About your instructor:
Your instructor on this course is Ellen Johannesen; level 2 authorized by KPJAYI with more than 30
years of experience, Ellen teaches yoga based on her extensive background in movement, first as
professional dancer and later as an advanced level Ashtanga practitioner. Ellen is deeply engaged in
Eastern philosophy, holding an MA degree in Buddhist studies and Himalayan languages. She is
well versed in the practices of the Himalayan yogis, speaks fluent Tibetan and works as both an oral
interpreter and textual translator of Buddhism. She is a practitioner of the Vajrayana path of
Buddhism and also pursues an interest in the scientific research into the benefits of contemplative
practices. In this context she has undergone extensive courses in Sadhana tantric rituals, positive
psychology and neuroscience and sustainable compassion. Ellen is a much -loved teacher of asana
as well as philosophy and meditation. She runs Teacher trainings, Mysore classes, pilgrimages and
retreats. She opened the first mysore studios in Norway and Nepal and teaches regularly throughout
Norway, Nepal and internationally.
What will I learn from this YTT?
This course provides the support and guidance you need to take your practice to the next level. You
will learn the counted vinyasa system of the Primary Series that lets you conduct a class and instruct
students. You will be guided to widen the scope of your practice and teaching to include meditation,
philosophy and workshop style teaching. You will learn to apply anatomical principles to teaching,
make safe hands on adjustments and effectively adapt your teaching to different groups of students.
You will learn to apply the philosophy of yoga as a transformative sadhana practice that keeps you
grounded and inspired. You will also contribute to a sangha, a community of practitioners and
teachers who are there to support and monitor your progress. So why not aspire to be the best
version of yourself as a practitioner, a teacher and a human being?
Course content
The Basics
The course consist of modules with slightly different focuses:
- The first module is concerned with Surya Namaskar and learning the counted Vinyasa of the
Surya Namaskar A and B. We are also establishing the language of anatomy to start communicating
about movement in Yoga. We start our introduction to Yoga Philosophy
- The second module focuses on standing asanas and teaches you how the complexity of standing,
twists, balances and forward bends are combined to prepare the body for seated asana. You practice
the counted vinyasa of the standing sequence and how to adjust them. You learn the anatomy of
breathing, the function of twists and how to adjust them. Philosophy covers the Vedic period, yoga
in ancient times and the scriptural accounts of ascetics and sages.
- The third module teaches you seated asana up to Navasana, focusing on the energy of the subtle
body in forward bends. You study the anatomy of forward bending and how to adjust them. You
practice the technique of jump backs and jump throughs and memorize the counted vinyasa of the
sated asanas. Philosphy covers the classical period, the yoga of the Buddha and Patanjali.
- In the fourth module is focused on the second half of the first series and beyond. You will
understand the dynamics of complex asana and learn how to break them down for teaching and
demonstration. You practice the counted vinyasa of the second half of Primary. Anatomy covers
external hip rotation, adjustments and preparations for Padmasana. Philosophy covers yoga in the
Tantras, Hathayogapradipika and similar texts that introduce the body as a tool for transformation.
- The fifth module teaches the finishing asanas, backbends and arm balances. You learn the counted
vinyasa of the finishing sequence and the technique and break down of arm balances and
backbends. Philosophy covers yoga in the Mysore tradition, Ashtanga Yoga and the emergence of
modern yoga.
- The sixth module is where you get to demonstrate proficiency in practice and polish your
teaching skills in Ashtanga yoga. Students take turns leading the class and adjust each other and are
given feedback from the teacher. You take your exams in philosophy and anatomy.
Through these modules you will learn the tools of Yoga, get a good understanding of anatomy and
learn the history and philosophy of Yoga.
Course content:
• Mysore self practice and Master classes
• The history and philosophy of yoga, lectures and discussions
• Chanting and Pranayama
• Anatomy and Physiology how to apply anatomic principles in your teaching.
• Embodying yogic wisdom through daily meditation sadhana.
• Teaching technique and class management
• Course materials: anatomy book, course manual and online content
Course dates and Location
Course dates: march 1st- 28th Location: Vajra Yogalaya Bakhundole, Kathmandu
Participation and course requirements:
In order to graduate with a diploma from this course, 100% participation is required. If you miss
sessions, you must arrange with your course teachers for make up sessions. You are expected to
engage with the course material throughout the duration of the course. By the end of the course you
must have completed the assigned parts of the home study and completed the written assignments
and quizzes related to it. You are also expected to engage in a daily meditation and contemplation
practice, such as Loving Kindness or Calm Abiding meditation, throughout the course.
Credits:
This course is Yoga Alliance (YA) registered. If you have further inquiries about the course, do not
hesitate to contact me and I`ll do our best to answer your questions!
Investment
The price for this course is $ 2500* which must be paid fully in advance and at least one month
prior to the course starting date.
A reduced rate $ 2000 is given to Nepali and SAARC students
You secure your place on this course only by submitting the registration fee of $ 300.
All registrations must be submitted before December 1st 2025
How to apply: Send us and email through the link below, and we will send you the signup details by
email. Looking forward to hearing from you!
