Teacher Training

LIVE YOUR PASSION, LEARN TO TEACH YOGA AND EARN A GOOD INCOME!

Watch short video clips of what past Teacher Trainees have to say!

Teaching yoga is highly rewarding - watching the positive changes taking place in your students is a satisfying experience, and being able to guide your students to a better quality of life is gratifying.  Getting paid for helping your fellow human beings is icing on the cake. 

Join Master Teacher, Nicky Knoff, in tropical Cairns, Australia for inspirational training and international recognition.  Knoff Yoga is registered with the Yoga Alliance® for both 200 and 500 Hours.  Courses are non-residential, but we will supply you with our Accommodation List to help you find a place to stay near the yoga school.

"You learn more quickly under the guidance of experienced teachers.  You waste a lot of time going down blind alleys if you have no one to lead you."  W. Somerset Maugham (1874 - 1965)

Knoff Yoga is a unique approach to both the practice and teaching of Hatha Yoga that greatly simplifies the complexity of this ancient science and makes it easy to understand and teach - without dumbing it down!

Note: see 'EVENTS CALENDAR' under 'EVENTS & CLASSES'  webpage for the 2010 Course dates!

Apply now for our teacher training and download our application form:

Teacher Training Application Form (48 KB)

Because Knoff Yoga Teacher Training is principle based, with supporting systems, you will graduate with the knowledge and understanding essential to enhance your personal practice and also guide your students with confidence and clarity along the path of yoga.

We teach a comprehensive and complete program with in-built systems, which are flexible enact to accommodate everyone from absolute beginners right up to advanced students and experienced teachers, and keep them interested for years. Our training provides you with the tools to be a successful yoga teacher - both in terms of progressing your students and building a successful business.

The Knoff Yoga program and its systems work equally well for both public/private teaching and self-practice. When you graduate from the course(s) you will have sufficient material to illuminate your journey upon the path of yoga for many years to come.

"Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification."  Martin Fisher

Knoff Yoga offers 6 Levels of continuing education for Teacher Training:

CHAIR YOGA

Chair Yoga is a modified form of Knoff Yoga which allows students with disabilities, lack of mobility, balance problems, joint challenges, recovering from illness, accidents and operations, or other physical issues to participate in and enjoy the benefits of a balanced yoga practice.  Particularly suitable for older students.  Pre-requisite: regular yoga practice (any style of yoga) for at least 1 year.  Participants can self-assess the suitability of the contents of this Course to earn Yoga Teacher Association of Australia CPD points according to the guidelines published on the YTAA website.

LEVEL 1 & 2 - DISCOVERY & FOUNDATION 

A comprehensive Course with everything you need to know to start teaching with confidence and obtain Professional Liability insurance cover through the Nicky Knoff Yoga Association Inc.  Levels 1 & 2 are designed for experienced students wishing to gain a teaching qualification in the Knoff Yoga method, or for qualified yoga teachers wishing to learn the foundation principles of the Knoff Yoga teaching method.  Accredited with the Yoga Alliance® 200 Hour registration  (R.Y.T. 200). Pre-requisite: A regular yoga practice (any style of yoga) for at least 2 years.

LEVEL 3 - INTERMEDIATE

Includes Yoga Therapy 1 (structural imbalances) and Pregnancy Yoga. You will study many different health issues from real life cases, as well as working with actual yoga therapy and pregnancy yoga students.  The Intermediate and Advanced Levels combined are accredited for the Yoga Alliance® 500 Hour registration.  Pre-requisite: Levels 1 & 2.  It is essential that students have an in-depth and thorough understanding of the Knoff Yoga method of practice, sequencing and teaching before joining this Course. 

LEVEL 4 - ADVANCED

Includes Yoga Therapy 2 (structural imbalances continued and organic dysfunctions). This course will help prepare you for the myriad of health issues you will face as a yoga teacher. You will work with real live yoga therapy students. The Intermediate and Advanced Levels combined are accredited for the Yoga Alliance® 500 Hour registration (R.Y.T. 500). Pre-requisite: Level 3.

LEVEL 5 - MASTER

On a physical level, the goal of yoga is mastery of principle and technique. On a spiritual level, the goal is cultivating a profound sense of belonging in the universe, of oneness with the life-force.   Being a master is someone who never stops learning, who never stops experimenting, and who never feels that they know everything and is done learning.  Being a master is someone who constantly applies what he or she has learned in yoga to their daily life to continue improving his/her own life experience. You will gain an extensive overview of the multi-faceted components of this ancient science and learn how to see the simplicity in the complexity. This course is not registered with any governing body simply because there is not a high enough standard to recognize it. Pre-requisite: Level 4.

The Levels 1 - 5 are taught in 2 streams of study during the individual course:

Personal Practice - In each level, you will be taught a specific syllabus of asana, pranayama and meditation to enhance and progress your personal practice. This syllabus will deepen your understanding, but it may not be appropriate for your students. For example, in Level 3 you will learn Headstand (Salamba Sirsasana and variations) and this will not be appropriate to teach in a Level 1 or 2 class. In Level 4 you will learn Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana), and again this will not be suitable to teach to beginners.

Teaching Practice - You will also study yoga philosophy, ethics and lifestyle; applied anatomy & physiology, Sanskrit pronunciation of asana names, common yoga terms, and chanting; as well as specific teaching methodology classes where you have ample time to practice real-time teaching under the supportive guidance of Master Teacher, Nicky Knoff.

Attending Yoga Teacher Training at Knoff Yoga Headquarters Cairns, Australia allows you the opportunity to watch and/or assist in our public classes. Our experienced teachers will happily include you in the class in such a way that both you and the students learn and enjoy the experience.

Course Fee

The fee for each full Teacher Training Course is Australian $3,490. You may avail yourself to an early-bird discount of $500 providing you pay the full fee 2 months prior to the start of the Course - making the total fee only $2,990. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required to secure your place once you have been accepted.

The fee for Chair Yoga is Australian $395.  You may avail yourself to an early-bird discount of $100 prividing you pay the full fee 2 months prior to the start of the Course - making the total fee only $295.  A non-refundable deposit of $50 is required to secure your place once you have been accepted.

Apply now for our teacher training and download our application form:

Teacher Training Application Form (48 KB)

Payment
* Please send cheque/payment to: Knoff Yoga, P.O. Box 214, Stratford 4870, Queensland, Australia. * For internet banking make payment to: Knoff Yoga, BSB 034-664, Account Number 16-8549. * For international money transfers make payment to: Knoff Yoga, Westpac Bank, Cairns Central Shop 117, Cairns Central Shopping Centre, Cairns Queensland 4870, Australia; Branch Number 034-664; Account Number 16-8549; Swift Code wpacau2s. * For assistance contact James E. Bryan – Course Director, Phone: + 61 7 4058 0955, or Mobile + 61(0)41 536 2534 or Email: Contact Us

Refund Policy
* Up to 31 days prior to the start of the Course – 100 % (less deposit). * Within 30 days prior to the start of the Course – no refund, but you may transfer your payment to another Knoff Yoga Teacher Training Course, providing it is attended within 12 months. * Once the Course has started – no transfers and no refund or credits on any payment, partial or full. * 100% (including deposit) at your graduation ceremony (teaching certificate must be returned) - see below! * If the Course does not proceed – 100 % refund (including deposit). We advise you to obtain Travel Insurance to cover any unforseen circumstances.

100% Money Back Guarantee - We are the first yoga teacher training organization in the world to offer a 100% money back guarantee. There is a condition though! You must first graduate from the Course. At the graduation ceremony, you will be asked if you would like a full refund (including your deposit). If you are not happy with your training, we will cheerfully return your money, but you must return your teaching certificate.

Please keep in mind that yoga is a discipline and requires effort (Tapas). There will be times during the course when you will most likely experience some physical and emotional challenges (resistance). Without these challenges you would not understand the process of yoga, nor would you grow as a human being.

If we offered the 100% money back guarantee during the course, we would not be doing you a favour, and in fact would be undermining your endeavour to progress along the path of yoga.

By giving you the opportunity to have your money refunded at the graduation ceremony, you are in a much better position to judge whether you have gained something of value. Many past teacher trainees have told us that achieving their Knoff Yoga Teaching Certificate was a more significant event than receiving their university degree, and some of these teachers have PhDs!

Why Choose Knoff Yoga Teacher Training?

1. The Courses are designed so that you will be properly prepared, trained and certificated to teach the Course levels you have studied – providing you do the work and pass the tests.
2. We do not mix styles. Our aim is to simplify and clarify and this does not mean dumbing down. It is impossible to learn, much less understand, more than one style of yoga in a single teacher training course.
3. Upon graduation, you will receive Knoff Yoga certification and international recognition.  You can automatically apply with the Yoga Alliance® for the appropriate level registration: * YOGA ALLIANCE – 200 Hour (Foundation Level)  * YOGA ALLIANCE – 500 Hour (Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced Levels).  Your name, certificate level and contact details will be listed on the Knoff Yoga website under 'Certificated Teachers'. 
4. Any previous training or courses you have successfully completed with the Yoga Alliance will be accredited so that you commence your Knoff Yoga Teacher Training at an appropriate level.
5. You have access to discounted Combined Liability/Professional Liability Insurance through the Knoff Yoga Association Inc. and OAMPS for those teaching in Australia.
6. We do not believe in gurus! Excellent teachers and helpful guides, yes. But if you wish to grow in yoga (as in life) you have to think for yourself. There is nothing in Knoff Yoga that will interfere with or contravene common-sense. We actively encourage questions.
7. All Courses are led by Master Teacher, Nicky Knoff. You will not be lumbered with junior teachers. Nicky teaches all aspects of the Courses including: asana, pranayama, meditation, teaching methodology, anatomy and physiology and yoga philosophy.
8. You have continuing support with Knoff Yoga. We keep in regular contact with the monthly Knoff Yoga e-Newsletter and you are encouraged to submit articles for publication.  You are also welcome to participate in furture courses part-time, that is, if you would like a boost to your practice/teaching you can join a course for 1 day or many days - your choice. 
9. Knoff Yoga offers 4 levels of Teacher Training for on-going professional development: Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master Levels. No other yoga organization offers this extensive range of continuing education.
10. The Teacher Training Courses are taught in 1-month intensives designed to minimize the impact of taking time out of busy lives. The Courses are only separated by a weekend, so you may link them together for an extended stay.
11. The Yoga Philosophy/Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers section of the Courses, are designed by the distinguished yoga scholar Dr. Georg Feuerstein.
12. The Anatomy & Physiology section of the Courses are designed by Dr. Ray Long.
13. All Training is based on the Knoff Yoga ‘24 Principles of Practice’. These principles greatly simplify the understanding of the multifaceted science of yoga, to make both practice and teaching straightforward.
14. In Knoff Yoga, unique systems have been carefully designed to help you implement the course information into your practice and teaching, for example, 5 class components and a 5 week rotational sequence. 
15. Knoff Yoga offers the only 100% Money Back Guarantee in the yoga industry. There is a condition though… you must graduate from the Course. Upon graduation, if you think you have not benefited, then we will cheerfully refund 100% of your money but you must return your certificate.
16. We provide an Accommodation List of local people with rooms to rent within bicycling or walking distance of the Knoff Yoga School.

Apply now for our teacher training and download our application form:

Teacher Training Application Form (48 KB)

Unique Knoff Yoga Systems

System 1: Five Class Segments

You will be trained in a unique and proven system of Five Class Segments:

• Meditation (non-religious)
• Pranayama (breathing exercises for vitality)
• Asana (anatomically aligned, structually balanced postures)
• Savasana (yogic relaxation - how to deal effectively with stress)
• Philosophy (positive, uplifting and life affirming)

 These 5 Class Segments are taught in specific class percentages:

• Meditation  - 5%
• Pranayama - 12%
• Asana - 66%
• Savasana - 12%
• Philosophy - 5%

 TOTAL 100%

System 2: Continuing Education

Knoff Yoga provides continuing education with five levels of training. No other teacher training organization offers this extensive continuing education.

• Chair Yoga
• Foundation
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Master

 System 3: Consistent Sequencing

The Knoff Yoga system provides you with a program of specific and intelligent asana (posture) sequencing. The asana sequence in each of the four levels follows the same format:

• Sun Salutations
• Inverted Poses (heating)
• Standing Poses
• Arm Balancings
• Forward Bends
• Sitting Poses
• Abdominals
• Twists
• Backbends
• Inverted Poses (cooling)
• Relaxation

Each level gets progressively more challenging, but by having it follow the same format, it makes it simpler for you to teach and easier for the students to follow and progress. This removes the stressful situation of the teacher having to re-invent the wheel for each new class by continuously writing programs.

System 4: Weekly Theme for Continued Student Interest

The Knoff Yoga system also provides a weekly theme to ensure a proper education for your students. The asana groups are focused upon in rotation each week and studied/taught in closer detail:

ASANA - Weekly Theme  

• Sun Salutations & Inverted Poses
• Standing Poses & Forward Bends/Sitting Poses
• Arm Balancings & Abdominals
• Twists & Backbends
• Consolidation/Vinyasa

 PRANAYAMA - Weekly Theme

• Ujjayi - Victorious Breathing
• Viloma 1, 2 & 3 - Staggered Breathing
• Surya Bhedana, Chandra Bhedana & Nadi Sodhana - Sun/Moon/Alternate Nostril Breathing
• Kapalabhati/Bhastrika - Skull Cleansing/Bellows
• Sitali - Coiled Tongue Cooling Breath

 There is the appropriate mix of new and old material to keep your students continually interested.

System 5: Intensive 1 Month Courses

The Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced and Master Levels of Knoff Yoga are taught in intensive 1 month Courses designed to minimize the impact of taking time out of your busy life. We have found the intensive method to be the best way by far to experience the profound beneficial effects yoga has to offer.

Chair Yoga is taught as a mini-intensive over a weekend held between the finish of the Foundation Level and the beginning of the Intermediate Level.

The Knoff Yoga systems are flexible in their implementation. For example, the Courses also cater for students interested in purely advancing their existing practice and not necessarily becoming certificated teachers. They may attend any part of the Courses, from 1 day to the entire 16 weeks.

The Baked Cake Method

We call the Knoff Yoga intensive approach to training the Baked Cake method. If you want to bake a cake and it requires 1 hour in the oven, you do not remove it every ten minutes, let it cool down, and then put it back in the oven x 6. You end up with an inedible mess! You actually need the concentrated and powerful cumulative effects of deepening your practice and teaching – if you want to be a credible teacher with your own experience and insights. You have to “pay your dues, if you want to sing the blues”.

System 6: Principles of Practice

Knoff Yoga focuses on anatomically correct practice. But much more than just alignment, you are taught the unique 24 Principles of Practice which give you an overview. It is very easy to get lost in the multitude of technical points in asana practice. For example, there are over 108 points in Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle Pose), but only 23 principles. The good news is that these 23 principles apply to ALL THE YOGA POSES, so once you know them, and this is an integral part of the Courses, you have them for all of the postures.

The 24 Principles of Practice are covered in great detail in your Teacher Training Course Manual!

Apply now for our teacher training and download our application form:

Teacher Training Application Form (48 KB)