Explore Your Uniqueness
Enthusiasm, eagerness to learn and an interest for personal development are the driving forces of my students. Playing and exploring, feeling what flows and what doesn’t. From curiosity. From uniqueness.
Attending this training will give you an understanding of the Yin yoga philosophy, anatomy and asana. You’ll learn to adapt poses within the physical and emotional boundaries of yourself and students. You’ll learn to feel what is needed, in that moment. Learning to connect with your heart, your inner wisdom, which tells you exactly how to use yoga to dissolve blockages and trigger transformations. The possibilities are endless.
Yoga goes beyond the physical practice alone, it is a connection with your heart, mind and soul.
During this 200-hour Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training YOU will be the focus of attention. Everyone is unique and everything is possible, I am convinced of that. And this attitude on life brings in light and space to grow as a human being. Whether you want to deepen your own practice, promote your spiritual and personal growth, or have the ambition to become a yoga teacher or coach, you are in the right place. It is your experience, your exploration, your path.
What characterises this training
What characterises this training is the open-minded and exploratory approach of my teachings. Fun comes first, to help you to become a self-confident yogi and an open-minded Yin yoga teacher, that shares yoga from a playful mindset and in a personal, safe and inspiring way.
Don’t get me wrong, we will work hard and in a short time your understanding of the body as a whole will increase considerably. But we let go of how poses are supposed to be performed, we let go of how others do it, and we let go of how our ego-mind wants us to do it.
What will distinguish you from other yoga teachers is:
- The ability to translate your understanding of the Yin yoga philosophy, anatomy and asana into a personalised and safe practice for yourself and others
- The tools you gain to inspire your students to grow through yoga, by facing their ‘inner work’.
I see life as a playground, with infinite possibilities. You get to choose. Always! And being experimental, playful and creative within the choices you have, is the key to a happy and free life.
Life is a playground, with infinite possibilities. You get to choose, every moment, again and again. Be bold, think big, play around!
A Deep Dive Into The Very Core Of Your Being
Yoga doesn’t stop at the physical aspect of the practice, so we won’t either! Especially in the second part of the training we go beyond skeletal variations and asanas, we dive into the core of our ‘Being’. Everything is energy, and this means that everything is connected, so our starting point is looking at the body in a holistic way and through the lens of Yoga Philosophy.
Our system consists of four bodies; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If there is an imbalance in one, it will automatically disrupt the other three. However if there is an energetic balance, then you yourself also experience balance. Then you feel energetic and creative, and your life flows effortlessly, joyfully and freely.
In the training we will rely on our gut feeling, breaking away from the usual interferences of the mind, playing with our body as a whole, and listening to what the heart tells us. I help you to become aware of what is happening on different levels (thought patterns, emotional reactions, physical sensations etc.) and how you can use the tools of yoga to get to your unique core.
Trainees experience the Yin Yoga and Anatomy Teacher Training as a unique, enriching and liberating journey. Read what they say about the training.
Are you ready to transform and become an inspiring teacher?
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What will you learn?
Asana
We will study 35 Yin asanas and their healing effects on the body (physical, mental, emotional and energetic). You’ll learn how to practice yoga poses functionally and safely, by focusing on feeling and experiencing the asana ( what works for you ), rather than simply performing the asana as it ‘should be’.
Anatomy & Eastern (yoga) philosophies on health and life
To have a holistic approach to your practice and teachings I like to fully integrate knowledge of anatomy, yoga philosophy and Eastern health theories. On the one hand we study the anatomical and physiological facets of our body (bones, muscles, fascia, joints, organ functions etc.) and on the other hand we study the basic principles of Eastern philosophies on health and life (e.g. Taoism, Meridian theory, Chi, 5 elements theory, Yoga Sutras).
I will teach you how to use the Eastern principles functionally in your classes.
Intelligently sequence and teach safe, personalised, creative and inspiring yoga classes
With your knowledge of the human body and a holistic view on movement, you will inspire others to explore their own bodies, and be able to open and strengthen themselves with a free body, mind and soul. In connection with the essence.
All of my trainings and classes are driven by my understanding of the skeleton-variation system, as I learned it from my teacher Paul Grilley; the founder of Yin yoga.
Exploring the layers and self-healing abilities of your unique body
The basic principles of Taoism, 5 Element Theory and the Yoga Sutras, help you to understand your constitution and how to restore physical, emotional and mental imbalance through yoga poses, meditation, pranayama and lifestyle. You’ll experience what it is like to truly live from a place of connection with yourself and with everything and everyone around you.
Explore the abilities and layers of your unique body with an open mind, making your personal Yin practice beneficial, fun and profound. As you walk your spiritual path of exploration, you will gather tools on ow to pass on your wisdom and make your yoga classes relevant on a spiritual healing level too.
I help you to deepen your own practice from an open and playful mindset, to do your ‘inner work’ and then pass your wisdom on in your own classes
Adjusting in a personalised way
You will learn how to effectively use props and how to give personal adjustments. With your knowledge of the human body (skeletal variation) and a holistic view on movement (everything is energy and connected each other), you will inspire students to explore their bodies, and to open and strengthen themselves in a beneficial way without unnecessary pain or injuries.
Result: a free body, mind and soul, able to achieve anything from a stable connection with your essence.
Pranayama techniques
Pranayama (breath work) is essential in the path of yoga. It supports the healing effects of the Yin practice on a physical, as well as an energetic and emotional level.
During the training you will learn how to guide yourself and others in the pranayama practice and adjust the intensity to a level that is most beneficial at that moment. Mastering various pranayama techniques helps you to gradually open yourself up, breaking through patterns and releasing blockages, you will learn to feel the more subtle energies in and around your body.
Mastering the art of being present
Through meditation and mindfulness you learn to be comfortably and calmly present in the moment, to observe without action or reaction from a nonjudgmental state of mind. Mastering the art of being present and developing a peaceful mind, enables you to really connect with yourself and with your students, creating a safe and calm energy in your classes allowing students to feel safe to open up to whatever arises.
The spiritual path of personal growth: your inner journey
Anything is possible, physically as well as mentally and emotionally. We are made to expand, grow and shine. So everything that comes across your path wants to show you something. Everything that you neglect , contains a lesson that will return again and again (these are patterns) until the lesson is learned and integrated.
In this so-called (emotional) darkness lies your growth, it is the opening for your light. We humans are able to reprogram our thoughts and behaviours, which enables you to achieve anything in this life. Yes, you too! As long as you do it in a way and pace that feels right for you. As long as you keep acknowledging your uniqueness along the way.
Get to know your inner being, your essence, your core and feel free for life.
Training Details
Anatomy, Physiology and Eastern Philosophies on Health & Life
An holistic approach in which Anatomy, Yoga Philosophy and Eastern Health theories (5 elements, chi and meridians) of the human body are combined, is the foundation of this training. It is the base for teaching beneficial, safe and personalized Yin yoga classes. You will learn about: bones, movements, joints, muscles, fascia, organ functions, meridian pathways, chi, Taoism, Yoga Sutras, Meridian Theory and 5 Elements Theory.
You will study the anatomical, Meridian and 5 Elements theories in a practical and playful way. We will use the power of repetition and the sensitivity of all of our senses. In this way the teachings are absorbed into the different layers of our being, and it often sticks better than simply learning the theory by heart.
With this knowledge you will also learn to analyze the individual possibilities, impossibilities and needs of your students, in order to offer personalized adjustments and suggestions, and teaching functionally (focusing on feeling and experiencing the pose), rather than aesthetically (focusing on how the pose ‘should be’ performed).
Personal Guidance And Feedback
I practice what I preach, so expect personal guidance during the training in deepening your practice, your inner journey, and developing your personal teaching style. I encourage you to experiment and reflect. This can provoke different reactions at different levels, because growing is and remains to be challenging (in which everyone is equal). I am here to guide and advise you in this personal process. I also encourage openness during the training days and within the study groups, so a safe environment is cultivated in which you can be completely yourself.
Integrating eastern wisdom and self-healing into your teaching style
The basic principles of Taoism, 5 Element Theory and the Yoga Sutras, help you to understand your constitution and how to restore physical, emotional and mental imbalance with yoga poses, meditation, pranayama and a certain lifestyle. You will experience what it is like to truly live in connection with yourself and with everything and everyone around you. As you walk this path of spiritual exploration, you will gain tools to pass on your wisdom and make your teachings relevant on a spiritual level too.
Preparation to be in front of the class
Together we learn and study the language of the body, so that you get a feeling of how to best assist people during the yoga class. You’ll learn to respond to individuals and situations, while not losing sight of the other participants. You will learn verbal and non-verbal instructional techniques, and learn how to smoothly integrate visual demonstrations, touching and personal adjustments into your classes for all levels; beginners, multi-level and experienced.
To bring your practice and that of your future students on a heart-mind level, you will be introduced to the essential basic concepts and application of both the Yoga Sutras and Taoism/Meridian Theory.
Self-Study & Homework
Let’s face it, we’re going to work hard and play loads in this training and I’m asking you to make that commitment. Take into account self-study, homework assignments, yoga practice and regular contact with your study group. You will immediately start teaching and adjusting poses in your own environment. After all, practicing in reality is where you learn, where you grow, and that’s what makes this training so valuable for you. A deepening of your knowledge, a deepening of – and sometimes confrontation with 😉 – yourself.
Check FAQ for a guesstimate on how many hours will be spent on self-study and homework outside of the contact hours in this training.
E-Learning
During the training you gain access to an online practice environment. The platform is an extension of the physical training days, so you can absorb the material even better. In your own time and at your own pace.
- All your assignments and personal feedback bundled in one place
- Access to videos and photos of practices learned in the lessons
- Possibility to practice and play with the practical and theoretical material (in the form of
quizzes and assignments) - Interaction possibilities with fellow students and the teacher via the forum
- Quick answers to your questions via the forum outside of the scheduled training days
- Access to the platform for up to six months after the training is fulfilled
Examination & Yoga Alliance Certification
During the training there are two moments of examination (halfway and at the end). At these moments your competence will be evaluated with regard to your own practice, theory and teaching. This concerns written assignments as well as practical exams. After successfully completing this Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training you will have sufficient contact hours for a YA certification and you can register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT 200 teacher (internationally recognised Yoga Teacher Certificate).
Check FAQ to learn more about requirements for obtaining a certificate
The 200-hour Yin & Anatomy Teacher Training takes between 14 and 18 months (depending on starting dates and location) and is held in both Utrecht (NL) and Barcelona (SP). Although the training consists of two parts of 100 hours, these can NOT be taken separately. The training is 200 hours in total.
After the first part ‘discover your body‘ you will have a few months to practice and integrate and digest what you have learned and experienced in the first half of the training. This creates a good basis and space in your head for the second part of the training ‘get to your core‘.
Part 1 (100 hours) Discover your body
Movement – Anatomy – Lower Body Poses
The first part focuses on the physical aspects (movements, skeleton and muscles) of the Yin practice, and gives you a solid foundation to teach and adjust the 20 yin yoga poses of the lower body in a safe and personal way.
What to expect in part 1:
- Daily meditation, pranayama (6 techniques) and Yin yoga practice (20 lower body asanas).
- Theory and practice in Anatomy and Physiology: study of bones, joints & movements (skeletal variation); muscles, muscle groups and fascia of the hips, legs and trunk.
- Understanding the anatomical differences between individuals and how to adapt the Yin Yoga practice accordingly.
- Understanding how to stimulate, strengthen and open the body in a healthy way.
- Personal development and self-reflection exercises.
- Practice of teaching and adjusting the 20 lower body poses.
- Practice of usage of props.
- Training in teaching safe and personalised Yin yoga classes.
- Understanding how to build a qualified, safe and inspiring yoga class.
- Introduction to the basics of Taoism and Chinese 5 elements theory and how this enriches the yoga practice. (In part 2 we will study the principles of Eastern philosophies on health and life, e.g. Taoism, meridian theory, chi, 5 elements theory, Yoga Sutras, in more depth.)
To bring your practice and that of your future students on a heart-mind level, you will be introduced to the essential basic concepts and application of both the Yoga Sutras and Taoism/Meridian Theory.
PART 2 (100 HOURS) – GET TO YOUR CORE
Energetic – Emotional/Mental – Upper Body Poses
The second part focuses on the energetic, emotional and healing aspects (meridians, chi, organs & emotions) of Yin yoga, and allows you to teach and adjust all 35 Yin asanas in a safe and profound way. In this part the focus is on spiritual development and personal growth. Just as each person’s physical body is unique, so is their energetic make-up.
In this part of the training we turn inside to get answers to questions such as:
- Who am I really?
- What do I really feel?
- What effect does a certain practice have on me, in all layers of my Being (emotional, physical, mental)?
- What do I need at that moment?
- And which tool (asana, meditation, pranayama, etc.) helps you to get to your core?
When we know this about ourselves, we can look specifically at how we can adapt Yin practice to break through destructive thinking patterns and blockages that hinder you.
What to expect in part 2:
- Daily meditation, pranayama (6 new techniques) and Yin yoga practice (15 upper body asanas).
- Extensive study of Oriental Health Theory (TCM) & 5 Elements Theory.
- Study of the most important yoga Sutras written by Patanjali (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi), and how to integrate this into your yoga journey.
- Theory and practice of anatomy and physiology: study of the upper body (muscles of arms and shoulders), repetition of the lower body (hips, legs, trunk) and an in-depth study of connective tissue, fascia and organs to understand the energetic anatomy of Chi and meridians.
- Theory and practice in energetic anatomy: study of Chi, meridians (energy pathways) and their connection to the organs and the 5 elements (water, wood, fire, earth, metal).
- Understanding one’s own thought patterns and healthy functioning of body and mind.
- Learning to recognize different forms of Chi – physical, mental and emotional reactions – and the ability to recognize imbalance.
- Insight on how to use Yin yoga to break through physical and/or energetic blockages and to balance a Chi imbalance (excess / deficiency) in yourself.
- Tools to safely guide others in breaking through their blockages, patterns and balancing the Chi flow.
- Personal development, spiritual exploration and self-reflection.
- Practice of teaching and adjusting the 15 upper body poses.
- Practice of usage of props.
- Learn to teach safe, personal and profound Yin yoga classes.
- Understanding how to build a quality, safe and inspiring yoga class that goes beyond physical practice alone.
YOU are an example, the greatest inspiration for others. On the yoga mat, but also outside the mat. Yoga goes beyond the physical practice alone, it is an expression of your heart, mind and soul. Just think of the yoga teachers you have experienced as ‘good’ in recent years, why is that? TRUE, because they touch you, offer recognition and inspire from their uniqueness. From their unique core.
For whom:
The Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training 200 hours is open to anyone who would like to deepen their own practice and/or give kick-ass yoga classes in the future. Because of the great understanding of the human body (anatomy and skeletal variations) that you gain, this training is also very relevant for people who want to exercise injury-free beyond the scope of yoga. Because you understand how to move your body in the best way, which is beneficial for you as a unique individual.
In addition, the training is also very suitable for those who are looking for spiritual and personal development. This combination makes the training a transformational experience.
Because of the emphasis on the energetic aspect of yoga practice and how you can use this for your inner journey, the training is also very enriching for (future) yoga coaches.
Prerequisites for participation:
Experience with the Yin yoga practice is required. You don’t have to be a pro, but you certainly have a good basis. This means:
- You have at least 6 months of experience in practicing Yin yoga (excluding online classes).
- You will be able to take a 1-hour Yin asana class every day.
- You can read and learn in English. Homework and practical assignments can be completed in Dutch, English or Spanish. The theory exam is multiple choice and is taken in English.
Are you questioning if your Yin experience is sufficient? Or you don’t have a Yin teacher nearby, so your experience is mainly online? Please contact me and together we will see if you have enough experience to start the training. I will be happy to help you figure out how to improve your basic level, so that you can still participate.
A good preparation for the Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training are my online classes, masterclasses, adjustments and anatomy workshops or Yin Yoga & reiki retreat in Spain.
When does the next Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training (200 hours) start and what is the price?
Check our upcoming Teacher Trainings on our Events page for the actual starting dates and prices of the training in Utrecht and Barcelona.
Is the training relevant if I don't want to become a Yin yoga teacher?
The Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training (200 hours) is suitable for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the anatomical and energetic aspects of yoga, and improve their own practice. Because of the great understanding of the human body (anatomy and skeletal variations) that you gain, this training is also very relevant for people who want to exercise injury-free beyond the scope of yoga.
This, in combination with the energetic aspect of yoga practice, makes the training a transformational experience. Whether you subsequently become a kick-ass teacher or yoga coach for others, or remain a loving teacher to yourself, is entirely up to you.
How much experience do I need to have with Yin yoga to do this 200 hours of training?
Experience with the Yin yoga practice is required. You don’t have to be a pro, but you certainly have a good basis. This means that you must have practiced Yin Yoga yourself for at least 6 months (excluding online classes). If you’ve been practicing Yin yoga for one year or more, you’ll be fine anyway.
By using a minimum level of experience, I can guarantee all my trainees a highly qualified training. Apart from that, I believe that you should always first experience the Yin yoga path yourself, do your inner work, before you can communicate this in your classes.
Are you questioning if your Yin experience is sufficient? Or you don’t have a Yin teacher nearby, so your experience is mainly online? Please contact me and together we will discuss if you have enough experience to start the training. I will be happy to help you figure out how to improve your basic level, so that you can still participate.
A good preparation for the Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training are my online classes, masterclasses, adjustments and anatomy workshops or Yin Yoga & reiki retreat in Spain.
Why is the Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training (200 hours) spread over 14 - 18 months?
Spreading the training over 14 – 18 months is a very conscious choice. I find it important that trainees have time to practice, study and integrate. Time to play! In this way you learn to reflect, build your self-confidence and will thoroughly ground what you have learned in your system. Moreover, a lot of things can come up in your system during the training. It takes time to digest this, to actually break through old beliefs and patterns.
The power lies in repetition, pulling yourself out of that comfort zone over and over again, so that you can grow on a personal and spiritual level.
Apart from the inner journey, this setup also gives room for gaining practical experience. Many of my trainees already start teaching in small studios, gyms or in private with friends and family during the training. Because of this they make a lot of practical hours and after obtaining their certificate they can confidently expand their classes.
Physical and Energetic Profundity
By dividing the training into 2 parts you will have space to deepen your own practice and grow personally. During the first half of the training (100 hours) we will focus on the physical aspects (movements, skeleton and muscles) of Yin yoga. The second part (100 hours) will focus on the energetic, emotional and healing aspects (meridians, chi, organs & emotions) of Yin yoga, allowing you to teach and adjust all 35 Yin yoga postures in a safe and profound way. In this part we will turn inward and face the confrontation with who we are and what we do.
The setup per part is as follows:
- Part 1
7 day intensive: Fri-Fri (Tuesday free)
4 day intensive: Thur-Sun (+/- 2 months later)
3 day intensive: Fri-Sun (+/- 2 months later) - Part 2
7 day intensive: Sat-Sat (Wednesday free)
4 day intensive: Thur-Sun (+/- 2 months later)
2 day intensive: Sat-Sun (+/- 1 month later)
3 day intensive: Fri-Sun (+/- 2 months later)
A training day is from 9:30 to 17:00. Between part 1 and 2 there is a break of approximately months to integrate, digest and practice. You will receive the exact time schedule and content of the days by email after registration.
The setup of this Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training meets the Yoga Alliance standards as specified on their website: www.yogaalliance.org.
- Part 1
What are the prerequisites for obtaining your certificate?
For the successful completion of the Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training (200 hours) the following requirements apply:
- Participation in all classroom training days. You may miss a maximum of 15 hours (2 days) of the 200 hours to qualify for the certificate, if agreed with your teachers.
- Successful completion of homework, assignments and theory exams. This means approved by the relevant trainer.
- Participation and successful completion of the 2 practical exams during the training (halfway through and at the end). The practical exams involve giving a lesson and are decisive for obtaining your certificate. The most important criteria for passing: Can you safely give a complete Yin yoga class, in which you carefully guide students through verbal and manual (subtle touches) adjustments, so that the practice is beneficial for their body and emotional state of Being. The judgment of the trainer – me 😉 – is decisive in this.
- If, due to circumstances, all graduation requirements cannot be met, we will determine which aspects of the training have to be done again in order for you to obtain your certificate.
- If the anatomical and philosophical aspects of yoga are not sufficiently applied in the practical class, you can take part in the yearly planned exam day outside the training. You will receive a feedback form from me with points of improvement.
When you have successfully completed this Yin Yoga & Anatomy Teacher Training, you will receive a 200 hour certificate certified by Yoga Alliance. You can then register with Yoga Alliance as a RYT 200 teacher (internationally recognised Yoga Teacher Certificate).
How much time do I spend on average on self-study and homework outside the training days?
Of course this is entirely up to you and varies per person. After all, everyone is unique 🙂
The homework is designed to support the material covered in class and to help you integrate it into your own practice and the way you teach. Practicing with your fellow students is very valuable because you can learn from each other and they are able to give targeted feedback (which is not the case when practicing with non-teachers).
On average you can assume:
- 1 – 2 hours of Yin yoga and meditation p.w. (self-practise or taking classes externally)
- 4 – 8 hours homework p.w.
- Meet with your practice group once or twice a month
Am I sufficiently qualified to teach yoga once I have completed the training?
Yes!
Many of my trainees start teaching in small studios, gyms or in private with friends and family during the training. As a result, they make a lot of flying hours and can confidently increase their classes after obtaining their certificate.
But hey, learning and growing never stops. And keep in mind that, once on the path of yoga teacher, that eagerness of deepening only increases. Fortunately, there are infinitely many interesting directions within yoga and infinitely many inspiring yoga teachers, research for yourself what suits you.
Explore and discover your uniqueness!
Also check out my online classes, masterclasses, adjustments and anatomy workshops or Yin Yoga & reiki retreat in Spain.
Do I need to have prior training to follow this Yin Yoga Teacher training?
No.
The content of this training is so extensive and deepening that it is an excellent basis to start your career as a yoga teacher. You do not need to have already done another basic teacher training to follow this Yin Yoga Teacher Training.
Are there other teachers involved in this course besides José?
For further deepening, an acupuncturist guest teacher Elle Klink, will illuminate the Eastern philosophy from a therapeutic point of view in part 2 of the training.
What main language is used in this training?
Depending on the location (Utrecht or Barcelona) and attendees, the training days will be taught in English, Dutch or Spanish (English is used most often, specific questions can be answered in Dutch or Spanish if needed). The language of the materials (books, dvd’s, powerpoint and readers) is English.
Still looking for answers?
Let me help you! I love to connect with you to make sure the Teacher Training program fits your needs. Feel free to contact me.
What students say
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