Since PranaShanti’s inception in 2008, Devinder Kaur, envisioned Ottawa’s first 300-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Program. Seeing the need for advanced yogic studies in the region, in 2014, Devinder Kaur with Steffi Retzlaff’s support and background in adult higher education began researching approaches for PranaShanti’s newest training program.
Following this initial stage, Kathleen Burr, with her expertise in program development, continued the work and formulated the program that we offer today. We are grateful to Steffi and Kathleen for their dedication and contributions to this exceptional program.
PranaShanti Yoga Centre’s 300 Hour Program is a comprehensive course of study that delves deeply into all aspects of Yoga to build on the knowledge and skills developed at the 200-Hour Level. This self-paced modular approach to advanced Yogic education allows you to customize a pathway based on your own unique needs.
We believe that studying with a variety of highly trained teachers increases everyone’s knowledge and depth of experience. Our dedicated and skilled faculty deliver a well-rounded curriculum that enables you to refine your expertise in particular areas of interest due to their areas of specialization. You are welcome to start taking 300 Hour Level courses and formally enroll in the program at any time throughout the year.
Some benefits of formal enrollment in the program: Since PranaShanti is an ESDC Certified Educational Institution, you will receive a tuition tax receipt once a year as long as you are enrolled in the program and actively taking courses; you will also be able to complete the practicum requirements detailed below as a student in the 300-Hour program (these cannot be completed if you are not enrolled); if you complete the program as a formally enrolled student, you will be eligible for 300-Hour Certification.
Please note: completion of a 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program is a prerequisite to the 300-Hour program. If you have not yet completed a 200-Hour program, PranaShanti offers two per year: a part-time program that begins every fall and a summer intensive from June to August.
Yoga Alliance Standards and Certification
Yoga Alliance® is the largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Their mission is to promote and support the integrity and diversity of the teaching of yoga.
PranaShanti Yoga Centre is a Registered Yoga School (RYS) with Yoga Alliance and Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) are responsible for delivering the curriculum for this program.
After successful completion of the 300 Hour Program, you can opt to register with Yoga Alliance at the RYT 500 Level if you completed RYS 200 training and accrued 100 hours of teaching experience upon completion of your 200 Hour program.
Curriculum
The 300 Hour Program consists of the following components:
- 12 Core Modules that you are required to complete. This amounts to 200 contact hours and a total of 255 hours including non-contact hours; and
- A variety of Elective Options that you will choose. This includes a minimum of 90 contact hours and will ultimately amount to 300+ Hours including non-contact hours.
This program is based on the 5 Educational Categories outlined by Yoga Alliance with a minimum number of designated hours. At least 270 contact hours must be fulfilled. Thus, participants will complete 300+ Hours of study since time is allotted for training breaks in addition to pre- and post-assignments.
Approximately one Core Module or Elective Option will be offered each month. We intend to offer Core Modules on a yearly basis and Elective Options every second year. New Elective Options will be offered based on the needs and interests of participants. The Core Modules and Elective Options can be taken in any order. This program is self-initiated. With a completion window of five years, you can choose what courses to take and when. You will be responsible for updating a set of Tracking Sheets to ensure all requirements are met before submitting your whole package for certification.
Courses may be accompanied by pre- and post-training assignments. All assignments are to be submitted to PranaShanti after completing the requirements for a Core Module or Elective Option. Our Teaching Team will review and provide feedback as needed. Participants will keep copies of all marked documents and then ultimately submit with all materials in the final package.
- Restorative Yoga – Elective Option (30 Hours)
- Yin Yoga/Ying Yoga Foundation and Advanced – Elective Option (25-30 Hours)
- Meditation – Core Module (25 Hours)
- Pranayama/Breathe to Heal – Core Module (20 Hours)
- Sequencing – Core Module (20 Hours)
- Sanskrit Language – Core Module (6-10 Hours)
- Mantra and the Yoga of Sound – Core Module (10 Hours)
- Yoga for Everyone and Trauma-Informed Practice – Elective Module (20 Hours)
- Next Level Theming: Teaching that Awakens the Heart – Elective Option (20 Hours)
- Children’s Yoga and Mindfulness – Elective Option (20 Hours)
- Advanced Restorative Yoga – Elective Option (20 Hours)
- Yoga Nidra – Elective Option (15 Hours)
- Gentle Yoga – Elective Option (15 Hours)
- Chair Yoga – Elective Option (15 Hours)
- Yoga for Seniors and Healthy Aging Training – Elective Option (15 Hours)
- Hot Stone Restorative Yoga – Elective Option (6 Hours)
- Teaching Methodology – Core Module (20 Hours)
- Ethics and Business of Yoga/Conscious Business – Core Module (10 Hours)
- The Power of You: Define Your Authentic Voice – Elective Module (12 Hours)
- Anatomy, Physiology and Bio-Mechanics – Core Module (20 Hours)
- The Energetic Anatomy of Yoga (formerly called Yoga of the Subtle Body) – Core Module (20 Hours)
- Yogic Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics – Core Module (20 Hours)
- Principles of Ayurveda Foundation and Advanced – Core Module (20 Hours)
Self Study and Supported Learning – Core Module (40 Hours)
Practicum (10+ Hours)
- Teaching under the supervision of a Faculty Member during Core and Elective modules.
Cohort Classes (10 Hours)
- Participate in Cohort Classes at PranaShanti Yoga Centre held specifically for 300 Hour participants by Lead Trainers.
Personal Practice (10 Hours)
- Attend a variety of Hatha, Gentle, Restorative, Therapeutic and Yin Yoga classes at PranaShanti Yoga Centre and prepare a written review of your experiences.
Self Reflection (10 Hours)
- Read assigned books from the Reading List. When you approach the end of your training, complete 3 book reports based on the guidelines provided.
Mentorship (Optional)
- Schedule one-on-one sessions with 300-Hour Teachers.
Upcoming Courses
Courses are available as “Core” and “Elective” modules varying from small modules of 5 hours up to larger modules of 20 and 30 hours. Because our program is self-paced, you can decide when you would like to take each module. Our Course Listing is published based on the calendar year with courses paused in July and August for summer break.
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 4 pm ET each day
Instructor: Mike
Yoga for Seniors & Healthy Aging Training
For ALL practitioners, students and Teachers!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 5 pm ET each day
Instructor: Catherine Collobert, PhD.
Classical Yoga Philosophy
For ALL practitioners, students and Teachers!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 4 pm ET each day
Instructor: Mike
Chair Yoga Training
For ALL practitioners, students and Teachers!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 am ET – 5 pm ET each day
Instructor: Max Strom
Breathe to Heal Seminar
This 15-hour seminar is an opportunity for transformation. Step into a space that is designed for you to safely dive deep within yourself, to heal any wounds life has left you with and to tend to scars of struggles you’ve overcome.
Divided over 3 days you’ll be presented with a balanced program of lecture, writing, breathing and movement. The aim is for you to reconnect with yourself on a deep level, to reconcile with events in the past, to explore your direction in life and to learn techniques that will help you immediately to manage stress, anxiety and depression.
The added value to this in-person course is that besides the personal journey you’ll be on, experiencing this work as a group creates a supportive community. You are not alone.
For people from all levels of fitness and walks of life suffering from extreme stress. No previous experience necessary. The Breathe to Heal seminar is also extremely useful for medical practitioners, therapists, and yoga teachers who want to incorporate this work into their healing repertoire.
Teaching Yoga and Mindfulness to Children
For Parents, Caregivers, Teachers, Yoga Teachers and Yoga Students!
This course is designed to equip parents, caregivers, educators, and anyone working with children with the tools and techniques to bring Yoga and Mindfulness into children’s lives in a fun and engaging way!
Business of Yoga Training
For Yoga Teachers of ALL disciplines and Students interested in Teaching Yoga!
- The key aspects to consider when developing a Yoga Teacher business plan and your approach to teaching
- Tools for the effective day-to-day management of your Yoga Teaching business
- Identifying and articulating your unique offerings as a Yoga Teacher
- How to establish yourself as a professional in field of many Yoga Teachers
- Determining the most practical paths to gain teaching experience and professional development
- Tips and techniques for teaching online classes
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am ET – 6 pm ET each day
Instructor: Laurie and Stephane
Yin Yoga Teacher Training – Part 2
Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style of yoga, incorporating principles of traditional Chinese medicine, with asanas (postures) that are held for longer periods of time than in other styles. The sequences of postures are meant to stimulate the channels of the subtle body known as meridians in Chinese medicine and as nadis in Hatha yoga.
- Understanding the Meridian System and Qi and how it relates to the practice of Yin Yoga;
- Experiencing acupuncture to further appreciate the Meridian System and Qi;
- Developing a meditative state through the practice of Yin Yoga and Mindfulness;
- Exploring additional postures including contraindications, modifications and alternatives, the use of props and counter poses;
- Sequencing for Yin Yoga classes for specific themes and needs.
Introduction to Sanskrit: The Sacred Language of Yoga
In this course you will gain familiarity with the Sanskrit language through study of common words, pronunciations and common mispronunciations. Learn how to use potentially unfamiliar words with grace and smoothness to help students gain further understanding of the practice. We will explore the alphabet, its design and how it is written in the roman alphabet. Like this it will be easier to create the proper pronunciation as you read words and texts in transliterated Sanskrit.
The course will explore how to incorporate Sanskrit words into the theme of your class. This allows students to learn more words and also concepts that can deepen their practice. For example, how to use ahimsa or viveka as a theme that can carry through a class. Sanskrit Mantras: Om and beyond. We will learn several mantras, their meanings, stories and how to incorporate them into a class.
Friday: 6:30 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 5 pm ET each day
Instructor: Devinder
Yoga Nidra Training
Yoga Nidra, or yogic sleep, is a type of meditation based on the ancient yogic anatomy of the Koshas, the 5 subtle bodies. Sometimes described as a long savasana, it is actually a combination of deep body relaxation and mental awareness.
Yoga Nidra is a quiet journey inward to stillness that transforms and releases old habits, fatigue, worry, and stress. Yoga Nidra is a technique for physical rejuvenation, mental relaxation, spiritual growth, and overall wellness.
This training is for those who would like to offer students the opportunity to experience a systematic method of conscious relaxation. Yoga Nidra has been found to be effective in treating many of the physical symptoms of stress, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It is also helpful in the treatment of PTSD and addictions.
During our weekend together, we will:
- Explore the science, philosophy and practice of Yoga Nidra.
- Gain a solid understanding of how this practice can assist different populations.
- Learn how to practically present Yoga Nidra sessions in both group and individualized settings.
This introductory course is suitable for all Yoga students, Yoga Teachers, wellness instructors, mental health counselors, doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, and other health care professionals.
Advanced Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 5 pm ET each day
Instructor: Sonia
Principles and Practices of Ayurveda
Unlock the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and integrate it into your modern lifestyle for enhanced well-being and vitality!
Join Sonia for a comprehensive 20-hour course that will empower you with the knowledge and tools to harmonize your mind, body, and soul.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, this course is designed to help you discover and bring the ancient principles and practices of Ayurveda into your daily life.
Friday and Saturday: 9 am ET – 5 pm ET
Sunday: 9 am ET – 3 pm ET
Instructor: Devinder
Meditation Training
Certification Requirements
- All training must be completed at the same Registered Yoga School, PranaShanti Yoga Centre.
- During the program, you will be asked to complete a set of required and recommended readings. Core Modules and Elective Options may also have pre-requisite readings. In additional to all other assignments, a total of 3 book reports need to be submitted with your final package to successfully complete the Program.
- Once all requirements have been successfully completed you will be eligible to receive a 300-Hour Certificate.
Completion Policy
- If you miss up to 25 percent / 5 hours of a Core Module or Elective Option in Educational Categories 1-4: you may still complete the course by informing yourself of the material missed and scheduling a private session, at your cost, with the Teacher at PranaShanti Yoga Centre.
- If you miss more than 25 percent / 5 hours of a Core Module or Elective Option in Educational Categories 1-4: you will need to repeat the course.
- Educational Category 5 must be completed in full.
- Depending on the situation, other arrangements may be possible on compassionate grounds.
Investment
The program is self-paced and so is your investment. You pay for courses individually at the time of registration. The cost for Core Modules and Elective Options will vary due to the number of hours, number of teachers presenting in the module, early bird savings pricing and other factors. While we make every effort to keep courses as affordable as possible and minimize increases, fees will increase as our operating costs increase.
Approximate Costs for Potential Learning Pathway
Figures are based on early bird pricing, as of 2020, and the cost of books for required readings is not included.
Cost for Core Modules: 200 Contact Hours /255 Total Hours of Training
- Total for 13 Core Modules: $4,410 + HST
Cost for Elective Options: 72 Contact Hours / 85 Total Hours of Training
- Restorative Yoga (30 Hours): $440 + HST
- Yin Yoga (30 Hours): $550 + HST
- Body Reading and Hands-on Assists (10 Hours): $225 + HST
- Chair Yoga (15 Hours): $345 + HST
- Total for 4 Elective Options: $1,585 + HST
Investment for Potential Learning Pathway: 272 Contact Hours / 340 Total Hours of Training
- $5,995.00 + HST
Program Pre-Payment Option
SAVE! Pre-pay for your 300 Hour Program in advance for $6,774.35 including HST.