Testimonials

The Sangha Trinidad is currently
the ONLY 500hr Yoga Alliance Registered School in this part of the Caribbean!

The program we offer is a 500hr Yoga Alliance recognized program
that is completely accessible and VERY intensive!
BUT for 2024, we are going to offer a 300hr YTT program with the option to work toward a 500hr Certification

We will still introduce numerous techniques not being offered in other Teacher Trainings around the world
in the hopes that it produces the best instructor in YOU that you can be.  We use a combination of nationally renowned Caribbean faculty and internationally world renowned faculty to not only keep the cost of the training affordable, but to help us offer a spicy, balanced program that would be recognized anywhere you taught.

The Sangha Trinidad’s Yoga Teacher Training 2023
is no longer happening as we re-calibrate the program!!

THE DATES FOR YTT2024 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 TO SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2024

Here is the need-to-know info on the Training…

COURSE FEE 300hr Certification ONLY:  TT$30,000.00

COURSE FEE full 500hr Certification:  TT$40,000.00

(INCLUDES COURSE MATERIALS ONLY).
Any Food, Room and Board, Transport are extra, but we can assist with finding accommodations if needed.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE REVISED:  These are the major payment dates. 

• 50% DEPOSIT (TT$15,000/TT$20,000 Depending on your Certification option) Due By: SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
• BALANCE DUE BY: MARCH 31, 2024
• **PAYMENT PLAN:  You can arrange any Payment Plan you like, as long as the above payment dates and payments are met.**

***PLEASE NOTE:***  A FULL REFUND for any payments made can take place ANY TIME before SEPTEMBER 30. If for some reason beyond the control of either party OR both parties – The Sangha Trinidad OR you, the Participant, a cancellation needs to occur ANY TIME from OCTOBER 1 up to MARCH 31, 2024 – then a TT$10,000.00 processing fee will be retained as many elements would have been put in place to make the Training happen.  Regardless of any situation, whether out of the Participant’s or The Sangha Trinidad’s control or not, ABSOLUTELY NO REFUND can be entertained ANY TIME after MARCH 31, 2024, as expenses have already been incurred to secure your spot.  However, any payments made can be put toward the next Teacher Training only (up to one year only)…NO EXCEPTIONS!***

PAYMENTS CAN BE ACCEPTED BY:
Manager’s Cheque/Bank Draft
Credit Card (can also be done by phone)
Online Banking (contact us by Whatsapp at 730-YOGA (9642) OR by email at manager@sanghayogatrinidad.com for banking info)

Here was THE CURRICULUM AND TEACHING FACULTY FOR YTT 2022!!
Most of the faculty stays the same, so stay tuned for the final info on YTT2024

• The course is now going to be  with faculty that is part online and part in-person
• The local faculty will be in-person
• Some of the Foreign Faculty will be online

Please contact us to discuss, if interested at manager@sanghayogatrinidad.com

• There will be two (2) sessions during the week days (MONDAY TO FRIDAY).
• 8AM TO 1PM OR 5PM TO 10PM (You choose, but can be alternated or flexible depending on your time)
• 8AM TO 7PM ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND ANY HOLIDAYS
• The INTENSIVE course is 6 weeks for a 300hr Certification
• Full certification must include the Intensive 6 Weeks, and takes up to ONE YEAR to complete, which will cover over 750hrs. of work! 
• The TT$30,000.00 fee for the 300hr Certification
  includes your compact binder…your Teacher Training Bible and other certain course materials.
  
  EXTRA VALUE RECEIVED for the FULL 500hr Certification
  
• The TT$40,000.00 Fee for the FULL CERTIFICATION is split into 2 parts
• TT$30,000.00 pays for the 6-Week Intensive part of the course PART 1 
• and TT$10,000.00 pays for PART 2, which includes the following:
• **Access to the Mentoring Program (sitting in classes, reviewing projects, feedback meetings) valued at TT$20,000.00
  
• A Year Pass valued at TT$6,500.00 which enables you to take as many classes as you like so you can develop your personal practice.
  This is also where Karen Blackman gives you tips on adjusting and using your props, by demo_ing with students in class
  
• Mat and Towel Rentals, plus Free Water Refills value TT$2,600.00
• Rental Space to Practice Teach valued at TT$8,000.00
• Social Media Marketing valued at TT$8,000.00 (FB/Instagram/Twitter/Whatsapp/Email Newsletter/Website)
  VALUED AT OVER TT$40,000.00.  YOU only pay TT$10,000.00****Whether or not you complete the year does not change the price of the FULL CERTIFICATION, once you begin AND agree to all terms and conditions.
  But the Practicum hours and the ****projects must be completed in the year,
  in order to receive the certificate.
  If there are delays in completing,
  some concessions can be given at the discretion of the Director.
  However, once considered INCOMPLETE (i.e. you have missed the Graduation Date without agreed upon concessions, you would need to pay and begin the program again, from the beginning.****

  
  **Completion of the 300hr or the 500hr Certification Programs, does not guarantee full time teaching positions at The Sangha Trinidad.
  It’s based on your performance throughout the Training and the Director’s decision 

  ****Projects must be completed and completed in the manner as will be agreed to by contract.  This is not negotiable!
  
  

We’ve had some people ask why our program is so expensive.  But you have to do your research folks, the cost of building a top notch faculty is high…plain and simple!  If you go online and research a 500hr Teacher Training, you will discover that the costs are phenomenal.  Here’s a sample…
In Bali
Tuition Only $4,950USD OR $32,175TTD Early bird
Inclusive packages (food and living) from
$6,445.00USD OR $41, 893TTD (Early Bird)
And this is the Early Bird pricing
Then add the cost of airfare, living and the loss of income…i think this one was for 4 weeks

Thailand Retreat (60hrs)
$1990USD OR $13,000TTD – double room
$2390USD OR $15,600TTD – single room
And this is just for 60hrs.  Then add the cost of airfare, living and the loss of income

Other Programs break down the 500hrs into modules and you have to pay per module and they run for different dates.  Or they require you to have completed a 200hr and a 300hr program first.  An example of the modules…
Kripalu School of Yoga in the U.S.
Yoga Teacher Training 500-Hour Certification
Tuition per module $1049USD plus accommodations extra.  There are 4 modules
So $4200USD OR $27,300 just for the tuition.  Then add the cost of airfare, accommodation, food and living and the loss of income each time you have to travel to finish a module…that’s 4 trips!!

The last we saw, the Modo Yoga (previously known as Moksha Yoga) Training in Canada was about $3800USD, then they ask you to budget for an additional $3800USD for airfare, accommodation, food and living.  Then you have to factor in your loss of  income and expenses that still have to be maintained here at home.  The last group of instructors who went to this Training from Trinidad spent just over $60,000TTD for everything!  There are about 65 to 70 people per Training.

Not sure what the Bikram Yoga Training is like now, but back in the day it was about $16,000USD OR $104,000TTD to $20,000USD OR $130,000TTD…Then add the cost of airfare, accommodation, food and living and the loss of income.  AND there are about 400 people per Training!

Here nah…it ent easy out there!

We found that only certain people could go to these Trainings and you mos def had to be in a particular income bracket.  If you had a family, job commitments etc., the idea of this seemed even more out of reach.  And if you are from the Caribbean and don’t have a VISA it’s even harder to access these international programs.

Our hope with The Sangha Trinidad’s Yoga Teacher Training is to make teacher training way more accessible to those in the Caribbean. There are so many of you who would make awesome instructors…you have so much to offer.  We wanted to give you the same quality and the same attention to detail without you having to leave or lose.  You can work around your work schedule and be near for your family if need be. If you are from up the islands, you don’t have to travel far.  We  have had people do the morning sessions as part of their vacation days and then switching to evening sessions when they went back out to work.  We have had to arrange the schedule for someone’s religious restrictions and so much more…so it’s a very flexible program!

The Sangha Trinidad’s Yoga Teacher Training has no more than 10 people and can go up to a 500hr program….no modules, no airfare if you are local and some of the same North American faculty as in the other trainings abroad. PLUS, you could be invited into an internship in Toronto (if you desire) and/or at The Sangha Trinidad.

Now…when you see the numbers can you really say that we are pricey?

If we have further convinced you of the value for dollar *smile*, then feel free to contact us at manager@sanghayogatrinidad.com.

Here is an overview of the FULL COURSE CURRICULUM for the
6-Week Intensive Yoga Teacher Training
*Please Note:  That some of these hours overlap into the FULL One Year 500hr Program.
Your hours will be reduced in certain categories, if only doing the 300hr Program.

• TECHNIQUES TRAINING / PRACTICE (200HRS)

MEDITATION PRACTICE (11HRS)
Every session will begin with a 15 minute meditation and/or pranayama practice led by one of the senior teachers. It is no problem if this is your first time practicing meditation – although the practice will be suitable to more experienced practitioners, no experience is necessary. Incorporating meditation into your day is a great way to cultivate a mindful, productive, stress-free and focused day.

ASANA PRACTICE (98HRS)
We will focus on The Sangha Trinidad’s Yoga Series, which is based on the Principles of Moksha Yoga®.  We will explore sequencing in such classes like Flow Classes, More Advanced Classes, Classes with Music, Silent Classes.  And touch on Yin Yoga and Strength + Mobility Classes and learning to teach Asana yoga to many levels.  Variety in teachers and teaching styles will provide tools for interpretation within the series, and further the process of making your teaching personal and authentic.

POSTURE WORKSHOP (91HRS)
In this interactive lecture series, each posture in the sequence will be broken down to explore alignment , modifications and variations, “release valves” (including Contraindications), and benefits.  We will also discuss the reason for the sequence with regards to Backbends, Forward Bends, Balancing Poses, Twists, Hip Openers, Sun Salutations and Inversions.  Each pose will be discussed in deep detail so that the teacher trainers can discover the biomechanics of each posture and hence the safest and most effective way to enter and exit each posture.

• TEACHING METHODOLOGY (42HRS)
  Teaching Methodology focuses primarily on all the teaching moments that happen before, during and after class. This is a chance to learn how to create comfort and confidence within the art of teaching and defining your teaching practice…being the best instructor that you can be!

QUALITIES OF A TEACHER (15HRS)

1. Communication – helps us how to be be better communicators.  We will learn how to make eye contact, the effects of your body language and how to read your students’ body language, verbal cues.
2. PLUS we will learn…“It’s not about you” and what that means.
3. We also learn how to find your own voice
4. Your teaching tone and the importance of variety, including voice projection, utilizing key ‘trigger’ words, body language and the use of visualization to convey information.
5. Further discussion will revolve around the different ways in which people learn (visual, physical and audio)
6. How to demonstrate
7. The importance of observing and giving feedback
8. How to teach Hot Yoga (what to look for)
9. How to prepare oneself mentally before teaching a class.

ADJUSTMENTS (22HRS)
This section resolves around one of the most important aspects of teaching: the safe and effective performance of yoga asanas. We will focus primarily on the entry, stasis and exit to and from poses, as well as the following:

1. Teaching various body types – seniors, hyper-mobile, lack of awareness, heavier body types vs. smaller body types, injuries (common, multiple, special cases), pre and post natal
2. Introduction to potential mental and physical disorders and how to handle – eating disorders, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis
3. Includes the use of blocks, straps and other props
4. Using both verbal and hands-on adjustments. There will also be discussion revolving around the issues of hands-on adjustments, recognizing limitations and how to be most effective in directing students to self-adjust.

BUSINESS OF YOGA (5HRS)
Learn how to build a sustainable teaching career.  Hireability and Saleability.  Building your yoga brand and using Social Media.  We will explore in detail the nuts and bolts of setting yourself up as an effective yoga professional and introduce practical techniques for managing your time, your finances (NIS, Taxes, etc.), building your class and workshop numbers, creating a strong and consistent following and ultimately flourishing as a teacher mindfully and with a true yogic mind.

• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY (50HRS) FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY OF ASANA (15HRS)
  Susi Hately and her Functional Synergy Team, introduce us to the Principles of Anatomy, Kinesiology and biomechanics of Yoga Asana, through exciting workshops and discussions…just think toes!!!
• INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY (28HRS)
  Understanding anatomy and how it relates to yoga asanas, including Principles of Anatomy for the Core.  We will also practice safe core exercises.THE PHYSIOLOGY – CHAKRAS AND ENERGY (7HRS)
  Though through various sessions during the Intensive, you will be introduced to the Chakras and the concept of energy above and beyone the 7hrs.

• YOGA PHILOSOPHY, LIFESTYLE AND ETHICS, BUDDHIST/MINDFULNESS YOGA and PHILOSOPHY WITH THE STUDY OF THE YOGA SUTRAS, PLUS IN-DEPTH STUDY OF PRANAYAMA, ASANA AND TEACHING SKILLS (60HRS)
  Considering that the Buddha himself was an enlightened yogi, we are introduced to the Buddha’s teachings within the concept of the Yoga Tradition. These lectures illustrates that the common aspiration of all spiritual practitioners is to overcome suffering and imbalance and awaken to our inherent wholeness and union with all things.  You will also be introduced to the main yogic texts and their central themes in a way that brings them to life and makes their wisdom relevant for modern yogis. The study of yoga philosophy will plug you into a rich tradition and add depth to your teaching.
  
  
• MOVIES & DISCUSSION, PRESENTATIONS, READING AND JOURNALING (25HRS)

1. MOVIES AND DISCUSSION
   We will watch and review movies that are thought provoking and maybe life-changing and see what arises.  The diversity of the group should make this truly exciting!
2. JOURNALLING (5HRS)
   This is a chance to document the physical, spiritual and emotional journey that students experience throughout the training. Journaling is an opportunity to slow the mind and work through the challenges and excitement that arise in such an intensive training.
3. PRESENTATIONS
   Each teacher trainer will be required to give a presentation. Presentation topics will be provided and is a great opportunity to put public speaking skills into practice in a setting that is more comfortable and varied than a standard yoga class.
4. READING
   Books will be suggested , but again, all thought provoking, meaningful, with the intention of helping you be the best yoga instructor that you can be!

• PRACTICUM (120HRS) – This requirement is only for the 500hr Certification.  You will receive some practice during the 6-Weeks (the 300hr Certification), but you won’t be required to do this.
  This part is broken down into three (3) parts:

1. TEACHING YOUR PEERS
   Emphasis will be placed on preparing the teacher trainer for the actual practice of teaching. Each student will have the opportunity to lead small groups of their fellow trainees through several consecutive postures and learn thematic approaches to teaching. The teaching will be followed by feedback sessions.
2. OBSERVATION
   Emphasis will be placed on the teacher trainers watching and observing other teachers.  This helps with learning the “tricks of the trade”.
3. TEACHING PUBLICLY – This requirement is only for the 500hr Certification.  Though you will be encouraged to invite your family and friends during the 6 Weeks.
   During the course of the year of training, teacher trainers will teach publicly at The Sangha Trinidad and receive feedback from them.
   
   

• OTHER / ELECTIVES (85HRS) – This is a reduced hour requirement for the 300hr Certification.
  Emphasis will be placed on touch…the importance of understanding how the touch of an instructor can have a huge impact on your student.  Mindfulness, care, healing and love are the focus here.

1. FOUNDATIONS IN THAI YOGA MASSAGE/BALINESE MASSAGE/WATSU AQUATIC THERAPY
   We are taught a short routine that will allow you to incorporate into your classes and to use when you recognize students in extra need.
2. INTRODUCTION TO ADVANCED POSES/STYLES
   We invite a guest YOGA ROCKSTARS to come and show us a thing or two!  In the past we have had Meghan Currie, Steph and Erin, YuMee Chung, Trina Altman, David Robson, Michael Stone and The Acromachine!  This year we will have BRUCE CHUNG coming from Brussels!
   
3. REIKI CERTIFICATION
   We are introduced to Reiki and its power of healing.  Again, helping the teacher trainers understand its affects and all with the intention of making you be the best instructor you can be!   After this session, you will be Reiki certified.
4. TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA AND CLINICAL SOMATIC MOVEMENT (12HRS)
   In this lecture series, we will explore how and why yoga is a important to healthy mind and body framed by advances in Cognitive Science, Neurobiology, Philosophy, History & Hands-on Techniques to balance the Nervous System AND more!

• DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM (200+ hours) – This requirement is only for the 500hr Certification Program
  Following the initial 6-week intensive is a 10-month distance learning program which requires the submission of projects associated with practice teaching and growth. Completion of the entire year long, 500+ hour teacher training is necessary in order to receive your 500hr certificate.