Independent Yoga Network

Yoga Teacher Training with Hi-Ki Yoga & Therapies (Yoga Register School)

Principals: Rosalind Widdowson & Swami Tantramurti Saraswati

Between them Rosalind Widdowson and Swami Tantramurti Saraswati have over 70 years of experience as Yoga Teachers and have written several books on Yoga and Therapies (e.g. ‘Yoga for Pregnancy’ and ‘Head Massage’, both published by Hamlyn/Octopus. Their home, Worralls Grove, is set in the midst of the most wonderful Worcestershire countryside just outside the village of Arley. It comprises a beautifully renovated farmhouse and mill at a fabulous riverside location. It is both home and headquarters of Hi-Ki Yoga & Therapies and the Independent Yoga Network.

What is Hi-Ki Yoga?
Hi-Ki Yoga is an inspirational form of Yoga - a harmonious fusion and creative blend of modern and classical forms with modern movements. It is suitable for all ages and levels of ability since it encourages and rewards practitioners as they progress through stages of personal transformation, enhanced by subtle spiritual influence which brings calmness, self-belief and physical strength. The Hi-Ki approach stretches and eases the body in a safe, relaxing and calm way whilst working towards a final graceful expression which is enhanced by pranayama, mudra and bandha. Together with deep relaxation techniques and transformative meditation techniques it aligns, balances and transforms the body, mind and spirit. Hi Ki enables the real self to shine through. Open to anyone of any age and ability who wishes to discover who they really are and pass it on to others.

Hi-Ki Yoga acknowledges its heritage from the recognised teaching traditions of Swami Satyananda Saraswati, B.K..S. Iyengar and Sunita. The aim of the school is to pass on the flame of inspiration to the next generation of teachers by providing a stimulating learning environment where students are supported, nurtured and encouraged to grow both spiritually and personally.

The Courses:
Hi-Ki offers a 100 hour Foundation Yoga Course (Year One) which builds into a comprehensive 200 hour Certificated Yoga Courses (Year Two) (Yoga Register School) or 500 hour Diploma Yoga Course (Year Three) (Yoga Register School) along with on-going Professional Development, Master Classes and Residential Intensives for established teachers from all traditions.

Graduates of a School on the Yoga Register (YRS) are entitled to use the letters YRT (Yoga Register Teacher) and benefit from a discounted subscription rate of £25 for annual entry on The Yoga Register (www.theyogaregister.org).

Hi-Ki Foundation Year:
This is designed for people wishing to expand their personal knowledge of the subject of Yoga and deepen their personal practice. It also serves as Year One, and prerequisite, to the 200 hour Certificated Teacher Training Course.

Criteria for eligibility for the Foundation Year are the same as for the Certificated Teacher Training Course and the subjects studied will be the Core Subjects identified in the Certificated Course syllabus.

Hi-Ki Teacher Training Certificate: (Foundation Year + 100 hours = 200 hours)
Initial Teacher Training will consist of a 200 hour Certificated Course, at least 160 hours of which are contact hours. The course should take 12 to 24 months.

Eligibility & Selection
All students to have practiced Yoga regularly for 18 months – 2 years with a recognized body of yoga (an affidavit is required from their existing teacher on headed paper as confirmation). However, if a prospective student can provide proof of qualification or structured study in another body work discipline, then they may be accepted onto the course after an assessment of their ability has been made. A health disclaimer will have to be signed by the student on commencement of the course.

Throughout the Teacher Training Course we will require students to attend weekly classes in their own area with an acceptably qualified teacher, we will need evidence of this and an attendance record will be required from their Yoga Teacher. Students will also be required to commit to study at home i.e. personal practice and theoretical study.

An assessment will be a pre-requisite of being accepted onto the course and will be conducted during an Open Day for prospective Teacher Trainees at Worralls Grove. Alternatively you may wish to attend a Yoga / Relaxation Weekend at Worralls Grove to get an overview of the School, it’s location, setting and what we have to offer, and your interview can be conducted during this weekend. The final decision for acceptance onto the course is at the Hi-Ki Directors discretion. Assessment arrangements for overseas students will be made on an individual basis.

Syllabus:

Practice Technique (100 Hours)
Asanas, Pranayamas, Mudras, Bhandas, Yoga Nidra & Sankalpa, Affirmations, Meditation (Classical Methods, Trataka, Ajapa Japa, Antar Mouna,) Mantra, Journaling / Spiritual Diary, Slip Second Formula – Core Subjects)
Anatomy (20 Hours)
Western Anatomy and Physiology - Core subjects
Yogic / Subtle Anatomy: Diagnostic Chakras; Healing Chakras; Nadis & Kundalini – Core Subjects
Philosophy (20 Hours)
History of Yoga, Various Yogas - (Hatha, Tantra, Raja, Jnana, Bhakti), Patanjali, Key Concepts: Gunas (aspects), Koshas (sheaths), Granthis (knots), Kleshas (afflictions), Prana (vital force)-Core Subjects
Teaching Practice (10 Hours)
Trainee Teachers will initially present to fellow students (building up gradually from 5 minute programs) progressing to teaching supervised classes.
Teaching Method / Skills (20 Hours)
Safety, First Aid, Class Planning / Structuring (incorporates skills of basic Feng Shui and setting the right tone for your class) Observation, Assisting / Correcting, Teaching Style, Personal Presentation Skills and Sanskrit.
Business Practice (10 Hours)
Motivation, Business Set Up, Business Presentation Skills, Marketing (Advertising / Press) Fees, Student Information, Venue Set, Health and Safety, Moving On – Core subjects
Reading Lists & Library Creation

Students will be required to attend a regular weekly Yoga class in their area and provide evidence of this.

Assessments / Body of Evidence:
Students will build an ongoing project book which will consist of Hi-Ki course materials, personal notes and research (Conclusions). All ”Core Subjects” as identified on the syllabus must have Conclusions. Also there will be the opportunity to explore personal creative ideas and document these within your project book. Assessment of teaching practice will be ongoing - Students will receive regular feedback from their tutors. Proof of regular, weekly attendance at a local Yoga class will be required.

Outcomes:
By the end of the course students will have a sound knowledge of:
- The History and Philosophy of Yoga
- Western Anatomy and Physiology and how it affects your teaching practices
- Subtle and energetic Anatomy - Diagnostic and Healing Chakras, Nadis, Kundalini, Mudras and
Bandhas
- The safe and sympathetic way to practice and teach a wide range of asanas including
modifications for a range of different abilities.
- Teaching skills, focusing on Hi-Ki sequencing techniques and class planning
- How to be creative with your class plans and presentation of your room/setting
- The practice and teaching of pranayama and meditation
- The use of deep relaxation – Yoga Nidra, Sankalpa and Slip Second Formula
- Good business practice – how to promote yourself and your business

The final decision on graduation from the course rests with the Hi-Ki Directors, who will take into account student’s performance, assessments and attitude throughout the course. The Directors may require you to undertake further study before allowing the candidate to graduate.

Course Calendar:
Year One
We will offer a one-year Personal Development / Foundation Year to cover the Core Subjects of Yoga (see syllabus – excluding Business Practice). This will be conducted on one Saturday (8 hours) per month for 10 months of the year (excludes August & December) = 80 contact hours (we also require a minimum of 20 non-contact hours of research/personal practice and continued weekly (proven/signed off) attendance at a local yoga class.

Year Two:
Will be conducted on one Sunday (8 hours) per month for 10 months of the year (excludes August & December) = 80 contact hours. This is more attuned to the practices of teaching yoga and business set-up. It too, requires a minimum of 20 non-contact hours of research/personal practice and continued weekly (proven/signed off) attendance at a local yoga class. It will revisit some of the Core subjects and expand on them in relation to utilizing them in a teaching situation. The second year will also include how to structure a class/term, prepare programmes/classes, initially to present to fellow teacher trainees (starting with 10 minutes and gradually progressing to 1-1½ hour classes), culminating in presenting supervised classes at Worralls Grove. Business Practice will also be included during the second year.

Students wishing to complete the Teacher Training Certificate course in one year may do so by attending full weekends (one year completion of the course is at the discretion of Hi-Ki). Also as the Foundation Year will be running every year, any modules that have been missed can be re-visited the following year.

Fees & Payments:
We are committed to making our course available to all - regardless of status. Please contact us for pricing information and options.

Hi-Ki Teacher Training Diploma (Certificate + 300 hours = 500 hours)

Eligibility:
Diploma Teacher Training provides the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and specialize in areas where you have a particular interest. It also provides the opportunity, for qualified teachers, to train in a different style of Yoga and to increase their knowledge of Yoga whilst studying the Hi-Ki method. The diploma is available to those who have successfully completed the 200 hour Hi-Ki Teacher Training Certificate or comparable 200 hour level Yoga Teacher Training Course that meets with the approval of the Hi-Ki Directors.

Syllabus:

Practice Techniques (50 Hours - includes both training and practice of techniques)
Master Classes in - Asanas, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha, Yoga Nidra and Meditation. Also Tantra – Mantra - Yantra, Kiritan, Mandalas and Visioneering.
Anatomy and Physiology (15 Hours)
Knowledge of the effects of Asanas, Pranayama and Relaxation on the physiological responses of the body and how to use this in your class planning. In depth study of Yogic / Subtle Anatomy.
Philosophy (30 Hours)
The development and deepening of knowledge of yogic philosophical texts, including the Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Upanishads, Tantric Philosophy and other important spiritual works.
Teaching Methodology (10 Hours) & Teaching Practice (30 Hours)
Students will advance their own teaching / presentation skills using demonstration techniques, observation of other students, assisting / correcting posture and balance combined with the use of props. Students will also be required to teach, observe and assist in classes taught by others. The hours are a combination of both supervised and unsupervised.
Specialist Teaching (60 Hours made up from the following areas)
This will incorporate teaching skills needed to work with specific groups.
All students will study:
Yoga for Children
Yoga for Pregnancy

The balance of hours will be made up from the following categories and will be chosen by the student to reflect their personal interests:

- Yoga for Special Needs Children
- Yoga In the community (hospitals, hospices, prisons, schools)
- Yoga for the elderly
- Workplace / Corporate Yoga
- Remedial Yoga, how it can help manage: fertility and woman’s health, asthma, diabetes, cardio-vascular conditions and other 21st century ailments

Teaching Hours:
In addition to the above 195 hours training time, students will need to gain 100 hours of teaching experience before they are eligible to qualify (the 195 contact hours is added to the 180 hours gained on the Teacher Training Certificated to achieve the required level of contact hours for the 500 hour qualification).

Assessments / Body of Evidence:
As with the 200 hour course, students will be required to build an ongoing project book which will consist of Hi-Ki course materials, personal notes and research and a record of texts/books read.

Students will also produce a “mini thesis” on one of the Specialist Teaching subjects that will be presented to other students in order to broaden their knowledge and add to the Hi-Ki data base of study.

Assessment of students teaching methods and practice will be ongoing throughout the course, by means of personal feedback from the tutors after each presentation to fellow students. Students will also be assessed whilst teaching their own classes on at least 3 occasions.

Outcomes:
Completion of the Diploma Course provides students with an extensive knowledge of Yoga, its Philosophies, practices and the Hi-Ki teaching method. Students will be qualified to teach specialist groups within the community, as well as children and yoga for pregnancy. You will also be a qualified Hi-Ki Teacher Trainer.

Graduates of a School on the Yoga Register (YRS) are entitled to use the letters YRT (Yoga Register Teacher) and benefit from a discounted subscription rate of £25 for annual entry on The Yoga Register (www.theyogaregister.org).

Graduates will also be listed on the Hi-Ki Website as an Advanced Hi-Ki Teacher.

Fees & Payments:
We are committed to making our course available to all - regardless of status. Please contact us for pricing information and options.

Hi-Ki Ongoing Professional Development (OPD) / Hi-Ki Intensive Master Class Weekends:
All Hi-Ki trained professionals will be encouraged to maintain their links to the school in order to keep up to date with and expand their knowledge of Hi-Ki teaching techniques and to share your personal development and experiences with us.

There will be numerous opportunities to participate in Hi-Ki Project Work, notably our ongoing Education Projects, Book and TV Productions.

Master classes will be available at Worralls Grove for qualified teachers who want to acquire and develop further the Hi-Ki method. Yogis who simply want to deepen and nurture their own practice may also attend these weekends.

For further information:
website: www.hi-ki-yoga.co.uk
email: info@hi-ki-yoga.co.uk
write: Hi-Ki Yoga & Therapies, Worralls Grove, Upper Arley, Bewdley, Worcs DY12 1XL
call(International): 44 1299 - 861222. call(UK): 01299 - 861222.