Soul Society Yoga Vinyasa Teacher Training: Level 1

Established 2022

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Soul Society School of Yoga

2110 Didonato Drive, Chester, MD, USA

Chester, MD

Purpose

Transformative training to embody, share, and live yoga

What to expect

Over the course of six immersive in-person weekends spanning six months, you'll accumulate a total of 200 hours of training, practice, and experience. The Soul Society School of Yoga curriculum has been meticulously designed to meet the rigorous standards set forth by American Yoga Council. By the end of the training, you'll not only be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to confidently lead yoga classes but also experience profound personal growth and a deeper connection to your practice and your Self. Whether you're aspiring to become a certified yoga instructor or seeking to deepen your understanding of yoga, our training promises to empower you with the tools to inspire others and foster positive change in your own life. Our curriculum encompasses the following focus areas: - Yoga History, Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics - Vinyasa Yoga Asanas, Alignment and Methodology - Yin Yoga Asanas and Methodology - Physical Anatomy, Physiology + Healthy Movement Patterns - Teaching Techniques: Verbal cueing, alignment, physical adjustments, public speaking, timing, scripting, music, holding space, and sequencing - Assists, Modifications + Contraindications - Pranayama - Meditation - Subtle/Energy Body - Business of Yoga

Style/Lineage

Soul Society Vinyasa Yoga is a flowing, breath-centered practice rooted in the traditions of classical yoga and adapted for the modern practitioner. Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Krishnamacharya and his lineage—passed down through masters such as Pattabhi Jois and T.K.V. Desikachar—our vinyasa style emphasizes linking movement with breath, cultivating both strength and ease. We also draw inspiration from Hot Yoga lineages, specifically Jimmy Barkan and Cindy Lunsford. Our approach is creative yet accessible, balancing discipline with compassion. Classes integrate foundational postures, mindful sequencing, and breath awareness, while also honoring yoga’s deeper philosophy and energetic principles. Trainees and students are guided to explore not just the physical practice but also the inner work of yoga—awareness, presence, and connection. This style is designed to meet students of all levels and backgrounds, supporting them in developing strength, flexibility, focus, and a deeper connection to self.

Additional Information

Time commitment: In Studio at Soul Society Yoga: Fridays 5 - 8 PM Saturdays 8 AM - 5 PM Sundays 8 AM - 5 PM Expect 6 - 8 hours of independent study per month including reading, teaching practice, and homework assignments Attend at least 40 yoga classes throughout the training—at Soul Society Yoga or another studio—and complete one hour of reflective journaling per class. Your training includes the following perks: * An extensive printed and digital manual * Unlimited group yoga classes at Soul Society Yoga for the duration of the program * Free studio rental for one-hour community yoga class to hone your teaching skills post graduation * Use of showers, towels and all studio amenities and props throughout training Required Reading: Yogasoul YTT Manual (printed and digital copies provided) Bhagavad Gita: Talks between the Soul and God, by Ranchor Prime Living Your Yoga, by Judith Lasater Yamas and Niyamas, by Deborah Adel Science of Breath, by Rama, Rudolf Ballentine, and Allen Hymes Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Swami Satchidananda The Inspired Yoga Teacher, by Gabrielle Harris Suggested Reading: The Eight Limbs of Yoga: A Handbook for Living Yoga Philosophy, by Stuart Ray Sarbacker & Kevin Kimple Wise-Love, by Pranada Comtois

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Apply an understanding of anatomy and physiology directly to the mechanics and safety of yoga postures by accurately describing the appropriate joint movements and key muscles involved in a pose and in transitions.
Practice Skills	Practice the postures and pranayama techniques from the soul society school of yoga curriculum with mindfulness, excellent alignment, ability to link breath and movement consistently, and incorporating personal modifications for their own practice. Practice chanting the maha mantra with mala beads in your personal practice with correct technique, rhythm, and intention to support groundedness.
Teaching Skills	Describe key components of each posture in the soul socity school of yoga curriculum including key alignment points, sequencing considerations, modifications, variations, and effective cues. Teach ujjayi, dirga breath, bhramari, sama vritti and nadi shodhana pranayama accurately using correct preparatory postures, support optimal posture (potentially with props), including modifications for safety components, and with effective timing. Teach 20 core yin yoga postures and 5 auxiliary yin postures speaking to ideal posture depth and sensation, using appropriate timing, teaching safe entrances and exits, cuing a sustainable breath, and using necessary prop modifications to each student's individual needs. Use crystal sound bowls, koshi chimes, and the ocean drum to enhance student relaxation and meditative states with appropriate technique. Teach a comprehensive level 1 set yoga sequence containing up to 60 postures cuing clearly to support good posture, cuing appropriate breathing, and pacing the class effectively to align with the student's needs. Adapt the level 1 set yoga sequence based upon a chakra, a peak pose, a literary topic, or other theme creatively and sensibly including weaving in a philosphical intention or literary reference, adding a peak posture, incorporating posture variations, or through musical choices. Adapt their teaching using cues, verbal and hands-on assists, and props to effectively meet the varied needs and levels of all students in a class. Design a safe and balanced 60-minute yin yoga sequence incorporating a theme as inspired from "the language of yin" that organizes postures effectively and with appropriate timing.
Yoga History & Theory	Discuss the how the 8-limbs and the yamas and niyamas are relevant to your own life by describing how you may apply a yama or niyama to support a beneficial outcome to a real-life challenge. Apply an understanding of fundamental yoga history, philosophy, and mythology by using these elements to create a cohesive and purposeful class theme (dharma). Describe methodology of yin yoga as defined by paul grilley by accurately executing the three primary principles, explaining the difference between yin and yang tissues, and citing the need for anatomical variation in the practice. Compare the yoga sutras of patanjali and the bhagavad gita by comparing and contrasting their historical context, core philosophy, and practical methodology. Apply the practical philosophy of bhakti yoga to transform ordinary human love into "wise love" including the core teaching of bhakti in the bhagavad gita and demonstrating the application of at least three of the six pillars of bhakti in modern ethical and relationship contexts. Compare the methodology and physiological effects of five fundamental pranayama techniques (dirga, ujjayi, bhramari, nadi shodhana, and sama vritti) by comparing and contrasting each technique’s methodology, and physiological effects, and demonstrating understanding through discussion and experiential practice.

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

Program evaluations

Teaching evaluation
Special project

The vinyasa teaching evaluation will be conducted using a rubric. Each student will lead a 60-minute vinyasa yoga class based upon the provided set sequence. Students will be expected to incorporate elements including pranayama, yoga philosophy, and intention setting. See rubric for specific details. The yin teaching evaluation will be conducted using a rubric. Each student will teach one posture as part of a 60-minute yin yoga class. See rubric for specific details. The special project will include monthly written assessments and reflections, including journal prompts, literary analysis from required reading, individual and small-group presentations. Feedback will be given monthly. A journal compilation of assignments will be used to evaluate each student's comprehension and internalization of skills and concepts.

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Program Faculty

Featured Faculty

Julia, owner of award-winning Soul Society Yoga, brings two decades of movement practice, yogic study, and teaching to her classes. Julia has been influenced by many gifted and compassionate teachers along her yoga and spiritual path.

Julia Collins

Level 2

soulsocietystudio.com

Chester, MD, US

Adjunct Faculty

Jennifer Schrecongost

UNVERIFIED

Jennifer Schrecongost completed her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Emmanuelle Clouser and Jared Rowan of YogaVibez and her 300 hour with Kaivalya Yoga Method. She has been teaching hot vinyasa and vin yin regularly since 2021.

Policies

AYC Policies

Progam Code of Conduct

Refund Policy

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