By Kate Towers

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.

I reviewed a number of 300-hour Advanced Teacher Training programmes before opting for the one created by the Shala. The modular nature of it made it not only more affordable but accessible too! I found the Core Module to be well-structured, covering a wide-variety of aspects of yoga practice and its teaching; equipping me with essential skills for the current yoga climate. This foundational course provoked a rich discussion amongst the beautiful community of like-minded teachers it brought together. Individuals I will endeavour to keep in touch with, as I venture forward on what can sometimes feel a solitary path. Despite being forced to transfer the Core Module to an online format (given the return to lockdown) the way in which the trainers organised the content made us feel connected on so many levels. The authentic approach of lead teachers Gingi Lee, Melanie Cooper and Jennie Wadsten created a warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere … it was a true highlight of that difficult time.

Although the Core Module was a hard act to follow, I was pleasantly surprised by the large choice of additional modules offered by the 300-hour programme; hosted by a great collection of Senior Teacher Trainers; all with such a wealth of experience in their area of specialism. The benefit of the modular system meant I was free to choose those areas that interested me most and which would complement my portfolio. The structure also offers you the ability to spread the cost over the five-year period (set out by Yoga Alliance) within which you are able to complete the training. My modules comprised:

· Yoga Nidra with Jennie Wadsten & Melanie Cooper

· Yoga Anatomy with Stu Girling & Melanie Cooper

· Accessible Philosophy with Daniel Simpson

· Pranayama with Melanie Cooper

· Restorative Yoga with Adelene Cheong

· Aerial Yoga Foundations with Richard Holryd

· Asana in Depth with Gingi Lee & Melanie Cooper

… but no doubt my studies won’t stop there! I certainly feel that the Advanced Teacher Training has not only deepened my understanding of yoga, what it means to me, its traditions and many facets whilst also blessing me with new skills and techniques. All of this has helped me develop as a teacher and build confidence I never thought I had. The diversity of areas I covered means I now have many strands to my offering as a yoga teacher as one thing I’ve learned along the way is one size definitely does not fit all.

The Shala’s Advanced Teacher Training has been a deeply-reflective and enjoyable part of my yoga journey. It’s such a shame it has come to an end. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

By Gingi Lee

When Derek Ireland started teaching me the art of yoga adjustments in the early 90s I was overly confident. I had nearly finished the 3rd ashtanga series, had made up my mind that yoga was my whole life, had no family obligations, no job to get back to, no strings attached. I was a free agent soaking up the rays in Goa and not a worry in my life except to get up the next morning and get on my mat. Life was a colourful Indian sarong wrapped around my mid-drift. 

Learning yoga adjustments was fascinating, and I was complete immersed in the process. What I hadn’t realised and what was about to rock my loosely hanging sarong was how it was going to change my own practice and bring a deeper respect to the yoga. I soon realised that the understanding of giving a good adjustment was a whole new frontier. We all appreciate a great adjustment, but to understand the knowledge and transmission of energy that takes place is truly an awesome journey. A journey that all serious yoga students/teachers must eventually take. I’ve been teaching for many years now and have been adjusted in all the second series postures by the late Pattabhi Jois and all the 3rd series postures by Derek Ireland who gave the most delicious strong and precise adjustments (pictured above) that I’ve ever experienced. 

As part of our teacher training programme, I now offer a 3-day Yoga Adjusts & Assists Teacher Training module, at the Shala where I share the years of knowledge and experience I have gained.

The training is specifically aimed towards teachers and trainee teachers. Receiving hands-on yoga adjustments can be powerful and integral part of developing an advanced physical yoga practice and this practical course will focus on that essential process.