy and the anatomy of the body, using the chakras as a guide.

We study the alignment of over 50 asanas (postures), with special attention given to how we can modify postures to fit the needs of different bodies.

Each day begins with an asana class that focuses on the learning theme of the day, so that you can feel and experience the curriculum in your body. Then we have a food break and come back to discuss, study and review the alignment of postures. Finally, you practice teach the postures, breath and meditation to each other.

Ajna has a great yoga community and our students feel there is a deep bond of a family here. An important value is to ensure all student feel respected and safe empowered. We support graduates to teach in studios, community centers and international locations. One of our passions is making yoga accessible and have pioneered placements in mental health, addictions and women’s centers.

240 Hour (RYT-200) Admission Requirements

Applicants are required to have at least one year of personal yoga practice with a yoga instructor and are 19 years of age. All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

- Online Application
- Letter of reference from a yoga instructor you have taken classes with
- Copy of photo ID to prove you are at least 19 years of age

240 Hour (RYT-200) Graduation Requirements

Students must attend 100% of the program to graduate. Additionally, students will:

- - Write two 750-1,000 word papers
  - Complete additional homework throughout the course
  - Practice teach with a mentor during the course
  - Pass an exam class at the end of the course

240 Hour (RYT-200) Course Reading

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Required Reading