Teacher Training at Birmingham Yoga
Birmingham Yoga has been training teachers for over 15 year through our 200 Hour Teacher Training program. Our course is ideal for aspiring teachers and students wishing to deepen their practice and knowledge of yoga both on and off the mat.
Training Goals
Once you learn the practice the true test of mastery is learning how to translate that wisdom to another person. This teacher training is a wonderful learning experience for both teacher and student.
Yoga Styles
Our daily practice will focus primarily on Ashtanga Yoga & Kundalini Yoga. In addition, this training will introduce aspects of Yin Yoga and Hanna Somatics.
Yoga Faculty
Training is offered under the guidance and direction of Akasha Ellis (500 e-RYT) and Heather Sullivan (200 e-RYT) at Birmingham Yoga as well as guest faculty.
An Introduction To Training
Our Signature 200 Hour Teacher Training
Once this foundation is laid and healthy habits take root, students can truly reap the benefits and wisdom of yoga. We will practice daily asana, pranayama, chanting, and meditation as given in the Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga traditions. We will encourage svadhyaya (self-inquiry) and discuss our experiences; drawing on the Yoga Sutras and yogic philosophy. In our daily practice we will play and challenge ourselves to become aware of the changes occurring in our bodies, mind and breath.
Teacher Accreditation
At the end of training students will be prepared to instruct and lead a beginning Level 1 and Level 2 Ashtanga/Vinyasa-flow class and guide students through a basic Kundalini yoga class.
Birmingham Yoga Teacher Training program is a registered school with Yoga Alliance. Upon successful completion of your training you may register with Yoga Alliance by sending them a copy of your certificate of training.
What You Need To Know
Teacher Training Specifics
Sample Schedule
5:00am-7:30am
Kundalini Yoga, Pranayama and Chanting
8:30am-10:00am
Ashtanga Yoga (Mysore or Led Class)
10:00am-12:00pm
Break
12:00pm-3:00pm
Class and Discussion
Training Schedule 2025
Dates TBD
Fees
Investment $3000/ Installment Plan $3300
Dates
Each trainee is required to attend the 10 Day Immersion (in-person) and all weekends to receive a Yoga Alliance certification
About Akasha
Akasha began his yoga studies as a boy. One of his first initiations was watching Star Wars and dreaming of being a Jedi knight. He practiced martial arts with the intention of being a warrior preparing himself to battle the dark forces. It was many years later that he found that we each have the dark and light within and that through loving understanding we realize we are the love, truth, and peace that we seek. His first traditional Yogic practice was in Kundalini yoga and then later as a student in college, Akasha was blessed with the opportunity to study Ayurveda with Dr. Vasant Lad.
In his early 20’s Akasha discovered Ashtanga yoga, while living and running a business with his family in India. Upon returning in 2000 he decided to dedicate his energy to formally teaching yoga and soon created a yoga studio along and teacher training program. Over the years he has continued studying and incorporating other practices & modalities to help heal the body and mind, such as Hanna Somatics, which assists in bringing awareness of movement between the mind and body, where there may be un-awareness. More recently, Akasha has begun integrating and sharing non-dual teachings.
If you wish to contact him visit our studio or email him at teachertraining@birminghamyoga.com
About Heather
Heather first came to yoga in her twenties but nothing stuck until she was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga. She immediately fell in love with the meditative qualities and structure of the mysore style method and began to cultivate a daily practice where she continues to uncover layers of information about herself and her practice.
Heather became certified to teach yoga by Akasha Ellis and went on to study at the Ashtanga Yoga Center with Tim Miller where she received her Primary Series Teacher Training. In 2022, she completed a three year Mentorship Program with Taylor Hunt at Ashtanga Yoga Columbus.
In the yoga room, Heather’s teaching style is light-hearted and compassionate. Her goal is to make the practice of yoga accessible to everyone. You can expect to be challenged, supported and directed toward self-inquiry.
Outside of Birmingham Yoga, she teaches meditation, mindfulness and yoga to those seeking support in recovery from Eating Disorders (ED) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Yoga is a journey of awakening and experiencing that oneness in our own being. It provides us with a method of understanding our true self and divine teacher that watches over our body and mind, thoughts, and actions. A path of love, courage, compassion, and acceptance that leads us inward towards fulfillment, happiness, and freedom."
- Akasha Ellis
What You Need To Know
Teacher Training Considerations
Yoga can be practiced by all and we do not want to discourage anyone who has the right intention, however, the training will be challenging physically and mentally and it is important that you are in the mental, emotional, and physical space to allow these changes to unfold.
During this exploration one may experience feelings of comfort, discomfort, happiness, sadness, joy, and fear all of which are equally important in our growth.
We do recommend a minimum of at least one (1) year of yoga practice before attending our Teacher Training program. If you are interested in teacher training but unsure if it’s the right time for you, please contact us below and we will help guide you through the decision making process.
