In-Person 300-Hour Teacher Training

Procedural:

• In-person modules take place in our well-equipped and intimate training studio in the Larchmont Village area of Los Angeles.
• Shortly following each module, we will meet up online for a day via ZOOM (or similar) with Noah and the YTT group for further discussion topics, integration and application of  key concepts from that module, homework review, teaching practicum in small groups, feedback, business of yoga topics with Tracy, etc.
• All live online sessions will be recorded, archived, and available to you within a few hours of completion.
• Each module includes a corresponding folder of companion video resources (teaching skills lectures, asana classes), related to that module's focus, for you to work through in your own time.
• In addition to our 200 Hour YTT Manual, each module folder includes written materials such as workbooks, worksheets, articles, and more - which you may download from your training folder (and print).
• We utilize SLACK for training related communications throughout the training.

Core areas of study:

• Teaching skills: verbal instructions, observation, demonstration, pose enhancements, hands-on adjustments.
• Pose knowledge: pose based anatomy, kinesiology, and applied biomechanics, regressions & progressions, use of props.
• Understanding common misalignments of poses, movement dysfunctions, common injuries, and what to do about it.
• Sequencing strategies & class construction: full spectrum, alignment, vinyasa, theme based, teaching online vs in-person.
• Level-based strategies and considerations: all levels, beginners, intermediate, advanced etc.
• Human anatomy, kinesiology and applied biomechanics by body region.
• Yogic practices: meditation, mantra, mudra, pranayama, asana, svadhayaya, Bhakti, Tantra
• Types/styles of postural yoga classes: alignment (Hatha), vinyasa, restorative, theme based.
• Yoga history, culture, philosophy, mythology, symbolism and story telling
• Schools and primary sources of yoga philosophy: Veda, Asceticism, Shramana Traditions (Buddhism, Jainism), Sankhya & Classical Yoga (Patanjali's Yoga Sutra) Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhakti, Tantra, Modern Yoga, Modern Postural Yoga
• Psychology for yoga teachers, healthy boundaries, scope of practice
• Self-knowledge, authenticity
• Yoga ethics, teaching ethics
• Leadership & facilitation skills
• Communication skills, group dynamics, effective feedback and interpersonal knowledge
• Presentation design, curriculum design
• Business of yoga topics: professional development & goal setting, business structure, marketing, social media use etc.

As a graduate of this program, you will:

• Be part of a global community of professional yoga educators
• Receive individual teaching guidance
• Expand your knowledge of pose alignment, anatomy, kinesiology and applied biomechanics
• Expand your personal asana knowledge and further develop your motor skills
• Be dexterous with yoga sequencing for a variety of types and levels of yoga classes and workshops
• Be an effective class planner
• Master fundamental teaching skills
• Be more accurate with your postural instructions
• Be a more confident teacher
• Be empowered to make your well-informed choices about what and how to teach
• Have many more lessons, activation skills and drills to teach your students
• Understand your individual strengths
• Have the studentship skills of a life-long learner
• Key into your leadership abilities
• Set learning and teaching goals and accomplish them
• Be more knowledgable in yoga history, philosophy and mythology
• Overcome and move past challenges
• Plan next steps in your yoga career
• Navigate success without compromising integrity
• Possess community building skills
• Possess conflict resolution skills
• Be an effective communicator
• Give and receive effective feedback
• Be ready to expand your offerings from yoga classes, to workshops, retreats, and longer programs
• Receive a 300-hour yoga teacher training Certificate of Completion from The Mazé Method School
• Be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance at the 300-hour level
• If you completed your 200-hour training with us, you will also receive a 500-hour certificate of completion from TMM and be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance at the 500-hour level.

Training consists of SIX 5-day intensive learning modules in a well equipped boutique Los Angeles studio, an online day of integration and teaching practicum following each of these 6 learning modules, and companion video lectures and classes for you to complete on your own time (see breakdown of topics in the overview section below). Each module includes a digital workbook/manual, as well as access to our 1,000+ page 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training Manual.

Our meeting times are (approximately) 9am to 5pm PST on training days, both for our in-person modules, and that modules' corresponding online day.

• Module 1 (Essential Skills): January 23-27 + Online Day February 8
• Module 2 (Anatomy): March 13-17 + Online Day March 22
• Module 3 (Philosophy): May 1-5 + Online Day May 17
• Module 4 (Sequencing): July 10-14 + Online Day July 26
• Module 5 (Vinyasa): September 18-22 + Online Day October 4
• Module 6 (Ethics, Leadership & Facilitation): November 6-10 + Online Day December 6

Complete participation is strongly recommended. However, life events and circumstances sometimes take priority, and we are as flexible and reasonable as we can be with our students. Makeup options are available. Please see our Makeup Policy for more information.

THIS TRAINING IS TAUGHT ENTIRELY BY NOAH MAZÉ

Module 1: ESSENTIAL TEACHING SKILLS TUNE-UP
Welcome to advanced teacher training! In this module, we will lay the groundwork and re-establish the essential knowledge and tune-up the skills for progressive teaching, starting from where you are at as a person and a teacher. This module’s focus will center around clear and effective verbal instructions, full spectrum sequencing, pose knowledge, pose regressions and progressions, clear and potent postural demonstrations, skillful observation, and presence. We will encourage you to think about yourself holistically, and what you currently offer to your students as a teacher.

• Opening and closing class rituals
• Verbal instruction focus – type of instructions
• Pose analysis
• Experiential education
• Sequencing strategies overview
• Full Spectrum class planning and sequencing
• Ethics of teaching
• Assessment of applied anatomy & physiology
• Understanding & mitigating misalignments
• Clarification of classical form and when to modify
• When and why to use props
• How to better use yoga books & resources
• Yoga Business Topics: Money & Contracts

Module 2: ASANATOMY - THE WONDER OF YOUR BODY
Continuing on with progressive teaching, we will dive deeper within the body to further solidify your understanding of kinesiology, anatomy and applied biomechanics within postures.  From major muscle groups to skeletal regions, we will examine how the body functions to allow the body to enter and sustain various asanas, as well as common injuries and modifications. We will focus on creating and teaching anatomical body region classes, facilitating muscular activations, with best practices for demonstration within class.

• Anatomy of poses
• Skeletal and muscular anatomy
• How to facilitate muscular activations
• Advanced lessons in muscular function, biomechanics & kinesiology
• Yoga related skills and drills to incorporate into class
• Anatomically accurate and precise verbal instructions
• Sequencing strategies for anatomy-focused classes
• Science based strategies for training mobility and stability
• Expanded use of props
• Demonstrating anatomical terms and concepts in teaching
• Effective feedback
• Ethics of teaching
• Yoga Business Topics: Marketing

Module 3: SVADHYAYA - TAKING THE TEACHINGS TO HEART
How to teach to a theme can be difficult. It can also be overbearing and can feel “preachy” to students. Our discussions will include background in storytelling, folklore and oral and aural traditions of memory, recitation, interpretation, and commentary. We examine how yoga has come to be associated with posture, asana, and the dissemination of yoga to the west and subsequent proliferation of modern postural yoga.  We will examine how to properly teach to alignment of postures, and how to best set up your class sequence geared towards inter-weaving themes with postures.

• History and culture of the traditions of yoga
• Yoga Philosophy: from Veda to Modern Yoga
• Mythology and story telling
• Symbolism and interpretation
• Esoteric yogic practices; mantra, mudra, yantra, subtle body
• Sequencing for feeling-based themes
• Sequencing for philosophical themes and teachings
• Sequencing for mythic narratives and story telling
• Ethics
• Yoga Business Topics: Developing Business Avatars

Module 4: SEQUENCING - SKILL IN ACTION
Sequencing can be challenging. Sequencing with proper alignment and to a theme can be even more challenging. In this module, we will examine how to properly teach to alignment of postures, how to create and teach focus pose classes, and how to best set up your class sequence geared towards a peak posture.

• Sequencing for alignment-focused classes
• Focus pose class construction
• Peak pose class planning
• Sequencing for every level of yogi
• Teaching beginners
• Regression and progression strategies
• Alignment classes vs vinyasa classes
• Sequencing to your objectives and learning outcomes
• Yoga Business Topics: Content

Module 5: VINYASA KRAMA - FORM, FUNCTION, FLOW
What is vinyasa…really? With many broad definitions out there, we will look at modern vinyasa in its current form today and identify elements of vinyasa together to better understand this style. Progressions and regressions of asanas will be evaluated to accommodate mixed-level classes..

• Analysis of primary vinyasa methods (Ashtanga Vinyasa)
• What is vinyasa, historical and contemporary perspectives
• Organizing principles and strategies of vinyasa
• Keys to teaching an effective vinyasa flow class
• Skillful transitions and linked sequencing
• Pairing breath and movement
• Instructing breath
• Tempo, timing, pacing, rhythm (1 breath per pose, 5 breaths per pose)
• Intelligent use of props in vinyasa
• Pose regressions and progressions in vinyasa
• Asana: comparative analysis and vinyasa strategies to layer in alignment
• Exploration of yoga specialty areas
• Business of Yoga: The Art of Skillful Business Relationships

Module 6: TRAIN THE TRAINER - LEADERSHIP, FACILITATION AND PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
The culmination of this course will expand your current toolbox that you carry around as a teacher. There are many that we may possess, but either do not utilize them, underutilize them, or do know how to utilize. This module expands beyond the scope of skillful instruction in postural yoga classes, to a broader focus on your role as a yoga educator, leadership, communication, facilitator of group process, and a yogi of deep conscience and ethical grounding.

• Ethics in the yoga traditions (and beyond)
• “Seat of the teacher”
• Effective communication, healthy boundaries
• Group facilitation and feedback
• Experiential education
• Presentation design
• Presenting yoga philosophy topics, anatomy topics
• Facilitation of ethical topics and case studies
• Overt / Direct skills of teaching
• Subtle / Indirect skills of teaching
• Group dynamics and stages of group development
• Training arcs and curriculum development
• Leadership & studentship
• Establishing trust and connecting to your audience with “buy in”
• Professional Direction – “Taking this back to your business”

Is my practice “advanced” enough to be in this training?

Yes, it is! We do not have any requirements or expectations regarding your physical practice. We call this an “advanced” teacher training because we dive deeply into the complexity of understanding human anatomy, movement, yoga pose mechanics, yoga history and culture, philosophy, mythology, and the craft of teaching. We are yoga nerds, and we love nothing more than exploring and unpacking yoga and teaching related concepts and considerations and skills. We strive ever to learn, to grow, and to be ever more skillful in life. If you can balance in handstand in the middle of the room; great! If you need the wall for handstand; great! If you are still working on kicking up to handstand at the wall; great! Come as you are, and we will meet you there. Come with an open mind and courageous heart, with respect and gratitude for this gift of embodiment, and with compassion for your limitations (and ours). When appropriate, please do let us know about any injuries or limitations that may affect your participation in this training, so that we can best support you.

What do I need to bring to in-person modules?

In general, we suggest that you bring a copy of Light on Yoga (digital version is fine), a camera (phone is fine), a notebook or 3-ring binder, a tablet or laptop (internet device) to access online materials, a yoga mat, refillable water bottle, snacks/lunch. Depending on the focus of each specific module, as well as your own interests and learning goals, you may want to bring more resources for anatomy, philosophy etc. You may, at times, be given hard copies of worksheets during the module; but all workbooks, worksheets, manuals etc. will be available digitally your training folders on www.themazemethod.com – and it is up to you to either print those or to access them in a digital format.

The studio is equipped with ample props: blankets, blocks, bolsters, resistance bands, straps, tennis balls, and more – but you are welcome to bring anything with you that you may want to have on hand. You may leave your yoga mat in the studio overnight if you do not wish to carry it back and forth.

We will take breaks, with walkable options for getting food and drink. We have a refrigerator onsite, which you can use during the module (please label your things, and don’t forget them), if you wish to conserve energy and bring what you want for each day and stay onsite.

Will there be homework?

In addition to the hours of the training, you can expect to have homework assignments during and between the training modules. While most of these are not hard “requirements” and won’t be formally turned in, they are strongly recommended, and we will discuss them and use portions in teaching practicum. The more you can put into the homework assignments and suggested teaching applications, the more you will learn, integrate your knowledge, and receive specific input and feedback on your teaching and understanding throughout the training. Please budget time during the training modules for this, do what you can, and expect to discuss the in-module homework on the following day.

In the weeks between modules, we strongly recommend that you continue to work with the homework and suggestions for continued learning from that module, as well as the corresponding recordings and resources, as this is how you will deepen your understanding and integrate your learning. Again, do what you can, prioritize what is most relevant to you, and don’t stress it! It’s all a #WorkInProgress.

What if I cannot come to one (or more) of the in-person modules? What is the make-up process for missed modules?

We ask that you try your best to attend in real time, but we also understand that life is busy and sometimes you cannot attend. To successfully complete the training, you must complete all 6 modules. If you miss 1 module, you may make it up by either attending the equivalent in-person module of another training cycle, OR, you may make up the missed module via the recorded and archived online version. Either of these options incur no additional cost.

If you miss more than 1 module, your makeup options are the same as above, although there is a make-up cost for any additional missed modules.

What if I must miss a day, or part of a day, during a module?

We ask that you do your best to attend and participate fully each day, that you are in place and ready at the start time, and that you stay present through our end time. That said, it is understandable if you occasionally need to come late or leave early on a given day – please let us know if advance so that we can minimize disruptions to the group and make sure you receive any missed information or assignment.

What if I cannot attend the live times on one of the online training days?

We ask that you try your best to attend in real time, but we also understand that life is busy and sometimes you cannot attend. All online sessions will be recorded and available shortly after the session completes – we ask that you review all sessions as soon as you can, so that you stay in the loop with the group and keep up your learning momentum.

• 200 RYT (minimum) with Noah OR
• 200 RYT through a comparable school OR
• 200 RYT through a bridging program
• Willingness to participate in a group process
• Ablility to give and receive feedback skillfully
• Dedication, motivation and self directed studentship

“I would wholeheartedly recommend this training. A lot of 300 hour trainings will teach you aspects of yoga. The The Mazé Method training is singularly focused on teaching you how to teach those aspects, and that’s a critical distinction. You get the content, but more than that you get the skills to deliver that content to your students.” –Taylor Trussell

“This is the hardest and the most rewarding training I’ve ever done. I really loved it. I love the non-dogmatic approach and the openness to other points of view. The content is solid. The instructors are all knowledgeable. I felt inspired and supported. Noah is a bad-ass teacher and amazing human being. I loved everyone on this team – thank you all!” –Aria Morga

• We are big believers in getting to know our students personally. We prefer in person communication and respond quickly and comprehensively by phone, and Tracy Mazé may be reached at (310) 871-8808 anytime via call or text.
• Alternatively, please email themazemethod@icloud.com and include the best phone number to reach you.
• If you prefer communication solely via email, please email themazemethod@icloud.com and allow us up to a week for us to respond to your inquiry.