The Shala London

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200-hour yoga teacher training IN STUDIO WITH SOME BLENDED CONTENT

The Shala School of Yoga’s 200-hour yoga teacher training programme has been described by past graduates as “transformational”, “life-changing” and “mind-blowing”.  Our carefully curated Yoga Alliance accredited programme with an  experienced and dedicated teaching faculty will take practitioners deeper into their yoga practice, instilling teaching skills and knowledge and nurturing a new generation of authentic teachers.

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200-hour Yoga Teacher Training | Level 1 Yoga Foundation Course

Gingi Lee & Charli Van Ness | September 2023–March 2024 | 200 hours | IN STUDIO | Price: £3250

 

RYS Yoga LogoThis unique 200-hour yoga teacher training programme has been running since 2016 and has evolved from more than 25 years experience teaching and running a yoga centre. The Shala School of Yoga is a Yoga Alliance accredited yoga training centre, and our 200-hour Yoga Alliance qualification is designed to  give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in today’s yoga environment. It is also designed to explore yoga for your own personal development, and on a personal level it is usually a hugely transformational experience. Most of the course takes place in our beautiful South London yoga studio, with around 40 hours of online learning (livestream and on demand) to consolidate the teachings of yoga anatomy and philosophy.

The yoga teaching faculty comprises some of the UK’s most experienced and inspirational teachers including Gingi Lee, Charli Van Ness and Melanie Cooper, all of whom have E-RYT-500 status, plus Dr Matthew Clark and an impressive line up of guest teachers.  The course offers a solid foundation for all yogi/nis, whether you know you wish to teach yoga, or you are primarily looking to enrich your own personal yoga journey.  
 
If you are interested in joining us for September– March 2023 and would like to discuss with someone, please email us to request a call.  Alternatively, if you are interested in finding out more for our September–March 2024 course, please join us at our Open Day where you can meet the teachers, visit the studio and find out more about the programme and ask your questions.
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200-hour YTT

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course Overview

The Shala School of Yoga was set up in 2016 for our experienced teaching team to pass on their considerable knowledge and nurture a new generation of yoga teachers. The 200-hour yoga teacher training programme crafts and intertwines traditional methods with a more contemporary approach and provides a non-dogmatic comprehensive immersion introducing the vast subject of yoga. The course is always evolving as the yoga world evolves and we examine many aspects of the art and science of yoga, from the physical practices of asana, pranayama, kriya and anatomy to the mental, philosophical and spiritual nature of the practice. The asana study is influenced by ashtanga vinyasa yoga but is broad in scope laying a solid foundation to go on and teach a range of styles of yoga. Each student will be guided to hone their skills for their final assessment to teach a style of yoga that resonates with their own individual practice. The course gives space for reading, coursework and teaching practice with rigorous feedback and guidance from peers and the team. Our detailed feedback process is particularly beneficial in helping trainees find their own authentic voice as a teacher and fulfil their own individual potential.

“the team uplifted and highlighted our innate gifts with support, encouragement and celebration. I felt respected and seen.”

“Attention, care and encouragement was given to every student. Listening, appreciating, acknowledging and respecting the individual’s life experience and stage of development, allowed them to grow in the space.”

Our objective for graduates on our 200-hour yoga teacher training programme is to instil confidence for each individual to find their own unique way of teaching. We aim for our graduates to firstly deepen their practice and understanding of the many layers of yoga and then for those who wish to teach, to go on to teach with passion, compassion and integrity, spreading yoga to others in a meaningful way. Our  200-hour  yoga teacher training programme accepts around 15-18 students per intake, allowing an intimate environment with a strong sense of community and plenty of  individual guidance and support.

 

Our wider teacher training  programme  is based on CPD modules to allow you the flexibility to go on after your 200-hour and choose your own individual path of learning. For further study with us after your 200 hour, we offer a blended approach with our short CPD modules, with in studio, livestream and on demand options for many courses. Many graduates for example will go on to do a 3, 4 or 5 day module in a particular style of yoga such as yin, restorative, pranayama etc to focus on a specialty. The wider programme allows you to comprehend topics fully and with a variety of learning styles in mind and also to continue to stock up and refuel when you feel the need for fresh inspiration and deeper evolution as a teacher.a

Course Feedback

"Words can't describe how transformational this course has been. I would do it again and again!"
PT
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!"
LS
"there has been a shift in my life and I feel uplifted and so grateful to all the teachers. I’ve learned so much, through their passion enthusiasm and knowledge for the yoga."
"The experience that the teachers have in the field of yoga is priceless!"
"Fantastic course. All have put their heart and soul into it."
"Fantastic course structured around the many aspects of yoga, with teachers and speakers that are clearly leading in their field and passionate about what they do."
"Completing this course was a deeply transformational experience for me; I learned so much about yoga and about myself. Practically, the course was assembled with evident care and informed by vast collective experience, and it covered a lot more material than I was expecting. I particularly appreciated the advanced pranayama and kriya techniques, voice exercises, metta meditation and qi gong. Personally it was delivered by all tutors with insight, care and compassion and deep personal commitments to sharing all the wonderful wisdom of yoga. I'm really excited to translate all of this into teaching!"
"an intense, inspiring and wonderful year studying at the Shala... huge gratitude to the beautiful teachers and fellow yogis who have guided me through this journey."
"Huge gratitude to the lead teachers who espouse the qualities of great yogis. And many thanks for all the guest teachers and everyone else in the background. It’s been a great journey."
"Perfect mix of teachers, every aspect is well covered, informative and taught with a clear love and passion for the subject! This course has been a real journey and I couldn't be more grateful to be part of it."
"I appreciate how you have all been so open and approachable. You are generous with your time and energy and excellent organisation makes it all flow. Your teamwork is one of many factors, which contribute to such a warm, lovely, supportive atmosphere."
"This training has been transformational to an extent that I didn't expect. The depth of knowledge shared has been a huge privilege and much more than I could have hoped for."
"what most surprised me was the amount of support and nurture from Gingi and Kath. I feel increasingly secure and confident in passing on the yoga teachings."
The quality of teaching at The Shala is exceptional. The non-judgmental, inclusive, open, caring, welcoming, fun atmosphere is maintained throughout the course. The depth and detail of both the philosophical knowledge and the anatomical knowledge is exceptional. Our class was a mix of people at various ages and stages of learning and each of us were respected, acknowledged, supported and were given the knowledge and the space to learn at our own pace, which meant we were able to express and develop our own unique individual style and abilities.
"I have finished the course brimming with confidence and looking forward to the future."
"The Shala TTC has been incredibly transformational and has given me insight into many different aspects of yoga. I feel I have benefitted from the wisdom of some incredible teachers and for that I am very grateful."
"I say, by experience, that it was by far the best yoga teacher training that I was ever involved with. I am finally at the point where I can say that Yes, I am a yoga teacher. The experience and nurturing and knowledge given by the Shala team was so impressive that I am sure that what I have learned is already encrypted in my teaching!"
"The course has been transformational from every angle. I have been challenged at every step. However, I keep going because of the amazing support that I get from all of you."
"I am extremely grateful to Gingi, Kath and Ella for their passion and devotion in shaping the yoga teachers of tomorrow. Their wisdom and support are invaluable as is the safe environment they create for trainees to grow personally as well as as future teachers."
"I've felt the whole team is really present and there for us individually and collectively."
"It's an honour to be in the space with such compassionate knowledgeable people."
The non-judgmental, open, caring, welcoming, fun, supportive atmosphere and attitude was always there to greet us and was maintained during every class by every member of the team.
The depth and detail of the anatomy content and the philosophy content was enormous and the delivery of the content was excellent, evenly structured, attainable, understandable, clear and enjoyable. The manual, recorded content and studio environment was stunning.
The course had a lot of integrity - all of the teachers were really experienced, knowledgeable and inspiring, and the course environment felt incredibly supportive.
Transformative, wonderful experience that I would recommend to anyone who is immersed in the yoga practice or anyone who would like to become a yoga teacher. There is a good balance of directive guidance and self-paced learning, which allows you to explore your personal journey in diving deep into yoga. I have learnt a lot about myself through the course, in an almost therapeutic way. I also feel well supported by everyone who are co-ordinating the course 🙂
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!"
LS
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200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Teaching Faculty

The Shala School of Yoga brings together an exceptionally experienced and gifted team of teachers giving a broad and diverse exploration of the subject of yoga. Leading our next 200-hour yoga teacher training course starting September 2023 are senior Yoga Alliance E-500-RYT teachers Gingi Lee and Charli Van Ness.

Supporting Teachers

Also on the team are: Dr Matthew Clark who will delve into the History and Philosophy of yoga; Melanie Cooper who brings Anatomy and Physiology to life, Norman Blair who will introduce you to Yin practices and Hamish Hendry and Liz Lark who share their experiences and invaluable insights from decades of teaching. 

 

Lead Yoga Teacher: Gingi Lee

The founder of the Shala, Gingi has taught, trained and inspired many British and international yoga teachers over the last two decades. Gingi initially studied and taught martial arts and then moved on to study Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with the late Derek Ireland. He has been teaching yoga and running his own centre for 25+ years. In the last few years he has regularly trained with Bodyrolling innovator Yamuna Zake and he now incorporates this practice into his teachings. Read more on his Biography. 

Gingi Lee 200 hour teacher
Gingi is "a passionate and knowledgeable teacher, who engages with the students and creates an open and honest environment for sharing and learning."

"I didn't expect to go so deep with this practice on the TTC. Very intense and emotional experience. Gingi held such a safe supportive space it was really special."

"I feel very lucky to learn from such a gifted adjuster. Gingi has such a lovely approach to this art."

Supporting Lead Teacher: Charli Van Ness

Charli teaches Classes, Workshops + Retreats to the community of all ages, especially to those who are vulnerable or in recovery. She is an E-RYT 500hrs Yoga Teacher, runs her own RYS 200hrs Teacher Training School and collaborates with other studios bringing Teacher Training Courses to the community for those wishing to become teachers or for self development. Being a YACEP Provider, Charli also runs short CPD Courses – KulaKids Teacher Training, Padme Humm Sound Healing CPD Training + Women’s Wellbeing CPD Training. Charli is in absolute JOY when sharing her healing modality ‘Sound Energy Medicine’ (VibroAcoustic Therapy) + Womb Mandala Healing delivered in Groups, Privately + to accompany Art Therapy and Massage Therapists in Treatments. 

Read more on her full Biography.

Team Feedback

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.
ZS
The course is beyond beautiful because of two very distinct and beautiful individuals holding the space.
SS
The non-judgmental, open, caring, welcoming, fun, supportive atmosphere and attitude was always there to greet us and was maintained during every class by every member of the team.
The course was a watershed for me. I have been practising yoga for over twenty years, and was very 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.
VS
"The team's vast knowledge and experience are inspiring and I found them very generous in sharing their knowledge. They teach with kindness, encouragement, and genuine support, which creates a positive and uplifting learning environment."
The knowledge shared with us is invaluable. It's pure gold.
SD
I found all of the feedback to be extremely helpful, inspiring, and motivating. It was offered in the kindest possible manner, and I will be forever grateful for its transformative and uplifting effect on me.  
Couldn't imagine better teachers.
ES
[the teachers'] knowledge is exceptional and unparalleled, and they both complement each other so well. Gingi gives the group a sense of energy and drive. And Kath guides the group to a space that is nurturing and accepting. I am extremely fortunate and grateful to have the two as the main teachers.
AM
teachers with heartfelt authenticity and an emphasis on facilitating students unique potential
LS
spirited and masterful teachers... I didn’t feel there was anything we couldn’t explore openly together, (the teachers) were both super considerate and curious.
LS
Gingi shared his openness, humour, generosity of spirit, self disclosure, care, humility and strength which enabled me to explore, share and consider my own internal landscape and that of others, our motivations, morals, principals, values. The Yamas and Niyamas were introduced and delivered by Gingi in a powerful and honest way, Gingi illustrated morals, principals, values with real life, present and historical examples and made the space during discussion for people to be listened to and for them to establish their position with regards to observances and restraints. I gained a deep awareness of the ethics that underpin our lives and what yoga as a lifestyle means.
"Gingi managed to hold the space for everyone and made everyone feel comfortable and secure. There was a lot of knowledge being shared, as well as facilitating individual preferences when it came to their yoga sequencing and practice. It's an incredibly difficult skill to hold a group together, lead it somewhere while allowing that level of flexibility and creativity."
Attention, care and encouragement was given to every student. Listening, appreciating, acknowledging and respecting the individual’s life experience and stage of development, allowed them to grow in the space.
The awareness, humility, humour, patience and generosity of teachers was consistent. Gingi the students when they needed it, teaching us the essence, ethics, magic, nuance and grace of yoga in a subtle, authentic and indirect way which for me was really touching it developed a special sense in me which is something I’ll never forget and will now take forwards in the work I do with people.
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!"
LS
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200 hour yoga training

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus

This 200-hour yoga teacher training course is a foundation yoga course which will introduce students to the vast subject of yoga. The Asana segments will be loosely influenced by ashtanga but will be broad in scope using the ashtanga sequence as a framework to explore postures and hands-on adjustments in more depth. We will explore an accessible beginners vinyasa sequence, in addition to the ashtanga primary sequence and will also offer some guidance on other vinyasa sequences. Students will be equipped to go on to teach ashtanga or to explore vinyasa sequencing of their own. In the final assessment, students may choose to teach any style of class they wish to.  The approach will be non-dogmatic and will touch on the traditional and more contemporary approaches to yoga. You will learn some hands-on adjustments, detailed alignment and technical break down of the postures.

 

A typical day starts with pranayama, meditation and/or chanting and a personal asana practice. There are 200+ contact hours in total in addition to about 70 non-contact hours required for assignments and coursework. 

 

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course Structure

In Studio 

The course is designed to be manageable wrapped around “life” and full time work. There are seven long weekends that take place in the studio and we do require students to attend in person. We feel strongly that these practices are best learnt and experienced in person where we can fully explore the deeper energetics and nuances, including communicating through touch. In instances where you are absolutely unable to come into the studio due to extenuating circumstances, then we will do our best to  accommodate attend via Zoom livestream, but this should be in exceptional circumstances only and we are not always able to facilitate this.

Blended Learning

The programme has some components of blended learning in the form of livestream online sessions (anatomy) and some pre-recorded content for philosophy and anatomy. We have incorporated blended learning where we feel it is most beneficial to assimilating information. Our library of accessible on -demand anatomy videos for example facilitates drip feed learning and allows you to return to the content to consolidate learning.

 

Mentoring

The course includes mentoring in small group sessions via Zoom. The aim of these sessions is to support you through the course and provide a safe and intimate forum for discussion and answering any specific questions which may come up for you.  

Coursework

As a guideline there is usually about 10 hours of coursework to do each month between the weekend sessions, in addition to teaching practice and your own personal practice. 

Assessments

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and also includes a 1-hour final practical assessment teaching a small group class of your personal choice. The group usually comprises 5-10 students (mixture of public and trainees). 

Elective Modules

As a Shala 200-hour student you have the added benefit of being able to study any of our additional specialist modules to allow you to also teach areas of yoga that are of particular interest to you. These specialist interest courses range from pregnancy yoga to sequencing, aerial, yin yoga, yoga nidra, pranayama, sacred sound, adjusts & assists and restorative yoga and are usually in short modules of 3-6 days. Students who complete their 200-hour and then also do a specialist module would be qualified to teach these as specialist subjects (although there are some exceptions to this rule).  See other elective modules here.

 

200-hour YTT

What to Expect from our 200-hour Training Course

By the end of the course you can expect to:

  • be able to confidently teach a led Vinyasa Level 1 and Level 2 class or another class of your choice
  • have found your feet as a teacher and your own individual voice
  • be able to safely adjust key postures
  • have an understanding of anatomy & physiology and be able to translate this into your teachings
  • have a connection with the philosophical and historical roots of yoga and be able to transmit this into teaching
  • have a full grasp of the ethics of yoga and how this translates into being a teacher and "living yoga"
  • be confident to lead simple pranayama, meditation and chanting within the class
  • have a deeper connection to yoga and your own personal practice and be consciously taking yoga beyond your mat into every day life

The Shala School of Yoga Teacher Training Programme

Experiential Feedback

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.
JA
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.
LC
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.
SD
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.
ES
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.
AM
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.
AM
Every step has become a moment that I will cherish forever.
SS
a brilliant launch pad into the world of yoga, led by very experienced, down to earth, compassionate people.
SW
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200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Course Dates

  • There are 22 days in the studio over a period of 7 months + livestream anatomy module + on demand resources
  • The dates of our 200-hour modules are set out below and will not change unless there are exceptional circumstances. 
  • It is essential that you are available to attend all days of each module to fulfil your requirements and graduate from the training. 
  • When IN STUDIO, the course takes place at the Shala in West Norwood. 
  • The hours for our weekends are usually 9am–6pm in the studio (*8.30am-6pm on Saturdays). In extenuating circumstances, we will try to accommodate students to attend via Zoom but this is not encouraged or guaranteed.
  • Here are the upcoming dates for our next course
 
  • Saturday, September 14, 2024
  • Sunday, September 15, 2024
  • Monday, September 16, 2024
  • Saturday, October 19, 2024
  • Sunday, October 20, 2024
  • Monday, October 21, 2024
  • Saturday, November 16, 2024
  • Sunday, November 17, 2024
  • Monday, November 18, 2024
  • Saturday, December 14, 2024
  • Sunday, December 15, 2024
  • Monday, December 16, 2024
  • Saturday, January 11, 2025
  • Sunday, January 12, 2025
  • Monday, January 13, 2025
  • Saturday, February 8, 2025
  • Sunday, February 9, 2025
  • Monday, February 10, 2025
  • Friday, March 14, 2025
  • Saturday, March 15, 2025
  • Sunday, March 16, 2025
  • Monday, March 17, 2025

Course Requirements & Recommendations

  • You should have a regular and committed asana practice (minimum of three years) preferably with a vinyasa practice and it is helpful but not essential to have some knowledge of the ashtanga primary series.
  • Recommendation from your main teacher.
  • Where possible, we advise you attend some classes with Gingi Lee before applying.
  • We expect you to have some understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice.
  • Successful applicants should be in good health and have stable personal circumstances

Application Process

  • If you would like to be considered for our next intake, please submit your full application form by clicking on APPLICATION FORM button below. We aim to respond to applications within 7 days. Deadlines for Bursary applications is 30 June.
  • Early applications are highly recommended as we are usually oversubscribed.
  • Places will be allocated in stages so we will not be able to consider late applications if all places have been allocated.
  • On acceptance of your place, please click on the Set Up Payment Plan to pay the deposit and confirm your place on the course and you will be registered for the course.
  • Please email if you have any specific questions or if you would like to book a call with the Teacher Training Manager to discuss the course in more detail. We are always happy to chat and offer advise!
  • Please email if you have any specific learning requirements and we will do all that we can to support you.
APPLICATION FORM

Pricing

  • £3,250 course fees for the entire course
  • £25 application fee (deducted from course fee if accepted)
  • £850 non-refundable deposit on being accepted on the 200-hour course. Places will not be held without a deposit.
  • In order for the balance to be processed, please ensure that you save your card details and opt for the direct debit option. If you prefer to pay by the credit card option then this incurs a 2.4% charge. Payment installments will happen in 3 parts of £800. This will automatically be taken once a month, 30 days from payment of the deposit. Receipts will be sent to you when the payments are taken. If you need to discuss a variation of this payment plan, please email us at teachertraining@theshala.co.uk and we will do what we can to accommodate.
  • Full payment needs to be made before the course commences.
  • Fees include: the course manual and other material, training and assessment by a qualified Yoga Alliance Professional RYT: certificate if you successfully complete the course. The fee does not include travel, accommodation, food or insurance.
  • During the period you are enrolled on the course you will be eligible for a 20% concession discount on 1, 5 and 10-class passes and most workshops at the Shala.
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SETUP PAYMENT PLAN

Express interest

Please register your interest in this course so we can keep you updated.

Express interest

Please register your interest in this course so we can keep you updated.