Advanced Teacher Training

5OO HOUR ADVANCED TEACHER TRAINING

WITH JIM HARRINGTON

Module 1 of 5:  

18 – 26 February 2012 | R7500

* Modules may be accumulated over time


THE FIRST INTENSIVE


    

  • As a yoga teacher are you able to answer the “why” questions from your students?
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  • With this course we aim to go beyond the “rote learning” and gain a depth of knowledge and understanding of the yoga practices from a modern perspective.  The aim being to assist teachers to communicate better with yoga practitioners operating in a conventional, rational and contemporary mindset.
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  • The modern world is one where information is freely available and the role of a teacher is sometimes more of a facilitator of processes than a conveyor of information.
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The practice


An amalgam of Jims own experience and style of practice which will include equal parts alignment focussed practice and meditative flow grounded in stillness.


    

  • The Asana Curriculum of the first intensive will be the based around the Water sequence of the Yoga Synergy program. This closely corresponds to the Ashtanga primary series mixed with Second (intermediate) Series and include some of the 3rdseries postures.
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  • Includes (from second series of Ashtanga as taught by Sri Pattabhi Jois)Salabhasana (locusts), Pinchumayurasna (Peacock feather- forearm Balance),Bharavadjasana (Sage twist), Krounchasana (Heron) , Ardha Matsendrasana (Half fish), Ustrasana (Camel), Laghu Vajrasana (Thunderbolt) , and Kappottasana (Pigeon drop back Backbend) .
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  • And from the advanced sequences, Vashistasana (Side Plank) with variations,Ardha badha padma Urdhva Mukha Vrikksasana (Half lotus handstand), Natarasana(Dancing Shiva), Eka Hasta Salabhasana (One hand locust Balance), Eka pada Galavasana (One leg crow variation), Garudasana (Eagle), Eka PadaKoundinyasana (One leg sage balance).
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  • From a structured base of set routines, we will be able to venture into the field of creative improvisation.
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  • A number of other standing asanas and variations will be used for teaching and developing balance, flexibility and strength with healthy alignment.
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  • Participants will work to understand the asana and how to best instruct them clearly and safely.
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  • Being competent to practice and demonstrate an asana is not a necessary prerequisite to teaching it effectively, as long as there is a strong anatomical understanding.
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  • There will be substantial influence from the Yoga Synergy method, particularly in the use of Mudra, Bandha and principles of alignment.
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Pranayama


    

  • We will aim to contextualise this practise again by explaining the physiology of the exercises as well as their traditional, esoteric and energetic nature.
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  • Daily practice of breath work and meditation.
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  • Faciltated by Jim Harrington and Philippe Brauwermann
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  • A printed manual has been prepared.
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 Teaching methodology


    

  • The Teaching Methodology component will build on those foundations established in the 200hr course. It aims to strengthen skills that have been developed and to add some to a teacher’s toolkit.
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  •  The more advanced asana will be introduced with clear guidance of how to build up towards them in a class situation. As well as to use counter postures after them to balance the effects. Consideration will be given to biomechanics and how strong asana can be taught and practiced with precision and safety.
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  • Voice training. Develop more gravitas and clarity.
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  • The role of a teacher. Leadership, Responsibilities, challenges and rewards in yoga.
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 Special applications


    

  •  Yoga for sports – Guest Speakers: Trevor Hutting – Professional free diver and ex world record holder.
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  •  Specific applications of the yoga tools. Mindfulness and the state of “flow”.
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  •  Stretching and strengthening to correct muscle imbalance for particular sports.
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  • Psychology of professional sports; lessons from the Indian Cricket Team.
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Business skills for yoga teachers – how to make it work financially.


    

  •  A pragmatic, non-emotional look at teaching, and the possibilities that it brings.
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  • You will be assisted in planning to fulfil your dreams and follow your passion for yoga, using tried and tested business methods.  (facilitated by Jessica Heynis–MBA and Philippe Brauwermann)
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Diet and Nutrition – East meets west.


    

  • Contrasting traditional and modern scientific perspectives on how to eat for optimum health, energy and wellbeing.  Ian Craig (Nutritional therapist) as guest.
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  • Ayurvedic doshas, genetic blood groups, vegan and vegetarian diets. The pros and cons of each.
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  • Video lecture by Simon Borg-Olivier on Raw food diet.
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Anatomy and Physiology


    

  • Review of key aspects and language of anatomy for yoga teachers. What we really need to know to be effective.
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  • Case studies – Injuries.
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  • Guest teacher Dr Sally Rothmeyer, Neurosurgeon and Yoga Teacher will speak on the nervous system and the Brain in yoga practice.
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  • Research project – 1500words on a chosen aspect of anatomy and physiology as it relates to yoga. To be handed in one month after the completion of the course.
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  • Practical test and presentation
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Self Understanding 


    

  • Tools for maintaining an authentic self practice.
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  • The attitude of a yogi – Asceticism in the 21st Century day to day life.
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  • Inner space and outer space, shadow and light – how we relate to the world around us. That which we don’t see in ourselves.
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  • Much of this will be based on the consideration of stories and discussions on the Upanishads, psychology and philosophy that took place during the past three years of trainings with Shimon Ben Avi.
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Philosophy


    

  • Krishnamacharya’s view
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“ I maintain that truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect…Truth being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organised…..”


    

  • Guest speakers for discussion.  To be announced.
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  • How does the yoga tradition relate to conventional Belief Systems such as – Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism.
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  • Is there a role for modern yoga philosophy in contemporary society?
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Practicum


    

  • Supervised Teaching practice Participants will be invited to assist classes where practical.
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  • Participants are invited to volunteer with Capetown Organisations for further practice.
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  • Therapeutic applications
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  • Journal keeping and logging teaching experience.
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Yoga Therapy


    

      

    • The nature of health and healing.
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    • Designing yoga programs for individual needs. Case studies will be used. A homework project will be given.
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    • Yoga Synergy – East meets West – The principles of the yoga synergy approach of Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss of Sydney Australia.
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    • Guest teacher: Dr Phillip Ginsberg (GP) on his experience of training in yoga therapy with at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chenai
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Yoga Alliance


Currently Jim Harrington is not registered as a 500 Hr training facilitator and this course is outside of the Yoga Alliance system. Jim is in the process of investigating ways to retrospectively apply for the registration.

Next Intensive are scheduled for July and November 2012