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: 6:30 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 5 pm ET
Instructor: Devinder
Yoga Nidra Training
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am ET – 6 pm ET
Instructor: Stephanie
Teaching Methodology
Enhance & Advance Your Teaching Skills
Friday: 7 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday: 10 am ET – 12 pm ET & 2 pm ET – 4 pm ET
Sunday: 9:30 am ET – 12 pm ET & 2 pm ET – 4:30 pm ET
Instructor: Max Strom
Max Strom: The Sunrise Within
Join a weekend with Max Strom: inspiring workshops and a training on breathwork, well-being, and emotional health.
Friday: 7 PM ET – 9 PM ET
Total Relaxation – Max Strom’s renowned rest & renewal
Learn and experience how to relax deeply. This special event will help you rest like you did long ago.
Saturday: 10 AM ET – 12 PM ET
Strength Grace Healing
Experience Max Strom’s unique yoga practice, called Inner Axis, with emphasis on emotional transformation. Class will include a short talk, inner axis yoga, non-dogmatic philosophy, breathing patterns, and meditation.
Saturday, 2 PM ET – 4 PM ET
Some Doors Open Only From the Inside – The healing power of transformational breath-work
The practices you will learn in this workshop will take you to new depths of insight and inspire you for weeks to come.
Sunday, 9:30 AM ET – 12:00 PM ET
The Sunrise Within Training
Part 1: The Secret of Using Movement & Postures to find stillness every time
Experience Max Strom’s unique practice that will enhance your strength, and yet brings you to a profound state of stillness. And learn how to teach others to experience this as well.
Sunday, 2 PM ET – 4:30 PM ET
The Sunrise Within Training
Part 2: Teaching cathartic breathwork
With the cathartic breathing techniques you learn in this training your students will be able to access memories more clearly, gain insights, and release long-held, obstructive emotions.
All levels are welcome. No previous experience necessary.
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 6 pm ET
Instructor: Sonia
Principles of Ayurveda
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students!
Learn the core concepts of Ayurveda, an ancient tradition of healing, to enhance well-being and energy for the mind, body and soul.
Friday and Saturday: 9 am ET – 5 pm ET
Sunday: 9 am ET – 3 pm ET
Instructor: Devinder
Meditation Training
“Meditation: Because some answers can only be found on the Inner net.” – Shira Tamir
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 1
For ALL practitioners, students and Teachers!
Friday and Saturday: 6:30 pm ET – 8:30 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am ET – 5 pm ET each day
Instructor: Anna
Exploring Yoga Props: Deepening Alignment and Self-Understanding
For ALL yoga students and Teachers!
Come and explore the effective use of basic yoga props like blocks, blankets, bolsters, the wall, the yoga chair, and yoga belts/ straps. Deepen your self-understanding through basic alignment techniques and the support of props.
In this course you will understand how props can support the unfolding and opening of the physical and subtle body. We will look at the layers of the body and understand how props can awaken the natural intelligence of the body.
Whether you want to become more confident in your current practice by integrating new techniques and refining your understanding of asana, or you’re curious how you can integrate props into a dynamic flow, this workshop has something for everyone!
We all have different shapes, flexibility, ability and energy levels. Props assist in the extension of our awareness and create opportunities to increase inner vitality!
Props are essentially guides for self-learning. Come play with props!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 ET
Saturday: 9 am ET – 4 pm ET
Sunday: 10 am ET – 2 pm ET
Instructor: Barrie
Skillful Sequencing: Designing Smart, Safe, and Creative Classes for All
For yoga Teachers of ALL disciplines!
Learn how to create safe and effective sequences for mixed-level group classes!
Embark on this transformative journey and become a skilled and compassionate yoga teacher who creates sequences that resonate with students of all levels of practice.
This comprehensive course offers you the opportunity to master the art of crafting safe and effective sequences tailored for mixed-level group classes. Whether you’re an experienced yoga teacher or embarking on your teaching journey, this training is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to guide your students toward holistic well-being through thoughtfully structured practices.
In this training, you’ll apply an alignment-based approach to intelligent and creative class that is grounded in applied anatomy and sound biomechanical principles. By applying this methodology, you will learn to guide your students through poses with a keen focus on correct alignment, facilitating enhanced benefits and a reduced risk of injury. These principles will empower you to offer guidance that not only enriches the physical practice but also nurtures a deeper connection between the mind, body, and breath.
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am ET – 5 pm ET each day
Instructor: Anne
Restorative Yoga Teacher Training – Foundation
For ALL practitioners, students and Teachers!
Our body needs rest.
Join Anne Wanda Tessier, an experienced restorative yoga teacher and trainer for this 30-hour foundational Restorative Yoga Teacher Training and learn about the benefits of rest on the body, mind, and nervous system.
Everyone experiences various levels of stress in our daily lives, from having too much on our to-do lists, navigating through big life changes and challenging situations, or experiencing stressful environmental and physical conditions. We can sometimes feel overwhelmed, tired, depleted, or even burnt out. We need to rest.
Restorative yoga is a style of yoga which uses props to support the body in various poses to help the body relax and to facilitate health and overall well–being. This practice is useful to soothe the nervous system, help reduce anxiety and stress, and bring the body back to a state of calm where the body functions properly. It is an opportunity to find balance in our busy lives.
Through direct experience, practice teaching and feedback, you leave this training with the ability to confidently teach a restorative class and learn how you can incorporate restorative yoga in your personal practice.
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 – 4 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!
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.