Step into your transformation.

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Now Accepting Applications for 2027

Early enrollment savings are available for a limited time.

Bhakti Yoga DC’s 200-Hour Teacher Training is an invitation to live more deeply into the practice of yoga—through the body, the breath, the teachings, and the heart.

Rooted in yoga’s living traditions, the program weaves together asana, anatomy, teaching methodology, philosophy, meditation, pranayama, mantra, ritual, and self-inquiry.

Whether you feel called to teach or simply want to deepen your relationship with yoga, you’ll be supported in developing knowledge, confidence, discernment, and your own authentic voice.

January 22–May 2, 2027 · Eight in-person training weekends

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What You’ll Learn

Our 200-hour program is a comprehensive yoga education that goes far beyond posture training. At Bhakti Yoga DC, we root every element of practice in yoga’s philosophical and spiritual foundations — weaving together the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Yamas & Niyamas, mantra, ritual, and meditation with practical skills for alignment, anatomy, and teaching methodology.

Through this integration, you won’t just learn to lead a safe and effective class — you’ll be guided into a yogic lifestyle that nourishes body, mind, and spirit. This holistic approach ensures you graduate prepared to share yoga in a way that is authentic, spiritually grounded, and deeply transformative, setting you apart from surface-level trainings focused only on the physical.

Our curriculum includes:

  • Yoga Philosophy & Lifestyle: In-depth study of the Yamas & Niyamas, Bhagavad Gita, mantra chanting, and daily practices to cultivate discipline, devotion, and inner clarity.

  • Asana & Biomechanics: Forward bends, backbends, twists, inversions, arm balances, and hip openers — taught with correct alignment, injury prevention, and adaptations for every body.

  • Pranayama & Subtle Body: Breathwork, the five vayus, koshas, chakras, and nadis to unlock energy and deepen awareness.

  • Meditation & Ritual: Guided meditation, mantra immersion, and puja (ceremony) to connect with yoga’s spiritual heart.

  • Anatomy & Assists: Functional anatomy, hands-on adjustments, and sequencing for safe, progressive practice.

  • Teaching Methodology: Class design, sequencing theory, private session skills, and compassionate student care.

  • Bhakti Integration: The yoga of love and devotion, learning to share yoga not just as technique, but as a living practice of the heart.

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    • Anatomy of the spine and how breath creates space and flow.

    • The autonomic nervous system and using breath for calming or energizing effects.

    • The five directional flows of breath (pancha vayu) and the five layers of the self (koshas).

    • Principles of compensation and dual action to create safe, conscious change.

    • Evening discussion: Yamas & Niyamas from the Yoga Sutras.

    • Introduction to biomechanics of forward bends, backbends, twists, hip openers, inversions, and arm balances — with alignment adapted for each individual

    • The art of sequencing: wave theory and class design for different audiences.

    • Multidimensional movement: circular mandala flows and creative transitions.

    • Progressive forward bend sequencing with functional anatomy.

    • Sun salutations in their many forms — classical, creative, and complex.

    • Mantra study woven into daily practice.

    • Lifestyle study from the Bhagavad Gita: bringing yoga philosophy into everyday choices.

    • Biomechanics, anatomy, and progressive sequencing of backbends.

    • Injury prevention and safety considerations.

    • Hands-on assists and adjustments to support opening with integrity.

    • Bhagavad Gita Study: The Yoga Ladder, Part 1 — facing conflict with spiritual vision.

    • Mantra immersion to cultivate strength, courage, and devotion.

    • Functional anatomy of twisting postures and spinal rotation.

    • Safe sequencing of twists to support spinal health and energy release.

    • Injury awareness and how to adapt twists for different bodies.

    • Exploring twists as a metaphor for perspective shifts and inner clarity.

    • Bhagavad Gita Study: The Yoga Ladder, Part 2 — Karma Yoga & Buddhi Yoga.

    • Mantra immersion to steady the mind and purify inner energy.

    • Biomechanics of lateral flexion — alignment, function, and muscular engagement.

    • Sequencing lateral bends progressively to open the side body and expand breath capacity.

    • Anatomy of the muscles that support lateral movement.

    • Risks of compression and safe adaptations for students.

    • Lateral bends as a way to cultivate balance, grace, and spaciousness.

    • Bhagavad Gita Study: The Yoga Ladder, Part 3 — Jnana Yoga (knowledge).

    • Mantra immersion focused on wisdom and inner expansion.

    • Core biomechanics and safety of inversions: headstand, shoulderstand, and arm balances.

    • Progressive sequencing into inversions with attention to alignment and support.

    • Cleansing practices (kriyas) to purify body and mind.

    • Foundations of the yoga profession: writing bios, creating teaching opportunities, and understanding the business landscape.

    • Bhagavad Gita Study: The Yoga Ladder, Part 3 — Bhakti Yoga (devotion).

    • Exploring how devotion transforms both practice and teaching.

    • Introduction to the chakra system, nadi (energy channels), and marma (energy points).

    • Sequencing classes around subtle body awareness.

    • Addressing symptoms of prana depletion and blockages.

    • Developing empathy and presence: tailoring private sessions to individual needs.

    • Bhagavad Gita Study: Integration of the yogas, seeing Bhakti as the culmination of all paths.

    • Closing mantra immersion and subtle body meditation practices.

    • Final Teaching Practicum: Lead a complete class sequence and receive feedback.

    • Instructional Presentations: Share insights and growth with peers.

    • Final Exam: Comprehensive review of philosophy, anatomy, and methodology.

    • Reflection & Integration: Closing circle for personal and collective insight.

    • Graduation Ceremony at the Potomac Temple: Celebrate your transformation and receive your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification in a sacred space, honoring the spiritual roots of yoga and your own journey.

  • In addition to completing the 200 in-class hours, our training includes reflective and practical assignments designed to deepen your integration of yoga philosophy and teaching methodology. These elements ensure that your growth is not only intellectual, but embodied and lived.

    Program Requirements:

    • Two Reflection Essays: Choose one yama and one niyama from the Yoga Sutras. Explore how these principles apply in your own life and how you might bring them into your teaching.

    • Two Class Observations: Attend two yoga classes and submit reflection notes — one on the overall structure and teaching approach, and one focused on an individual student’s movement patterns and their response to instruction.

    • Two Hands-On Assists: Participate in two dedicated sessions where you’ll practice hands-on assists with live students, cultivating confidence and sensitivity in physical adjustments.

    • Comprehension Essay (if needed): Any missed hours must be made up through a written essay demonstrating comprehension of the material covered.

    These assignments are an essential part of the Bhakti Yoga DC training experience, helping you embody yoga’s philosophy, refine your teaching presence, and step into the role of teacher with confidence and authenticity.

Tuition & Enrollment

Tuition

$3,299 when paid in full

$3,599 with an installment plan

For Installment Plans, a $500 deposit is required to reserve your place and is applied toward the total tuition; the remaining balance will be divided into scheduled payments.

Cancellation Policy

15 days or more before the 1st weekend: All payments, including the deposit, are refundable.

14 days or fewer before the 1st weekend: A $500 cancellation fee applies. For installment-plan students, we will retain the deposit. For students who paid in full, we will deduct $500 from the refund.

Once the training begins: Tuition is non-refundable. Students using an installment plan remain responsible for the remaining balance.

Deferrals
Deferral requests are considered individually. If approved, we may apply paid tuition to a future BYDC Teacher Training.

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Certification

Bhakti Yoga DC's 200-Hour Teacher Training is an American Yoga Council (AYC) Level 1 Certified Teacher Training. Upon successful completion, graduates receive an AYC Level 1 Teacher Certification, verifying that they have met the American Yoga Council's standards.

Learn more about the American Yoga Council.

What to Expect

  • Small cohort learning

  • Hands-on teaching experience

  • Personalized mentorship

  • A supportive community of fellow trainees

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Hear from a Graduate

Hear from Olivia, owner of Karma Yoga in Falls Church, about her experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you're considering teacher training or simply exploring the possibility, we'd love to help you learn more about the program and answer your questions.

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