A great school to learn how to teach
I completed my 200hours Yoga teacher training course in April 2016. As all of you who read this I was extremely confused with so many yoga schools in Rishikesh and spent weeks doing researches. But as it usually happens my sixth sense helped with my choice and was it not for the best!!
The school is located in Tapovan, which is just outside the busy tourist area of Rishikesh. It takes around 15 minutes to walk down to Lakshman Jhula. The Aloha beach is also a 15min walk in the other direction and we loved visiting it for sunbathing and splashing about in the Ganges. The beach is the perfect place for self-practice in the early mornings.
The rooms in the school are lovely – simple but clean. They have access to joint front and back balconies which give you wonderful views of the Himalayas - the perfect setting for meditation. The yoga studio on the top floor gives you the same views. It is light and spacious and with the windows open I almost felt I was practicing outdoors.
The groups in the school are small - up to 12 people and this is one of the best aspects of the school.
The morning session with Shekar was breaking sweat on all of our foreheads. Strong, controlled, demanding, working on strength and flexibility. Shekar is an inspirational teacher – calm, composed and focused who rarely said much but whenever he spoke I wanted to hear more of it – wise words, no pretence.
The evening classes with Arvind were equally intense, a lot of focus on strength and opening up the areas of stiffness. Our abdominal muscles were worked to their maximum! We learned how to teach with Arvind, everyone was given the opportunity to lead a 30min class and then a 1 hour class. After the class we received feedback and suggestions. We learnt about the structure of a Hatha yoga class, about timing, counter poses, breaks, and adjustments. I can say that after this intense month of training I feel confident enough to lead a class. Of course yoga is a life-long study so excuse my arrogance. I have a lot more to learn. But Arvind’s course gave me a good, steady base.
The anatomy lessons were a pleasure to attend. Ajay is an energetic, young and very knowledgeable teacher. He gave practical examples, told us stories and fables and made the muscles and bones less painful to learn. It was great to gain an insight in Aurveda, we talked about food habits, water drinking, cleansing techniques and a lot more. It always felt more as a discussion rather than a lesson
Buddhi Prakarsti, the philosophy teacher is another very imposing and knowledgeable figure. Initially I found it hard to tune into his lessons but ‘slowly slowly’ (our favourite group expression) he grew on me. He has knowledge in abundance and years of experience.
Rishikesh is a place that puts a spell on you. I feel strongly connected to it now and I have the feeling I will return one day. Rishikesh Yog Dham is a great school to begin your yoga journey and I wouldn’t hesitate to do my future training there too.
Good luck to all of you future yogis!
Namaste!