Want to become a competent, creative and confident teacher who can offer safe, intelligently structured and themed classes for various levels of experience?
This 8-month-long Spanda Institute Teacher Training is covered over 12 weekends, and led by Gea Krajcar and Spanda Institute team of teachers, taking place in the SOMA Yoga studio, inside the bbodance.
It is a hybrid training - the one that really works with your life, rather than requiring you to completely adjust your reality to accommodate it. Some lectures are delivered online on demand, so you can follow them from the comfort of your home. Our core faculty teachers, such as Spanda founder Nina Vukas, anatomy teacher Teresa Wohlmannstetter, and neuroscientist Marina Moric, cover these lectures.
Some weekends are hybrid: one day of in-person and one covered via recorded materials. Some weekends will be entirely in-person, and some, such as the one in December, will be fully online so you can create the time to study around holidays.
The core teachings of Spanda Vinyasa Yoga School are rooted in Spanda Vinyasa Method. Our Method stems from Hatha Yoga teachings, Classical Yoga philosophy, Tantric teachings, Ayurveda's understanding of nature, the Five Elements, and contemporary sciences like Anatomy and physiology, Neurology, and Psychology. Our comprehensive Method will give you tools to teach with confidence; a sequencing method that is logical and organic, a deep understanding of movement biomechanics as well as the subtle body. This means you won’t learn only one set sequence, but a method of delivering intelligently structured classes from beginners to advanced, that doesn’t take much of your time.
Generally, everything we teach is backed up with evidence, even regarding Yogic tradition. We are passionate about finding meeting points between tradition and science and don't believe in following dogmas. Our teachers, no matter how senior and how much knowledge they might have, are not gurus but fellow humans on the path of Yoga and Wellbeing.
What will you learn?
You will learn a Method called Spanda Vinyasa; as the name suggests, it's a more dynamic Vinyasa style of Yoga practice. However, we will also teach you how to adjust this practice for beginners and how to lead a relaxing, Restorative Yoga class.
We don't teach a set flow. Some parts will be a set sequence, but for the most part, we will give you a structure and teach you how to sequence not only creative but, more importantly, meaningful themed classes. You will also learn when to use different themes depending on your students, time of day, season and similar, drawing from the teachings of Ayurveda and the 5 elements. You will also learn to weave Yogic tools beyond asana into your class, such as pranayama, mudra, meditation, and mantra. You will get an excellent understanding of Anatomy and Physiology related to Yogic practices and an appreciation for our unique bodies.
If you are doing this training for yourself and not necessarily to teach, you will be able to create healing, balancing, and empowering classes for yourself and your friends. If you are planning to teach, you will be able to do so literally the day after you get your diploma, as many of our students have.
Finally, we like to stay in touch and help you on your journey. We have a community page on our website you can use for your bio until you create your own; we will happily share your events and answer your questions. We often need assistants for our events and always choose from our Sangha (community). Once you study with us, you are always a part of Spanda Sangha.
If you would like to experience some of our classes to get the feel of the Method we teach, check out PRACTICE WITH US.
Program
Yoga and Ayurvedic principles - flowing with nature
Five Elements and their relationship with body/mind
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Bhumi (Earth) flow
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Agni (Fire) flow
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Vayu (Air) flow
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Jala (Water) flow
Introduction to Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Teaching and assisting practicum
Ethics and business of teaching yoga
Teaching methodology
Practicum
+ Reading assignments and homework
Yoga History and Tradition
Applied Anatomy & Biomechanics
Introduction to Ayurveda
Asana alignment and adaptation
Five Principles of the Spanda Vinyasa Method
Five Foundations of the Spanda Vinyasa Method
Progressive sequencing
Pranayama, Mudra, Mantra
Building a class with a theme - Spanda Vinyasa
Beginners class sequence + modifications
Restorative class sequence + working with props
Safe adjustments
Common injuries
Prerequisites
Aligned with Yoga Alliance standards, we require a minimum of one year of continuous and dedicated yoga practice which your teacher or teachers can vouch for (via the letter of recommendation), a good understanding of the English language, and a dedication to study and practice. If you cannot provide a letter of recommendation, let us know and we will schedule an interview.
We know that each person is different, and believe no one better can decide if this program is for you but - you. Having said this we would like to stress out that this is a rich and intensive program, both for your body and your mind. To get your diploma you will be required to attend all the hours and pass both written and teaching exams, but we will make sure that you do.
Dates and schedule
DATES 2024
Oct 12/13 - hybrid weekend (Saturday in-person / Sunday online)
Nov 09/10 - hybrid weekend (Saturday online Sunday in-person)
Nov 30/ Dec 01 - In-person weekend
Dec 14/15 - online weekend
DATES 2025
Jan 18/19 - in-person weekend
Feb 15/16 - in-person weekend
Mar 01/02 - in-person weekend
Mar 29/30 - online weekend
April 12/13 - in-person weekend
May 03/04 - in-person weekend
May 17/18 – online live zoom + recordings (Saturday only)
June 07/08 – in person (practical exams, diploma ceremony)
IN-PERSON SCHEDULE*
09:00 - 10:30 morning practice
10:45 - 13:00 morning lectures
13:00 - 14:30 lunch break
14:30 - 18:00 afternoon lectures and practicum
*The schedule might change slightly adjusting to the needs of the group
Student testimonials
"Gea's extensive knowledge and expertise in asanas and body movements have profoundly impacted my body and mind. Through her guidance, I have experienced a gradual release of tension in various parts of my body, as well as a calming effect on my nervous system. Gea has shown me that yoga can truly be a healing path. In addition to the physical and mental benefits, Gea has provided me with a solid foundation for creating customized yoga classes for different levels, seasons, purposes, and body parts. My progress in leading yoga sessions has been gradual, but with each assignment and practice, I have gained more confidence. The homework assigned was always challenging yet manageable. Gea was a great support - giving simple, clear, and effective feedback. One of the highlights of the training was the opportunity to practice teaching with other participants. We were also required to record different parts of our self-practice, which allowed us to step out of our comfort zones. This experience has not only impacted my yoga journey but also other areas of my life. I now feel more confident standing in front of a group and presenting myself. Gea's ability to hold the space for the entire group was truly remarkable. She was focused, grounded, and present, serving as an example of how to teach any yoga class. Her dedication and commitment to her students were evident throughout the training. Thank you, Gea!" - Mariana
"Spanda method gave me a sense of security immediately after finishing the training while I was still a new teacher. There is a certain order that allows you to be sure in your teaching while at the same time opening room for improvisation and designing a class that is interesting and different every time. Gea is a precise and compassionate teacher with immense knowledge and experience. I couldn't have wished for a better teacher." - Tanja
"I am thrilled to share my heartfelt testimonial for our lead teacher during the Yoga Teacher Training. The training sessions were a perfect blend of openness, fun, and relaxation, all while maintaining a level of discipline essential for our growth. Gea's ability to strike this delicate balance fostered a supportive and encouraging environment where learning flourished. Her commitment to preparing us for leading our first yoga classes was evident in every aspect of the training. The practical insights, hands-on experience, and constructive feedback she provided were instrumental in building our confidence and refining our teaching skills. I am deeply grateful for the attention to detail she exhibited, ensuring that we understood the theory and could apply it effectively in a real-life teaching setting. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking an exceptional guide on their path to becoming a certified yoga instructor." - Anja
“One word that I would use to describe the yoga teacher training is interdependent. On one hand, you can remain independent and free in terms of how and where you study, practice, and live your daily life. On the other hand, you are provided with the necessary tools and wisdom to feel stable and secure throughout the 8-month journey. For me, this particular yoga teacher training is both strong and flexible. It provides a well-devised and durable plan, and at the same time, it is supple so the student can create his or her own schedule within the framework that is provided for you. And for any reason if you may feel lost or insecure within the game plan, what gave me the most self-assurance is that I knew with one call or text Gea would be there to erase any self-doubt and instill power within myself to become a confident yoga teacher.” - Christopher
Faculty
Gea Krajcar ~ Lead trainer ~ E-RYT500, RPYT
Gea offers a heart-centered yoga practice rich with creative sequencing, chanting, functional alignment, and skillfully woven yoga philosophy for inspired living. She aims to honor the ancient wisdom of yoga, be inspired by modern science, and convey the often misunderstood Yogic philosophy & spiritual teachings in an easily digestible way for a modern practitioner of yoga & meditation.
She is the founder of the SOMA Yoga studio in Wandsworth, and besides that, she is a part of the Spanda Institute faculty as the Program Director for Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga TT, lead teacher on 200h Yoga teacher trainings, and a teacher and mentor for the advanced 500h teacher training.
Instagram: @gea.yoga
Nina Vukas ~ Program Director, Trainer ~ E-RYT 500, RPYT, IAYT
Nina is a founder of Spanda Institute and a Program Director for the 200-hour program you will be attending. She will be in charge of the online part of the training covering Yoga History and Tradition, Anatomy, Subtle Anatomy, Beyond Asana module, Ayurveda, and The Business of Teaching Yoga module. She will also join you in person for an introduction to Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.
Nina has been a Yoga practitioner since 1998., started teaching full time in 2005., and has been educating yogis on their journey towards becoming Yoga Teachers, as well as educating Yoga Teachers to advance their knowledge and teaching skills since 2009. She is also a Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever student. Currently, she is studying Psychology.
Instagram: @nina__vukas
Anatomy & physiology teachers
Your anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics teachers will cover all the anatomy basics you need to know to teach with confidence.
They include:
Teresa Wohlmannstetter - Intro to anatomy, bones, and joints, applied anatomy of injuries
Marina Moric - nervous system
Perks
10 CLASS PACK @ SOMA
Upon registration you will receive a 10-class pass for SOMA Yoga (worth 140£) included in your tuition which you can start using anytime after you sign up.
CARBON NEUTRAL
Our Teacher Training courses are carbon neutral. To offset the emissions of our team and students traveling to the location, we plant trees worldwide. Please check the link for more information about our Yogis4Future initiative.
Investment
PAYMENT IN FULL
500£ non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot
Early Bird*- 2700£ (deposit + remaining 2200£ due by Jun 1st, 2024)
Late Bird - 3000£ (deposit + remaining 2500£ due by Oct 1st 2024)
THREE INSTALMENTS
Full tuition of 3200£ paid as follows:
500£ non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot
3 x 900£ (due by Octo 15th, 2024; Jan 15th, 2025; Apr 15th 2024)
TERMS
If your application is accepted, a non-refundable registration fee is required to reserve your place. This registration fee is non-refundable unless we cancel the training. To get the Early Bird discount, the full amount is due by the date of the event. Late Bird's full amount should be by the date stated in the event. If, for a medical or other life-altering reason, the student is unable to participate in the training and can provide proof, 60% of the paid amount minus the registration fee (deposit) will be refunded if cancelled 60 days or more before the training. If cancelled for 59 or fewer days, 50% of the tuition (not the accommodation and food cost) might be refunded after the program director's consideration. Please note that any additional costs like bank transfer and currency conversion fees are paid by the student. The school should receive a full tuition amount.