The Teacher Training carefully designed and led by Basia & Adishesha Team is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and yet delivered in somewhat non-traditional way.

Be prepared to work diligently, but with lightness and a sense of humor.
The practice of yoga is the practice of getting real! We will use our body, mind, and other tools at hand to realize who we are.
It is time to let go of habitual patterns that our mind entertains and our body holds. Unplug what is stuck, allow the flow of clear thought and space so the body can be at ease. Listen deeply to feel an aliveness of each cell and each breath.

During the training course there will be lots of opportunities to get to know the body. We will explore anatomy and movement patters: those that invigorate our being and those that damage our health.
We will cover cross-section of required knowledge such as pranayama, meditation, major yogic texts, philosophy and psychology of teaching. We will go over the necessary theory, but our focus will be to make the theory real and relevant to our growth. We will spend time on practice of reading bodies and skilful assisting of students. Many new teachers, after completing variety of training courses, feel inadequate in assists and problems solving. We will spend time on creating interesting sequences, keeping good pacing of a class, motivation the students and holding vibrant space. We will work with variations and props.
Learn to be a teacher by becoming a great student!
Location:
Adishesha Retreat Zone - Luskville - 40 min from Ottawa (there is an option to stay on site during the course - see the info below) - for directions - check our contact page: http://www.adishesha.com/subscribe/index.php

Some of the main topics:
- Fundamental alignment principles
- Sun Salutations (various styles)
- Standing poses – symmetrical & asymmetrical (and variations)
- Forward bends – prep, variations, intense
- Hip/Shoulder openers – beginners & intermediate
- Back bending – beginners & intermediate
- Arm balances
- Inversions
- Restoratives
- Pranayama & Meditation
- Nadis/Meridians – what they are, where they are, practical application in Asana
- Principles of Sequencing, Pacing, Holding Space
- Vinyasa – smooth linking of the poses (different ways to do it)
- Skillful hands-on adjusting – when to, when not to, how much (adjusting complete beginners and experienced practitioners)
- Verbal & visual cues
- Sanskrit: Asana Names & common terms
- Functional Anatomy
- Therapeutic Application of yoga
- Philosophy: Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita
- Psychology of teaching
- Ethics in teaching and being a student
- Getting ready to teach – Where do I start? Teaching opportunities, etc.
Schedule: August 11 (Thursday) - 31 (Wednesday)
First Thursday:
- 10 - 12:30pm - Orientation / Morning Practice
- 12:30 - 2:30 - Lunch & break
- 2:30 - 5:00pm - Afternoon session
- 5:30 - 7:00pm - Dinner
- 7:00 - 8:30pm - Evening program
Daily schedule:
- 7 - 9am Morning Practice
- 9 - 10am Breakfast
- 10 - 12:30pm - Morning session
- 12:30 - 2:30 - Lunch & break
- 2:30 - 5:00pm - Afternoon session
- 5:30 - 7:00pm - Dinner
- 7:00 - 8:30pm - Evening program
Sundays: - Yes, we will take it easy....
- 8 - 9am Light Breakfast
- 10 - 12:00pm - Late Morning Practice
- 12:30 - 2:30 - Lunch
- Free time
- 5:30 - 7:00pm - Dinner
- 7:00 - 8:00pm - Pranayama & Meditation
Note: For those that wish to go back to town for Sunday (possibly Saturday night) you can take a class at the studio and practice meditation in your personal space, then come back either Sunday night or first thing Monday morning.
There will be an exam toward the end of our last week.
Last Wednesday:
- 7 - 9am Morning Practice
- 9 - 10am Breakfast
- Graduation Day - let us party! You will have worked hard for it.
Investment Fees:
- $2,700 + tax - due by July 1, 2011
- $200 OFF DURING INFO SESSION
- $500 + tax - deposit at registration
- $200 + tax - deposit for Residence & Meals package
There is lots of organizing for this Course (residence, menu's, cooks etc...) If you are thinking of taking the course, please do not wait to the last moment. We can only run the course with min of 10 participants. To ensure that we can fly, let us know early!
When you register for the course, you will be given a 10 class pass. Please attend as many classes at the Studio prior to the commencement of the course.
Residence & All Meals: $1600 + tax
Meals only - $930 + tax
You can also find other lodging close by on your own or drive up daily from Ottawa (app. 40 min depending where in Ottawa). However, due to intense schedule, you may prefer to stay close....
We will have a spot for a tent or two as well if you prefer to have your resting space all to yourself.
Meals are vegetarian: great variety, lots of fresh salads right from the garden, fresh breads from local bakeries. Coffee/Tea with some snacks will be ready early in the morning for those who like to have a little something before starting the day.
Please indicate if you will require accommodation and meals upon registration.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
- Before May 1 - deposit is refundable minus $50.00 admin fee
- After May 1 the deposit is non refundable.
- After July 31, 2010 there are no refunds and no exceptions.
- If the Course is cancelled - full refund will be issued
A minimum of 10 students is required to run the course - so do let us know as soon as you can that you are interested.
The course fees include:
- required texts (anatomy & philosophy)
- detailed manual (philosophy, asana, energetics, etc..)
- unit material outside of main texts & manual (philosophy, sanskrit, theme asana units, asana variations, adjustments)
- ten class pass for Adishesha Yoga Zone in Ottawa
Download the registration form
If you wish to apply for the training, please send us an email, or drop by the studio. You will need to fill out an application form. You can download it here or pick up a hard copy at the studio.
Perhaps we will work and play together!
Lodging:
Beautiful, traditional Tipis (4 people max each). Wood floor, comfortable beds, sheets, and yes - electicity and wireless internet.

There is a sauna and showers with hot water and outdoor toilets as well as sinks with potable water.

We will enjoy freshly prepared meals at the main house. For those that need some fresh coffee or tea first thing in the morning (or any time for that matter) - it will be available in the Shala 24/7...
We have a garden with fresh greens (and reds & yellows) - so... fresh salads, green smoothies, will be our daily companions!

Our training offers great tools for grounding your practice, teaching strategies, and life skills you can take anywhere...
Don't take our word for it. Read what our graduates think of the course:
- In my 27 years as a student and educator I have been exposed to many ideas and approaches. The Adishesha Yoga Zone Instructors class deepened my insight of body alignment. It was a journey beyond Asanas. I have met others who have "teacher training" but have not had the opportunity to be taught by individuaIs with such depth of experience. Basia and Adnan have a personal knowledge of anatomy and body mechanics that has been deepened by years of practice . Their understanding and respect for the limitations of each individual will allow you myself to practice safely and to learn effective adjustments and modifications. Basia's personal challenge of realigning her spine from scoliosis requires daily dedication and perseverance. She applies the same dedication and perseverance into her teaching. Enjoy the ride.
Margaret Martin
Physiotherapist
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
www.melioguide.com
www.functiontofitness.com
- "I feel extremely fortunate and grateful to have taken my yoga teachers training at Adishesha Yoga Zone. It has been an incredible opportunity to practice alongside teachers that are so knowledgeable, thoughtful, and committed. What shines through in particular is the genuine sincerity with which the teachers treat each student. It is clear that they truly want their students to leave with the best possible foundation. The safe and supportive learning environment at Adishesha enabled me to really show up, put myself out there, and delve deeper into my practice. I learned more than could be listed on any syllabus, and feel like I have a great deal to offer others as a new teacher. A transformative process that is well worth embarking on at Adishesha." Anita Kushwaha
- I chose to register for the 200Hr YTT program at Adishesha based on my experience as a student at the studio. I trust the knowledgeable and experienced team at Adishesha. To me their aim is to serve and provide a safe place to 'be real' and grow within my practice - this is what I wanted to be able to offer as a Teacher. Basia and Natalie were very supportive and encouraging during my decision making process, answering all of my questions and concerns because I was fearful of investing in something that I wasn't sure I was ready for. When I began the course I quickly learned no matter how 'ready' or 'good enough' you think you are, or if you have 10 years or 2 years of practicing... we all deserve to be there. Everyone brings different gifts and challenges and there is so much to learn!!Basia, Adnan and Janice (as well as guest Marcia Solomon) were committed to equipping us for this ride with an abundant toolbox full of asana, alignment, adjustments, anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, Sanskrit, therapy options, meditation, pranayama and a clear understanding of the role of a Yoga Teacher.Completing the 200HR YTT at Adishesha Yoga Zone was a transformational, challenging, playful, joyful, and unforgettable experience. I am excited to begin teaching and motivated to continue learning!! Miranda Solomon
- I think we often enter into experiences and tasks with certain set of expectations. I came into this teachers course with the idea of hopefully eventually teaching, learning about the yoga practice, anatomy and theory. I learnt about each of these elements in the course, but the one thing I learnt the most about was myself. The atmosphere at adishesha, the teachers( my gurus) and of course my fellow students created such a comforting and safe environment to be in. I learnt how to work for the sake of working, how to let go and just be in the moment( and continue to work on this), and best of all I gained the experience of getting to know 16 other amazing people. The adishesha teacher training has given me a great foundation to build my teaching skills and knowledge for the future. My practice has significantly improved from this experience, my body and mind refreshed and best of all I have taken away a wealth of memories I will never forget! Kim Chretien
- I would highly recommend yoga teacher training at Adishesha. I believe the training to be unique in that the schedule is focussed and highlights all the major aspects of yoga teacher training - philosophy, anatomy and practice teaching. Students come away with an understanding of the practice of yoga, how to lead classes and adjust poses. More importantly, they will be instilled with an essential message of teaching yoga from the heart, with love and compassion for their students. The experiences gained through this yoga teacher training not only enable the participants to teach yoga at the end of the course, but provide them with life long benefits and insight for understanding their own lives. It truly is an enriching experience that gives students the tools for teaching yoga, as well as the confidence and the skills for moving forward in life in a positive way that impacts on every aspect of human interaction. Rhona
- Having just finished the teacher training at Adishesha I have to admit I received much more than I bargained for! I was surrounded by knowledgeable, warm and honest teachers and students. A sense of acceptance and respect was quickly developed and the beautiful, loving and non-judgmental atmosphere permitted me to look deep into myself and to take chances. I now have a greater understanding of yoga as a whole but have also learned a great deal about myself. This course has enriched my personal practice and I look forward to sharing my new wisdom with my students! My journey is just starting but I feel like I now have the tools to continue to grow! Un GROS merci! Marie-Claude Sheedy McLellan