RYS Application Template 2025

	A	B	C	D
1	TECHNIQUES, TRAINING, PRACTICE – 75 HOURS			5
2	— Asana —
3	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
4	Historical context	What content will your training cover regarding the historical context of asana?	The historical context of asana is based on the ancient Sanskrit texts Rig Vedas, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. pages 65-94
5	Poses specific to RYS’s lineage—must include sukhasana and savasana	What poses specific to your lineage (in addition to sukhasana and savasana) will you cover? How will you cover these poses?	Standing Poses: Mountain Pose (Tadasana): A foundational pose that emphasizes balance and grounding. Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana): A forward bend that stretches the spine and hamstrings. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): A versatile pose that stretches the entire body, often used as a transition between poses. Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): A standing pose that builds strength and stability in the legs and core. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): A standing pose that stretches the spine and hips. Tree Pose (Vrikshasana): A standing pose that improves balance and concentration. Seated Poses: Seated Forward Fold (Paschimottanasana): A seated forward bend that stretches the spine and hamstrings. Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana): A seated twist that massages the spine and improves digestion. Backbends: Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): A gentle backbend that strengthens the spine and opens the chest. Locust Pose (Shalabhasana): A backbend that strengthens the back and core. Bow Pose (Dhanurasana): A backbend that stretches the entire body. Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana): A backbend that strengthens the back and opens the chest. Other Poses: Child's Pose (Balasana): A restful pose that stretches the hips and lower back. Corpse Pose (Savasana): A relaxation pose that allows the body to rest and integrate the practice. among others, there are about 71 asanas that will be discussed and covered. pages 98-105, pages 142-285
6	Complete sequencing (asana, pranayama, meditation) to achieve particular effect safely	What will your trainees learn through guided practice?	The sequence will be first introduced with the foundations of asanas. Then we will learn pranayama and meditation, even before learning the asanas physically in the asana lab. Parts 3-7
7	Shared anatomical and alignment principles plus contraindications	What shared anatomical, alignment, and contraindication principles are delivered? How do you integrate these concepts into your trainees’ understanding of asana?	After the sequential learning, we will apply the alignment and contraindications, through anatomy and biomechanics. There will be a detailed description how to get to and out of the pose, its benefits, how to modify.
8	— Meditation —
9	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
10	Key meditation terms	What key meditation terms does your training cover? How are these integrated into trainees’ understanding of meditation?	Meditation terms such as dhyana will be discussed, as well as distinguishing it to mindfulness. This will be practiced even during the practice of asanas, how to practice different categories and styles of meditation.
11	Meditation methods by lineage	What meditation methods are covered in your training?	Meditation methods covered from the Vedas, Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Tibetan Buddhist practices will be covered. Different ways of how to meditate will be done over the course of the program, mostly conducted in-person or synchronous.
12	Ability to practice school’s chosen meditation practice	How will trainees be prepared to practice your school’s meditation method?	These methods while descriptive will be practiced before and during the duration of the course. While we will introduce different ways to meditate, we will be practicing and covering each, hand in hand with the asanas and daily sadhana for student teachers to inculcate in their practice.
13	Chanting, mantras, and mudras	What chanting, mantra, and mudra practices does your training cover? How are you integrating these techniques into the trainees’ understanding of meditation?	Based on the Hatha yoga lineage as covered in Hatha Yoga Pradipika 3.6 and 7. The mantras, mudras and chants is being introduced as early as the start of the course, as we believe in anchoring in traditions of yoga through this practice.
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15	— Pranayama & Subtle Body —
16	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
17	Historical context	What content will your training cover regarding the historical context of pranayama and subtle body?	The pranayama being discussed is based in the Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika. We will discuss the elements and types of pranayama, together with the bandhas, prana vayus, nadis and chakras.
18	Effects of pranayama on anatomy and subtle body	What content will your training cover regarding the effects of pranayama on anatomy and the subtle body?	The effect to the body and subtle body of Pranayama is then discussed as we break down the elements of the breath. To practice the elements of the Pranayama will allow the student teacher understand not just the breath but how they affect the anatomy and subtle body. Subtle body pp 55-65, Anatomy on Pranayama Part 2.
19	Complete sequencing of pranayama safely, including alternatives and adaptations	How do you define complete sequencing of pranayama? To what alternatives and adaptations will trainees be introduced?	The breaking down of the elements of Pranayama, its nature and types will be introduced and practiced to initiate the student teacher. The alternatives to be taught is not just the breaking down of breath, but to introduce the different types of Pranayama as desribed in Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
20	Ujjayi, Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, among others	What pranayama techniques are you covering in your training? How are you teaching these techniques?	The different types of Pranayama covered are described and mentioned according to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, nadi shodhona, ujjayi, surya bheadana, seetkari, sheetali, bhastrika and bhramari. These will be introduced as definitions and will be practiced accordingly, and during the daily sadhana and asanas.
21	Koshas, kleshas, chakras, nadis, and prana vayus	How are you teaching the foundational knowledge of the koshas, kleshas, chakras, nadis, and prana vayus?	These topics are spread out in the manual, Part 1, You and Yoga where the foundation of Ayurveda is introduced and thus the doshas and koshas are being described. Then the bandhas, prana vayus and nadis, as well as chakras, are being part of the Pranayama chapter.
22		Describe how you assess trainees' competency in this Educational Category.	We have a separate session where we practice all the types of Pranayama and apply it in a full class. This will be assessed not only through oral but also written exams.
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24	ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY – 30 HOURS (20 of which can be online)
25	— Anatomy —
26	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
27	Skeletal system – Major bones	What major bones of the skeletal system will your training cover? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of the skeletal system?	The anatomy and physiology parts of the manual is generally described in pp 290-294. The major bones we will cover and include the skull, spine, ribs, sternum, clavicle, shoulder blade, pelvis, and the bones of the limbs (humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, fibula, and the bones of the hands and feet). We use the Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle where the Skeletal System in Chapter 1 and then we even break it down further in the additional book, Supporting Yoga Students with Common Injuries and Conditions by Andrew McGonigle. This discussion will be part of breaking down the asanas, how to support, adjust and prevent injuries during the asanas.
28	Skeletal system –Types of joints	What types of joints will your training cover? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of the skeletal system?	The joints and its types will be introduced in the biomechanics part of the manual, pp 317-320. This will be applied during the asana practice and practice teaching, as most major bones should be known and identified by student teachers.
29	Skeletal system – Major muscles involved in asana	What major muscles will your training cover? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of the skeletal system and asana?	The manual will cover a general overview of the muscular system on pp 311-315. But this is also discussed in the books mentioned beforehand by Andrew McGonigle.
30	Skeletal system –Types of contraction	What types of contraction will your training cover? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of the skeletal system?	The muscle contraction is being discussed in general in the kinetic chain and biomechanics of the body, pp 317-324. This is also covered in the Chapter 1 of the MusculoSkeletal System of Andrew McGonigle and with visuals in the manual (page 313).
31	— Physiology —
32	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
33	Nervous system, incl. ‘fight, flight, freeze’stress response, vagal theory, overallmind-body connection	What foundational concepts of the nervous system does your training cover?How is this information related to the overall mind-body connection?Please note: All content must adhere to the Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice andqualify as foundational.	This is being discussed in general in the manual, pp 300-301. This is covered in the Physiology of Yoga (Andrew McGonigle) in Chapter 2 (pages 37-52).
34	Cardiovascular/circulatory, endocrine,digestive systems as they relate toyoga practice	What content does your training cover regarding the cardiovascular/circulatory,endocrine, and digestive systems? How will this be related to the trainees’understanding of the yoga practice?	Visuals are discussed in the manual, pp 295-319 and is covered in the Physiology of Yoga, Chapters 4, 6 and 8.
35	Respiratory system, incl. muscles that affectbreathing, involuntary vs. voluntary breath,and how air enters and leaves the body	What content does your training cover regarding the respiratory system? Howwill this be related to the trainees’ understanding of the muscles that affectbreathing, of involuntary vs voluntary breath, and of how air enters and leaves the body?	Visual representation is offered in the manual, pp 295-296 and is covered and discussed in the Physiology of Yoga Chapter 3.
36	— Biomechanics —
37	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
38	Types of joint movement	What types of joint movement does your training cover (i.e., flexion, extension, abduction, adduction)? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of movement in yoga?	General overview is being introduced in the biomechanics, pp. 317 and is further discussed in Chapter 1 of the Physiology of Yoga.
39	Joint stabilization	What content does your training cover regarding joint stabilization? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of movement in yoga?	As introduced in Chapter 1 of the Physiology of Yoga by Andrew McGonigle, this will be further discussed during the asana practice, adjustments and discussion of common injuries.
40	Safe movement as it pertains to balancing, stretching, awareness, and physical limitations	What content does your training cover regarding safe movement? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of balancing, stretching, awareness, and physical limitations? Please note: All content must adhere to the Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice and qualify as foundational.	In the coverage of the Asanas and Tools for Teaching Yoga Classes, accessibility and teaching student teachers of limitations is further discussed.
41	Contraindications, misalignments, adaptations	What content does your training cover regarding contraindications, misalignments, adaptations? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of movement in yoga?	This is further discussed in the book, Supporting Yoga Students with Common Injuries and Conditions and is also covered in the Tools for Teaching Yoga Classes (Part VIII). This is also discussed in each of the asanas with contraindications and things to observe when doing a particular pose.
42		Describe how you assess trainees' competency in this Educational Category.	To assess that the student teachers understand, we will conduct asana labs and practicum, to hold proper space for them.
43	YOGA HUMANITIES – 30 HOURS (20 of which can be online)
44	— History —
45	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
46	Term ‘yoga’	What content will your training cover regarding the historical context of the term ‘yoga’?	This is being covered in Part 2, What is Yoga. The origin of the word and basis on the ancient texts.
47	School’s lineage, style, and methodology	What content will your training cover regarding your school’s unique lineage and the intention for offering a training of this style? How does your methodology prepare trainees’ to be teachers?	As this is covered in Part 2 of the manual, all throughout the practice we will follow the Hatha Vinyasa style, according to Sage Patanjali (Yoga Sutras) and Swami Svatmarama (Hatha Yoga Pradipika), pages 69-72.
48	Dates and key ideas such as the Vedas, Vedanta, Hatha, Colonial, Modern	What key dates and ideas does your training cover regarding the history of yoga? What time periods receive a substantial emphasis in your program?	Part 2 will be covering the historical timeline of yoga, from pre-classical yoga, classical yoga, post-classical yoga and modern yoga. For this course, we are focusing the Classical, Post-Classical and Modern Yoga for better appreciation of the lineage.
49	— Philosophy —
50	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
51	Definition of yoga and key terms	What are the broad terms that your training will cover related to yoga philosophy? How does your training define yoga?	Not only we talk about yoga in general, the lineage and purpose of hatha yoga, but also introducing, defining and differentiating from the other styles of yoga. With that, yoga philosophy is introduced and mentioned in Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
52	Relationship between asana, pranayama, meditation per school’s approach	What content does your training cover regarding the relationship between asana, pranayama, and meditation? How will this be related to the trainees’ understanding of yoga philosophy?	In Part 2, What is Yoga the objectives cover what yoga is but also understanding, appreciating and applying the lineage, path and style.
53	Familiarity w/ major yogic texts (i.e., Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, Hatha Yoga Pradipika)	What major yogic texts are covered in your training? How will these texts be integrated into your training?	This is well covered in Part 2, with the highlight of the Gita, Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
54	Self-reflection on how philosophy relates to practice	What self-reflection techniques are provided to the trainees? How do you encourage self-reflection in your training as it pertains to the study of yoga philosophy? Please note: All content must adhere to the Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice.	Self-reflection application is not just reading the supplemental reading of Deborah Adele's The Yamas & Niyamas, but also holding further discussions during in-person and synchronous among student teachers. This will also be highlighted when creating classes based on these themes.
55	— Ethics —
56	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
57	Awareness of Yoga Sutras or similar yogic ethical precepts	What ethical concepts does your training cover as it relates to yoga? How will these concepts be integrated into your training?	As we use Iyengar's Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele, we anchor on these principles and not just being aware of it.
58	Relationship to Yoga Alliance’s Ethical Commitment	How are you covering Yoga Alliance’s guidelines, and how are the concepts integrated into your trainees’ understanding of ethics?	The Damayan Yoga Policies cover most of the ethical commitment and considerations aligned to Yoga Alliance. As we dedicate the gift of yoga to everybody and every body, we are committed to these policies and practice it.
59	Comprehension of and responsibility to increase equity in yoga	What specific content is covered in your training as it relates to equity in yoga? For example, how might you cover the overarching pathway of diversity, inclusion, and accessibility?	The chosen elective for this 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training is Trauma-Informed, and we believe that being a trauma-informed yoga teacher is essential in applying and promoting diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all.
60	Accountability measures	What accountability measures and resources do you have in place to promote ethical teaching practices? How will you integrate this into your trainees’ understanding of ethics?	Additional readings such as Light on Yoga, The Heart of Yoga, The Four Agreements and The Four-Way Path are such readings that highlight this understanding, as well as remind of Yoga Alliance's Shared Ethical Commitment
61	Self-reflection on how yoga ethics relate to practice and teaching	How do you encourage self-reflection in your training as it pertains to ethics and teaching?	We have the daily sadhana and sankalpa whether in-person or online class, and during the class we incorporate during asana practice, so the student teachers will be able to apply it among themselves and be aware of daily social injustices, biases and norms.
62		Describe how you assess trainees' competency in this Educational Category.	This will not just be applied during the practicum but to create personal projects for these student teachers, also during their assisting, observing and co-teaching yoga classes.
63	PROFESSIONAL ESSENTIALS – 50 HOURS
64	— Teaching Methodology —
65	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
66	Sequencing	How do you prepare trainees to safely teach a well-rounded class? What sequencing tools are provided to trainees?	It is the intention of this training to provide the students with a comprehensive class structure where they can work with containing a beginning, middle and end. We will teach them different ways to sequence eg peak pose, themed sequences, therapeutic sequences. We will teach how to sequence a class for 60 mins, 90 mins and how to build their own toolkit of sequences to suit their personality and student population
67	Pace	What pacing techniques are covered in your training? How do these concepts prepare trainees to safely teach?	We will be exploring the importance of pacing a well structured class. we want our trainess to learn how to slow down and give their students time to explore how they feel in each pose , not just going through the motion and making perfect shapes. They will do this by exploring their own practice and discovering how it feels for them
68	Environment	What content is covered regarding how to create a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment? How do these concepts prepare trainees to safely teach?	This is an accesible and trauma-informed yoga teacher training. We will be teaching our trainess how to adapt the practice to suit all bodies. As part of the YTT, trainees are encouraged to attend a wide variety of the many classes available in the strudio if they are not already doing so. They will be able to see for themselves the atmosphere we cultivate and how it impacts our business.
69	Cueing (verbal, visual, physical)	What is your training’s position on the different types of cues (verbal, visual, physical)? How does your specific methodology prepare trainees to safely teach?	Our position on cues is that our trainess learn to give clear verbal cues so people can practice even with their eyes closed and really experience what it feel like in their body. Hands on asssists are not encouraged and only with permission. We will be practicing how to give cues in your own voice. We will also be working on how to watch the room and give cues without having to touch. This will prepare students for the option of online teaching
70	Class management	What content is covered regarding overall class management? How do these concepts prepare trainees to understand group dynamics and their role as a teacher?	Other than the ethics and philosophy in yoga, Part 9, Yoga and Beyond further discusses on how to manage the dynamics of not just being a yoga teacher, but holding a yoga class and perhaps pursuing a career on teaching and managing a yoga business.
71	— Professional Development —
72	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
73	Yoga-related professional organizations, including the Yoga Alliance Credentialing Process	How do you address professional development in relation to yoga-related organizations? How do you encourage the trainees to seek RYT™ registration following the training? What tools do you provide to assist them with this?	In the Yoga and Beyond part of the course, we talk about building a career in yoga and accrediting their yoga training. We encourage being registered to arecognized body to pursue professional growth in yoga industry.
74	Ethical Commitment, including Scope of Practice, Code of Conduct, and Equity Position Statement	How does your training cover the Ethical Commitment as it pertains to the business and profession of yoga?	In the Yoga and Beyond part of the course, we are encouraging student teachers to go beyond learning yoga just for asana and considering the integrity and importance of respecting the traditions of yoga. As this course is considered of taking a peek of what yoga is, student teachers are encouraged to thrive in their practice and their future profession as a yoga teacher, not just in-person but also thriving online.
75	Lifetime of learning and continuing education	How do you address and encourage continuing education?	We have added the Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training course as a Yoga Elective, and this will be a stepping stone for student teachers to appreciate what to pursue and continue after they take this teacher training. As there is a teaching hours form in the appendix, this serves as checkpoint with their commitment to the practice and dedication to teaching.
76	General professionalism, including timeliness, consistency, cleanliness	What professionalism guidelines do you provide for your trainees?	After the general policies as aligned to the updated RYS standards of Yoga Alliance, this course covers guidelines how to conduct oneself in the school (shala), the scheduling whether intensive or weekends, student teacher responsibilities.
77	Marketing and promotion	What introductory marketing tools or business concepts are covered to support trainees’ growth?	The Yoga and Beyond part of the course gives outline on how to promote and market oneself. The Yoga in the Digital World and Teaching Yoga Online aim to help the student teacher to grow one's teaching path online.
78	Liability insurance, waivers, invoicing	What tools are being shared to help trainees understand business elements such as liability insurance, waivers, and invoicing?	In the Yoga and Beyond part of the course, the Misconceptions About Becoming A Yoga Teacher suggests what a teacher is really being paid for--and this includes these business elements. At the same time, the Student Teacher Responsibility has a clause to cover this and is being shown here.
79	— Practicum —
80	Core Competency	Description	Explanation for your RYS
81	Knowledge, skills, experience across 12 key competencies	What opportunities are the trainees given to show an understanding of all competencies covered? How will the trainees put their knowledge, skills, and experience into practice?	In the Appendix, Training Program Completion and Certification Requirements, the student teachers are given several means to put their knowledge, skills and experience into practice. This does not limit them in their active participation throughout the course, oral and written exams, practice teach, observe, assist, co-teach among others.
82	Mentorship component, incl. apprenticeship, feedback	What mentorship, apprenticeship, or feedback opportunities do you offer your trainees?	In the Code of Conduct, this school dedicates itself to looking after its student teachers during and even after the course. Feedback opportunities are there during the exams, practice teach, observe, assist and co-teaching.
83		Describe how you assess trainees' competency in this Educational Category.	To assess student teachers, the Student Teacher 200-hour Criteria for Certification and the Training Program Completion and Certification Requirements covers the following, Demonstrate knowledge, embodiment, and modeling of postures, including modifications, intuitive and evidence-based benefits, contraindications, and alignment principles. Demonstrate understanding and use of effective conscious communication skills. Demonstrate ability to lead basic pranayama, guided meditation, and relaxation. Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology—muscles, bones, and systems. Demonstrate knowledge of Damayan Yoga philosophy and methodology
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