Travel to Nepal
Yoga Teacher Training By Ellen
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, 2026
Location: Vajra Yogalaya Bakhundole, Kathmandu
Typical daily schedule
06.00-08-00 Meditation and Mysore practice
08.00-09.00 Pause
09.00-12.00 Meditation/ Philosophy/Discussion
12.00-13.00 Pause
13.00 -16.00 Workshop Anatomy and methodology *(counting practice and adjustments)
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
Included: Tuition and Course materials (Training manual and Anatomy textbook)
Not included: Accommodation and meals (we are happy to assist you in finding accommodation)
How to apply: Send us an email through the link below, and we will send you the signup details by email. Looking forward to hearing from you!
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