Over the past 18 years in Rochester, N.Y., twice in Iceland and 7 times in brussels, Europe. We have graduated over 500 teachers worldwide!
A creative program for yoga teachers, and an advanced study curriculum for yoga students.
Open Sky Yoga Center offers a unique opportunity to dive deeply into the practice, study and teaching of yoga. Our Essential Yoga Teacher training brings together 3 leading experts (80 years of teaching combined !) in āsana, pranāyama, the art of teaching, anatomy, yoga of sound, history / philosophy of yoga and ethics, and adaptive yoga. This high caliber course is designed for yoga practitioners who wish to launch or refine a teaching career, or simply to deepen their personal practice. You will learn how to see and understand bodies, the principles of alignment and use of props, how to plan and sequence a class, ethical guidelines, understanding your ayurvedic constitution, being comfortable with your voice for chanting mantra etc…
Emphasis on constructive feedback to prepare you to teach with confidence and clarity.
The core 9 month program includes 8 modules (including one on zoom live from France and recorded), and a 2h weekly class for teacher trainees.
Homework with written feedback– including reading, creative writing and journaling - will be given as the Journey unfolds, masterminded by Francois and also following Jo and Michaels week ends.
The 200+ Open Sky Yoga Certificate is recognized by Yoga Alliance (USA) and Yoga Alliance International (India)
THE MODULES
2024 September 20-22. Francois Raoult. Key note address. Opening poses. ujjayi pranāyama. The art of Sequencing a practice and a class (vinyasa). Savāsana.
October 19-20. Michael Amy. Experiential anatomy, exploring anatomical landmarks and gaining a felt sense of structure within the body.
November 16-17. Michael and Jo Amy. Classical Standing poses.
2025 January 11-12. Michael and Jo Amy. Backbends/Forward bends
January 15-16. Francois Raoult. Zoom Live and recorded Francois Pranāyama and Nāda. How to practice and teach the essential breathing practices. The 3 Bandha. Mantra and sacred music.
February 8-9. Michael and Jo Amy. Inversions.
March 8-9. Jo Amy. Practical philosophy: An experiential journey into the heart of Yoga, exploring the philosophies that expand our thinking around the concepts of human existence and why they are still relevant to our lives today; an embodied dive into consciousness.
April 12-13. Michael and Jo Amy. Adaptive/inclusive Yoga: An introduction to the mind-body practices accessible to everyone and what adaptive yoga is, and is not. An exploration into the inclusive universal truths of yoga and how they are accessible regardless of physical ability. Students will experience an adaptive yoga class and participate with adaptive yoga students in this module.
June 20-23. Francois, Jo and Michael. Written and teaching tests. Graduation ceremony.
A 2-hour Thursday evening class at the studio with Jo and/or Michael is required between October 1st to June 13. (no classes during holidays)
TUITION
$50 non-refundable application fee
Tuition $3850 including a $500 non-refundable deposit.
30% off for previous graduates of Open Sky Yoga 200 and 300 hr TT.
No refund after July 2024.
LOCATION
Open Sky Yoga Center. 5 Arnold Park, Rochester, N.Y.
Instructors
François Raoult, M.A., ERYT500, C-IAYT
François is the founder and director of Open Sky Yoga Center in Rochester, NY and has taught yoga since 1975. For a decade, he toured Europe with an avant-garde puppet theater and composed music for the plays. The manipulation of string puppets led him to explore yoga and tai chi. He conducts seminars, international retreats and teacher training worldwide. He also leads international retreats with his wife Nathalie in India, Mexico, Crete and Venice…. A graduate of the Ecole Nationale de Yoga in Paris (with direct disciples of Sri Krishnamacharya) and among the first french yoga instructors to study in Pune,India with Sri B.K.S. Iyengar from whom he received a Junior 3 certification. François also has explored meditation, ayurveda and experiential anatomy. Certified in Gong and Laughing Yoga(!). François completed the international Sound Healer program in Spain and also holds a master’s degree in Ethnomusicology.
Michael Amy, MSPT, E-RYT 500, OYI, C-IAYT
is a Registered Yoga Teacher at Open Sky, Certified Yoga Therapist and a licensed Physical Therapist with 27 years of experience. Michael completed Essential Teacher Training with Francois Raoult and Relax and Renew ® certification with Judith Lasater. Michael completed Opening Yoga Instructor/Adapting Yoga for Disability from Matthew Sanford's Mind Body Solutions and teaches a weekly adaptive yoga class for individuals with trauma, loss, and disability. Michael synthesizes his knowledge of anatomy, physiology, neuromuscular function and the core principles of yoga and mindfulness to help yoga students, yoga therapy clients and physical therapy clients discover their inner sense of freedom and a sense of well-being. michaelamyyogapt@gmail.com
Jo Amy - B.A. Phil, E-RYT 500, OYI
certified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 2008, studying extensively with UK senior teachers as well as Geeta and Abhijata Iyengar. Jo has also trained with adaptive Yoga pioneer, Matthew Sanford since 2010 and studied SATYA (Sensory Awareness Training for Yoga Attunement) with Tias Little. She co-developed an adaptive Yoga teacher training program for the UK and Italy and “Positive Movement” a program for people with mobility impairments. Jo is a passionate teacher weaving the wisdom of the body and the principles of Yoga to create a deeper connection and inhabit life more fully. Jo teaches beginner, general and intermediate level classes as well as private sessions. jo@yogashak.com
FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS PARTICIPANTS
I am changed as a result of this training. -Jenn
There are inadequate words to express my gratitude on all the knowledge you shared on the Iyengar lineage. The Open Sky is limitless. -Karol
The program was very well rounded and I appreciated that it incorporated all the aspects of Yoga. philosophy.. Even the homework assignments were fun to do and really helped to have the info sink in. I would recommend this training to anyone whether a beginner or an advanced student. -Eric
. What a treat to embrace Teacher Training a second time and have the luxury to soak up the real gems. -Sarah
This is not like any other teacher training. This makes you take a giant step on the way of personal development. I feel very energized and so grateful for this experience. -Corinne
The quality of all of the teachers in your program is by far the best, knowledgeable, experienced, full of passion and commitment and clearly a love for their part in the teaching. -Madeline
This teacher training was absolutely amazing. It is so comprehensive from music and chanting, to sanksrit, history, philosophy to asanas, pranayama and ayurveda -Sarah
This training has been very full of diamonds! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your discoveries and experiences, your teaching tips, your wisdom and humor. -Valerie
A powerful training and life-changing experience. I have a much broader and deeper understanding of yoga as a result. Highly recommended. -PRISCILLA
Excellente formation, enseignement précis au niveau physique, scientifique mais aussi spirituel. Open sky; ouverture des espaces corporels, mais aussi développement de la souplesse mentale et de l'ouverture d'esprit. MERCI!! -Sarah Mac Mullin
I am an experienced yoga instructor and last year, I took the Essential Yoga Teacher's Training.It was a decision that I never regretted and would encourage anyone who wants to renew and enlarge their knowledge of Iyengar's therapeutic practices, Ayurveda, anatomy, yoga philosophy, in general, or just to go on a spiritual voyage, to embark on this journey. The reading and homework assignments are gems waiting to be discovered. -Kay
I wanted answers. You taught me to search. I wanted to learn Yoga. You taught me to enjoy life. -Juste
Download and print flyer: PDF
For more information: Francois Raoult