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Testimonials from 200 & 300 hour graduates
Jamie T
I loved every minute of my 300hr training at The Shala. With every module I felt that my knowledge and confidence was growing and that I couldn’t wait to introduce the things that I was learning in the course…
I loved every minute of my 300hr training at The Shala. With every module I felt that my knowledge and confidence was growing and that I couldn’t wait to introduce the things that I was learning in the course into my regular classes.
It has certainly made me a more compassionate and empathetic teacher, and through the care and diligence of the teachers I feel much more able to cater for a diverse range of students. Thanks to my training at the Shala I now have a much broader range of skills which has opened doors to many employment opportunities and a deeper connection to my own practice.
Lydia G
Learning from people who have such experience in the Yoga world on a deeply spiritual level was a gift. The feeling of belonging and knowing I was where I needed to be was wonderful. This wouldn’t have been the case…
Learning from people who have such experience in the Yoga world on a deeply spiritual level was a gift. The feeling of belonging and knowing I was where I needed to be was wonderful. This wouldn’t have been the case if not for the community and homely setting created by the Shala and the invite to come as I am.
The course is so well designed, to cover an array of knowledge from philosophy to meditation and anatomy as well as the study of Asana etc. From day one the teaching cohort were well supported and nurtured by the teachers, who encouraged us to come as we were and grow and share in the process. I’d highly recommend the open day to light your fire!
Jane W
| I highly recommend the teacher training programme. There are so many benefits to mention, but briefly, it’ll deepen your own practice… |
| I highly recommend the teacher training programme. There are so many benefits to mention, but briefly, it’ll deepen your own practice, you’ll meet like minded people on a similar trajectory as your own regarding a teaching practice and strong bonds will be formed. So many doors fling open regarding the philosophical and anatomy modules and they allow you to dive deep with awareness. But most importantly you’ll emerge as a ‘teacher’ confident with the material behind you to lead a class, share your knowledge and keep the flame of yoga alive. |
Juliet W
The Shala is a unique and magical place to practice and study yoga. The depth and breadth of knowledge and experience among the teachers is extraordinary and their approachability, warmth and passion…
The Shala is a unique and magical place to practice and study yoga. The depth and breadth of knowledge and experience among the teachers is extraordinary and their approachability, warmth and passion is exceptional. The teacher training courses and add-on’s CPD’s are so beautifully planned and delivered with such professionalism but also taught from the heart, with soul and passion. This is, for me, what makes The Shala unrivalled in the yoga community.
Ina N
I highly recommend this yoga teacher training for anyone looking to enhance their skills and personal growth. It helped me come out of my shell and share my passion with others…
I highly recommend this yoga teacher training for anyone looking to enhance their skills and personal growth. It helped me come out of my shell and share my passion with others, offering a welcoming community and a great opportunity to connect and grow.
Kate T
From the first module in my Level 2 teacher training @theshalalondon – Yoga Nidra with Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten in 2019 – to the final one – Asana in Depth in 2023 with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper…
From the first module in my Level 2 teacher training @theshalalondon – Yoga Nidra with Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten in 2019 – to the final one – Asana in Depth in 2023 with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper, it has been such a momentous journey and I have relished every second.
I could never have forseen how it has changed me both inside and out. It’s not about the cool certificate you are given when you reach that milestone, it’s about what you learn with every step of the path, often uncomfortable truths – yes learning about yoga but learning about others and most importantly about yourself. The meaning of the words “Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self” in the Bhagavad Gita have never really rang true as much as they do now.
Robert W
To my 300hr travel mates how I feel a connection to you all as my colleagues & fellow travellers for the last few months. This last weekend particularly felt like a veil dropping between us for some truly…
To my 300hr travel mates how I feel a connection to you all as my colleagues & fellow travellers for the last few months.
This last weekend particularly felt like a veil dropping between us for some truly magical moments …of connection… purpose and reflection.
We weren’t looking for answers particularly, just sign posts to becoming .. to bringing into being.. to being born anew refreshed & revitalised
I realised I no longer need to hang my head in shame of my past difficulties yet to use them to fuel my dreams if celebrating our individual petals, shaped under the yoga sky and sun.
For over 40 years yoga has been one of my main practices .. to keep me here on earth.
I’d thought I’d lost the deeper aspect of my practice, and connection with my wisdom mind.
I can’t even begin to describe how through zoom we all created a miracle it’s like we all drunk so deeply from the same well.. full of the specific food we needed, and let go of the bits that are not serving us anymore
I’m deeply indebted to Gingi, Melanie, Jennie … to this wonderful group I feel so part of
May we all light up the world we find ourselves in… sharing what light we have from the pool of eternal flame within us that never ceases to burn… just enough to clear the clouds in the sky of our unknowing… for all of us and everyone we touch
Bianca B
Words can’t capture how amazing my experience doing the 200H Yoga Teacher Training course with The Shala was. Not only was the quality of practical teaching incredibly high but there was also a great focus on…
Words can’t capture how amazing my experience doing the 200H Yoga Teacher Training course with The Shala was. Not only was the quality of practical teaching incredibly high but there was also a great focus on the spiritual and philosophical elements of yoga which I really enjoyed. Gingi, Charli and Ella are so warm and made the course accessible to a wide variety of yoga practitioners, encouraging us to find our unique style of yoga and teaching which brought out so much individuality, creativity and confidence in all of us. The sense of community that was created throughout the course was incredible and has given me a feeling of huge support and confidence to go out into the world and spread the wonders of yoga to others. I’m so deeply grateful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone who wants to develop their own practice or is considering becoming a teacher.
Zaynah S
this course has truly been life-changing. It was a journey to the depth of my soul, opening my mind and my heart. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity of community, connection and personal…
this course has truly been life-changing. It was a journey to the depth of my soul, opening my mind and my heart. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity of community, connection and personal transformation during such a tumultuous year. It was incredibly challenging but even more rewarding. It was a privilege to have been guided and nurtured by the team who have an incomparable wealth of knowledge and experience. Each teacher and student generously created a space where it felt safe to laugh, to cry, to grow, to learn, to teach, to love, to share, to connect, to move, to trust, to overcome, to believe, to let go, to express, to shine, to simply be. There are no words to express how eternally grateful I will be for this life-affirming experience and each individual I shared every step of this path with.
Shelley G
A beautiful experience. I really felt like I was in safe hands here in more ways than one. They are kind, compassionate and open people but also discerning…
A beautiful experience. I really felt like I was in safe hands here in more ways than one. They are kind, compassionate and open people but also discerning and they see everything. It’s just wonderful to work with such experienced, but more importantly, open, honest, nurturing teachers. It allows you to find out who you are on your own terms and gives space for your to become the best teacher YOU can be without imposing any restrictions or external values on you. Could not have asked for more… I could cry! Thanks you guys!
Jo E
Gingi, Charli and Ella have created a beautiful course that enabled everybody to grow in their own individual ways. There was a true backbone to the structure of the course and the way it was delivered…
Gingi, Charli and Ella have created a beautiful course that enabled everybody to grow in their own individual ways. There was a true backbone to the structure of the course and the way it was delivered. Gingi’s openness, acceptance and generosity with his knowledge, Charli’s magic, experience and joy, and Ella with all her love, support, generosity and amazingness! I can’t say enough about this team!
Everybody on the course felt seen, and wherever they were in their lives and practice was valued. We were given the tools, the support and space to grow together in whichever direction we felt drawn towards whilst also being part of such a strong and loving community. I did not expect to feel a sense of growth and overcoming personal barriers which allowed me to exceed my expectations of myself. If I could do it all again, I would! It’s been one of the most rewarding and valuable experiences of my life
Val S
The course was a watershed for me. I have been practising yoga for over twenty years, and was reluctant to pursue teaching…
The course was a watershed for me. I have been practising yoga for over twenty years, and was reluctant to pursue teaching. The course gave me confidence and strengthened my love of the practice. I feel so grateful to the team for the rigour of the training and the spirit of collaboration which they brought to the course. I learnt so much, and felt that the course had really helped me in my personal development as a human being.
Leila S
Highlights of the course…. “The teachers!!
Gingi’s great, kind and gentle power (relaxation / liberation)…
Highlights of the course…. “The teachers!!
Gingi’s great, kind and gentle power (relaxation / liberation)
Ella’s love and attentiveness
Inna’s awareness and depth
Melanie’s coolness and clarity
Liz’s creativity and artistry
Matthew’s magnificent story telling
Hamish’s wise words
Gingi relaxing me!!!
Seeing my peers teach!!!
Teaching my exam class!!!
Charlie’s epic sound ceremony, what a treat!!!
Observing how the teachers supported the students!!!
All the beautiful added extras, lunches out together, chatting on the sofa, the studio flowers, studio books, oils, bubbles, nibbles, socks!”
Loren C
The 200h YTT with The Shala is an experience that will stay with me. The focus on finding my own voice as a teacher is a gift that I will forever be…
The 200h YTT with The Shala is an experience that will stay with me. The focus on finding my own voice as a teacher is a gift that I will forever be grateful for as it has opened up a world of possibilities and aspirations for me.
Gingi’s focus on asana integrity (in-depth why), authenticity (what feels good in your body) and strong yet subtle adjustments have boosted my confidence in listening to my body and trusting the process of daily practice, and in turn, being able to take nuggets of body wisdom into my teaching approach. Charli’s creativity and focus on being “true to your essence” has made me realise that my yoga is good enough – that I have a voice and a style that is worthy of exploring and sharing. This is something I have not even thought of before this course.
Tom H
Yoga Teacher Training at The Shala has been a fantastic experience start to finish. The teaching staff are amazing in every sense of the word…
Yoga Teacher Training at The Shala has been a fantastic experience start to finish. The teaching staff are amazing in every sense of the word. Their depth of knowledge combined with a playful and caring attitude to learning creates a perfect environment from which to explore the foundations of the Yoga Practice. If you are thinking about starting your teacher training journey, you have just found the perfect place to start.
Ilke D
Fantastic course overall, thoughtfully curated and led by incredible teachers! What stood out most is how they helped everyone find their voice and created community.
From the first module in my Level 2 teacher training @theshalalondon – Yoga Nidra with Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten in 2019 – to the final one – Asana in Depth in 2023 with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper, it has been such a momentous journey and I have relished every second.
I could never have forseen how it has changed me both inside and out. It’s not about the cool certificate you are given when you reach that milestone, it’s about what you learn with every step of the path, often uncomfortable truths – yes learning about yoga but learning about others and most importantly about yourself. The meaning of the words “Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self” in the Bhagavad Gita have never really rang true as much as they do now.
Jasmine A
The Shala teacher training has blown my mind wide open. The course is carefully structured, includes brilliant guest expert yogis and provides you the space to learn…
The Shala teacher training has blown my mind wide open. The course is carefully structured, includes brilliant guest expert yogis and provides you the space to learn not just how to be a good yoga teacher – but to be your own kind of yoga teacher.
Lesley C
The Shala has provided a beautifully balanced teacher training course and one of the most worthwhile experiences I’ve ever had. They have created an exceptional learning environment with wonderful teachers whose devotion to the art, science and discipline of Yoga is matched by their gift and expertise in teaching it.
The Shala has provided a beautifully balanced teacher training course and one of the most worthwhile experiences I’ve ever had…
Ana M
The professionalism and attention to detail is exceptional, but also the team’s ability to create a space that is nourishing and accepting was equally important.
The best thing I have ever done in my life was to embark on this journey and the YTT @theshalalondon. All of the Shala team are just amazing. This beautiful space has a very special place in my heart.
The professionalism and attention to detail is exceptional, but also the team’s ability to create a space that is nourishing and accepting was equally important..
Saran D
I can honestly say that The Shala TT course is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s helped me so much personally and it’s such a privilege to be learning from such exceptional teachers, at such an incredible studio. I firmly believe that it is one of the best in the country….
I can honestly say that The Shala TT course is one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s helped me so much personally and it’s such a privilege to be learning from such exceptional teachers, at such an incredible studio. I firmly believe that it is one of the best in the country.
Emily S
Life changing…I knew that the Shala’s Yoga TT was going to be good; just not how good. Gingi and Kath are such a perfect pair to lead the course – their compassion, coupled with their unbelievable depth of knowledge and experience, really makes the course. The quality of the whole team is unbelievable….
Life changing…I knew that the Shala’s Yoga TT was going to be good; just not how good. Gingi and Kath are such a perfect pair to lead the course – their compassion, coupled with their unbelievable depth of knowledge and experience, really makes the course. The quality of the whole team is unbelievable.
José G
Much more than a 200 hours yoga alliance accredited course. It is a creative modern yoga teacher training programme put together by the most talented, authentic, and experienced yoga teachers…
Much more than a 200 hours yoga alliance accredited course. It is a creative modern yoga teacher training programme put together by the most talented, authentic, and experienced yoga teachers. With a base of ashtanga yoga, the course expands to offer students the clearest view of where the evolution of yoga has taken us. From its very origins, to the philosophy, anatomy, spirituality and evidence based benefits of yoga practice. It is a course that shows you the path, avoids the dogma and adapts to the student individual needs. One gradually, bit by bit, gains insight to observe and develop a personal practice which expands beyond asanas.
There was a phenomenal support from all the course team. Gingi’s knowledge of yoga is what made me cross the seas to attend personally and experience his gifted way of understanding yoga. Gingi is second to none on his breadth of yoga, his ample view of the world of yoga and many other disciplines. And Charli for me was a discovery of energy, empathy, vibrant development of ideas and beautiful practice.
Whatever the journey, be it one evolving as a yoga teacher or as a unique and personal path to transformation. This is a yoga course for a life time! Thank you all.
Evelyn D
So much work and love was poured into this course. I wish I could redo this course over and over. Life changing, community, and empowering are the first 3 words that come to mind. Gingi and Charli recognize…
So much work and love was poured into this course. I wish I could redo this course over and over. Life changing, community, and empowering are the first 3 words that come to mind. Gingi and Charli recognize your individual strengths and style and help foster this so that you end up teaching what YOU love and with integrity and confidence. So many shared years of experience between the two teachers, with different but complimentary approaches to yoga so all student approaches feel seen.
Laura V
I was first introduced to The Shala during lockdown in 2020. I started joining their online classes from the comfort of my home in Oxfordshire. When they announced they were running an advanced teacher training…
I was first introduced to The Shala during lockdown in 2020. I started joining their online classes from the comfort of my home in Oxfordshire.
When they announced they were running an advanced teacher training, I jumped straight in. My experience of the teachers at the school had been positive and I loved the way the course was being run.
To be able to choose how to make up the hours (after the core module is complete) is such a wonderful idea. The list of available options was inviting and to my delight there were plenty of courses to choose from. Being a bit excited and keen, I signed up for most of mine before the core module began, planning out my study year ahead.
In January 2021 we all met online for the first time and wow what a great bunch of like-minded, kind-hearted folk we turned out to be.
It is tiring to be online studying for long periods, but the teachers were wise and aware of this, structuring in plenty of screen breaks throughout the day.
Behind the teaching scenes, the admin staff were so supportive. Answering the strangest and most random of questions in emails and always doing this with warmth and kindness.
I was delighted that I managed to complete my 300hrs in 1 year, although that was my personal choice and it was hard work.
If anyone is contemplating taking on their Level 2 AYTT then I highly recommend The Shala. It might’ve been 300 hrs of study and practice, but it was delivered with a deep understanding, a supportive team of teachers and a huge heart. Thank you for assisting me on this journey. What a joy it has been.
John N
The Shala team have such an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to share and they made the whole teacher training journey such a pleasure…
The Shala team have such an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to share and they made the whole teacher training journey such a pleasure. I’ve come away with a much deeper understanding of the practise and philosophy of yoga and with renewed enthusiasm and new found confidence to share the practise with others. Above all I feel like I have gained a beautiful new yoga family.
Ewa H
From the first module in my Level 2 teacher training @theshalalondon – Yoga Nidra with Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten in 2019 – to the final one –…
From the first module in my Level 2 teacher training @theshalalondon – Yoga Nidra with Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten in 2019 – to the final one – Asana in Depth in 2023 with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper, it has been such a momentous journey and I have relished every second.
I could never have forseen how it has changed me both inside and out. It’s not about the cool certificate you are given when you reach that milestone, it’s about what you learn with every step of the path, often uncomfortable truths – yes learning about yoga but learning about others and most importantly about yourself. The meaning of the words “Yoga is a journey of the self, through the self” in the Bhagavad Gita have never really rang true as much as they do now.
Izzy H
The course completely exceeded my expectations…There is no doubt in my mind that The Shala was the perfect place for me to train.
The course completely exceeded my expectations. There is no doubt in my mind that The Shala was the perfect place for me to train – the space itself is a sanctuary, the teachers are down-to-earth and warm as well as being experts in their fields and the course content is exceptional. I liked that the course was set out over a year (in our case!) because it allowed for reflection, growth, healing and a personal journey that I imagine you wouldn’t get from an intensive course. I absolutely loved it and I will definitely be doing any further teacher training courses at The Shala!
Judy W
‘I have absolutely loved studying for the 300 hour certificate with the Shala. It’s really worked for me, being able to choose the modules, focusing on specific areas…
‘I have absolutely loved studying for the 300 hour certificate with the Shala. It’s really worked for me, being able to choose the modules, focusing on specific areas such as yin, yoga nidra, mindfulness, breathwork and yoga philosophy with such inspiring teachers — and being able to do all of that remotely! And in my own time scale. Thank you Shala.’.
Lesley Collinson
Our teacher training manager Rina, chats to Lesley Collinson about her experiences of studying at the Shala School of Yoga.
Lesley graduated from our 200-hour programme in 2019 and went on to complete her 300-hour programme with us. Here she talks about her journey with us in an interview with Rina.