Ashtanga Wednesday coming in March
Bali 200-Hour Teacher Training, July 2025
Join Us for this Elevating Experience!
Are you passionate about yoga and ready to take your practice to the next level? Imagine embarking on a transformational journey that not only deepens your understanding of yoga but also equips you to inspire and guide others on their own yoga path. Welcome to our 200-hour yoga teacher training program, where your journey from student to certified instructor begins.
During this immersive training, you'll delve into the rich philosophy and history of yoga, mastering both traditional techniques and modern practices. Led by experienced instructors deeply rooted in yoga's authentic teachings, you'll learn how to refine your postures, enhance your breath control, and cultivate a profound sense of mindfulness.
But it doesn’t stop there. Our program goes beyond the physical practice, offering comprehensive education in anatomy and physiology, helping you understand how the body moves and functions in relation to yoga. You’ll also gain practical teaching experience, honing your skills in class sequencing, cueing, and creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.
What sets our program apart is our commitment to your growth as a yoga teacher and practitioner. You'll receive personalized mentorship and guidance throughout, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to step into your new role. Whether you dream of leading classes at a studio, offering private sessions, or simply deepening your own practice, our training will empower you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for yoga and personal growth. Discover the joy of helping others experience the profound benefits of yoga in their lives. Don’t wait to transform your passion into a fulfilling career and a deeper connection to yourself and others.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and embark on this life-changing journey with us. Namaste!
Program Overview:
- What is Included:
- 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Certificate upon Completion
- Yoga Philosophy: Overview of ancient texts, philosophy
- Asana Practice: Detailed breakdown of daily asana sessions, alignment, adjustments.
- Teaching Methodology: Instruction on teaching techniques, sequencing, and class management.
- Anatomy and Physiology: Understanding of human anatomy relevant to yoga practice.
- Meditation and Pranayama: Techniques for breath control and meditation practices.
- Yoga Business: Insights into marketing, client relations, and studio management.
- Course Materials: Detailed handbook of all course content.
- Daily Breakfast & Lunch: Included for all participants. Plese let us know if you have dietary restrictions. Meals will be vegetarian.
- Access to Pool & Sauna
- Two Excursions: Water blessing with Priestess Ida & a visit to Tampak Siring
- Coffee / Tea
- Onsite Accommodation inclusive of: Wifi, daily cleaning, filtered water, linen change
Dragonfly Villayge, Ubud, Bali
Welcome to Dragonfly Village, nestled in the heart of Ubud, Bali—a tranquil retreat paradise surrounded by breathtaking rice fields. Immerse yourself in serenity, with panoramic views of the sacred Mt Agung and the distant northern mountain ranges. During the day, our open spaces are adorned with graceful dragonflies, while at night, the air sparkles with the enchanting glow of fireflies. Listen to the soothing symphony of crickets and frogs, harmonizing with nature's rhythms.
Dragonfly Village is a sanctuary for those seeking healing and learning amidst stunning greenery. Located just footsteps away from central Ubud, we offer the perfect blend of seclusion and accessibility—away from the hustle and bustle, yet close enough to explore the cultural delights of Ubud at your leisure.
Whether you're here to rejuvenate your spirit, deepen your practice, or simply reconnect with nature, Dragonfly Village invites you to experience Bali's natural beauty in its purest form. Come, unwind, and discover a sanctuary where tranquility meets transformation..
Double Occupancy, Shared Accommodation
Teachers
Anastasia Whitmore - E-RYT 500 - SYC Authorized Level 2 - Barre Eclipse
Greetings fellow yogis! My journey with yoga began in 2000, leading me on a transformative path that has taken me across continents and deep into the heart of traditional yoga practices. In 2002, I ventured to India for my first Sivananda Yoga teacher training, marking the beginning of a profound connection with yoga's origins.
During that transformative year, I also had the honor of practicing under the guidance of Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, the birthplace of Ashtanga Yoga. From that moment, my practice became deeply rooted in this ancient tradition. I continued to study with Pattabhi Jois until his passing in 2009, and since then, I have been fortunate to learn from his grandson, Sharath Jois, at the KPJ Institute and now the Sharath Yoga Center.
My dedication to Ashtanga Yoga has led me to India over 20 times, accumulating over eight years of practice under the guidance of the Jois family. I hold a Level 2 Authorization, reflecting my commitment and proficiency in this traditional form.
In my classes, students of all levels are welcomed with open arms. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your yoga journey, I am here to support and guide you. I specialize in nurturing practices for those who are pre/post-natal or recovering from injuries, ensuring that yoga remains accessible and beneficial to every body.
Join me on the mat and let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation through the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. Together, we'll explore the profound teachings that have shaped my life and continue to inspire me every day. See you on the mat!
Kirsten Berg - E-RYT 500 - KPJAYI Authorized Level 2
Kirsten's journey into yoga began in 1993 after completing her Classical Archaeology/Latin degree. Her exploration started with asana and meditation studies in India, sparked by a transformative month at the Tushita Center in Dharamsala. Inspired, she immersed herself in working with the Tibetan Buddhist community in India and later in Berkeley, California.
Seeking a yoga system that resonated deeply, Kirsten moved to India in 1996, initially spending time in Rishikesh studying under yogi Clive Sheridan and Rudra Dev's Iyengar Yoga technique. It was in 1996 that she discovered Ashtanga Yoga, drawn to its fluid, independent format and emphasis on breathwork. Deepening her practice, she spent six months in Goa with a senior teacher before traveling to Mysore to study under Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' student. This marked the beginning of her annual pilgrimages to Mysore until Sri Jois' passing, receiving his blessing to teach in 1999 and achieving Level II authorization in 2002.
In 2009, Kirsten completed the exclusive Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training with Sharath Jois, focusing on the Advanced 'A' series and the original Ashtanga Pranayama sequence directly from the lineage. Alongside Rolf Naujokat, she co-founded "Ashtanga Yoga Koh Phangan" in 2001, pioneering the first Ashtanga program in South Thailand. Over the years, she has taught extensively across India, Australia, Southeast Asia, Europe, the USA, and Morocco, enriching the global Ashtanga community with over 25 years of experience.
Kirsten's dedication to Ashtanga Yoga and her deep-rooted connections within the tradition continue to inspire and guide students worldwide, embodying a profound commitment to both practice and teaching.
Ashtanga yoga
Ashtanga yoga – Practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscover his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness – physical, psychological and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (dristi), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of ourselves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.
"Ashtanga" literally means eight limbs. They are described by Patanjali as: Yama (abstinences), Niyama (Observances), Asana (Postures), Pranayama (Breath Control), Pratyahara (Sense withdrawal), Dharana (Concentration), Dhyana (Meditation), and Samadhi (Contemplation). These branches support each other. Asana practice must be established for proper practice of pranayama, and is a key to the development of the yamas and niyamas. Once these four externally oriented limbs are firmly rooted, the last four internally oriented limbs will spontaneously evolve over time.
"Vinyasa" means breath synchronized movement. The breath is the heart of this discipline, and links asana to asana in a precise order. By synchronizing movement with breathing and practicing Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas (locks), an intense internal heat is produced. This heat purifies muscles and organs, expelling unwanted toxins as well as releasing beneficial hormones and minerals, which can nourish the body when the sweat is massaged back into the skin. The breath regulates the vinyasa and ensures efficient circulation of blood. The result is a light, strong body. There are three groups of sequences in the Ashtanga system.
The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body. The Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana) purifies the nervous system by opening and clearing the energy channels. The Advanced Series A, B, C and D (Sthira Bhaga) intergrate the strength and grace of the practice, requiring higher levels of flexibility and humility.
Each level is to be fully developed before proceeding to the next, and the sequential order of asanas is to be meticulously followed. Each posture is a preparation for the next, developing the strength and balance required to move further.
Breath – The continuity of deep, even breathing cannot be overemphasized in the Ashtanga Yoga system. When breath feeds action, and action feeds posture, each movement becomes gentle, precise, and perfectly steady.
According to the teachings of Sri T.Krishnamacharya and Sri K.Pattabhi Jois, "Breath is Life". Breathing is our most fundamental and vital act and holds a divine essence; exhalation a movement towards God, and inhalation an inspiration from God. Our last action in life is to exhale, which, in essence is the final and total surrender to God.
Practice – It is said that where there is no effort there is no benefit. Strength, stamina and sweat are unique aspects of this traditional Yoga, seemingly contrary to Western perceptions of Yoga. This demanding practice requires considerable effort and taps into and circulates a vital energy throughout the body, strengthening and purifying the nervous system. The mind then becomes lucid, clear and precise; and according to Sri. K.Pattabhi Jois "Wherever you look you will see God." Only through practice will we realize the truth of what our guru often says - Everything is God
Please note - It is important to learn the Ashtanga method only from a traditionally trained teacher. Only a qualified teacher can provide the necessary guidance to assure safe, steady progress without injury to body or mind.
This information has been generously provided with the approval of Sri K Pattabhi Jois. Please honor its authenticity and distribute only in unaltered form.
-KPJ Shala
