Kaur Yoga (CYA-RYS 200 Member)

School Info

Lotus Yoga & Wellness — 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (Vinyasa + Kundalini Integration)

Lotus Yoga & Wellness, Courtenay, BC — founded and led by me (18 years as a yoga teacher), with a vision to train embodied, grounded, trauma-aware teachers.

I bring not only vinyasa methods, but also a deep integration of nervous system awareness (including Polyvagal theory) and counselling background, so that graduates can safely support students through challenging moments.

Our school is unique: though Vinyasa is the foundation, we also embed Kundalini elements (with an added 50 hours), enabling trainees to lead three distinct Kundalini kriyās by the end of the training.

We also touch on more restorative/slow practices (yin, restorative) as elective or foundational components, offering trainees optional exploration beyond just flow.

Program Structure & Logistics

Component Format / Schedule Description & Purpose
Weekly Virtual Sessions Wednesdays, 6:00–8:00 pm (Zoom) These are pre-recorded lessons (video + lecture) placed into a student portal. All students view them asynchronously (or concurrently) and can revisit them.

Monthly In-Person Day One full 8-hour Saturday or Sunday On this in-person day we gather locally (at Lotus Yoga & Wellness) for embodied practice, partner work, manual assists, alignment drills, and deeper hands-on training.

Retreat Intensive 3-day intensive at retreat centre (on Cortes Island) Each trainee leads one full 60-minute practice for the group, and we do immersion practices, group feedback, deeper theory, ceremony.

Bodywork / Anatomy Session One in-person day An RMT (who is also a yoga teacher) leads a workshop on full-body anatomy, muscular, fascial, skeletal systems, injuries and alignment, integration into yoga.

Asynchronous / Self-Study Throughout Reading assignments, video lectures, journaling, quizzes, reflection prompts, homework in the portal.

Free Studio Access During training Every trainee receives a 6-month free membership to Lotus Yoga & Wellness (12 classes per week) so they can practice, assist, try classes, observe.
Total Training Duration & Cohort Size

This cohort begins in November, with 14 women enrolled (all Canadian).
Training runs for six months

The intention is to align with Canadian Yoga Alliance standards and certification requirements.
Why this format?

Hybrid (online + in-person) gives flexibility and reach while preserving embodied learning and community.
Monthly in-person days and the retreat ensure that trainees get the embodied, relational, experiential pieces that are harder to convey purely online.

The added Kundalini modules deepen the students’ capacity to teach different practices and bring more variety.

Learning Outcomes & What Graduates Will Be Able To Do

By the end of training, graduates will:
Teach Vinyasa-based classes with safe alignment, sequencing, cueing, modifications, and transitions.
Lead at least three Kundalini kriyās (distinct practices) confidently.
Understand and apply basic anatomy, physiology, and body mechanics in asana, pranayama, and assists.
Recognize and support nervous system regulation, trauma sensitivity, and teach practices that can bring students gently into balance.
Sequence and teach restorative / slow practices (yin/restorative) for students who need them.
Apply yoga philosophy, ethics, energetic anatomy (chakras, nadis, etc.), pranayama, and meditation.
Develop their own embodied practice, voice, and teaching style.

Why We’re Moving Toward Canadian Yoga Alliance Certification
All 14 students are Canadian; aligning with the Canadian Yoga Alliance means supporting Canadian standards and making certification more relevant locally.

I have already spoken with representatives of the Alliance, and they are open and supportive of our school transitioning into recognition.

This step helps our graduates’ credentials be recognized and trusted within Canada.
Reading & Study Requirements


The Bhagavad Gītā – a yogic classic balancing action, devotion, wisdom

Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar – classic on asana & pranayama with alignment guidance

The Heart of Yoga, T.K.V. Desikachar – interweaving philosophy, breath, and movement


Yoga Anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews – to ground deeper anatomical understanding


Teaching Yoga, Mark Stephens – instruction, sequencing, pedagogy, ethics
Siddhi Yoga

The Key Muscles of Yoga, Ray Long – for visual reference to muscles, biomechanics

The Yamas & Niyamas, Deborah Adele (or similar) – deepening the ethical foundation of practice

Supplemental / Recommended Texts & Resources
Science of Yoga by Ann Swanson — bridging science and yoga practice
Siddhi Yoga

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda — inspirational, relating to Kriya Yoga
Ambuja Yoga

Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates & Katrina Kenison — reflections and philosophy in daily life

Eastern Body, Western Mind or Wheels of Life by Anodea Judith — for chakra/energy system work
Lakshmi Rising Yoga & Wellness
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, Shiva Samhita — classical texts on hatha, kriyā, energy work

How Reading & Self-Study Are Integrated
Trainees are assigned chapters or sections from core texts (e.g. 1–2 chapters/week).
Reflection questions or short essays accompany each reading.
Students submit short quizzes or online reflections.
Occasional discussion in Zoom or in-person sessions about key readings.
Additional optional readings/videos are available in the student portal for further depth.

“At Lotus Yoga & Wellness, our 200-hour teacher training provides a robust vinyasa foundation, deeply enriched by kundalini practices, somatics, and modern nervous system science. Over one hybrid year, trainees participate in weekly virtual lessons, monthly in-person immersion days, and a transformative retreat. Along the way they will practice, lead, study, and embody yoga in multiple dimensions: alignment, energy work (kriya & kundalini), philosophy, anatomy, and trauma-aware teaching. Our goal is to graduate teachers who are both skillful and heart-centered — ready to meet Canadian students where they are, from calm to activation, from chaos to groundedness. By aligning with the Canadian Yoga Alliance, we seek to bring Canadian standardization, credibility, and support to our graduates’ future teaching paths.”

Course Outline

Curriculum Outline & Hour Allocation

Core Curriculum (200 Hours)

Module Hours Content & Learning Outcomes

Anatomy & Physiology 40 h Delivery: In-person labs + pre-recorded lectures.
Led by a Registered Massage Therapist who is also a yoga teacher. Covers the skeletal system, muscular system, joints and planes of movement, fascia, nervous system (including polyvagal theory), respiration, and the relationship between anatomy and safe movement. Hands-on palpation, posture analysis, and injury prevention strategies. Quizzes and a final anatomy exam ensure comprehension.

Asana Practice & Methodology (Vinyasa Focus) 65 h Delivery: Pre-recorded posture tutorials + live Zoom breakdowns + in-person posture labs.
Progressive study of asanas: seated postures, standing, forward folds, hip openers, backbends, twists, inversions, arm balances, restorative, and chair yoga. Includes Sanskrit/English names, alignment principles, safe modifications, cueing, sequencing, and use of props. Students practice both learning and teaching these postures. Culminates in an in-person practical teaching assessment.

Pranayama & Breath Anatomy 20 h Delivery: Pre-recorded guided breath practices + live Zoom Q&A + in-person breath labs.
Topics include anatomy of breathing (diaphragm, intercostals, neural control), foundational techniques such as square breathing, diaphragmatic/belly breathing, Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Durga, Bhastrika, Breath of Fire. Students learn how to safely instruct pranayama and integrate it into sequences.

Yoga Philosophy, History & Ethics 25 h Delivery: Live Zoom discussions + reading assignments + in-person integration circles.

Exploration of yoga’s roots and texts: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, eight limbs of yoga, yamas and niyamas, Purusharthas, koshas, branches and styles of yoga, lineage and colonization. Emphasis on teacher ethics, trauma-informed approaches, boundaries, mythology, and inclusive language. Students submit reflections and participate in guided discussions.

Teaching Methodology & Practicum 20 h Delivery: Live Zoom workshops + in-person practicum.
How to plan and sequence classes, verbal cueing, hands-on assists, observation, room orientation, holding space, and developing an authentic teaching voice. Students teach portions of classes online and in person to receive feedback before their final practicum.

Meditation, Mantra & Relaxation 10 h Delivery: Pre-recorded meditations + live guided sessions + in-person practice circles.
Instruction and practice in meditation techniques, chanting, mantra, yoga nidra, and restorative relaxation. Students learn how to incorporate these tools into their classes.

Final Exams & Integration 10 h Comprehensive written & practical evaluations plus integration sessions to ensure competency.

Core Curriculum Total: 200 h

Specialty Module — Kundalini Yoga & Subtle Body (50 Hours)
Topic Hours Content & Learning Outcomes
Foundations of Kundalini Yoga 15 h Delivery: Pre-recorded lectures + live Zoom discussions + in-person workshops.
Origins and ethics of Kundalini Yoga, how Yogi Bhajan introduced it to the West, principles of kriya and class structure, warm-ups and preparatory practices. Trainees understand the lineage and how to hold space responsibly.
Kriyas & Teaching Practice 15 h Delivery: Pre-recorded kriya walkthroughs + live Zoom practice + in-person teaching labs.

In-depth study and practice of at least three core kriyas, warm-ups, and meditations. Students learn to plan and lead foundational Kundalini classes, including cueing and modifications.
Energy Systems & Subtle Anatomy 15 h Delivery: Video lectures + live Zoom Q&A + in-person experiential labs.

Study of the energetic aspects of yoga: prana, nadis, chakras, ten bodies, aura, magnetic field, arcline, and koshas.

Practical exercises to sense and balance energy. Integration of subtle body concepts into all styles of yoga.

Integration & Practicum 5 h Practice teaching a full Kundalini-style class with feedback. Reflective journaling on integrating subtle body awareness into one’s teaching.

Specialty Module Total: 50 h

Total Training Hours: 250 (200 Core + 50 Kundalini)

Core Texts & Suggested Readings

Light on Yoga — B.K.S. Iyengar
The Heart of Yoga — T.K.V. Desikachar
Yoga Anatomy — Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
Functional Anatomy of Yoga — David Keil
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — translation/commentary
The Bhagavad Gita — translation/commentary
Wheels of Life — Anodea Judith (chakras & energy body)
Aquarian Teacher — Kundalini Research Institute manual (if available)
Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy — David Emerson

Faculty-provided handouts and video modules

Graduate Competencies

Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to:

Teach safe, well-sequenced Vinyasa and foundational Kundalini classes with appropriate modifications.
Demonstrate applied knowledge of anatomy, physiology, breath, and nervous system regulation.
Instruct foundational pranayama and meditation techniques.
Explain and embody key yoga philosophies and ethical principles.
Integrate subtle body concepts into their teaching.
Create inclusive, trauma-aware environments and hold space for diverse students.
Pass comprehensive written and practical exams to meet Canadian Yoga Alliance standards.

Code of Ethics & Conduct — Lotus Yoga & Wellness Teacher Training

This Code applies to all trainees, teachers, guest presenters, and staff participating in the Lotus Yoga & Wellness Yoga Teacher Training. It reflects the values of the yoga tradition, the principles of Canadian Yoga Alliance, and the integrity of our school.

1. Professional Integrity
Honour ahimsa (non-harming) and satya (truthfulness) in all interactions.
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to participate fully.
Maintain confidentiality of personal stories shared in class.
Abstain from any behaviour that could be construed as harassment, discrimination, or exploitation.

2. Respectful Communication
Listen actively and respectfully when others are speaking.
Give and receive feedback in a constructive, compassionate manner.
Refrain from gossip, negative speech, or undermining classmates or faculty.

3. Student–Teacher Boundaries
Maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with fellow trainees and future students.
Obtain clear consent before giving hands-on assists.
Never use your teaching position to solicit business, personal favours, or romantic relationships from students.

4. Inclusion & Diversity
Treat all individuals with respect regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or ability.
Make reasonable accommodations for students’ physical or emotional needs whenever possible.

5. Safety & Well-Being
Teach only what you are trained and competent to teach.
Refer students to appropriate medical or mental-health professionals when issues fall outside your scope of practice.
Maintain a personal practice and self-care routine to model balanced living for your students.

6. Academic Honesty
Complete all assignments, readings, and practicum work honestly.
Do not copy or plagiarize work from others.

7. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Continue to study, practice, and evolve as a yoga teacher.
Stay current with ethics, trauma sensitivity, and new findings in anatomy and yoga research.

8. Confidentiality & Privacy
Respect the privacy of fellow trainees and guest speakers.
Obtain permission before sharing photos, recordings, or names of participants on social media.

Disciplinary Procedure

Violation of the Code may result in a verbal warning, written notice, additional mentoring, or dismissal from the program without refund depending on the severity of the breach.

Our Mission Statement

At Lotus Yoga & Wellness, our teacher training provides a robust vinyasa foundation, deeply enriched by kundalini practices, somatics, and modern nervous system science. Over the course of the training, trainees participate in weekly virtual lessons, monthly in-person immersion days, and a transformative retreat. Along the way they will practice, lead, study, and embody yoga in multiple dimensions: alignment, energy work (kriya & kundalini), philosophy, anatomy, and trauma-aware teaching. Our goal is to graduate teachers who are both skillful and heart-centered — ready to meet Canadian students where they are, from calm to activation, from chaos to groundedness. By aligning with the Canadian Yoga Alliance, we seek to bring Canadian standardization, credibility, and support to our graduates’ future teaching paths.




Graduates

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