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Teacher Training FAQ

Click on any question below to reveal the answer and if you have any other questions you can email us at manager@sanghayogatrinidad.com:

  • What if I never practised the Sangha Series, can I still apply?

    Yes you can! As long as you have had some experience with yoga you can do this Training.
  • What are the pre-requisites?

    At least one (1) year yoga experience or even another Teacher Training certification is ideal. 6 months is acceptable if you can prove that you had a consistent practice during that time (a letter of approval from your senior teacher/studio owner can work or taking classes at The Sangha Trinidad).

    Stable mental health. Training with this intensity can provoke a very emotional and turbulent experience for some. If you are feeling emotionally or mentally unstable, we suggest that you delay your attendance until a future training. Please consider this information and make your decision accordingly.

    A good level of physical health.

    Due to the intense physical and mental demands of the 6-Week intensive, this training is not suitable during pregnancy.

    It is strongly advisable to have the approval of your studio owner when applying to the training. This is helpful for many reasons, particularly because it gives you a chance to connect and build a relationship with your studio owner, receive feedback on your practice, and discuss potential teaching opportunities in the future.

    An understanding that teaching positions are never guaranteed after the 6-Week Intensive.

    An understanding that this is an intensive program, and as such requires a firm commitment to hard work and enthusiastic participation. Attendance at all classes is mandatory.

    A strong commitment to participating in the 10-month distance learning program that follows the 6-Week long intensive.
  • Do I have to be from Trinidad and Tobago to apply?

    No. This program is open to anyone...Trinidad and Tobago national or elsewhere.
  • If I am a non-national, is lodging included in this price? If not, how do I go about finding lodging?

    No. Lodging is not included in this fee. If you need accommodations though, we can try to find you some options and then the rest is up to you.
  • Do I need to be perfect in every pose before I apply?

    Absolutely not! This is what the Training is for...to help you deepen your awareness of your own practice. At the end of the day, none of us is perfect...we all have something that we need to work on. What we are trying to help you do, is help others realise their potential, but it doesn't mean that you will be able to do it yourself.
  • How can I best prepare for the Training?

    Honestly, just sticking to your practice is the best way to prepare. But don't over think this, just be calm and let the process unfold for you.
  • Is this Teacher Training internationally recognised?

    Yes. Our program was created using the Yoga Alliance guidelines that were sent directly to us. Once you complete your year, you can apply to be Yoga Alliance Registered. You will be registered as a 500hr Yoga Teacher.
  • What does a sample day of training look like?

    Here's a typical Sunday...
    8AM Meditation
    8:15AM Class (75mins)
    9:30AM Break (30mins)
    10AM Posture Clinic (2.5HRS)
    12:30PM Lunch
    2PM Posture Clinic (2HRS)
    4PM Break (30mins)
    4:30PM Posture Clinic (75mins)
    5:45PM Class (75mins)

    Here's a weekday...
    5PM The Art of Communicating (60mins)
    6PM Adjustments (2HRS)
    8PM Break (15mins)
    8:15PM Meditation
    8:30PM Class (90mins) *please note that the same schedule will apply if it's the morning session.
  • If I am a non-national and there are no yoga studios nearby, how do I complete the Practicum part of the Training once I go back home?

    Ideally having a senior instructor mentor you would be best, but not everyone has that as an option. So the emphasis will be on the feedback you receive from teaching friends...from the classes you create etc. You can even (if you have the ability to), film a class. Essentially you will have to be creative. You can also talk to maybe gym owners or other studio type places and see if they would be interested in you offering classes. At the end of the day, even a senior teacher in another type of exercise program or a gym owner, can identify if you at least have the capability of reaching your audience.
  • What if I can't participate 100% in either session, can I split it up and do some evenings and some mornings or vice versa?

    Yes, you can do both. Both the evening and the morning sessions will have the same content so if you needed to, you can do some mornings and some evenings.
  • What if I have to miss some time due to work or other committments?

    We left the last 2 weeks in the last month of the intensive Training to play catch up. We understand that things always come up so there is room to adjust if we have to. And in some cases we will record the sessions so you can review later.
  • What is Yoga Alliance? And why do I hear so much negative stuff about it?

    Yoga Alliance is an organization that allows you to be listed that you are a certified instructor. They do not certify you, this is done with the school that you take the Teacher Training from.

    In order to be listed, you must be registered with them, which requires the payment of an annual fee.

    Here is some more info on what Yoga Alliance is...
    1) It is a nonprofit association representing yoga teachers, schools and studios in the U.S. Along with the sister organization, Yoga Alliance Registry, they provide support to the field, and provide a registry of teachers and schools.

    2) Yoga Alliance® provides a set of educational guidelines for yoga schools.

    3) These guidelines describe Yoga Alliance®'s Requirements for a Registered Yoga Teacher and/school

    4) A yoga teacher who registers with the Yoga Alliance Registry earns the title of Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT®) and may publish his or her name online within their website.

    5) The role of Yoga Alliance is to emphasize and enforce the rule of mutual respect. They are very supportive of various yoga styles and techniques.

    6) The Yoga Alliance helps the public become better acquainted with the benefits of yoga.

    7) Their reach is world-wide, although technically they’re based in the United States. Yoga Alliance represents teachers and training programs all over the globe.

    8) Schools that meet the Yoga Alliance requirements/guidelines for a certification program are recognized as RYS® schools. And teachers who complete a program with an RYS® school can be listed as RYT® graduates. They are then included in the Yoga Alliance world-wide directory.

    9) The Yoga Alliance National Yoga Teachers’ Registry was established in 1999. This registry serves to recognize and promote teachers who meet minimum training standards. Those who do are eligible to receive the RYT® designation.

    10) Teachers who graduate from Registered Yoga Schools can receive different levels of designation, depending on how much training and teaching experience they have. Yoga teachers can receive registrations ranging from the 200-hour level to the 500-hour level.

    11) Standards for RYS® Designation Schools that register for RYS® designation have to meet specific requirements. They must provide training programs that meet the curriculum guidelines developed by Yoga Alliance. RYS® designated programs must also provide yoga training by qualified instructors.

    THE SANGHA TRINIDAD'S POSITION:
    The Sangha Trinidad fully supports an organization like this! Is it perfect? No. But for individuals who are new on the scene as instructors you need some way for studio owners to make judgements on potential instructors. Students need a place they can go to for information on schools and/or studios.

    It is our opinion, that the people who criticize this organization negatively are for the most part famous/well-known in some way. They have been teaching for years and can easily get away with not being affiliated with any organization.

    We also feel that they themselves are over estimating Yoga Alliance's role. Yoga Alliance is very clear that they do not certify anyone. But as a studio that was interested in offering a Teacher Training program, they worked very closely with us in working out our program. They give us some freedom to add in extras, but it was very helpful having a starting point and having them call me direct in Trinidad to discuss what we wanted to offer for the program.

    As such, we found it important to register with them and have become a 500hr RYS® School. Once you complete your Training, you will also be able to fully register to be an RYT® Teacher.

    The Sangha Trinidad is among the many RYS® registered schools world-wide and currently the only RYS® school in the Caribbean. The RYS® designation symbolizes The Sangha Trinidad's experience, dedication and commitment. This includes their approach to yoga principles, techniques and standards. It also reflects the school’s adherence to the Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct.

    The Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct
    Those who register with Yoga Alliance must agree to uphold the established Code of Conduct. This code symbolizes acceptance of the ethical and professional behavior required by those who are registered. It is provided as a standard for basic yoga principles. The Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct and various levels of registration are available on their website.

    Benefits of the Yoga Alliance
    There are many benefits associated with having Yoga Alliance Registration. This type of registration enhances the public’s perception of the yoga school and instructors that teach there. Because it's a centralized location for many listed schools, you can see their profiles, read up on the schools' programs. You can also read up on various teachers, helping students with their decisions before choosing a school and/or teacher. They also have a public feedback forum, where students can post their experiences whether positive or negative. The fees that you pay go toward keeping updated with what's happening in Yoga world, and they offer free webinar sessions that can help with continued education.

    Our opinion is, register with them. And if later on you find you don't need the registration...you've made your mark and ready to spread your wings? Then just discontinue paying. But again, we feel that being a part of a centralized organization is truly helpful to those seeking guidance in this crazy filled abyss of yoga studios, schools and teachers.
  • What if I don't complete the Distance Training Program...is this really important?

    Yes it is! This program is in place for a reason. You have to remember that a Teacher Training isn't all about the physical. It must include other elements like community. We breakdown our program in terms of Lifestyle, Fitness, Yoga and Sangha (which means community)
  • Do you offer a payment plan?

    Yes we do! We recognise that not everyone has access to this amount of money, but you have soooo much to offer as an instructor. You make up a proposed plan, email it to us and then we see if it can work...we negotiate.
  • I live out of the country or don't have time in the day to come to you, and would like to pay the fees, what are my options?

    You can pay by cash...always lovely;

    by credit card (and we are able to accept credit card payments over the phone) and working on online accessibility as well;

    by Linx (but you will have to come to us to do so);

    by cheque (as long as it's not rubber *wink*. A certified cheque is preferred if we have never dealt with you;

    by direct deposit/wire transfer...just email us for specifics
  • I actually cannot attend any Friday evenings or Saturdays due to religious reasons. Can I still participate?

    Believe it or not we have had this issue come up. We can totally help you work around this by doing extra one-on-one sessions. BUT this will require an extra fee, as this is above and beyond the set out hours of Training. Contact us nah? We will be happy to discuss.
  • What do I receive for my TT$40,000.00 Investment?

    The course is 6 weeks and while it is a 500hr Yoga Alliance program, we cover over 750hrs. of work!

    The fee is TT$40,000.00 and includes your compact binder...your Teacher Training Bible and other certain course materials. PLEASE NOTE: (Accommodations, OTHER books, food and other supplies are extra)

    EXTRA VALUE RECEIVED
    While there is a fee of TT$40,000.00, you receive an extra TT$40,000.00 in value in extras as follows:
    • **Access to the Mentoring Program value TT$16,000.00 (sitting in classes, reviewing projects, feedback, meetings)
    • A Year Pass value TT$5,000.00 which enables you to take as many classes as you like
    • Mat and Towel Rentals, plus Free Water Refills value TT$2,600.00
    • Rental Space to Practice Teach value TT$8,000.00
    • ***Access to Future Workshops minimum value TT$3,400.00
    • Social Media Marketing value TT$5,000.00 (FB, Instagram, Twitter, Whatsapp, Email Newsletter, Website)

    VALUE = TT$40,000.00


    **Access to the Mentoring program is not guaranteed. It's based on your performance throughout the Training and the Director's decision

    ***Access to future workshops and the whether you are required to pay or not or the amount that may have to be paid, is based on service return to The Sangha Trinidad (i.e. how much you give back in time, support and add to the bottom line)
  • Yoga Teacher Training 2016 was intense; but it was the most fulfilling intensive six (6) weeks I have ever experienced. The Faculty are all experts in their fields and brought valuable and insightful techniques that not only enhanced my personal practice but certainly set the foundation for my journey as a Yoga Teacher. The program offered much more than I expected. I learned my body parts, understanding the Anatomy of Yoga which I did not give much thought as a practitioner.  Yoga Teacher Training changed that and now whenever I practice or teach I use that knowledge to create a better experience. If you are serious about your Yoga practice then the Yoga Teacher Training is a must. Make the investment, its the best gift you can give your mind and body.
    ~Julia M. Daniel 2016
  • Let me start by saying this specifically to Trinidadians, living in Trinidad...if you want to change your life without "changing your life" then this intensive is for you. You can do this without changing your job and location. Sure, you won't have time to do some things...like spend an evening doing absolutely nothing! But this is a temporary sacrifice that will endless rewards. Sometimes you just won't want to do it and that's okay. Just remember the "why" you are doing it and that would help you to get through. This course will make you want to dig deeper, want more, know more...this was the beginning of a lifelong journey for me, that gets better with time, like wine. But I must mention that it is intense in EVERY sense of the word but it is surely worth it. I have no regrets in doing it. Sometimes I felt tired, annoyed, tired, overwhelmed and did I mention tired? mentally and physically, but I can never say that I regretted doing it. The Sangha Trinidad will always hold a special piece of my heart.
    ~Tamara Cozier 2016
  • The Sangha Trinidad’s 500-hour teacher-training prepares its trainees to teach principles and techniques of yoga that are more advanced, and to teach with greater skill, than could reasonably be expected of an RYT 200
    ~Stephenie Sobrian 2015
  • There are lots of well-trained and experienced persons out there who can teach you the countless Asanas and no doubt help you to become a qualified yoga instructor. But there is only one Karen Blackman – she not only teaches you those yoga Asanas but she also blows your mind and opens your heart to welcome and receive the true meaning of yoga. Most of all what stands out is her positive and uplifting interaction with people – you can see this is in her classes at the Sangha, she has a large following of students; many whom have been with her for a number of years. She consistently delivers new types of classes with fresh twists – so students are always challenged and keep coming back for more. Karen’s teacher training takes you on a holistic journey never to be forgotten – that year was one of the most memorable and life changing experiences of my life. There is the physically rigorous training and learning about the various aspects of yoga from a host of experienced local and international teachers which Karen hand picks to be part of her annual teacher training line up. And then there is that ‘mother like’ but boot - camp, tough but empathic, daring, inspirational and brave woman that is Karen Blackman to help you along every step of the way. Her experience and knowledge are truly vast and she is an excellent teacher – grabs your attention from the start and is always challenging you to reach new heights and try new things. She is not afraid to push you and let go of your hand as you discover your path on the journey to becoming a qualified and fantastic yoga instructor. So if your quest is to become a qualified yoga instructor or you are looking to deepen your practice and you want to be challenged, benefit from the experience of world class teachers and a fun learning environment, I definitely recommend that Karen Blackman is the person for you. Of course you can see for yourself by trying out her classes at the Sangha!
    ~Rita Purdeen 2015
  • The Sangha Teacher Training is the first of its kind throughout the Caribbean, as the only Yoga Alliance Registered 500 hour school in the region. However, the quality of the teacher training draws on excellent expertise from North America and the Caribbean. The program is specifically structured to be as accessible as possible, allowing for morning or evening options, which was a huge benefit for me as a single mom, with an extremely demanding job, as well as a young son. The benefits of this program are phenomenal, affecting not just my yoga practice but every facet of my life and resulting in a change of career to full-time yoga instructor. Karen Blackman was blessed with the gift of teaching yoga from her heart and shares every part of this with every student who makes the decision to embark on this journey.
    ~Michelle Foreman 2014
  • Completing The Sangha Trinidad Yoga Teacher Training program was a life changing experience for me. It helped me answer so many questions I had about my body and how it works and also about my life in general. The program helped me not only answer those questions for myself but also gave me the tools to help my students answer those questions for themselves. A truly invaluable experience!
    ~Lindsay Hall 2014
  • In short The Sangha Trinidad's Yoga Teacher Training programme positively transformed my life.  Worth every moan, groan, tear, and sacrifice!
    ~Kemba Marcano 2013
  • My teacher training experience with The Sangha Trinidad, has launched me into new paths of personal growth. I love the way we are encouraged to play with, to create and even go beyond existing paradigms presenting fresh views of this multifaceted diamond.
    ~Peter Dickson 2013
  • THE SANGHA TRINIDAD'S YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME, IS AN INTENSIVE, PRACTICAL, SCIENTIFIC, AND COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME THAT PRODUCES A KNOWLEDGEABLE CREATIVE TEACHER AND DEEPENS YOUR YOGA  PRACTICE.  AT THE END YOU WOULD HAVE  HAD A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE!
    ~Ina K. Dailey 2013

Studio Address

Classes are held at:
6 Scott St., St. Clair (near Ellerslie Plaza)
Click here for directions.

(868) HOT-YOGA (468-9642)

Testimonials

  • That Core and Vinyasa class was soooo easy. I feel absolutely no pain today. (sarcasm)
    Kairon
  • "I am one of those naturally inclined to be lazee. In my younger days, I was naturally skinny and could eat at will everything in sight without pain….Now I’m stressed and no longer size 8. So guess what? I need a beastmaster to exercise. Yoga with Karen makes me realize parts of the body I never knew existed but best of all, I celebrate myself..."
    Valerie, Trinidad

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