Curriculum

The 300 training is made up of five different 30-hour required courses plus 5 or more elective courses of your choice.  You may join this training anytime! Begin when you’re ready, and work at your own pace.

Required Courses:

Elective Courses:

yin yoga

with Laurie Hall - Sept 23-25, 2022

This deeply transformational weekend will offer practical tools to incorporate the "yin" perspectives of Yin Yoga into your everyday life, practice and teaching. By exploring the deep and meditative practice of Yin Yoga you will learn to move through your life from a more awakened, balanced and harmonious place.

Yin yoga is yoga done with a yin perspective in mind. The yin approach to yoga practice facilitates a receptive state in which you can explore your yin-side or the deeper layers of your mind and body. This weekend will be a combination of lecture and online student interaction including guided meditation/visualization, group classes, plus exercises to apply the concepts of yin into your own personal time on the mat and in group classes.

Curriculum:

  • Physical postures and sequencing

  • Yin yoga anatomy and energy anatomy (koshas)

  • Working with the Edge: physically, mentally, emotionally

  • Impact of yin yoga on mind/emotions

  • Mindfulness practices for yin

  • Integrating stillness, silence, and spaciousness into asana practice

  • Movement and props in yin practice(to use or not to use)

  • And more

  • Yin Yoga theory and practice

  • Meditation and mindfulness practices

  • Transformational pranayama techniques

  • The use of touch and purposeful hands-on adjustments

  • Designing and teaching balanced sequences for all levels (beginners to intermediate)

  • Skillful verbal communication

  • Deep relaxation techniques

Required Reading:
The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga  by Bernie Clark
Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes by Mark Stephens 

Advanced Yoga Sequencing

with Jen McCarter - Oct 8-10, 2022

Ready to take your teaching to the next level? This course is designed for you and all instructors who wish to deepen their understanding of sequencing and develop more intentional classes through thoughtful and effective sequencing. A creative approach to teaching peak poses will be developed as we first seek to understand the krama of the peak asana and learn to design detailed sequences that guide the student deeper into their bodies and closer to accessing the peak asana. We will also examine how particular families of postures are related to one another and how these can be incorporated in sequencing to develop creative and intentional classes.

We will explore:

  • Using posture sequences to intentionally design a class around a peak posture

  • Energize your teaching by integrating unique sequences, drills or exercises, and building upon themes to inspire your classes

  • Practice thoughtfully weaving your theme into the actions of the poses and sequencing

  • Designing a variety of optimal sequences based on families of related asanas

  • Skillful verbal cues and demonstrations to empower your students

  • Developing safe language and useful dialogue to give options to students of all levels

  • Creating your own set of creative sequences for class development

Restorative Yoga

with Laurie Hall - Oct 21-23, 2022

During this intensive weekend, you will learn the art of teaching restorative yoga and the benefits or this healing yoga for your students. We will explore the nervous system and restorative yoga, restorative sequencing and modifications, breath work, hands-on adjustments, effective language and instruction, use of guided meditation, and using props effectively.

Restorative yoga allows students to mindfully develop the skill of conscious relaxation. Using props, breath work, and guided meditations, teachers will learn how to help students access the parasympathetic nervous system to free the mind and the body from stress. This weekend is appropriate for those who wish to teach restorative yoga, learn restorative techniques that can be applied to a more dynamic class, or to increase your understanding and implementation of your personal yoga practice.

We will explore:

  • A review nervous system and spine anatomy

  • Sequencing of poses

  • How to develop themes for classes

  • Pranayama practices

  • Use of guided meditation in Restorative practice

  • Hands-on adjustments, props, modifications, & contraindications

Advanced Hands-On Assists

with Jen McCarter - Nov 4-6, 2022

This course is designed 200-hr RYT Instructors and will focus on the art of hands-on assists based on a foundation of safe and effective assists for all students at all levels. Skillful hands-on assists can be a powerful addition to your teaching but must also be given due respect through training, understanding of boundaries and experience. We will discuss controversial approaches to hands-on assists in contrast to the foundational seven principles of safe hands-on assists, and we will spend time executing these skills in real-time to ensure that everyone is adequately equipped to safely guide their students through asanas and take their teaching to the next level.

We will explore:

  • the seven principles of safe & effective hands-on assists

  • assisting students from a place of confidence & compassion

  • creating and maintaining safe boundaries

  • advanced assists for several asanas

  • safe alignment and adjustments for different body types, injuries or limitations

  • learn and execute at least 3 potential assists for the most common asanas

Reading List:

Your Yoga, Your Body by Bernie Clark

the business of yoga & Wellness Industries

with Brooke Allison and Blaque Reily - Nov 18-20, 2022

Whether you want to start a fun-focused side hustle, create a personal training brand, or build you own yoga studio, this course will provide helpful tools to guide you through each step of the process. We’ll begin with a process of identifying the What, the Why, the How and The Who of what you want to do, so that you can successfully integrate your passions with a viable, money-making business plan. We will refine this further by writing your mission statement in which you will articulate why people will benefit from what you want to do. Finally, we’ll work through all of the practical details of business including: budgeting, evaluating investors, legal considerations, buildouts, hiring, and when to pivot or adjust plans. We will spend plenty of time developing personalized marketing strategies and collateral to launch and grow your business.

We will explore:

  • Writing a Business Plan - minimizing risks & optimizing success

  • Writing a Mission Statement - articulate what you will, how you will do it, and why people it

  • Budgeting for Lean Business Start-ups

  • Partnerships & Investors - exploring the pros & cons of taking on debt

  • Legalities, Liabilities & Logistics

  • Build-outs for Brick & Mortar

  • Marketing yourself & your business

  • Hiring - getting the right people on your team

  • Growing the business - thinking BIG

  • Quality of Life - work/life balance

  • Pulling the Plug - when to change your plan & pivot quickly to minimize loss

Reading List:

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

The practice of sound healing

with Ann Sensing, January 20-22, 2023

This course will begin with an introduction to sound therapy and will explore the inner workings of deep listening and expression through mantra and vocal toning, the science of sound, and philosophy behind sound as it relates to the practice of embodiment. We will Learn how sound can deepen meditative states and how to incorporate these tools into everyday life. The course will offer tools and techniques necessary for integrating meditative sound and the accompaniment of sound into the participants’ personal practice, communities and group classes. There is no prerequisite for this module - anyone can join, and it is open to all.

We will explore:

  • Intro to Sound meditation

  • The science of sound therapy

  • Holding space for Sound

  • Ritual and the Sound Bath

  • The art of Sound healing

  • Facilitation of Sound in classes and self-care

Reading List:

The Yoga of Sound by Russill Paul

Free Your Voice by Silvia Nakkach

Sound Bath by Sara Auster

prenatal / postnatal yoga

with Jen McCarter - Jan 6-8, 2023

We will begin with the prenatal portion of the course by taking an extensive look at expecting women and how their body, emotions, and spirit changes along with the baby's body, emotions, and spirit. Students will take away key asanas, sequencing, pranayama, and meditation techniques to help expecting yogis practice safely and thrive through this extraordinary time in life. This course is designed specifically for leading prenatal yoga classes and will focus on creating a safe space for expecting practitioners. Later, we will turn our focus to postnatal bodies and discuss the changes experienced in the body, emotions and spirit after giving birth, as well as learn about the key asanas, sequencing, pranayama, meditation, and special care needed during the postpartum stage of the journey. Modifications and hands-on assists specific to prenatal and postnatal yogis will also be discussed. While it may not be your passion to teach prenatal or postnatal yoga, all yoga instructors will encounter pregnant women in their yoga classes. This will be an empowering weekend for any teacher as we devote our attention to the unique life stages of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

 Objectives:

  • Learn about the anatomy of pregnancy, childbirth & postpartum bodies

  • Learn appropriate postures/sequences for each trimester of pregnancy, including the 4th trimester (postnatal)

  • Discover breathing techniques & postures that will support pre & postnatal yogis

  • Provide relief to your expecting mothers from common pregnancy ailments through safe and effective practice

  • Discover and teach the power of breathing techniques, mental focus and finding peace in discomfort to help mothers through each stage of their journey

  • Learn about contraindicated poses & breathing exercises, recommended modifications, hands-on adjustments and poses to support a positive yoga experience

  • Integrate the Mind, Body & Spirit of both the expecting mother & baby through safe asanas & mindfulness practice

The Living Yoga Sutras: origins of the modern yoga practices

with Roland Landers Jan 27-29, 2023

Honoring the mythological roots of yoga through the ancient teachings and practices, we’ll take a journey into the broader world of Indian/yoga mythology. As we go deeper into the yogic texts and get lost in the stories of sages, kings, gods, and goddesses, we will come to a deeper understanding of the karmic brilliance in the ethical code of yoga philosophy. Beyond the connection of our yoga practice to the ancient texts, we will explore how the Sutras apply to our lives now and how we can live them today!

We will explore:

  • The ancient yoga myths as cultural metaphor for the human experience.

  • An introduction and overview of the texts, stories, and philosophies from which Indian mythology is constructed.

  • A deep dive into to the origin, practice, and nomenclature of the asanas.

  • Using Indian/yoga mythology to inform personal practice and theming group classes.

  • A deeper connection to the Yoga Sutras and how to practice these teachings and live our yoga today.

Reading & Reference List:

Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Brian Dana Akers

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Edwin Bryant

Roots of Yoga by Mallison and Singleton

Additional Recommended Reading:

The Skanda Purana as translated by
https://hinduism.stackexchange.com/questions/9078/complete-english-translations-of-puranas

Mahabharata by Peter Brook 1989 film (free on YouTube)

Advanced Pranayama

with Roland Landers - Feb 24-26, 2023

Our asana practice is just the beginning of the yoga practice - it is literally step one but the practice of pranayama is the link that prepares us for meditation and higher self awareness. In this course, we will go deeper into the study of pranayama and will learn these practices as well as the anatomy, benefits and philosophy of pranayama. We will move through: the textual origins of pranayama; how pranayama relates to the greater sphere of Indian cultural traditions; the anatomy and science of breathing; traditional and modern breathing techniques from yoga and the greater world of breath practice; the subtle energetic body as described in the hatha yoga traditions and its relation to pranayama; and how to create a breathing practice and how to teach both group and private pranayama sessions. While breath is an autonomic (automatic) function of the body, we can harness that energy and control our breath to optimize our health, reduce stress, strengthen our willpower and achieve greater feats in our bodies than we knew possible.

We will explore:

  • Introduction to Pranayama, health considerations, seasonal considerations and contraindications

  • Practicing and learning several breath exercises, the benefits of each practice, and the philosophy + science of Pranayama

  • Engaging the bandhas in pranayama practice - the history, benefits and techniques of these practices

  • Integration of Pranayama into teaching classes or personal practice

Reading and Reference List:

Light on Pranayama by Iyengar

Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by Coulter

Additional Recommended Reading:

Pranayama: The Breath of Yoga by Gregor Maehle

Vayu Siddhi by David Garrigues

Hatha Yoga Pradipka by Brian Dana Akers

Advanced Anatomy for Yoga

with Sarah Grace - March 17-19, 2023

The study of anatomy is an essential tool of understanding for both yoga teachers and practitioners. Developing a strong foundation in this area of study will lay the groundwork for safe, intelligent teaching and practice. In this course, we review the basic language of anatomy and take a closer look at the musculoskeletal system, focusing on areas especially pertinent to asana practice: joint structure, soft tissue and fascia. We will discuss the role of the nervous system in perception and movement, the specific anatomy of the breath, and take a practical look at both the limitations and possibilities of different bodies in asana, and learn to use this knowledge to teach and practice with kindness and sustainability. We will also discuss the yogic concept of the energy body, and how it intertwines with a Western understanding of physical anatomy.

This course is intended for yoga teachers but is also recommended for serious practitioners.

Over the weekend training, you will:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of the language of anatomy specific to yoga

  • Build upon your knowledge of the musculoskeletal, nervous and respiratory systems

  • Refine your understanding of postural alignment

  • Learn practical ways to help students with physical issues or limitations

  • Deepen your understanding of the energy body and its relationship with the physical body

Required Reading:

Your Body Your Yoga, Bernie Clark 2016

MEDITATION: understanding the power of the mind-body connection

with Celeste Greene - tba

In this course we will solidify our understanding of what meditation is, how it works and define key meditation tools and their purpose. In addition we will look at how to use meditation to strengthen our personal practice, while supporting students in group classes, trainings and private lessons. This course is a combination of lecture, practice & discussion. We will acknowledge the trends in neuroscience as it pertains to meditation, mindfulness and the engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system - now becoming one of the most widely-recognized self-care practices and therapies for chronic stress and overall wellness in our modern world.

We will explore:

  • Gaining a firm foundation in the traditional teachings of meditation

  • Developing a personal meditation practice

  • Using meditation tools to support students in both group classes & private settings

  • Practicing awareness in the body, engagement of the parasympathetic nervous system, and other mindfulness practices to bring the mind, body & spirit into balance

  • Scientific research and modern techniques in the practice of neuroscience and the mind-body connection

Reading List:

Body, Breath and Mind: A Guide to Personal Reintegration - A.G. Mohan

Yoga for Transformation: Ancient Teachings and Practices for Healing the Body, Mind & Heart - Gary Kraftsow

Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom by Rick Hanson

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: 50th Anniversary Edition – June 2, 2020 by Shunryu Suzuki

trauma informed yoga

with Celeste Greene - Jan 13-15, 2023

The purpose of Emotions & The Body Course is to give teachers a thorough understanding of how to recognize, support and assist their students when difficult emotions are present. In this course, we look at emotions through the lenses of both yoga and psychotherapy. We will discuss how emotions are expressed in the body and how to provide a safe space for our students. Over the course of the weekend we will integrate the Emotions & The Body information through lecture, Q&A time, yoga practice, meditation practice, reflection and journaling, and group + individual exercises.

Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of the breadth of emotions that can be present in students during practice

  • Develop the eyes and ears to recognize, support and assist students when emotions or trauma may be surfacing

  • Become sensitive to the ways in which emotions are expressed through the body

  • Develop a toolkit of language, boundaries, and best practices to teach to a student experiencing emotions or trauma

  • Reflect and journal about personal emotions experienced and/or healing experienced through yoga practice

  • Practice classes and meditations designed to help guide the practitioner through a challenging emotional state

  • Develop your own safe and consistent presence in difficult experiences or with difficult students

Required Reading:

Freud and Yoga by Hellfried Krusche

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Energy Body & Healing 

with Wendy Schoeppner - tba

This course is designed for teachers or students who wish to gain a a deeper understanding of the Energy Body, and how to strengthen energetic flow or clear energy blocks in order to address health and wellness, relationships and professional pursuits, as well as mental health and personal or spiritual wellbeing.

Objectives:

  • Incorporate Energy Healing practices into your daily yoga, meditation, & breath work!

  • Learn to use the energy body to strengthen & address your physical, emotional, social,& spiritual wellbeing using energy flow.

  • Learn how to mindfully connect and use meditation to inspire and transform change in your life.

  • Feel better and heal yourself by incorporating Energy techniques into your daily routine.

  • Achieve your personal, professional goals, financial objectives, & cultivate relationships.

  • Learn a systematic approach to the energy body & its flow by using Energy Healing practices & fifth dimensional energy work.

  • Learn about chakras, meridians, the aura, and earth energies, and how to use these basic principles to promote your personal health and wellness.

advanced ayurvedic studies

with Celeste Greene - April 28-30, 2023

This course is designed for teachers or students to gain an understanding of the philosophy and historical background of Ayurveda - the Science of Yoga as well as apply the foundational elements of the practice of Ayurveda to our lives, as appropriate. This course is a combination of lecture, exercise and case study. We will discuss how Ayurveda views the body/mind and how it functions through the concepts of prakriti, purusa, doshas (prakriti & vrikriti), agni & ama.

We will explore:

  • The history and philosophy of Ayurvedic practice

  • Identify our doshic composition and gain an understanding of the doshas

  • Dive into the concepts of prakriti, purusa, doshas (prakriti & vrikriti), agni & ama

  • Apply the ideas and recommendations of Ayurvedic medicine to our lives in small or big ways

Required Reading:

The Science of Self Healing: A Practical Guide by Vasant Lad

Prakriti: Your Ayurvedic Constitution by Dr. Robert Svoboda

Textbook of Ayurveda, Vol. 1: Fundamental Principles of Ayurveda by Vasant Lad

Teaching from the heart:

discover your unique gifts as a teacher

with Jen McCarter - May 5-7, 2023

While we often focus on the technical aspects of teaching, the intention of Teaching From the Heart is to offer the space and guidance to explore and identify who you naturally are and how you can best express that in your teaching. This course is rooted in self exploration, so there will be ample time to reflect and evaluate as you learn. In the first portion of this course you will be guided through a step-by-step process for discovering your values & strengths and how to align with these in what you teach, how you teach, and who you teach. In the second portion, you will be given time to practice & refine teaching from your heart with the support and feedback of your peers, as well as identify the modalities and types of practices that you will thrive in teaching.

We will explore:

  • your personality - who you naturally are

  • how you best express yourself

  • your unique gifts and skills that will be impactful in your students’ journey

  • how your personality may be perceived by your students and how to speak most clearly and truthfully

  • finding confidence and compassion to be effective in your language as a teacher

  • creating and maintaining safe boundaries

  • develop a list of personalized offerings that suit your style

Reading list:

  • Journal provided

Frequently Asked Questions

 

IN-PERSON 300-HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

 

How is the in-person 300-hour yoga teacher training structured, and what is the schedule?

Our 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training consists of 10 modules (5 required/core modules in yoga philosophy, anatomy, and 5 electives of your choice), which can be taken in any order, and are scheduled throughout the year. Each module consists of 30 hours of study.

Programs for each module typically start at 6:00 pm Friday evening and end by 5:30 pm on Sunday. The weekend schedule is 7:30 am to 5:30 or 6:00 pm, or as scheduled. 

 

ONLINE 300-HR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING

Is the curriculum different for the online versus the in-person training? 

There is no difference in the 300-hour advanced yoga training online curriculum. However, there is additional one-on-one mentoring with Rising Wolf Faculty made available to our students taking the training online. We will work with our online students to observe their teaching and application of the methods to ensure that we are preparing you to be effective and inspirational yoga teachers.

 

How will the online sessions be held and shared?

All sessions of the advanced teacher training will be held by Zoom video call. Links, passwords, and more information will be shared once you are registered for the 300-hour teacher training. The online sessions will be recorded so you can review the material or watch and complete the sessions at a later date if you have a scheduling conflict that has been discussed with your Lead Trainer.

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE 300-HOUR ADVANCED TEACHER TRAINING

Do you need to be a yoga teacher or have a 200-hr training to participate in the 300-hour advanced yoga studies? 

No, you are not required to have completed any training prior to participating in the 300-hour courses. Anyone is welcome to register for the full curriculum or to join us for any of the modules offered in the advanced yoga studies. These courses offer a unique opportunity for growth in one’s knowledge of yoga and personal yoga practice. We often have non-yoga teachers join our courses and receive feedback that participants enjoy these courses and the opportunity to dive deeper into subjects that are of particular interest to them.

 

Is this 300-hour teacher training Yoga Alliance certified?

Yes, our 300-hour program is certified with Yoga Alliance under the registered yoga school - Rising Wolf Yoga School, and we have great reviews you can read on the Yoga Alliance website.

Is there homework, additional study, or required personal practice hours? 

Yes, there is a Reading List for each module/course, and you will be required to read at least one book from the list. We encourage all of our students and our yoga teachers to have a regular personal practice and to attend public yoga classes during their training and throughout their careers as yoga teachers. Several of the modules with include teaching practice both at home and during the course in order to prepare you to become more advanced as a yoga teacher.

 

I am a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. What are the benefits of enrolling in a 300-hour teacher training?

The 300-hour advanced teacher training is an opportunity to enhance your personal yoga practice while expanding your teaching skills. As the saturation level of 200-hr yoga teachers continues to grow, studios require teachers with more in-depth training and the ability to teach to wider varieties of students, including beginners, advanced practitioners, and people with unique limitations or special needs. The 300-hour teacher training allows the time and attention to devote to these skills, as well as the opportunity to study any of the yoga philosophies, disciplines or areas of study that you personally want to know more about in your elective studies.

 

What distinguishes the Rising Wolf 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training? 

Rising Wolf Yoga School has been training and mentoring highly-capable yoga teachers since 2013. The Rising Wolf registered yoga school offers a profound learning experience in our advanced yoga studies. You will become absorbed in both the yoga practice & yoga philosophy, as well as welcomed into a loving and thriving community of like-minded peers. Through rigorous yoga classes, advanced studies, and teaching practice, you are invited deeply embody what you are learning. You will become more empowered as a yoga teacher by integrating the teaching methodology of the ancient traditions or lineages coupled with the integration of contemporary wisdom and scientific study. 

 

What specific skills will I develop in each module? 

Each module brings an advanced skill, yoga philosophy or sister science into focus, allowing for in-depth study, contemplation and practice in each subject (much more so than in a 200-hr training). This allows you the time to learn and integrate these skills into your personal practice and the yoga classes that you will teach. These include, but are not limited to: advanced sequencing, meditation, pranayama, ayurveda, yin and restorative yoga, origins of the modern practice through the yoga sutras, advanced anatomy, and techniques for teaching trauma-informed yoga. In each of the courses offered, teachers are given tools to integrate the practices into teaching effective yoga classes for every level.

 

Is there a time limit to start or complete all ten modules?

No, you may begin taking the modules any time, you may take them in any order, and you may complete the modules in any timeframe. However, most students complete the 300-hour training within two years.

 

Who will I be learning from?

Our faculty are highly trained, longtime practitioners, each with a unique teaching methodology from various yoga lineages and specializations to give our students a well-rounded education. Find out more about our faculty.

 

Will I be able to teach yoga after completing the 300-hr yoga teacher training? 

Yes, your dream of becoming a yoga teacher is possible through this training! Whether you have completed a 200-hr teacher training or not, you will learn traditional and progressive teaching skills at one of the only advanced yoga teacher trainings offered in Nashville, or northwest Montana. You will get plenty of teaching practice, and when combined with the knowledge you will learn and your personal practice, you will be well-prepared to teach public yoga classes. You may need a 200-hr training, depending on the requirements of the studio you wish to teach at, but there is no governing law that would require any additional training to this advanced teacher training. 

 

Do the 300-hour yoga teacher training modules count as Continuing Education credits though Yoga Alliance?

 Yes, many of the 300-hour modules qualify as 30 credit hours toward continuing education required of yoga teachers through Yoga Alliance every 2 years. These include, but are not limited to, our courses in Advanced Yoga Sequencing, Yin Yoga, Advanced Meditation, Restorative Yoga, Advanced Hands-On Assists, The Living Yoga Sutras & Origins of the Modern Yoga Practice, Advanced Yoga Anatomy, Teaching from the Heart: Discover Your Unique Gifts as a Yoga Teacher, The Practice of Sound Healing, Advanced Pranayama, and Advanced Ayurvedic Studies.

Becoming a 500-RYT / our 500-hour yoga teacher training

Will I gain my Yoga Alliance 500-RYT (500-hour yoga registered yoga teacher) through this program?

Yes, you will receive an official 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification after you pass the final exams and have completed all the course materials and quizzes. Once you receive your certificate, you can register with Yoga Alliance if you choose. The 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training combined with your previous 200-hour teacher training will then make you a 500-hour registered yoga teacher, per Yoga Alliance standards under our registered yoga school.

If you still have questions, please contact us at risingwolfretreat@gmail.com