When is the next course starting?

The next course will begin in September 2010. This will take a slightly different format to the earlier courses as it will include a Foundation Course in Restorative Yoga. This is designed familiarise those with less Yoga experience, or trained in a different discipline or Yogic Practice with the style and method of teaching and training available on the course. Ultimately however, the same number of hours will be completed for the RYT200 and RYT500 qualification.

Where will the retreats be held?

These are planned to be held at Florence House - a most beautiful place that is set in Seaford, a short distance from Brighton.

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

The training will differ very slightly in format - with an emphasis on the 100 hour Foundation Course, before undertaking the first part of the course (Intermediate) to complete RYT200. There are several benefits to this:

1. Teacher Trainees have a proper opportunity to begin their 200 hour Intermediate Training with a full understanding of Restorative Yoga and why it is a unique approach.

2. Those with less experience of Yoga or a different discipline, such as Ashtanga or other styles will be able to expand and establish this deep foundation practice in preparation for the Therapeutic aspects of the work. Those coming from other backgrounds entirely will find this approach more accessible and find themselves well prepared.

3. Upon completion of the RYT200 certification programme, Teacher Trainees will have 300 hours of experience in contact with their teachers, so that their work is thoroughly grounded and they have a broad base to draw from.

4. Teacher Trainees have an opportunity early on, to experience the basis upon which they enter the Intermediate Programme, with a clear sense of the value of the work they are undertaking.

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 their own travel arrangements and the accommodation and food will be additional. Full information on this is provided at the beginning of the school year. There are no additional charges for class hours during the retreat - this is inclusive in the educational investment. Retreat charges are kept low due to the ability to make a large group booking in advance and pass on the best full board rates directly to the students at no profit to the school.

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. There will also be some members of the group able to teach Basic Anatomy, should they wish to develop this area of the work.

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, Linda d'Antal and Shane McDermott Their details are under "Faculty" 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 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. You will be able to teach individual postures, organise them in your own unique way and work with a variety of teaching tools, as you choose. Furthermore, you will also be trained in Sequential Yoga, so you can adapt a variety of postures into continuous flow movements should you wish to work with a more dynamic style. You will be fully trained in the preparation of both kinds of work - continuous and individual poses.

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, Linda or Shane). 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".