Neighborhood Tour

About Astanga Yoga Teacher Training Programs

With M. S. Viswanatha, Yoga Master and Director
Foundation of Pathanjala Yoga Kendra
Bengaluru (Bangalore), India

I. Training Subjects and Formats

Yoga Teacher Training at FPYK consists of these primary subjects:

Yogasana
Pranayama & Mudra
Mantra & Japa
Yogic Philosophy, Psycology, & Lifestyle
Teaching Techniques and Methodology

Classes on the first three subjects are given most days while the second set is incorporated into satsanga discussions along with guidance in meditation, diet, lifestyle, etc.

Elective related subjects may be persued by students in the program.

Yogasana training is given in one of two formats:

Classic - Typically Chosen by students who have already learned a number of asanas and who are interested to incorporate VINYASA into their practice. Note that this practice is strictly modeled on the classic Astanga (Ashtanga) Vinyasa series'. Even if you have studied this tradition for some time, you will become more perfect in your knowledge and execution of these practices under the guidance of Masterji Viswanatha.
Fundamental - Chosen by students who may be new to yogasana; who have more than average physical limitation due to injury, disease, age, or lifestyle; who simply do not care for vinyasa; or who have challenges which make doing vinyasa too distracting for their practice. In other words, it is still great yogasana but without the demands of vinyasa and its' accompanying elements.

Note that Yoga Teacher Training may be undertaken by students favouring either category.

Students in training are expected to attend all the classes, and with this in mind the following focussed training programs have been created.

II. Program Descriptions:

i. 4 Week YTT Certificate

A 4 Week Intensive Yoga Teacher Training Program

Students entering this program begin at their convenience, study for a solid month, and receive a certificate of completion and credit toward the Yoga Shikshak 200 hour comprehensive certification program.

Please confirm in advance with the FPYK Programs department, of Masterji's availability during the 4 weeks you would like to enroll in this program. Use the Contact Us! form.

ii. Yoga Shikshak

A 200 hour Comprehensive Residential Yoga Teacher Training Program

This program provides at least 200 hours of study beginning on scheduled dates throughout the year. You will be awarded the YOGA SHIKSHAK teacher training certification upon completion.

Check the FPYK Yoga Newsletter of for start-dates for these programs.

iii. Yogacharya

A 500 hour Extended Comprehensive Residential Yoga Teacher Training Program

This program accomodates continuing students. It requires Yoga Shikshak certification followed by a waiting period of at least two years. A relatively uninterrupted residency* of nine months to one year is required. This program awards a 500 hour YOGACHARYA Yoga teacher training certification.

*See the About Accomodations Room and Board page for finer details.

III. Other Notes:

While you may easily discuss the yoga teacher training program with him when you come to study, feel free to contact the programs department, to discuss your personal yoga training goals.

Please consult the specific program pages and the FAQ page before writing. We may have already provided answers to your questions there. Namaskara.