Our Philosophy & Approach

  • Safe, Inquiry-based and curiosity-driven pedagogy

    Inquiry-based learning and teaching is the backbone of our training philosophy. We do not wish to replicate current pedagogical approaches to yoga which commonly views teaching as instruction based on rules, and instead view it through inquiries based on conversations. We also want to move away from body/movement stereotypes that perpetuate sexism, racism and body dysmorphia. Instead, we prioritise inquiry-based facilitation that centres the students or clients’ experience, which in turn allows them to be curious and compassionate towards their bodies and breaths.

  • Trauma-awareness as key to individual and group safety

    Any body that walks into a yoga class deserves attention and respect, especially in today’s world where the body has often been subject to stress, trauma and anxiety. When we acknowledge this irrefutable reality, not only do we know how best to take care of ourselves, we are more attuned to the needs of the individual and group, thus allowing us to be more nuanced in the way we guide a class. Understanding the polyvagal theory and its application to teaching is a critical component in the way we would conduct a class.

  • Enduring empowerment through knowledge, care and safety

    We want to empower everyone with the knowledge and tools they need to have an empowering experience in yoga - we view empowerment in this time as seeing yourself as worthy of being seen and heard, being in control of your choices and demand for respect when there is none. In this light, we also believe that in a world where inequities exist in several societal structures, it is important to view yoga not just as a tool for self-awareness and self-discovery, but also a pathway towards collective liberation.

    Parallel to this, we believe that if we approach yoga through the lens of trauma-awareness, we not only empower people to have safe and fulfilling practices, but the people that come under their care would benefit from having empowered people in their lives - perhaps they may replicate those qualities of empowerment too.

Syllabus

The Practice

PART 1 - YOGA SCIENCE & HUMANITIES

1. Why Yoga?

  • Research on Yoga
  • General Yoga & Exercise Guidelines

2. Yoga Philosophy

  • Definition of yoga and key terms
  • Eight Limbs of Yoga
  • Other yoga philosophy texts
  • Self-reflection: how does philosophy relate to the practice?

3. Yoga Lineages & Styles

  • A brief history of modern yoga and its rise in popularity
  • Abuses & scandals within the yoga community
  • Reflective Practice: how do we move forward?

4. Ethics & Scope of Practice

  • Yoga sūtras as ethics
  • What is Trauma?
  • Applied Polyvagal Theory
  • Key Pillars of Trauma-Awareness
  • Maintaining Safety in a Class Setting
  • Reflective Practice: cultural appropriation and decolonisation in yoga


PART 2 - ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY & BIOMECHANICS

5. Yoga Anatomy & Physiology

  • Key anatomical terms
  • Major systems of the body

6. Applied Biomechanics

  • Understanding kinetics and kinematics
  • Joint stabilisation and mobilisation
  • Biotensgerity & Myofascial Meridians
  • Anatomical variations to look out for
  • Common sites of injury
  • Hands-on assists
  • Bio-mechanical adaptability & inclusivity

PART 3 - ASANA, PRANAYAMA & MEDITATION

7. Introduction to Asana

  • Asanas
  • Seated / Meditation Asana
  • Warm-up / Mobilisation routines
  • Sun Salutations
  • Asana/Postural Groups

8. Introduction to Pranayama

  • Practising Pranayama
  • Safe practice
  • Pranayama Techniques
  • Subtle Body

9. Introduction to Meditation

  • Practising Mindfulness & Meditation
  • Key meditation terms
  • Meditation lineages & methods
  • Chanting & Mantras
  • Mantras & Mudras


PART 4 - TEACHING METHODOLOGY

7. Introduction to Teaching Methodology

  • Teaching qualities & learner types
  • Structuring the class (Sequencing, Pace, Environment)
  • Cueing & Class management


PART 5 - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

8. Business of Yoga

  • Writing a good yoga CV
  • Insurance and liabilities

Certification Requirements

To graduate from this programme, 100% attendance for all training modules  is required. 

You will also need to submit post-course assignments which will be reviewed by the programme director and trainers. 

In exceptional circumstances, we can arrange for how you can make up the hours should you fall short of this requirement. This will be offered on a case by case basis and subject to review by the programme director. 

This training is accredited by Yoga Alliance.

Course Details

Event Schedule

COURSE BREAKDOWN

This Yoga Alliance accredited training adopts a hybrid learning model consisting of in-person, livestream and on-demand modules. We will prioritise in-person interactions for hands on practicums, peer teaching and deliberative discussions. In addition to the live Zoom sessions, there will also be some pre-recorded sessions, as well as assignments and pre-recorded practices.

100% attendance and completion of modules is required for graduation. 

LOCATION

TBC Central Location

DAYS/TIMES  

Study term: Feb - April 2025

Study Break: 14 - 25 Mar 2025

See details below:


Day Dates Time
Sat & Sun (In-person) 22, 23 Feb, 1,2,8,9,29,30 Mar, 5,6,12,13,19,20 Apr 2025 8am - 6pm
Fri (Zoom Livestream) 28 Feb & 7 March 2025 5:30pm - 9:30pm


Programme Directors & Lead Trainers

Page Element
   Dewi Chen
DEWI CHEN
(she/her)
RYT200,RPYT,
CD/PCD(DONA),GGS CPPC,SpBCPE,BRM Pro   

Dewi (she/her) embarked on her yoga journey in the realm of traditional Hatha Yoga, obtaining her 200H certification as a yogini. From there, she delved deeper into the expansive universe of yoga and psychology, immersing herself in Yin Yoga (200H), Forrest Yoga, Pre/Post-natal Yoga, Kids & Family Yoga, Well-Woman Yoga & Therapy (Womb Yoga), Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Clinical Applications of Polyvagal Theory and Yoga Nidra. 

Fuelled by the wisdom gleaned from bodyworkers and therapists, including her own mother, Dewi's path organically evolved into the realm of remedial bodywork and therapy. Her expertise now encompasses Sports Massage Therapy and Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy. 


With a deeper understanding of anatomy and physiology, viewed through the lens of therapy and movement rehabilitation, Dewi crafts her group classes with precision and insight. Her passion lies in empowering her clients to recognize their innate intelligence, allure, and resilience. Driven by a fervent desire to support mothers from #wombtoworld, Dewi expanded her expertise as a certified birth and postpartum doula under the prestigious DONA International in 2019. She's also a certified Evidence Based Birth® instructor, Spinning Babies® Certified Parent Educator, Body Ready Method® Pro, and Girls Gone Strong Prenatal and Postpartum Coach. Drawing from her rich experiences in childbirth education and doula work at Wonder Births, Dewi infuses her pre-natal and post-natal yoga classes with a unique blend of wisdom and compassion. Currently, she's on a mission to curate a collection of pelvic models, with aspirations to craft her own design someday. 

Dewi's ability to break down complex topics into simpler terms for her teacher trainees stems from her commitment to making yoga accessible to all. Her trauma-aware approach to teaching is deeply rooted in her belief that we have a duty to be responsible and caring as movement facilitators. Through ongoing training and education, she continues to refine her skills in trauma-awareness, ensuring that her classes are brave and supportive spaces as much as possible.

Jennifer Tan (she/her) has been in education of various kinds for the past 18 years, from more academic settings, to CrossFit coaching and Yoga teacher training from a more movement-focused angle. Specific to yoga and over the years, she has taught various styles (Hatha, Yoga for Athletes, Chair Yoga, Gentle, Power, etc.), eventually developing a more specialised interest in Restorative Yoga; this has nourished Jen’s seven-year-long (and counting) relationship with her teacher, Judith Hanson Lasater, who she assists during both in-person and online trainings.

Complementary to her yoga trainings and teaching years lies her experience in curriculum development and interest in other movement modalities, which have culminated in the co-writing/leading of a 200h Yoga Teacher Training, the writing/leading of a 50h Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, and certifications in the likes of myofascial release work and Functional Range Conditioning, respectively.

Regardless of style, all of Jen’s classes are invitational and curiosity-driven, with the hope of finding ways to move our bodies with confidence and compassion.


Jennifer Tan
JEN TAN
Jennifer Tan (she/her)    
    
E-RYT200, RPYT, FRCms, Advanced Relax and Renew® teacher, Yoga for All, Trigger Point Therapy®    

Tution & Refund Policies

TUTION FEES 

The regular fees are $4,650 SGD.

Early bird fees are $4,250 SGD.

The applicant must pay a deposit of 50% of the course fees upon registration. The balance payment of 50%must be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the start date of training, or upon registration, whichever is earlier. Payment can only be made via bank transfer.  

REFUNDS

If the applicant cancels thirty (30) days or more before the start of the program, they will forfeit $400 of the deposit and any administrative fees; the remaining balance of total payments made up to this point will be refunded. 

If the applicant withdraws from the program less than thirty (30) days before the program starts, the entirety of the applicant’s deposit and all balance fees paid will be retained by the programme.  

In case a student needs to withdraw from the program due to illness, accident, death in the family, or other circumstances that make it impractical for the student to complete the course, the programme may give a partial refund to the student in the exercise of its discretion. 

The programme will not give any refunds or credits after the training starts. 

The programme reserves the right to cancel any training before it begins. In that case any payments applicants have made will be refunded in full.

RYS 200
YACEP