200 Hour Curriculum

Course Flow

We are honored that you have decided to follow your heart and trust your intuition and join us in this transformational journey to meet your highest self; to understand your true essence. This course will give you the tools to deepen your practice and sharpen your spirit by cleansing away what no longer serves. We bow to all the teachers and give thanks to all the wisdom that will be revealed. Trust the process and know that you know.  Aho!

Daily Flow

The Kula Collective RYT-200 is divided into three cycles as we rise through the 3 ‘worlds’ of learning through the symbolic nature of the Andean Chakana. Each morning we wake up and flow right into our meditation, pranayama and asana practice as the sun rises. We offer a daily intention for the day that is later reflected upon through discussion in class. Our classes are held in beautiful and inspiring spaces, and are led with an open and informative guidance that encourages interaction and group participation. We spend the day communicating from the heart, discovering new parts of ourselves and the world, releasing the Guru within.

The Chakana provides the backbone of our experience, alongside the Yogic and Quechua Chakra System, which lead us through the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds of study and self-discovery in the three Cycles of the program. Each Cycle progresses on the last, leading us through a medicine cycle of learning and healing. We take the eighth day of the Cycle off to rest. The fourth day in each Cycle is a half-day of self-sadhana (spiritual practice) ending at lunch.  We meet on alternate evenings for Satsang to ‘communicate truth’ through traditional Indian gathering, sacred sharing circle, and ceremony. We honor each cycle through intention and related practices.

Each morning is spent sharing daily intention and philosophy through our Art of Living component, followed by comprehensive lectures on yogic theory and holistic healing practices in Art of Healing. The afternoon is devoted to the Art of Sharing Yoga, interactive workshops that break down the art of teaching and practice, giving participants the opportunity to teach right from the first class.  For the first half of the training, during both the morning practice and the afternoon workshops we will share the Kula Flow - our unique sequence; during the second half we cover creative sequences that build upon what we have already learned.

Throughout all, we create sacred space for sharing and celebrate our connection through Bhakti Yoga - the yoga of devotion, in the form of traditional Indian Kirtan and sacred medicine songs from around the world. We follow the yogic, vegetarian diet, which purifies our practice from the inside out, eating our meals with the same reverence and mindfulness that we apply to each step. We meditate as we breathe, bend, dance and laugh our way through our experience.

Kula Style

We encourage and teach a holistic approach to yoga with a foundation in the traditional 4 paths infused with shamanic wisdom and practices that help connect us with the natural world and her elements. Our passion is to bring these ancient teachings alive and help our students apply them to modern day living.

Our curriculum is grounded in the Four Arts of Yoga:

Art of Teaching

Art of Living

Art of Healing

Art of Practice

YTT 200Hr Program of Study

  • 100 hours: Form, method of teaching, benefits and cautions of principal asanas (postures), pranayamas (breathing techniques) and kriyas (cleansing techniques).

  • 25 hours: Teaching methodology, including modifications for age and common injuries/conditions, how to create a grounded and inspired space for teaching/learning, the use of voice, prenatal yoga, learning to create various class-styles: beginner, intermediate and prenatal yoga: each class having either a very mindful, flowing sequence, or a more dynamic feel, depending on your nature as a yoga teacher, and the students present in any given class.

  • 20 hours: Anatomy and the physical/mental benefits of yoga, Subtle Yogic anatomy and the Chakras.

  • 5 hours: Introduction to Ayurveda, nutrition, and the Yogic diet.

  • 30 hours: Ashtanga philosophy (the eight-fold path), Study and discussion of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, aphorisms giving insight into profound yogic practices and contemplations, as well as their life-transforming benefits.

  • 20 hours: Teaching practicum and feedback from the trainers and your peers.

(GUIDED BY YA CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS)

Embody the Practice

We allow our practice to be a ceremony, each time. We live this practice. In doing so we do not just share Yoga, We Embody Yoga. Thank you for trusting and joining us as we live and practice with a supportive and loving community helping each other let go and flow into life.

“We are the ones we have been waiting for”
- Hopi Elders

Techniques

Contact Hours: 100

Asana, pranayama, meditation and kriya techniques will be taught and practiced. Trainees will then practice teaching them to their peers, both one on one, and in a group setting. There will be time to develop one’s own asanas, learn about anatomical alignment, benefits, checkpoints and contraindications, as well as to teach and assist peers during group teaching sessions. 

  • A variety of asanas from the following groups of asanas will be taught including gentle beginner and intermediate variations. The trainees will be taught how to enter and exit a pose, how to use the breath in the asana, checkpoints for alignment, benefits and contraindications for the asana, and how to assist students in the pose.

  • Standing and balancing asanas, forward bends, back bends, side bends, twisting poses, crouching and seated poses, poses on the abdomen, poses on the back, inverted poses and meditation poses. Trainees will also learn how to adapt the techniques for specific ages, levels, some ailments, and in the case of pregnancy. They will learn warm-up techniques and relaxation poses including the importance of deep breathing in relaxation to prevent muscle fatigue and the build-up of lactic acid in the muscles.

  • Teacher trainees will learn the form, benefits and contraindications of the following pranayama techniques, as well as when to incorporate them into the class and how to introduce pranayama techniques. Abdominal breathing, the three-part breath, ujjai pranayama, brahmari pranayama, anuloma viloma, and kapalabhati pranayama. They will learn how to perform these pranayamas with the bandhas and with relatively short breath retention (Kumbhaka) when appropriate.

  • In order to perform the retention in the above breathing techniques, it is necessary to teach and learn Mula bandha, Jalandhara bandha and Uddiyana bandha, the latter also being instrumental to kriyas such as nauli. The purpose of the bandhas will be discussed in its relation to the uniting of prana and apana to channel them into the shushumna nadi.

  • Trainees will learn the following kriyas, their benefits, primarily for their own practice, and later how to introduce the kriya to a class: Jal neti, jal kapalabhati, agni sara, and tratak.

  • In the theory section, the goal and paths of yoga will be discussed, thereby leading to the concept and techniques of meditation. Guided meditation will be explored, including creative visualization, meditation using yantra, mantra, ideation, ishta chakra and the withdrawal of the senses from external objects. Students will be guided in choosing a mantra for meditation.

  • We will explore the idea of mantra as a mystical energy encased in a sound structure in relation to mantras such as Om. Trainees will learn to chant and present yogic mantras for the beginning and/or ending of yoga classes (such as the the Shanti mantra or the Jyothi mantra). Bija mantras for purifying the chakras will also be explored including the timing and procedure for using these mantras in meditation.

200HR YTT Required Books & Readings

The Wisdom of Yoga
by Stephen Cope

Please read it before the program begins.
It is optional to bring with you but not required.

  • For modern spiritual seekers and yoga students alike, here is an irreverent yet profound guide to the most sophisticated teachings of the yoga wisdom tradition–now brought to contemporary life by a celebrated author, psychotherapist, and leading American yoga instructor.

    While many Westerners still think of yoga as an invigorating series of postures and breathing exercises, these physical practices are only part of a vast and ancient spiritual science. For more than three millennia, yoga sages systematically explored the essential questions of our human existence: What are the root causes of suffering, and how can we achieve freedom and happiness? What would it be like to function at the maximum potential of our minds, bodies, and spirits? What is an optimal human life?

Yoga Sutras

Please bring any translation with you to the course. The more translations/perspectives we have, the better!

  • You are welcome to bring any translation of Pantajali's Yoga Sutras. We have enjoyed translations by Swami Satchidananda, Chip Hartranft, Nischala Joy Devi, Christopher Isherwood. The author's names are linked to their amazon page for your convenience. 

    About the sutras, from Chip Hartranft's book:
    In ju    st 196 short aphorisms, this classic work of Indian philosophy spells out succinctly how the mind works, and how it is possible to use the mind to attain liberation. Compiled in the second or third century CE, the Yoga-Sutra is a road map of human consciousness—and a particularly helpful guide to the mind states one encounters in meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices. It expresses the truths of the human condition with great eloquence: how we know what we know, why we suffer, and how we can discover the way out of suffering. Chip Hartranft's fresh translation and extensive, lucid commentary bring the text beautifully to life. He also provides useful auxiliary materials, including an afterword on the legacy of the Yoga-Sutra and its relevance for us today.

Yoga Anatomy
by Leslie Kaminoff (II Edition)

There is a comprehensive anatomy section of the manual so this is optional to bring with you but not required.

  • Accessible exploration of how breath and movement affect the body in yoga. It blends modern anatomy with yogic principles, focusing on how each posture works uniquely in different bodies. The book highlights the importance of breath (pranayama), spinal alignment, and core engagement, helping practitioners understand not just the form of poses, but their function. It encourages an individualized, mindful approach to practice—less about perfection, more about embodied experience.

Kula Collective Course Books

The Kula Collective Manuals are included in the price of tuition and we will provide it to you digitally (PDF Version).

  • For modern spiritual seekers and yoga students alike, here is an irreverent yet profound guide to the most sophisticated teachings of the yoga wisdom tradition–now brought to contemporary life by a celebrated author, psychotherapist, and leading American yoga instructor.

    While many Westerners still think of yoga as an invigorating series of postures and breathing exercises, these physical practices are only part of a vast and ancient spiritual science. For more than three millennia, yoga sages systematically explored the essential questions of our human existence: What are the root causes of suffering, and how can we achieve freedom and happiness? What would it be like to function at the maximum potential of our minds, bodies, and spirits? What is an optimal human life?

Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics

Contact Hours: 30

  • Our program attributes emphasis to this section, as we believe that Western students of yoga tend to focus more thoroughly on the physical aspects of yoga: alignment, health benefits etc. than on the philosophical base and framework of yoga, including the practice of yoga off the mat. This section will introduce yoga psychology and philosophy through discussions on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, primarily Chapters One and Two.

    Facilitators will present sutras, and also use pairwork and group work discussions to give trainees the opportunity to explore how these sutras relate to their practice, and how they live their lives. Patanjali’s eight-fold path is the climax of chapter two, and the trainers will offer concrete examples of how to implement Yamas and Niyamas in our daily lives. Trainees will have the opportunity to discuss their understanding and experience with these yogic guidelines. They will also be guided to see the interrelationship of all of the ten principles, as well as the interrelationship of the different paths of yoga. The paths (Bhakti, Karma, Raja and Jnana) will also be introduced in both a philosophical and practical light.

  • During the transformational experiences evening program, students will delve into the practice of both nama and abstract kirtan, as well as Vedic mantras such as: the Gayatri mantra, the Mahamrityunjaya (healing) mantra, the Shanti mantra, the Loving-kindness mantra, and the Akhanda mantra. Students will experience Yoga Nidra and Sacred Ceremony. Transformational experiences will also include some rituals, group sharing, healing circles and creative movement.

  • We will present and compare Yogic and Ayurvedic concepts of nutrition, as well as those of daily cleansing rituals, self massage, and other practices.

  • As a natural extension to the ten principles (Yamas and Niyamas), as well as the discussions on Teaching Methodology, we will flow into a discussion of professionalism and ethics in the teaching profession in general and the yoga profession in particular. We will present our Statement of Professional Standards, and discuss as a group the importance of having and maintaining codes of professional standards.

Teaching Methodology

Contact Hours: 22 (including 5 hours of teaching a partner, small group, and classes)

  • Practical teaching methodology includes how to demonstrate, observe, cue and assist students. This will be integrated with the Techniques class. We will also model the importance of language used to describe entry, maintaining and exiting poses. For example, in the forward bend, the image of “surrendering the body to the force of gravity” is a useful, and gentle image, as is “inhale release slightly, exhale and sink in to the pose – feel the pulse of the pose”, as opposed to “pull” or “push”-style language.

    Theoretical discussions of methodology (pedagogy) aim to explore how to become a transformational facilitator, or teacher rather than just an instructor. This includes such topics as: the art of sequencing, creating a safe space, establishing a student-centered class, managing group dynamics, language and cuing, the ethics of assisting, and creating a yogic environment for learning, (including the dress of the teacher, yogic colours, the direction of the class etc). Trainees will also discuss qualities that will be instrumental to them as teachers.

    Facilitators will present sutras, and also use pairwork and group work discussions to give trainees the opportunity to explore how these sutras relate to their practice, and how they live their lives. Patanjali’s eight-fold path is the climax of chapter two, and the trainers will offer concrete examples of how to implement Yamas and Niyamas in our daily lives. Trainees will have the opportunity to discuss their understanding and experience with these yogic guidelines. They will also be guided to see the interrelationship of all of the ten principles, as well as the interrelationship of the different paths of yoga. The paths (Bhakti, Karma, Raja and Jnana) will also be introduced in both a philosophical and practical light.

  • In the 20 hours of anatomy and physiology class, students will be learning both about the physical system and the subtle body.

  • This class aims to teach trainees about anatomy and how it relates to yoga. Teachers and students will be guided by resources such as Anatomy and Asana, and The Anatomy of Movement. Subjects will include the study of the skeleton, muscles and joints, the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system and the endocrine system and how they are benefited by yoga.

  • Subtle anatomy is the yogic teaching regarding the three bodies, the physical body, the astral body and the causal body, as well as the five corresponding sheaths, and the yogic techniques that purify each sheath. Further, the concept of nadis, and chakras will be explored. The shape, location, associated glands, and characteristics of each chakra will be explored. This subject will be complemented by the practical meditation sessions and chanting sessions which will explore meditating and chanting to purify the chakras. It will also complement the discussion of the ida, pingala and shushumna nadis that is intrinsic to any discussion of pranayama and the bandhas.

  • In the first half of the program, trainees will be gradually introduced to teaching by teaching peers each pose or mini sequence in the Techniques class. This will progress towards teaching one pose or mini sequence to the whole group ‘Group Teaching’. In second half of the course, the trainees will each teach two classes to a peer. Each class will be 90 minutes long. They will then get 15 minutes of feedback from their peers and from the trainer. 

    The first round will be a set KULA FLOW sequence; the second round will be the Unique Creative Flow: a beginners or intermediate level class where students are required to create and sequence their own class holistically around a theme and peak pose of their choice.

Kula Assessment & Certification

In order to meet Yoga Alliance standards for certification, your attendance will be required at all sessions during the training program. If you miss more than three sessions of the course due to illness or non-participation, you can arrange for private tuition with facilitators who will be able to make up time with you via one-on-one hourly sessions, so that you remain eligible for certification according to YA standards.

We reserve the right to certify only students who attend and are actively participating during all required hours, who pass the practicum for safe teaching and demonstrate an ability to facilitate and communicate effectively with a group in a class setting. In the case that you do not receive the certificate directly, we offer a mentorship program to help students achieve certification.

Teachings & Learning

  • Throughout the course, you’ll be assigned various reading assignments from the manual to support your learning. At the end of each of the three learning cycles, you’ll also complete a reflection assignment, ideally during the first session on the final day of each cycle. This allows both you and the facilitators to assess your understanding and identify whether you need to review concepts more deeply or increase engagement with the material.

    In-Person Assignments

    • Reading assignments from the manual

    • Daily class participation and integration of course material

    • Participation in the Flow Design process, culminating in the creation and presentation of a 30/60/90-day personal practice plan

    Online Assignments (Pre- and Post-Training)

    • 1 Pre-Training Zoom Call and 1 Post-Training Zoom Call

      Zoom link

      More details will be emailed by your facilitators.

    • Teachable Platform Access: You should already have your login info. For support, email: info@thekulacollective.com

    For 16-day trainings, the following video modules must be completed before arrival. Please comment with 3 takeaways under each video to confirm completion. You may also ask clarifying questions directly under the videos.

    Pre-Training Video Assignments:

    • Kula Basic Flow Asana Analysis & Sequences: 3 videos x 1.5 hrs = 4.5 hours

    • Practice 3 KBF Asana Classes: 6 classes x 1.5 hrs = 9 hours

    • Flow Design 1 & 2 + Partner Exercise = 2 hours

    • Yoga Teacher Basics / Holistic Yoga / 7 Moving Principles = 1.5 hours

    • Anatomy = 8 hours

    • History & 4 Paths of Yoga = 1 hour

    • Introduction to Shamanism = 3 hours

    • Chakras = 6 hours

  • In the Art of Teaching module, trainees are gradually introduced to teaching through a process called Asana Analysis, where they break down individual poses and group them into mini sequences. These sequences are practiced and taught to peers during daily Techniques classes and expanded upon during group teaching sessions in Review time. The journey begins with learning to teach the Kula Basic Flow, followed by developing and teaching personalized Holistic Yoga Sequences. Trainees will have two individual 90-minute assessed teaching practicums: first, guiding a peer through the Kula Basic Flow, and later, teaching a unique creative sequence they’ve designed themselves. This structured progression supports confidence, creativity, and clarity in teaching.

  • We hope that you enjoy the course and feel that we are all working together as a yoga community in the scholarly study, esoteric practice, devotion and service of the propagation of yoga. If you have any concerns related to the course, please communicate with one of the facilitators right away so that we can address them or help you to work with the issues.

    Please be conscious of your facilitator’s time, and first look within to make any inquiries you may normally be quick to voice. Seek nature to see if your questions can be answered, then next discuss your queries with your peers to develop greater perspective, before seeking guidance or counsel with the facilitators for any questions that do not directly affect the running of the program.

    • Review your notes at least one hour per day, and do all the readings and activities assigned for homework

    • Respect the space and location, keeping it conducive for spiritual growth and learning. Walk quietly and meditatively to and from classes and maintain inward inquiry during personal sadhana periods

    • Observe mouna (silence) when requested

    • Do not force the asana poses for any reason

    • Be on time to class

    • Sit in class in any comfortable position, keeping the spine lengthened and neutral to maintain awareness and energy levels

    • Participate fully in pair work or group activities, as well as asking questions at the end of lectures.

    • Listen respectfully to all peers and teachers, contribute to group discussion and give all the chance to speak. We are all learners, it is immensely valuable to open ourselves to learning from others as well as expressing our thoughts

    • Keep an open mind in yoga philosophy discussions. Yoga is an esoteric philosophy, not a dogmatic one, and aspirants may interpret and practice according to their understanding and experience of the scriptures and teachings. It is always useful to consider new perspectives, diverse class styles of yoga, etc. The paths are many, but the Truth is one.

    • Take this opportunity to explore the yogic understanding of life, human interaction and conscious community living.

    • Recognize the importance of approaching others with openness and respect, acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses and encouraging them in their personal and spiritual development.

    • Remember that teachers are also on a journey (a process-oriented, rather than product-oriented journey) towards increased consciousness.  They are there to simply act as facilitators of learning and discussion. A teacher may be able to trigger you to engage with yoga and sadhana and to continue to peel away the layers of ego and social conditioning, but the universal teacher lies within you. A student is not a passive follower, but actively engaged in and responsible for his/her own contemplation, integration of the teachings and sadhana.

Typical Daily YTT Schedule

Example of Daily YTT Schedule
(will vary depending on location and facilitators)

6:30-8:30 AM
Art of Practice (Asana, Pranayama, Meditation)

8:30-10:00 AM
Silent Breakfast

10:00-1:00 PM
Art of Living & Healing (Philosophy, Anatomy, Emotional Wellbeing, Ayurveda, Chakras)

1:00-3:00 PM
Lunch and Personal Time

3:00-6:00 PM
Art of Teaching (Asana Analysis, Hands-On Assists, Holistic Sequencing)

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:00-8:00 PM
Art of Healing (Medicine Songs, Ceremony, Kirtan, Sharing & Connecting)

8:00-9:30 PM
Studying or journaling in Silence

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