Yoga Teacher Training

East Meets West - Authentic and Research Based

Yoga Teacher Training

The Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program is designed to prepare students to teach holistic yoga within their communities. This course integrates various aspects of yoga, including asanas, pranayamas, kriyas, and meditation techniques. It offers a comprehensive study of yogic philosophy that empowers students to effectively share their knowledge of holistic yoga.

Yoga Bharati conducts two sessions of Yoga Teacher Training each year, available online and in various locations across the US and Trinidad and Tobago. In addition to practical yoga techniques, we provide in-depth yogic philosophy derived from ancient scriptures, including the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras. We are affiliated with the Swami Vivekananda Yoga Research Foundation (SVYASA) in Bangalore, a premier yoga university in India.

Questions? Write to ytt@yogabharati.org

Featured
Teacher Training - Dallas, Detroit, and Online
Jan 11
Teacher Training - Dallas, Detroit, and Online

We are pleased to launch YTT at Dallas Texas, and Detroit Michigan, and Online - starts January 11th 2025

Part 1 Holistic Yoga Immersion - Online In-person in Frisco/Plano, Texas and Detroit: Farmington Hills, Michigan & ONLINE - Jan 11th to Feb 9th - 7 AM to 12.30 PM CST/8 AM to 1.30 PM EST (Sat and Sun)

Part 2 - Online ONLY - Yoga Foundation and Training - Feb 22nd - April 20th - 6.30 AM to 10.30 AM CST/7.30 AM to 11.30 AM EST

Teacher Training - Weekdays
Mar 4
Teacher Training - Weekdays

We are pleased to launch YTT on weekdays as an online and in-person (in SF Bay Area only)

Online and In-person (in Cupertino Area, SF Bay, CA)

Days/Times: Tues/Thurs/Fri - 9AM-12 noon PST/11am-2PM PST/12 PM-3 PM EST

Part 1 - Holistic Yoga Immersion: Feb 10th - March 28th 2025

Part 2 - Yoga Foundation and Teaching: Apr 1st - May 30th 2025

Teacher Training - East Bay
Mar 29
Teacher Training - East Bay

We are pleased to launch YTT In-person in Pleasanton Trivalley, CA - Sat & Sun mornings

Part 1 Holistic Yoga Immersion: - in Pleasanton Trivalley (in SF Bay Area only) starts March 29th - May 4th 2025

Part 2 - Online - Yoga Foundation and Teaching: Oct 11th - Dec 7th 2025

Current Course Signup

Make a partial payment $500 to secure your discount and reserve your spot.

Questions? Write to ytt@yogabharati.org or call - 408-341-YOGA (9642) X 3

Our Yoga Teacher Training (RYT200) is an accredited course through Yoga Alliance. It offers comprehensive education in yoga techniques, philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodologies, and ethics in business practice. This program serves as a foundational step for those interested in advanced studies, including Advanced Teacher Training (AYTT) and the Diploma in Yoga Therapy (DYT) at Yoga Bharati. The course is open to adults and youth ages 16 and older.

Future Course Signup

Register now if you’re interested to enroll for the upcoming YTT program

Yoga Teacher Training Course Overview

1. Yoga Foundation and Teaching Methodology

You will learn Holistic Yoga including concepts and philosophy behind each Yoga practice — Yoga Asanas, Ashtanga yoga, Panchamaya Kosha, Pranayama, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra practices. You will also learn the basics of yoga teaching. You will learn anatomy and physiology and the deeper concepts of Yoga philosophy. The teaching techniques will be taught and practiced in a group setting. You will have the opportunity to develop a great bond with others in the cohort and make lasting friendships.

2. Electives

Electives are exploring the different Yoga and Philosophy concepts offered through various workshops. Workshops on Yoga Anatomy, Ayurveda, Yogic Cleansing Kriyas, Pranayama, and Meditation offer in-depth exploration of the body, mind, and spirit. They cover practical techniques for physical alignment, detoxification, breathwork, and mental clarity. Discourses and satsangs delve into philosophical concepts of yoga, fostering deeper understanding and personal transformation.

3. Practicum and Training Delivery

After the classroom hours, you now have the entire Yoga Bharati platform for learning additional subjects as electives. You can also shadow the ongoing yoga classes and learn from different teachers to explore your independent practice.

4. Practicum Delivery and Field Report

Teach in the Community with hands-on, immersive experience where you (typically in Yoga Bharati offerings like education or community classes) apply your theoretical knowledge and skills in real-world settings within local communities. Here you learn through direct engagement. You will be required to write a field report on your choice of subject about Yoga for the completion of YTT. On a specific area of yoga, like Yoga for Sports, involves detailed observation, analysis, and reflection on techniques, benefits, challenges, and outcomes. The report aims to deepen understanding of yoga's role in specialized contexts and contribute to the broader field of yoga practice and research.

As Swami Vivekananda wisely said, "Education is a man-making, life-making, character-building assimilation of ideas."

Our yoga education engagements build upon the above quote, offering courses that are meticulously designed to guide students through the techniques of yoga, to initiate a personal journey of self-development, and to enhance self-awareness. We believe in practicing before preaching.

Benefits of Our YTT Course:

  • Integration of Body, Mind, and Soul: Experience a harmonious connection through diverse yoga techniques.

  • Holistic Philosophy: Gain a comprehensive understanding of yoga philosophy, enriching your practice and life.

  • Stress Management: Learn effective strategies to manage stress and prevent stress-related ailments.

  • Enhanced Mental Clarity: Improve memory, creativity, and calmness through pranayama and meditation.

  • Empowerment through Service: Equip yourself for a rewarding career in yoga, empowering you to impact society positively.

Upon completing the Yoga Teacher Training, you will:

  • Receive your RYT-200 eligible certificate.

  • Be qualified to teach classes in your community, grounded in a strong foundation of yoga.

  • Set the stage for further education, such as Advanced Teacher Training (AYTT) and Diploma in Yoga Therapy (DYT).

  • Lead a healthier, happier life and make a positive impact through volunteering opportunities in your community.

Future Course Signup

Register now if you’re interested to enroll for the upcoming YTT program

Yoga Teacher Training Alumni

I’m Kalpana, a yoga therapist from Sunnyvale. I’ve always been drawn to yoga and decided to learn more in a structured way. I joined YB’s YTT in 2020, and the self-transformation was immense. Along with the high-quality content and structure of the course, I was inspired by the faculty and their expertise. This YTT has helped me rebuild many aspects of my lifestyle, allowing me to immerse myself more deeply in yoga and make it my life and career.

I’m Anusha, a full-time yoga teacher living in Redwood Shores, CA with my family. I set a goal to earn my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) certification and chose Yoga Bharati for its authenticity and affordability. Completing the course confirmed these values were true and impactful. Yoga Bharati provided a solid yoga foundation, skilled and supportive teachers, and a transformative experience. Yoga Bharati has played a crucial role in helping me achieve my goal and discover my potential.

Our Team

Featured
Savita Joshi
Savita Joshi

Savita Joshi, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, B.E. MBA, is the Executive Director of Yoga Bharati Dallas chapter.  She has been teaching yoga for the past 20 years. As a chief yoga therapy consultant at Dallas chapter, she offers yoga therapy for various psychosomatic ailments. She is one of the faculty for yoga training programs and guides yoga therapy students. She has contributed at a traditional Sanskrit medium online school as an Executive Director for a couple of years. She likes hiking, gardening, bhajans, reading spiritual books, and spending time with her family.

Rohini Garimalla
Rohini Garimalla

Rohini Garimalla, B.S. in Computer Science and E-RYT, currently advancing her expertise through a Diploma in Yoga Therapy at Yoga Bharati. Her yoga journey began in 2013, sparking a deep curiosity that shaped her path as a dedicated student and teacher. She is passionate about the multidimensional nature of healing, embracing health and wellness that nurtures the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of our being.

Anil Surpur
Anil Surpur

Anil Surpur, B.E (E&C), M.S (Yoga), MBA, E-RYT 500, YACEP, C-IAYT, serves as the President of Yoga Bharati, where he is also a Senior Faculty and Yoga Teacher. Apart from his teaching roles, Anil actively engages in Yoga research. He holds positions on the Board of Directors of both Yoga Bharati and Vyasa USA. Furthermore, he currently holds the role of Director of Engineering at Ooma Inc. in Sunnyvale, CA.

Ashwini Surpur
Ashwini Surpur

Ashwini Surpur, BS (CS), MA (Sanskrit), ERYT-500, CIAYT, is the Executive Director of Yoga Bharati and a Senior Yoga Therapist. With 15 years of experience as a Software Engineer at Oracle, she transitioned to full-time volunteering at Yoga Bharati in 2010. Specializing in yoga therapy, particularly for cancer and terminally ill patients, she's a sought-after speaker on yoga and Hindu philosophy and contributes articles to various publications. Passionate about literature and philosophy, she holds an MA in Sanskrit and enjoys writing poems and articles in her free time.

Amit Ganghas
Amit Ganghas

Amit Ganghas (ERYT) is an experienced young yogi who has completed two teacher training programs: one from Sivananda Ashram and another from SVYASA Bangalore. He also has a Master's in Yoga from SVYASA. He is currently studying Kinesiology at West Valley College. Yoga has been both his career and passion. He has taught at various studios in Delhi, India, for the past five years and is now in the Bay Area for further studies.

Ishwarryah Ramanathan
Ishwarryah Ramanathan

Ishwarryah Ramanathan, a Yoga Alliance certified (RYT200) teacher and Faculty at Yogabharathi, holds a Master's degree in Computer Science & Information Systems. Transitioning from a career in mobile app development to become an artist and bakery business owner, she exemplifies versatility. Currently pursuing a Diploma in Yoga Therapy with a focus on psychology and pranayama, Ishwarryah credits yoga philosophy for bringing balance to her life—improving health, nurturing the mind, and fostering spiritual growth. Driven by a passion to share her transformative journey, she seeks to inspire others through her experiences.

Akila Padmanabhan
Akila Padmanabhan

Akila Padmanabhan, a yoga teacher, is currently pursuing a diploma in yoga therapy. With over 5 years of experience, she teaches various classes including wellness yoga, kids, prenatal, and therapy yoga for both children and adults. Akila actively participated in the Diabetes Movement in collaboration with Sewa, Bay Area, and Yoga Bharati, showcasing her commitment to community health and well-being.

Sindhu Singal
Sindhu Singal

Sindhu Singal embarked on her yoga journey two decades ago under her mother's guidance and has remained committed ever since. Joining Yoga Bharati in 2017 as a YTT student, she's been instructing yoga since 2018 while pursuing a Diploma in Yoga Therapy. Sindhu teaches for several non-profit organizations and hosts private yoga sessions, driven by her unwavering passion for yoga.

Shriram Sarvotham
Shriram Sarvotham

Shriram Sarvotham, PhD, ERYT-500, is a senior faculty member at Yoga Bharati. Practicing yoga since childhood, he received his Yoga Teacher Certification from the Art of Living Foundation in 2001. Shriram has conducted over 150 workshops and retreats on yoga, Bhagavad Gita, and Patanjali Yoga Sutras across the USA, including prestigious yoga conferences, educational institutions, and corporate offices. Recognized for his service, he received the Exemplary Service Award from the Consulate General of India in June 2015 and the Yoga Service Award from ISKCON in September 2009. Based in Silicon Valley, California, he also works in the tech industry.

Chinmay Surpur
Chinmay Surpur

Chinmay Surpur (ERYT, BS Neuroscience) serves as the Director of Research at Yoga Bharati while pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Saybrook University. He initiated, completed, and published research studies at UC Santa Barbara and Yoga Bharati, aiming to bridge Eastern and Western therapeutic principles. Chinmay conducts international training and outreach for Yoga Bharati, envisioning yoga's acceptance as therapy in mainstream health systems. His passion extends beyond academia; he enjoys music, singing, reading, and travel. His goal is to publish research on yoga's efficacy in scientific journals, advocating for its recognition as a therapeutic modality for chronic ailments.

Our Approach of Yoga

Our approach to yoga is holistic and resonant with the 5000-year-old system of total wellness from ancient India. The yogic system was based on the core belief that a human being's natural state is one of optimal health and wellness.

In line with this thinking, we aim to reduce disturbances in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health to allow an individual to function at his/her optimal potential. In our classes, we emphasize breath awareness for sharper focus, loosening practices to prepare for yoga asanas and hatha yoga poses for mind/body awareness, and pranayama/meditation for a deeper connection with oneself.

Yoga as a Holistic Practice

Our techniques are aimed at holistic health with breath awareness, loosening, asanas, pranayama, and relaxation and meditation techniques. They are effective in weight management, pain management, balancing our metabolism, and stress management.

Stretch & Restore

Asanas help to get deep stretch to muscles to relieve muscle spasms that may be due to stress, inactivity, or overuse. When the muscle fibers are long, the overall strength is better. These practices help people the gym-goers, sports practitioners. and any overworked individuals with stiffness in their muscles.

Breath Synchronized Movements

Gentle movement of body in synchrony with breath; rejuvenates the body, calms down the mind, and improves lung capacity. Excellent for Anxiety, Stress, and Asthma management.

Loosening & Dynamic Practices

Joint loosening practices give flexibility and strength to the small muscles & tendons that connect the joints. Fast-paced yoga techniques followed by deep relaxation remove lethargy and prepare the body for asanas.

Core Strength

Practices aimed at stretching and strengthening the core muscles help with back pain and make sitting postures easier. These asanas are for people with back, neck, and shoulder pains. These practices are for all levels and needs. Excellent for people with back/neck/knee pain and people with jobs that require sitting all day.

Meditation and Relaxation

Our holistic yoga sessions end with relaxation and Meditation. They promote positive health of the body, mind, and spirit. These practices help build awareness, provide holistic healing and promote spiritual quotient. This is the ultimate goal of yoga.