Online 200hr One-on-One Vinyasa Teacher Training Program
MISSION STATEMENT:
My intention for the Online 200hr Teacher Training course is to provide an entirely new opportunity for those who wish to study yoga formally, and for those who wish to share yoga with others. This opportunity consists of a self-paced teacher training course that can be taken anywhere at anytime. The hallmark of this training will be one-on-one supervision provided by myself and my practicum coaching staff to ensure that the quality of the experience is not compromised for the sake of convenience. The result of this offering will be to make possible the type of learning, sharing, and growing that yoga students delight in the world over and bring so effectively to their communities—in a fashion that has not been possible until today!
This is a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher Training
Overview
Dear Friend,
I am so pleased to be introducing the Online Vinyasa Teacher Training Program.
This training set up to be mentally, physically and emotionally challenging process designed to enable serious students to become inspired teachers taught in a format, structure and pacing that supports your life moment.
You will practice asana, meditation, and pranayama to the point of proficiency and beyond. Your knowledge of Yoga theory will deepen to the point that it will become an aspect of the fabric of your life and of everything you do and say as a yoga teacher. You will work closely with me and with your practicum coach to support your maximum development as a Vinyasa Teacher.
You will learn to structure and teach classes that combine a consistent therapeutic vision with the inspired spontaneity that is the hallmark of Vinyasa Yoga. You will develop a thorough understanding of the elements of the therapeutic principles of yoga and be able to design a class or teach a pose in such a manner that your students will immediately embody those principles.
I want to bring special attention to the interplay between the physical and the metaphysical: A yoga class is a three dimensional story that unfolds to the rhythm of the breath. The art of teaching is the art of telling that story. Each of us, always, has a song to sing; a story to tell. Of necessity much of what we will be working on will be technical in nature, but all of what we do together will be dedicated to supporting you in singing your song.
Namasté and I look forward to working with you and the start of this new journey together.
Rolf
Check out Talks for Teachers
Excerpts from Rolf Gates' Talks for Teachers-200hr Vinyasa Teacher Training Online.
Course Description
Course Description: Program Structure + Format
-The program is designed to offer you the 200hr Vinyasa Teacher Training in a format that is self paced and structured so that you can deepen your study of yoga and develop as a teacher from anywhere. This training is based on three sets of principles: The Principles of Spiritual Practice, The Principles of Alignment and The Principles of Class Composition. You will move through the levels of the training working directly with Rolf Gates and your practicum coach.
Upon your acceptance, you will be sent the 200hr Online Study Teacher Training Manual and your first package of materials from the materials list below. The very first assignment will introduce you to the essence of Yoga and will be followed by your first one-on-one phone call with Rolf.
Each level of the training consists of a lectures series, one-on-one work with Rolf Gates through phone call sessions (and Zoom), reading assignments, writing assignments, practicum (practice teaching) and personal practice and training (traditional asana, meditation, and pranayama) as well as structured practices that will deepen your understanding of and connection to the principles of Yoga.
Vinyasa Yoga: How to Design & Lead a Vinyasa Class
Vinyasa Yoga expresses that part of us that celebrates the space between the notes. A typical class will move from simple to complex poses, from standing poses and balancing poses, to back-bends, inversions, and hip openers. The teacher and students take this simple formula and make it their own day by day. No two classes are ever alike yet the intention behind the class is always the same. The genius of Vinyasa Yoga is not found in its approach to alignment or sequencing, but rather in the rhythm with which alignment and sequencing unfold. Anchored in the unseen aspects of an asana class, Vinyasa Yoga is uniquely accommodating to the evolution of a teacher; allowing her to bring all that she has learned and all that she is into her classroom. The result is a class that is at once consistent and inspired.
Through this training, you will gain a thorough understanding of the principles which when applied create a class for all ages and body types. This will include a specific sequence and more importantly the method for adapting that sequence to the infinity of opportunities implied by the word Yoga. This method enables what you teach to grow as you and your students do.
The Teacher Training Curriculum will include:
* Mastery of the basic techniques of Asana
* Mastery of the basic techniques of Meditation
* Mastery of the basic techniques Pranyama (Breathwork)
* The therapeutic alignment principles of Yoga
* Finding alignment within and without
* The art of sequencing a class flow
* The proper use of tempo in a class
* How to use your voice and language for impact
* Your class as a transformative space
* The art of themeing in your classes
* Teaching modifications for all class levels
* Teaching to beginners
* The art of hands-on assisting
* The anatomy and physiology of Yoga
* Nutrition as a support to practice
* Study of The Yoga Sutras
* Cultivation of the Eight Limb Path as a path of action
* Integrating the three elements of spiritual practice into your life
* The role of the teacher
* The role of practice
* The art of sustaining change
* Moving from Source
Practicum Coach
A Practicum Coach is an established and currently teaching Vinyasa Yoga Teacher who has completed the 200hr Vinyasa Teacher Training with Rolf Gates and additional study and preparation with Rolf to be a support to new students in their practicum (practice teaching) sessions. Participants will meet with their Practicum Coach at least once a month during the course of the training (you may schedule your practice teaching sessions to be more frequent if that is how you choose to progress through the material).
Each teaching session with your Practicum Coach will be through Zoom or another form of communication technology. If you need assistance setting-up your free Zoom account for these sessions, just let the Gates Yoga office know and we will be happy to walk you through it. It is simple and takes about 3 minutes.
Practicum Coaches will be your student subject for each practice session and offer feedback and support focused on specific aspects of teaching to help your development and progression through the practice teaching sessions.
At specific points, that are detailed in the course syllabus, Rolf Gates will attend the practicum sessions to offer feedback and focus areas for future sessions.
Time on the Mat and on the Cushion
One of the joys of being a teacher is that your Yoga practice becomes part of your job description. During this training you will begin each day with asana, meditation, and pranyama instruction and practice. You will be taught the therapeutic principles that will allow you to practice safely with intensity. You will be able to sit comfortably for a 45 minute meditation session during which you will experience what it means to rest in stillness. You will be proficient in breathing techniques that awaken and build heat, preparing the mindbody for asana, and breathing techniques that are cooling and soothing preparing the mindbody for meditation. On your mat the implementation of therapeutic principles will be dramatic. You will experience a vibrant aliveness from which there is no going back.
Being the Change
The first Yoga teacher in the U.S. Swami Vivekananda wrote: "You yourselves are the being that you seek." During this training you will have direct experience of the truth of that statement. When you leave this training you will know how it is people reach their potential and you will be able to apply that knowledge to accomplish your goals. You will be the change you want to see in your life.
200hr Online Teacher Training Materials:
All materials inculding the Required Reading List are included in the course fee
- 500hr Online Advanced Vinyasa Teacher Training Manual
- Strength + Surrender: Vinyasa Flow Class (75 min) YV
- Faith + Flow: Vinyasa Flow Class (60 min) YV
- Visions of Vinyasa: Vinyasa Flow Class (60 min) YV
- Wake Up Well: Morning Vinyasa Flow Class (30 min) YV
- Time to Unwind: Vinyasa Flow Class (30 min) YV
- Vision/Foundational Lecture Series: Level I
- Theory Lecture Series: Level II
- Practice Lecture Series: Level III
- 200hr Vinyasa Teacher Training Flow 90 minute class demo (audio) (available on MP3)
- Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Rolf Gates
- Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path Of Yoga - Teacher's Inde
Required Reading List:
Please approach this list by beginning with The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success
- The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali: A New Translation with Commentary, Chip Hartranft
- The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra
- Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Rolf Gates
- Yoga Body: Anatomy, Kinesiology and Asana by Judith Hanson Lasater
Recommended Reading List:
Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing, Caroline Myss
Loving Kindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness, Sharon Salzberg
The Power of Now, Eckhart Tolle
The Law of Attraction, Esther and Jerry Hicks
The Way of the Peaceful Warrior, Dan Millman
Bhagavad Gita: New Translation, (trans. Stephen Mitchell)
Music and Mantras: The Yoga of Mindful Singing for Health, Happiness, Peace & Prosperity, by Girish (Author), Rolf Gates (Contributor)
Course Fee
COURSE FEE & PAYMENT OPTIONS
Course Fee: Check out PAYMENT PLAN + FULL PAY discounts below
- OPTION I: FULL PAY DISCOUNT: Pay in full $2675 ($325 discount)
- OPTION II: PAYMENT PLAN: Pay the $500 deposit, with a payment plan of 10 consecutive monthly installments of $250.
GROUP TRAINING RATES + DESCRIPTION:
We have had a lot of success with groups forming to participate in the online 200hr Teacher Training Program. If you have a group of 5-30 people there is a special discounted rate as well as additional structural support offered to ensure that your program is a great success. Please read more in our Group Informational Pamphlet and also contact the Gates Yoga office for any additional support in setting up a Group Online 200hr Teacher Training Program.
200hr Online Teacher Training Materials:
All materials including the Required Reading List are included in the course fee
- 200hr Online Vinyasa Teacher Training Manual
- Strength + Surrender: Vinyasa Flow Class (75 min)
- Faith + Flow: Vinyasa Flow Class (60 min)
- Visions of Vinyasa: Vinyasa Flow Class (60 min)
- Wake Up Well: Morning Vinyasa Flow Class (30 min)
- Time to Unwind: Vinyasa Flow Class (30 min)
- Vision/Foundational Lecture Series: Level I
- Theory/Lecture Series: Level II
- Practice/Lecture Series: Level III
- 200hr Vinyasa Teacher Training Flow 90 minute class demo (audio) (available on MP3)
- Beginning Meditation CD-Rolf Gates (audio CD also available on MP3)
- Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Rolf Gates
- Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path Of Yoga - Teacher's Index
Required Reading List:
Please approach this list by beginning with The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and How Yoga Works
- Bhagavad Gita: New Translation, (trans. Stephen Mitchell)
- The Yoga-Sutra of Patañjali: A New Translation with Commentary, Chip Hartranft
- How Yoga Works, Geshe Michael Roach & Christie McNally
- The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra
- Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Rolf Gates
- Yoga Body: Anatomy, Kinesiology and Asana by Judith Hanson Lasater
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Upon acceptance to the 200hr Online Vinyasa Teacher Training you will be charged a $500 non-refundable deposit. Any cancellations must be made within 30 days of acceptance (via email) to the program. If you cancel for any reason within 30 days you will receive your tuition paid to date (less the $500 non-refundable deposit) upon receipt of all returned course materials to the Gates Yoga office. After 30 days from your acceptance, if you cancel your enrollment or fail to complete the program for any reason other than cancellation of the program by Gates Yoga Enterprises, Inc, you will not be entitled to any refund, and will be obligated to pay any remainder of the enrollment fee designated above. In some cases, participants may request credit toward another program, which may be granted by Gates Yoga Enterprises, Inc. at its sole discretion. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California without regard to any law that directs the application of the law of another jurisdiction.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many reasons to choose the Online 200hr TT Teacher Training Program. For many, the self-paced structure and home study format are what makes training at this level possible. For some, their life moment does not allow for an extended travel or even weekend model and/or there is not one being offered in their area.
Please Note: We do find that there are some whose desire is to go deeper in their practice and understanding of the principles of yoga in their lives, but they are not looking to train as a teacher.
It is possible to take the training without the practicum (practice teaching) component, and there is a different course fee for a program that does not include the practice teaching sessions that can be outlined by contacting the Gates Yoga office directly. 831-334-3060 / info@rolfgates.com.
Yes, completion of this program will grant you a Vinyasa Teacher Training Certification. You will be prepared to lead a dynamic, safe and impactful class upon your graduation. Additionally, the application of the principles taught through this training will allow you to live and teach by design rather than by default.
All sessions with your Practicum Coach will be scheduled through the Gates Yoga office. You will work through the office for scheduling (and any cancellations). We ask that you give a 24hr notice if you need to reschedule.
You will meet with your Practicum Coach on a schedule and time frame that works for you. The guideline is to plan on scheduling practice teaching sessions at least 1x/month though some people opt for 1x/week or every other week. We do suggest that whatever schedule you choose, you also practice teach outside of your structured sessions (family members, friends etc.) as when you are at the beginning of anything, the more experience you have with it, the more you will support your own development.
All calls with Rolf will be scheduled through the Gates Yoga offce. You will work through the office for scheduling (and any cancellations). We ask that you give a 24hr notice if you need to reschedule.
This program is by definition self-paced, but we are here to support you to move through the course in a way that works for you and also allows some momentum through the experience. Generally, people find the course takes from 6-12 months.
Course Application
Option I: Full pay discount
Pay in full $2675 ($325 discount)
Option II: payment plan
$500 Deposit with 10 monthly payments of $250
You may also mail your payment check to:
Gates Yoga
849 Almar Ave STE-421
Santa Cruz CA, 95060
Contact Mariam Gates with any payment inquires, (831) 334-3060 (direct line).
TT Graduate Testimonials
Testimonials
What Past 200hr/300hr Vinyasa Teacher Training Certification Graduates Are Saying:
As a graduate of Rolf's program I have found myself expecting (and experiencing) a much more meaningful practice of yoga. Whether I'm practicing at home or in a studio, it's gone far beyond just a physical practice, and his teaching and the program design really helped me move from scratching the surface to digging deep in what has become a life-long journey through yoga. Over the past ten years I've learned from a number of exceptional teachers, there is not another teacher that I can imagine would have better prepared me to teach yoga, or to live my life through yoga.
~ Andrew Lapham Fersc
What I most appreciate about Rolf is his ability to be human - "one-of-us." His vulnerability and his honesty is the reason that I was drawn to his teacher 200-hr TTC from the beginning. Rolf's ability to speak wisely and openly from his heart and relate it to your own experience is how his teachings are able to change your life and touch your soul.
What I also cherish about Rolf is the love he has for his family and how he conveys that admiration to his students. He and Mariam work together as a team to give you the best experience possible. They don't just "talk-the-talk," but instead, truly "live" their yogic path. It is his and their opportunity to lead by example and the way in which they honor and embrace that opportunity that is, indeed, exemplary.
Whether you are taking a class from Rolf, or a workshop, or a spending a week on retreat, or four in training, you are sure to receive a wealth of knowledge both from his individual experience and from his own study and always delivered in humorously woven, anecdotal form. He is engaging, amusing and down-to-earth in a way that draws you into yoga as a whole, as a way of being, rather than simply a physical practice or a career path chosen.
Rolf is, himself, simultaneously outstanding and approachable, laudable and touchable. He will lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself without taking credit or standing between you and the light which he will help you find in yourself. I am forever and deeply grateful for his ability to help lead me to mine.
-Sarah F. Sturges
I participated in the 200 Hour Teacher Training with Rolf in the summer of 2008, and when I came to the training, it was never my intention to actually teach yoga because I didn't really like standing and speaking in front of a group of people, much less leading them in a practice. At the time, I had only been practicing for about a year and a half and I really just wanted to learn more about yoga in general, and to deepen my personal practice. What, I received however, was much more than that. Rolf's teaching style is so inspiring and what he has to share is so relatable, that when I completed my training, I felt like I could do anything and two weeks later I was teaching my first class, and I was comfortable doing it. Rolf is an inspiration. His spirit lights up any room that he enters and his teachings leave you wanting more! His words stay with me and not only do I try to live them each day of my life, I also try to share them with those around me. If you have an opportunity to participate in one of Rolf's Vinyasa Teacher Trainings, I would highly recommend that you take that opportunity and allow yourself to learn from one of the best!
~ Carolin Taylor
I came to my yoga mat and went through the postures for six years in various classes but I never really practiced yoga before my training with Rolf. In my training, I learned that yoga was not what I am doing on my mat, but how I am being on my mat - and moreover, yoga is not what I am DOING in my life but how I am BEING in my life. Rolf has given me the skillful means to take what I practice in my daily postures out into the world to serve my community. I wasn't sure that I had what it took to be a teacher, but I was amazed to find that the wisdom and insight that I have gained in my teacher training constantly reinforces me to teach others and spread the wisdom discussed in the 200 hr program. There is no doubt - it has healed me both emotionally and physically and as I spread the message - it sustains me, reinforces me and motivates me to do more! If you have ever felt that there is more to yoga than just the asana (the postures) and wondered what else yoga has to offer, then Rolf Gates is the teacher to take you deeper into the journey! Thanks so much.
~ Marcella Lincicome
The constructs of the methodology translate to all levels of ability; essential when considering yoga as a vehicle to improve health outcomes in chronic illness or disability. The training also embodies developing a sensitivity of class content for group needs: in addition to power, flow methods, each day we incorporated active restorative ('Yin') poses into our practice. The training requires immediate teaching of large and small groups.
Strong emphasis on safety; and though I had been practising and teaching for years, I found the training provided significant insight on leading students to understand the principles of anatomical protection and strength – ultimately deepening to my own practice as well.
Our daily practices were physically challenging and beautifully exhausting focusing on form and sequence; supporting that one's own fluidity and flexibility are essentially born of strength and physical listening. The spirit of our group was a supportive, creative and uplifting. The experience was transformative, renewing and deeply pleasurable; and, for me, provided a springboard to follow cues signaling a distinct path. It was humbling and magical to be part of this process for others as well.
~ Lesley Ann Saketkoo, M.D., M.P.H.
Hold this thought for 4.....3.....2.... 1 teacher can make a difference and that person is Rolf Gates.
~ Terese Przytakoski
Yoga is a practice.
Teaching Yoga is a practice.
My name is Virginia and I am participating in Rolf Gates 500 hour teacher training program in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
I completed my 200 hour teacher training with Grace and MyLinda Morales in 2009. I was very blessed to have been under the instruction of two such wonderful teachers, and I was fully prepared after my 230 hours to lead a safe, effective and inspiring class to those students who chose to practice with me. I learned about anatomy, alignment, philosophy, projection, verbal queuing, and energy. But I believe that the biggest thing I learned, was that the more I learn, the more I realize how much more there is to learn. I have a responsibility to myself and to my students to continue to build on what I know. And that is one of the things that drew me to a 500 hour teacher training... the desire to continue to learn.
The second thing that drew me to a 500 hour teacher training was my desire to commune with other yoga teachers and to draw from their experiences and energy. I found that my initial love with yoga came from what I received from the practice my teachers shared with me. And that is what drew me to my 200 teacher training... I wanted to share what I had received from yoga, with others. And I do love sharing yoga with others, but I noticed that now in that role, I am the giver, the teacher. And with all of the gratification that comes with that, I still missed being in the role of the receiver sometimes. I need time to be in the presence of other teachers, I need to be led, I need to be refueled and recharged, so that I can be a better teacher to my students. I get this refueling, this battery charge from lots of places. I get it from taking other teachers classes, from my daily meditation, and from my own personal practice. But I get a REALLY big dose of it from continuous training.
I have come to think of it this way... my 200 hour training taught me how to lead my students through a safe effective and dynamic asana class and I am so very grateful for that. But now my 500 hour training is teaching me how to be look deeper inside my self and find my own satya... my own truth and express that truth in teaching my asana classes and then expanding into being prepared to teach a yoga workshop or even a yoga retreat.
Dharma (wisdom) has come to me from so many different sources. I have found significant dharma in my studies of religious texts, and in informative books. I have received dharma from my teachers, my 200 hour training, from my children, from life lessons and even from songs and movies. But the dharma that can be absorbed from intense weekends with a group of other experienced yoga teachers can be invaluable. I consider it one of the greatest benefits of my continued training.
In choosing where I would do my 500 hour training, I went back to the words of my 200 hour teachers and their regard for Rolf Gates. I read his book, Meditations from the Mat, and I attended a weekend workshop of his just to meet him personally. I was overwhelmed by his sincerity and relateability. I knew after just a few minutes of conversation that he was who I would do my 500 hour training with. And my expectations have been more than met. He has challenged me and inspired me. I am a better teacher for having trained with him. I would recommend his 500 hour teacher training to anyone.
Yoga is a practice... it must be lived daily, hourly, and breath by breath. Yoga is not what we do... it is how we are.
Teaching yoga is a practice... it must evolve. We must continue to learn to continue to teach.
Love and Light. Namaste. -Va
References: *Joseph Jarworski, Synchronicity: Inner Path of Leadership
I would whole-heartedly recommend engaging with Rolf. He and Mariam offer a top notch training. I had been training in yoga for approximately 3 years prior to taking Rolf's course. This was following a many years studying martial arts. My Taijiquan instructor was world renown and Rolf was on par with his level of professionalism and delivery.
This training is rich in meditation and general awareness training. The asana is definitely there, but there is so much more to the eight limb path outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras. Rolf strives to maintain the essence of the original teachings. His teaching has really transcended to a new level since writing the books you have read. His classes are thorough and accessible… not esoteric or exclusive. He cultivates an amazing environment and I honestly feel like he is a genius with the spoken word. He will challenge your mind and your body. Ultimately, however, what you take from the course is up to you. He will certainly provide a wonderful environment for you to cultivate the seeds of wisdom. You will leave this course with a complete class to deliver to your community from beginner to advance level students. He incorporates cutting edge exercise science along with the ancient wisdom. The concepts of core integration, alignment, muscular, and organic energy are at the root of this 200 hour course.
My wife and I both went through this training and we enjoyed the extended time frame. It allowed for a different kind of learning that really had time to assimilate and soak in.
As far as the physical training it was awesome! I loved it. It was very challenging at first, but my strength really improved during the course of the training. I felt like I was walking on air. Pumped and ready for life… completely glowing with newfound inspiration… not wiped out or lethargic at all. It was most definitely both a spiritual and physical journey that I wish I could go through again. I made some amazing new friends and we are all still in very regular communication. Our class cultivated a really deep connection. It was neat because I learned so much about people that I would have never put myself in the same room with if it were not for yoga. My horizons broadened.
There were a couple of people with less previous experience and they did great. Rolf starts at the beginning. The reason I took this was because I know there was so much to this world of yoga, but I was not getting it through the classes available to me here in Athens. They were simply offering asana and, I was very interested in the metaphysical aspect. Rolf does a good job of incorporating ancient yogic wisdom and integrating concepts from Taoism, Buddhism, and other religions without preaching at all. It's purely information… but he is VERY PASSIONATE about this. I could go on and on.
I can definitely say you will not regret meeting and learning from Rolf. He brings such a unique perspective to the art. His background is as an Army Ranger and addictions counselor. His time in the army brought him to Ahimsa (nonviolence) by having a 1st hand experience on the other side. His addiction counseling allows him to speak from a place of true compassion. It was just awesome! I love the guy…I think everyone in our group does. And he's REALLY funny too! I got so much more out of this than I had ever expected… however… you also get out what you put into it.
~ David. D, Athens, GA
I am so overwhelmed with love and gratitude. I could not have hand picked a better group of people to learn and grow with and I definitely could not have asked for a better teacher. I think I did ask the universe for you without knowing who you were and the universe said yes. When I read your book I knew immediately this training was going to be something special for me. I honestly don't have the words to describe the impact this has made on me. It's too big for words. What I can say is you have a wonderful gift and I am so grateful that you have shared that gift with me. I hope that I can repay you by paying it forward to as many people as possible.
~ Charlotte, W
Rolf is a wonderful example of what it means to be a teacher in every sense of the word: he communicates what he knows and encourages his students to take that and expand upon it, applying what they know. Learning that learning itself is an ongoing process and that it's okay not to be an expert was reassuring -- it enables me to be the best teacher I can be, all the time. I highly recommend the training to anyone who wants to be, or is, a teacher and to anyone who wants to deepen their practice and experience a personal transformation in the process.
~ Mia O., Yoga Instructor/Personal Trainer
