The Teacher Training Program offered at Sthalam 8 is an immersion into the deeper aspects of Ashtanga Yoga. Whether you simply want to deepen your practice or to become a teacher, this program will cover both the theoretical and practical applications to get you started.
Each year we have three teacher training programmes running for a duration of five weeks. Every other year there will be second series Teacher Training course. We accept a maximum of 12 students on each course. Space is limited therefore you must email ahead to book your place. It is imperative that students allow time to attend classes for at least two weeks before the course, giving Ajay time to assess whether you are ready. For more information please email.
Important notice: From 2023 the Teacher Training Course duration will be five weeks
Teacher’s Training Schedule 2025-26
| Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|
| 17 February 2025 | 21 March 2025 |
| 25 August 2025 | 26 September 2025 |
| 10 November 2025 | 12 December 2025 |
For Primary TTC Interested students MUST attend yoga classes with Sthalam 8 for 2 weeks prior to starting the training. After two weeks of classes, Ajay will assess if you are ready to attend the training. If you are ready, he will allow you to attend the Teacher Training Course. If you are not prepared enough, you must continue to develop your practice under Ajay’s supervision. This process is to assess student’s readiness for the training and to ensure that they are well prepared to deal with the discipline and rigour needed for a teacher’s training course with Sthalam 8 Yoga Shala.
A certificate and Training Manual will be given to students on completion of the 6 weeks-long courses.
The training will focus on the following:
-
The origin, history and contemporary relevance of yoga. The first few days of training will focus on understanding the philosophy of yoga, and how it is connected to the physical practice. Focusing on the Ashtanga or eight-limbed system, the topics covered will include ethics of teaching, the importance of breathing and bandha work, Yama, niyama, and karmas
-
Applying correct breathing techniques to your practice and teaching these to others effectively.
-
The Om Meditation and the Opening and Closing Prayer.
-
Chanting/Explanation of the Yoga Sutras.
-
Alignments and Adjustments. This will form the core of training. Trainees will learn the correct alignment for each asana followed by adjustments to be given to students to correct alignment and gradually increase flexibility. We will also focus on specific injuries for different asanas learning how to overcome and work with both pain and injury.
There will be 2 practical tests, one in the middle half and the other at the end of the training.
At the end of the month, trainees’ will have both the theoretical and practical tools to lead a Mysore style class, Their skills will include introducing and teaching asanas to students, correcting alignment, giving adjustments and ensuring a safe, disciplined and relaxing environment for students to practice in.
Daily scheule
| Timings | Subject |
|---|---|
| 7.30 am –9.00 am | Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style class (Primary Series) |
| 12.00 pm– 1.00 pm | Silent Meditation followed by Om Chanting. Revision of previous day’s teaching |
| 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm | Ajay Kumar’s teaching class. Learning yoga theory, correct alignment, hands-on adjustments and other core aspects of asana practice |
| 3.00 pm – 4 pm | Break |
| 4.00 pm – 5:00 pm | Vedantha Chanting |
| 5.00 pm – 6:00 pm | Meditation |
| 7.00 pm – 8:00 pm | Chanting/Yoga Sutra 12 online classes by Sanskrit Teacher Sudheer |