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 (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.
The Energetic Anatomy of Yoga
As yoga practitioners, we can explore, become familiar with and have an immediate impact on our energetic or subtle body through various techniques such as asana (postures), pranayama (breathwork), mudras (hand gestures), mantras (repetition of sacred sounds or words) and meditation.Hot Stone Restorative Yoga Training
For ALL Yoga Teachers!
Mudras for Health and Healing
- Hasta Mudras to expand awareness;
- Sharira Mudras to awaken the breath;
- Merudanda Mudras to balance your energy levels.
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am ET – 6 pm ET
Instructor: Laurie and Stephane
Yin Yoga Teacher Training – Foundation
For ALL Yoga Teachers!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET – 6 pm ET
Instructor: Sonia
Principles of Ayurveda
Learn the core concepts of Ayurveda, an ancient tradition of healing, to enhance well-being and energy for the mind, body and soul.
Friday: 9 am ET – 5 pm ET
Saturday: 9 am ET – 5 pm ET
Sunday: 11:30 am ET – 5 pm ET
Instructor: Devinder
Meditation Training
“Meditation: Because some answers can only be found on the Inner net.” – Shira Tamir
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace.
While its highest and original purpose is to help us awaken our inner, spiritual nature, the benefits to body and mind are well established by medical research.
Practiced on a daily basis, meditation produces profound results on all levels of your being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It connects you with your own inner powers of vitality, clarity, and peace.
Join, PranaShanti Yoga Centre Director, Devinder Kaur, for a pragmatic introductory course to learn more about the powerful affects of meditation and how to teach simple and effective meditation techniques to others.
Advanced Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics Training
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 9 am ET to 5 pm ET
Instructor: Anne
Restorative Yoga Training – Advanced
Explore Restorative Yoga beyond the basics!
This advanced restorative yoga training is for experienced restorative yoga teachers and students who would like to expand their knowledge of this relaxing yoga practice.
We will learn various new poses not covered in introductory restorative yoga trainings, explore the physiology of relaxation and the therapeutic benefits of this practice.
We will explore the effects of rest on the body, mind and nervous system and the importance of finding calm in our busy lives.
Mondays (4): 6 pm ET – 8:30 pm ET
Instructor: Dev Suroop
Mantra and the Yoga of Sound
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students! Everyone is welcome – no prior experience required and you certainly do not need a ‘good singing voice’ – if you can breathe and speak you can experience the power of sound and your own voice!
Study the nature and power of sound and mantra, drawing from yoga philosophy, wisdom traditions and science. Explore sound practices from the vedic, tantric, bhakti and nada yoga traditions, to shift and awaken consciousness.
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am ET to 5 pm ET
Instructor: Dr. Nadya Pohran
Embodied Emotions: Complementing Mental Meditation Practices with Embodied Practices
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students!
Friday: 6 pm ET – 9 pm ET
Saturday and Sunday: 11 am ET to 5 pm ET
Instructor: Michael
Yoga for Seniors & Healthy Aging
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students!
Ethics and Business of Yoga
For ALL Yoga Teachers and Students!
- The Role and Identity of the Yoga Teacher
- Code of Ethics, Excellence and Professional Standards
- Responsibilities in the Class Setting and Outside the Class Setting – in-person and online
- 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 to 5 pm ET
Instructor: Kathleen
Trauma-Informed Practice
Everyone has been touched by trauma in some way, and there is a vital need for trauma-sensitive yoga and mindfulness.
Holding space is a continual learning process, and an environment is not a “safe space” just because a facilitator says so. Although teachers and other wellness practitioners show up with positive intent, offerings may have an unexpected impact. Many folks do not feel welcome, face obstacles of all kinds, and are sometimes adversely affected by what happens in yoga and mindfulness classes.
Through discussion about the dynamics of power and privilege, participants will learn more about systems of oppression and pathways to collective liberation to offer yoga in a way that honours the tradition and celebrates the full spectrum of human diversity. By understanding the connections between social justice, trauma and yoga, we can take skillful action.
This course explores trauma in a comprehensive way to understand the impacts and healing potentials. A wide variety of best practices and protocols are shared to create spaces that are genuinely inclusive and supportive. These trauma-sensitive tools for self-regulation and resiliency can be applied to any style of practice.
Participants will develop a trauma-informed lens and come away with resources to integrate into their own lives and to support the well-being of others. This course is an experiential learning opportunity designed to build on current capacities and empower sustainable service.
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 $6,943.85 including HST and Program Administration Fee ($199.00).