Why is the course now starting in April instead of January 2008?

This is to allow preparation and the additional time for acquiring the RYT300 Interim qualification from the accrediting bodies. It also includes time for the pre-training work and an optional workshop in February 2008 that all registered Teachers in Training will be personally invited to.

Where will the retreats be held?

These are planned to be held at the Centre for Change Academy in Tübingen, Germany - a most beautiful centre and set in a delightful, historic town, minutes away from Stuttgart. (for further information: www.cfca.de) The Art of Contemporary Yoga school is founded in the work of the Centre for Change Foundation and this is its first academy in Europe, so there are strong associations with the Centre there.

Will the training differ from the original 2-year programme?

The programme is essentially the same, however with the established qualification in the interim stage, it facilitates four advantages:

1. That Teacher Trainees will be fully insured and accredited to teach after the first 16 months (instead of 24).

2. The beginning of the Yoga Teaching experience will be supported continuously by the peer group and teachers at the school.

3. There will still be advanced Teaching Practice, Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology, Ancient Psychology, and a deepening exploration of the Yoga postures (in the particular style you have chosen to develop). For those choosing to teach, creative class design will also be on-goingly developed. For others, a deepening of the therapeutic practices will be facilitated.

4. It allows the second part of the course to be an optional addition that may be considered the following year, if a need arises to take a 'gap year'.

What are the costs of the course and will there be any extra for the retreat?

See "costs and registration for the investment and methods of payment for the course. All efforts will be made to keep the costs of the retreat to the minimum, however students will be expected to make the travel and accommodation arrangements of their personal choice. Every effort will be made in the course for any books, travel or accommodation arrangements to be ordered in advance and co-ordinated with plenty of notice to allow for all Teachers in Training to enjoy the benefits of early group bookings.

What will be my qualifications?

See "accreditation" and "insurance". These respective pages are devoted to the qualifications, registrations and insurance you will receive on graduation from the course. Ultimately you will be an RYT500 (Internationally Registered Yoga Teacher at 500 hour level) and a Yoga Therapist with a Diploma in the Art of Contemporary Yoga and the Science of Body Architecture. Your therapies will include Meditation, Pranayama (breathing), Reiki, Body Reading and Touch Skills as well as Yoga.

Will I be insured?

See "insurance" for the insurance choices your diploma will bring you as a Yoga Teacher and an Independent Professional Therapist. This will be available on completion of the 300 hour training and on the 500 hour training.

Is it true that all UK courses must be accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga?

No it is not true. There is some controversy over this issue. For further information go to www.iyn.co.uk where a discussion forum is available. The teachers and founders of this course have chosen International accrediting bodies to give the highest available standard and widest variety of choices to their teachers, with maximum options to teach throughout the world. We have chosen only those independent accrediting bodies or alliances that do not offer their own training programmes.

How do I register?

Please go to the "contacts" page of this website and send an email to Jo Avison saying you would like to register. You will be sent a registration form. Details of the costs and methods of payment can be found under "costs". (It is possible to pay monthly at no extra charge: See details under "costs")

Who are the teachers?

The main teachers are: Joanne Avison, Alexander Waldenmaier, Sally Brooks and Shane McDermott Their details are under "teachers" as well as links to their websites where applicable. Philippa King is the Course Supervisor and will be present for all Contact Teaching hours. Other visiting teachers in related disciplines; experts in their respective fields, will be invited over the course of the training.

What style of Yoga is taught on the course?

The course is unique in that it includes a range of styles of Yoga so that teachers can meet and greet the variety of different practices in the world, with confidence in their full understanding of postures and the anatomy of the body working they are working with. They will also understand movement and bio-mechanics as well as the unique protocols of each of a range of practices and their respective logic. There will be emphasis on developing each participant's personal style in Contemporary Yoga.

Why is this course different from all the others?

This course is not dedicated to one style of Yoga. It is rather a contemporary understanding of movement and Yogic Practice, developing a broad and thorough knowledge of the different styles in developing one's own practice. It is designed to meet the contemporary needs of modern culture, with a range of skills in the classroom and one-to-one. It also provides a sound basis in the Healing Arts and Meditation should teachers wish to augment their movement skills and specialise further, or introduce variety to their work.

Will I be qualified to teach Yoga to classes and one-to-one?

You will be qualified to teach one-to-one, in a variety of ways and styles of practice to suit your clients. You will also be qualified to prepare and teach your own Yoga classes in small and large groups, depending on your choice and style of teaching.

How many are on the course?

There is a general course limit of 24 on any given course, regardless of the size of the room. The minimum in smaller venues is 12. This allows enough bodies for the scope of the work.

Will there be a lot of homework and written work?

The course is designed to encourage individual style and while there is some reading and written material, the method is not rigidly limited to written work. Presentation of a Diary of Practice and any homework assignments can be made in the form of a scrapbook, visual images and drawings, photographs with captions; whatever amply demonstrates a student's aptitude and learning style while meeting the standards and requirements of the curriculum and remaining relevant to the assignment.

What is the difference between contact and non contact hours?

Contact hours are those training times in contact with one or other Primary Faculty Members of the school. (Alex, Jo, Shane or Sally). Visiting teachers are also providing Contact Hours, however one or other Primary Faculty Member or the Course Supervisor will invariably be present. Non-contact hours are those spent in your own practice and doing homework assignments.

What if I like other practices such as Feldenkrais, Martial Arts, Massage or Pilates?

You will be encouraged to continue with other interests in the movement and manual arena; indeed the course will provide many skills to explore other practices further and understand a range of fundamental principles that unite them. As a participant on the course your contribution from your own experience of other disciplines will be highly valued.

Where is the course to be held?

The course will be held at the Light Centre Belgravia, details of which can be found at www.lightcentrebelgravia.co.uk. It is situated within 2 minutes walking distance of Victoria Station, London.

What is on the curriculum?

See "curriculum" where the main points of the programme are listed. Further details and more information on the format of the weekends will be sent to you on registration, along with a detailed booklist and pre-training tasks.

What if I have to miss a session?

Every effort is made to avoid this, by giving the course dates well in advance. It is obligatory to complete the number of contact hours on the course and if extra hours are required they will incur extra cost. However, in the event of emergencies and illness each case is individually considered and further information can be found under "attendance".