225 N. Franklin Turnpike
Ramsey, NJ 07446
201-818-YOGA (9642)

Introduction
The Yoga Synthesis™ Teachers' Training gives a comprehensive view of different yoga styles, with particular emphasis on Classical Hatha, Viniyoga, Iyengar Yoga, and Ashtanga Vinyasa. Styles, methodologies and forms are compared and discussed to facilitate a broader understanding, while continually emphasizing the core principles and commonalities. The practical aspects of teaching as well as foundational theory (readings on yoga philosophy and Ayurveda) are also emphasized. Participants are encouraged to dive wholeheartedly into their own practice, practice teaching and class observations in order to further their own development in yoga, and to gain practical insight into teaching technique, methodology and style. Each training session includes theory, postural practice, breathing practice, meditation, relaxation, lecture, discussion, teaching practicum and discussion. Main presentations and classes are taught by Raji Thron, with assistance from Yoga Synthesis™ Staff Teachers and graduates. Special presentations and programs are taught intermittently by our Adjunct Faculty. These presenters will share their expertise on designated training sessions to enhance and deepen the learning experience.

Basic Certification
The Yoga Synthesis™ Teachers' Training is approved and registered with Yoga Alliance and exceeds the minimum Yoga Alliance requirement of 200 hours. Upon completion of all requirements, trainees receive a Certificate which can be submitted to Yoga Alliance for registration.

Auditing the Training
The Training may be audited by those who either already have certification, or simply wish to deepen their understanding of yoga. Those who audit the training will not be required to complete testing, written homework assignments, practice teaching or assisting requirements. No certificate will be issued to those who audit the training.

Total Hours  
  Training Class Time with Teachers  
  Reading and Class Preparation  
  Practice Teaching  
  Class Observation  
Class Assisting
  Total  


What participants will learn:

  Yoga practices of different traditions: postural, breathing, meditation and relaxation
  Basic Ayurveda and yogic health practices
  Teaching methodology, ethics, technique and style
  Anatomy and physiology related to yoga practices
  The practice and teaching of fundamental yoga postures, variations and modifications
  The practice and teaching of fundamental breathing techniques and breath sequencing
  Essential Sanskrit terms and mantras commonly associated with yogic practices


Dates, Timing and Location
The next Yoga Synthesis™ Teachers' Training begins September 14, 2007, and runs through a span of 10 months, meeting approximately one weekend per month at Yoga Synthesis™, 225 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446. Attendance at all sessions is required. Weekend course time includes Friday nights from 7:00-10:00 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Training dates include: September 14, 15, 16; October 12, 13, 14; November 2, 3, 4; November 30, December 1, 2; January 11, 12, 13, 2008; February 8, 9, 10; March 7, 8, 9; April 4, 5, 6; May 2, 3, 4; May 30, 31, June 1.

Prerequisites and Requirements
IMPORTANT! CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION INTO THE YOGA SYNTHESIS™ TEACHERS' TRAINING ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF 2 YEARS CURRENT HATHA YOGA PRACTICE, AND A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF YOGIC PRINCIPLES. TO INSURE THE INTEGRITY OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE, ALL CANDIDATES MUST RECEIVE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE INSTRUCTOR.

IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A CERTIFICATION, PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO:

  • Attend each training session in its entirety (except in the event of illness or severe emergency situations). No late arrivals or early departures.
  • Complete all required reading assignments.
  • Submit written homework, including essays based on required reading (due on Friday night of each section). Incorrect answers will be returned for correction, and must be resubmitted by Sunday of that section.
  • Commit to a self-guided home practice a minimum of 3 times a week.
  • Organize and teach 1 class each week to a small informal group of friends or family.
  • Attend 3 Yoga Synthesis™ public classes and 1 class in each yoga style being studied (6 classes).
  • Complete 8 hours of class assisting with Yoga Synthesis™ Staff Teachers or other qualified teachers.
  • Submit fully completed Journals using provided forms, documenting self-guided home practice, practice teaching, class attendance and class assisting. No credit will be given for incomplete Journal forms.
  • Pass all written and practical tests.
  • Missed training presentations may be made up through private instruction arranged with the instructor, at a minimum fee of $150 for every 2 hours of private instruction.
Required Yoga Props
IMPORTANT! TO INSURE THAT EVERYONE HAS THE CORRECT PROPS, THE FOLLOWING ITEMS MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION: YOGA MAT, 9-FOOT QUICK-RELEASE YOGA STRAP, 2 GRAY FOAM YOGA BLOCKS AND 2 MEXICAN COTTON BLANKETS, 60"x 80". IF A TRAINEE NEEDS TO ACQUIRE PROPS, THEY MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH THE YOGA SYNTHESIS STUDIO.

Required Books
IMPORTANT! PRIOR TO SECTION 1, EACH PARTICIPANT MUST COMPLETE ALL PRE-TRAINING READING REQUIREMENTS. ALL BOOKS LISTED BELOW MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE FIRST TRAINING SESSION:
Books:
  Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, by Mukunda Stiles (pre-training reading requirement)
  Anusara Yoga, by Doug Keller (pre-training reading requirement - Available through Yoga Synthesis)
The Shambhala Guide to Yoga, by Georg Feuerstein (pre-training reading requirement)
  Yoga For Your Type, by Dr. David Frawley & Sandra Summerfield Kozak, M.S.
  Yoga, The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness, by Erich Schiffmann
  Ashtanga Yoga, "The Practice Manual", by David Swenson
  Yoga, The Iyengar Way, by Silva, Mira & Shyam Mehta
  Yoga for Wellness, by Gary Kraftsow
  Anatomy of Hatha Yoga, by H. David Coulter

Tuition
Tuition is $3,200. Receipt of a $1,000 deposit no less than 7 days prior to the start date of the training secures the discounted Tuition of $3,100. Payments made thereafter are subject to the full tuition of $3,200. Payment in full prior to the beginning of the training is preferred. Payment plans are available based on the full tuition of $3,200. Cost of books and props is not included.

Application
An application is available online, or by mail, by request.

Registration & Payment
A completed application must be accompanied by a deposit check payable to Raji Thron in the amount of $1,000, sent to Yoga Synthesis, 225 North Franklin Turnpike, Ramsey, NJ 07446. Receipt of the $1,000 deposit no less than 7 days prior to the start date of the training secures the discounted tuition of $3,100. Payments made thereafter are subject to the full tuition of $3,200. Payment in full prior to beginning of training is preferred. Payment plans are available based on the full tuition of $3,200.

Refund Policy 
Withdrawal refund prior to start date, $800. Thereafter, refunds are determined on an individual basis, depending upon time spent in the training, cost of training materials, etc. The Yoga Synthesis™ Teachers' Training Manual and Manual Supplement are the property of Yoga Synthesis™, and must be returned to Yoga Synthesis™ upon withdrawal from program.

Trainee Discounts
Yoga Synthesis™ Studio classes and workshops are discounted to trainees. Classes are $12. Cost of attendance at elective workshops presented by the Yoga Synthesis™ Staff at the Studio is at a reduced rate of 20% off.

Course Plan Overview 
Section 1 - September 14, 15, 16, 2007 - Fundamentals & Basic Yogic Principles; Samkhya Cosmology
Foundational practices and basic principles; overview of the different body systems and risk management.

Section 2 - October 12, 13, 14, 2007 - Classical Hatha Yoga & Yoga in the Bhagavad-Gita (Vidya Lankara on Friday night)
Classical-style Hatha Yoga; postural practices emphasizing the major postures to be learned in this style; basic 3-part breath; Kapalabhati; Nadi Shodhana; relaxation; meditation/chant; practice teaching Classical style; Yoga in the Bhagavad-Gita; anatomy presentation on fascia and musculo-skeletal systems.

Section 3 - November 2, 3, 4, 2007 - Viniyoga & Yoga of the Yoga Sutras (Guest Presenter on Friday night)
Viniyoga style; Ujjayi breathing technique; postural practice emphasizing the major vinyasas to be learned in this style; relaxation; meditation/chant; practice teaching Viniyoga style; presentations on the Yoga Sutras; the respiratory and cardio-vascular systems.

Section 4 - November 30, December 1, 2, 2007 - Iyengar-Style & Methodology; Continuation of Yoga Sutras Study (Mel Robin on Friday night)
Iyengar-style yoga; postural practice emphasizing alignment principles; the major postures to be learned; Iyengar breathing technique; basic restorative yoga and the use of props; practice teaching Iyengar-style; the nervous and endocrine systems.

Section 5 - January 11, 12, 13, 2008 - Ashtanga Yoga & Hatha Yoga Texts
Ashtanga-style yoga; chant; breathing technique; postural practice emphasizing the fundamental postural flow; relaxation; practice teaching Ashtanga style; presentations on Hatha Yoga in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and other Hatha Yoga texts; the reproductive and immune systems.

Section 6 - February 8, 9, 10, 2008 - Yoga Synthesis™: The Art of Creative Sequencing and Integration of Styles
Mid-term practical and written test; discussion/analysis of teaching techniques and styles; review of material from first five sessions.

Section 7 - March 7, 8, 9, 2008 - Yoga Synthesis™: The Art of Creative Sequencing and Integration of Styles (Guest
Presenter on Friday night)

Yoga Synthesis™ practice session; teaching practicum; extended pranayama, chanting and meditation; Yoga and Ayurveda; the digestive and elimination systems.

Section 8 - April 4, 5, 6, 2008 - Yoga Synthesis™: The Art of Creative Sequencing and Integration of Styles (Vidya Lankara on Friday night)
Yoga Synthesis™ practice session; teaching practicum; extended pranayama, chanting and meditation; presentation on Tantra and Kundalini Yoga.

Section 9 - May 2, 3, 4, 2008 - Yoga Synthesis™: The Art of Creative Sequencing, Integration & Beyond
Yoga Synthesis™ practice session; teaching practicum; extended pranayama, chanting and meditation; review of anatomy, risk management, contra-indications and therapeutic applications.

Section 10 - May 30, 31, June 1, 2008 - Graduation
Final Yoga Synthesis™ practice session; proficiency evaluations; teaching proficiency practical exam; written yoga theory and practice examination; final instructor feedback; Graduation Ceremony.