Certification Levels:
Each training level consists of at least 30 contact hours.
Additional contact hours are earned through the Observation and Practicum opportunities, and by attending ongoing classes throughout the year(s).
Non-contact hours consist of homework, self-study and self-practice.
Upon completion of each level, a certificate is awarded.
Hatha Yoga I
requires full attendance and satisfactory completion of assignments.
An opportunity for practice teaching is available as an extra-credit option.
Prerequisites: Yoga or group exercise experience is helpful.
Hatha Yoga II
requires full attendance and satisfactory completion of assignments,
plus 5 Observation and 5 Practicum hours.
Prerequisites: Hatha Yoga I or comparable experience.
Raja Yoga I
requires full attendance and satisfactory completion of assignments,
plus observation, assistance and 10 Practicum hours.
Prerequisites: Hatha Yoga II or comparable experience, plus consistent attendance in Virginia's asana classes.
Raja Yoga II
requires full attendance and satisfactory completion of assignments,
consistent attendance in Virginia's asana classes,
plus observation & assistance hours and 15 Practicum hours.
Prerequisites: Raja Yoga I
All levels will receive constructive evaluations of Practice Teaching.
Completion of all four levels of training entitles teacher to be certified as
Acharya - the traditional title for a teacher of Yoga.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of all of the above.
30 contact hours per intensive; 15 observation hours; 30 practicum hours and at least 35 hours of self-study/practice equals 200 hours of training.
However, it is likely that most trainees will exceed this number.
Required Texts
The Science of Self Realization by Roy Eugene Davis - all levels
An Easy Guide to Ayurveda by Roy Eugene Davis - all levels
A Master Guide to Meditation by Roy Eugene Davis - all levels
Yoga: Mind, Body & Spirit by Donna Farhi - Hatha Yoga I
Yoga – the Spirit & Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann - Hatha Yoga 2
Ashtanga Yoga by John Scott - Hatha Yoga 2
The Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga by Ray Long, M.D. and/or
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff - Hatha Yoga 2
The Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar - Raja Yoga I
The Viniyoga of Yoga by TKV Desikachar, with Kausthub Desikachar & Frans Moors - Raja 2
The Eternal Way by Roy Eugene Davis - Raja Yoga 2
These will assemble a resource library to support your ongoing study and practice.
Other books may be recommended relevant to areas of special interests and/or needs.