Ashtanga Intensive Course 2023, 50 Hours

Live Zoom: 15 Hours (2.5 Hours Per Day X 3 Weekends)

Pre-recorded Video: 15 Hours

Includes A Month of Online Mysore (Mon to Fri, 6.00 am to 8.15 am UK time, 20 hours recommended)

DATES (SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8.00 AM TO 10.30 am UK TIME)

• October 7th & 8th
• October 14th & 15th
• October 21st & 22nd

Recordings will be available for dates that can’t be attended live. Limited spaces are available.

Cost:  €350/ €295 Early bird

FOR TEACHERS, THOSE WANTING TO TEACH, OR SIMPLY DEEPEN THEIR PRACTICE

This 50-hour online Ashtanga yoga intensive course will be taught through a combination of pre-recorded material and live sessions on Zoom. An in-depth study of the practice of Ashtanga yoga; the course will aim to provide a study of technique around asana, how to teach this, as well as the deeper context within which asana is situated (ie. yoga philosophy).

Our overall aim is that you can practice and help others practice with more confidence, motivation, efficiency and sustainability.

WHY ASHTANGA YOGA?

Ashtanga yoga is one method of aspiring towards a deeper experience of Self. However, it is only a tool, and more recently the tool has started to be taken for the experience itself, or the finger is taken for the moon. This has meant that a performative and visual approach to the sequences, along with an overly literal and rigid approach has often started to obscure the subjective, felt experience as the aim of the yoga method.

WHAT ARE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING?

• To understand how to adapt the sequence and postures to suit any individual for the sake of their safe, comfortable, and sustainable progress.
• To understand how bandha and posture come together to instigate a free and natural expression of breath.
• To enable students to include the Intermediate series in their practice.
• To use physical assistance in a safe, effective, and non-intrusive manner.
• To use language in the most efficient way possible, as well as understand the possible negative implications of unskilful cueing of postures.
• To give a fuller perspective on the context and development of modern postural yoga about its classical past, as well as its modern (twentieth century) innovation.
• To delineate the role of a teacher, the different approaches between led/self-practice classes, and how to set up a class.
• To draw attention to possible difficulties that may arise in the teacher-student relationship, how these might be resolved or avoided, as well as a general appraisal of teacher ethics.

COURSE CONTENT

In this 50-hour online Ashtanga intensive we will explore in depth the Primary Series as well as at least part of the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga yoga. This will include modifications, technique including breathing, posture, and Drishti and how this relates to the modern understanding of anatomy and alignment, as well as the vinyasa count of Ashtanga yoga and other subtle nuances involved in its methodology.

In addition, we will also cover the philosophy and history behind yoga generally; that originating from classical scriptures, as well as the roots of the modern tradition of Ashtanga Yoga as it originates from Krishnamacharya and was passed on to Pattabhi Jois in the 20^th Century.

We will provide:

• Step-by-step guidance on the mechanics of each asana.
• Full explanation and instructions on the vinyasa count as it is currently taught in Mysore the reasoning behind it.
• Precise verbal cues and awareness of efficient and detrimental usage of language around teaching
• A comprehensive overview and approach to safe and appropriate physical assistance.
• Structural analysis of the essence of all postures to enable you to teach yoga to all individuals.
• Knowledge of how to adapt asana and sequences to safely progress each person.
• A complete explanation of the Tristana method at the centre of Ashtanga yoga and how it functions about asana.
• Full discussions on the traditional and contemporary foundations of yoga philosophy; what yoga has meant over the history of the usage of the term and what it might mean for us today.
• Group discussions on the role of a teacher; its possible challenges and limitations, along with teacher ethics, and how to structure your classes to create as safe and inclusive an environment as possible for all practitioners.
• Short written continuing assessments on the topics discussed as we progress with the course.
• Daily Mysore classes held by Adam are free for one month to all Intensive practitioners.
• A WhatsApp support group that continues after the graduation
• Regular direct correspondence with Adam also continued after graduation.
• A certificate of completion from Keen on Yoga on request.

WHO IS THIS ASHTANGA INTENSIVE COURSE FOR?

The course is suitable for all levels of practitioners. From those relatively new to their practice who simply want to learn more on a personal level, to those long-term practitioners already teaching who wish to further increase their skill set.

The course is structured to be accessible for all levels of practitioners in attendance. It also aims to be inclusive and enabling to every body, regardless of health, age, ability, gender or ethnicity.

Students will gain detailed knowledge presented through a clear and practical step-by-step approach. Participants will be strongly encouraged also in group discussion, allowing for everyone to develop their own opinions and confidence in a safe and supportive environment held by Adam.

GAIN CONFIDENCE AS AN ASHTANGA TEACHER

Never again will you feel uncertain or suffer imposter syndrome about what you are doing. Nor will you feel unable to assist any person who enters your class to have a positive, effective, and motivating experience of Ashtanga yoga.

Adam has taught continuously daily for almost 25 years. During this time, he has faced all manner of students and challenges in teaching. In this course, you will benefit from his experience, freely given, in a non-dogmatic open way so that you will be encouraged to find your own voice as a teacher.

ASHTANGA TEACHING PRACTICE

The course allows an adequate time to become familiar with different approaches to teaching in a safe, non-judgmental, and nurturing environment. Adam is supportive, knowledgeable, and down to earth, putting everyone at ease to discuss and grow with each other.

PHILOSOPHY IN PRACTICE

A modern asana teacher must also be aware of the challenges and limitations of this role. Adam likes to ponder current issues, bringing to bear his continued studies of classical yoga texts on modern problems in a practical and accessible light.

Adam also likes to talk about practical and current concerns including, for example, increasing concern over physical assistance, inclusivity, and body-ableism as they turn up in the modern yoga class.

CONTINUED SUPPORT

In addition to the Intensive itself, you will become part of a community and network of worldwide practitioners who have undertaken training with Adam, as well as Adams’ ongoing support regarding any issues or questions that arise at any time after the completion of the training. In other words, if you wish, you will always have a mentor at hand and never need to feel alone again as a teacher.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AND RESPECTED

Adam has been travelling and teaching yoga internationally for over 20 years. He is known in the Ashtanga community for his advanced level of accomplishment in Mysore, having completed the Advanced A with Sharathji in 2012. But, further than this, his open and explorative approach to the Ashtanga method.

Additionally, Keen on Yoga is connected to a global community of renowned Ashtanga yoga teachers and dedicated yoga practitioners.  We have hosted workshops, interviews, and panel discussions with the most respected teachers in the world.

As a graduate of the Keen on Yoga 50-hour intensive course, you will be connected to an international, group of practitioners and feel supported on your further journey with practice and teaching (should you choose to).

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION AND GRADUATION PROCESS

We intend that everyone will graduate. Below is what we expect from you to that end.

• Commit to and attend and commit to all the sessions (recordings can be made available if you cannot make some dates
• Show a good understanding and comprehension of the practice and the teaching of the primary series.
• Maintain a self-practice for the duration of the course to your level.

ASSESSMENTS

The course is created to support and empower you. Therefore, it seems appropriate to have short periodic assignments during the course to ensure that all students are fully clear on the fundamentals instructed. This is only for the sake of ascertaining any lack of clarity so that Adam can personally take time with anyone that needs to go over and clarify any areas of confusion.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

• Live Zoom contact hours with Adam Keen, recorded.
• 15 Hours of pre-recorded content from Adam
• All recorded content is available to you for at least 1 year.
• Practical experience of the Ashtanga yoga practice in live online Mysore
• Lectures and discussions.
• A copy of Adam’s book ‘Ashtanga Yoga – A Teachers’ Companion’ in PDF format.
• Videos & audio to reference after the course is completed.
• Feedback and discussion

RECOMMENDED / REQUIRED READING LIST (NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE COURSE)

• A Teachers Companion, Adam Keen (included in PDF format)
• The Truth of Yoga, Daniel Simpson
• The Yoga Sutras, Edwin Bryant
• The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Stanley Lombardo

DATES (SATURDAY & SUNDAY 8.00 AM TO 10.30 am UK TIME)

• October 7th & 8th
• October 14th & 15th
• October 21st & 22nd

It is advisable to take part in all sessions for continuity, but there will be recordings if you aren’t able to attend at the time.

COST:

Early Bird (pay in full before July 31st): €295
Regular: €350.

Non-refundable €100.00 deposit with the full balance due by September 30th. Payment plans are available, please contact us to discuss if you would like to set up a plan.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Find the Keen on Yoga terms and conditions for courses and workshops here.

We try to make our courses available to everyone who is sincerely interested. If you feel you can genuinely not afford the fee please get in touch with us at info@keenonyog.com and we can discuss a reduction.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRAINING COURSE PLEASE CONTACT ADAM INFO@KEENONYOGA.COM  WHATSAPP +33 (0)780322940

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GAIN CONFIDENCE AS AN ASHTANGA TEACHER

It really helped me realize how important it is to make sure I am mindful of more than alignment during physical practice, or the very confusing history of yoga. Keeping different aspects in mind without crowding it too much to feel how everything is connected and how to apprehend subjects is a lesson that I am grateful for. 

Thank you for making yourself available and for not keeping your teacher secrets so guarded that it is impossible to connect and really get a feel for your teaching. And thank you for your investment, Adam and Theresa. It makes the difference between all those Instagram masterclasses and a real sharing and growing experience. 

Meggy

It was all invaluable, but I think I learned the most from having you clarify the objectives of each section of the primary series and then how you approach the essence of what we should be doing and having this all reinforced by the Mysore section. 

The repetition and clarity of your message were so helpful. In 12 years of practice, I have never heard such clear insights about what we are doing and why.  I think this course is perfect for practitioners and teachers wanting to teach self-practice – It may have been less helpful to those wanting to count a led class- but I think this learning by rote can be learned from a video and this is why I’m so delighted that this isn’t how you taught us.

I absolutely loved it and can’t remember how I used to teach before this intensive- still lots to process and learn and so also very grateful for the additional resources you shared i.e., fundamentals of primary series and the BG- I’m planning to go through these over the Christmas break.
I loved your summary of the history of yoga – better even than Daniel’s book!

Jayne

The lectures going through the positions of the primary series were very useful for me, I have not learned them in such detail before.  Also, I really liked the emphasis on the sustainability of practice and the suggestions on how to use the body and breath in the best way possible within positions. I think this is knowledge not easy to attain without a good teacher telling it. The principles of verbal cueing and resistance adjustments were also fairly new to me, and these topics were good ones to have in this course. 

I would like Adam to know I really appreciate the conscientious feedback on the homework. I liked the literature list as it introduced some good books I’ve not read before. The Truth of Yoga by Daniel Simpson cleared up a lot history-wise, and I think everyone should read it before diving into heavy books on philosophy (such as Edwin Bryant’s Yoga Sutras – which I am reading for the first time now. 

Synnove

Firstly, I would like to thank you for putting together this course and being so available to help us during and after it. It was a great experience for me and I’m looking forward to trying out the workshops and courses to come.It was really helpful to discuss each asana, one by one, and understand how to approach them during my practice. I feel more comfortable in my practice. It was also very interesting to discuss yoga philosophy and think about it in different perspectives.  For an online course, it was well-structured and effective.

Sonia