The Journey of a Thousand Pathways

The YTT200 hour course serves as the essential foundation for your journey to becoming a yoga instructor. At this pivotal stage, you will conceptualize and articulate a foundational worldview of yoga practice, encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic elements. It is crucial to understand that, contrary to common belief, this formative phase is one of the most significant and transformative aspects of your experience with modern yoga. Here, you will establish a solid groundwork that will guide you toward further avenues of learning and self-development—not only as a teacher but also as a practitioner—ultimately influencing the lives of those you will encounter. Engaging fully in an environment dedicated to cultivating strong fundamentals will challenge you, enhance your teaching skills, and enable you to profoundly impact others. Choosing to embark on this course is not just a decision; it is the foundational step in shaping your future as a yoga instructor. VE YTT graduates will receive ongoing support through opportunities to teach through the studio as well as through our exclusive business mentorship programme.

VE 2026 YTT200 syllabus 

1. AN INTRODUCTION TO YOGA: the historical roots to its modern manifestations
2. THE 8 LIMBS OF YOGA and its contemporary application
3. THE CONCEPT OF SADHANA and its relevance to modern life
4. PRANA, BREATH + BREATHING: exploring the macrocosm beyond the microcosm and back
5. MIND, BODY + BREATH: historical precepts, modern physiology and relevance for yoga asana practice 
6. WHAT IS ASANA? elements, techniques, system + deviation
7. VINYASA + HATHA: convergence + divergence in 2 of the most popular styles of up-regulating asana practices today
8. DOWN-REGULATING PRACTICES: Yin, Pranayama + Meditation
9. YOGA ANATOMY 101: mastering anatomy for more effective yoga instruction
10. YOGA SEQUENCING: developing your style whilst respecting the fundamentals of the 8 limbs of yoga
11. THE FUNDAMENTALS OF TEACHING A CLASS: demonstration, adjustments, etiquette 
12. LIFE AFTER YTT: creating a business plan of substance, integrity and longevity

Supplementary Courses

Supplementary courses are not compulsory to satisfy the requirements of your YTT200 but are offered to enable students to gain advanced knowledge areas of greater interest. The courses are typically half a day to a day long and  may be delivered be delivered in person, online or on demand.

2026 Supplementary Courses offered:

MOVEMENT BIO-MECHANICS

1. Flowing with Confidence: techniques in vinyasa transitions including jump-throughs and jump-backs
2. Advanced Backbends: techniques for advanced backbends including Ekapada Raja Kapotasana and Kapotasana, how to teach and support students in the progression of their practice
3. Advanced Inversions: techniques for advanced inversions including Sirsasana, Pincha Mayurasana, how to teach, and support students in the progression of their practice

Combining your YTT200 with SMFT Certification Modules 1 and 2

In 2026, YTT200 trainees will have an opportunity to combine their yoga training with SMFT (Slow Movement Fitness Certification). The 35 hr training is typically carried out over one Friday evening and a weekend. The 35hr can account for additional CE hours under the International Yoga Alliance continuing education framework. Once training is completed, you can register your training hours with the Yoga Alliance website. The cost to combine SMFT certification with YTT 200 training is vastly reduced. In 2026, SMFT certification fees will be $399. When combined with YTT200 the total cost for both will be $4,100. SMFT training takes place several times over the course of the year and YTT200 students who have applied can complete their SMFT certification at any one of the intakes in 2026 that suits their timing. Check the dedicated SMFT page for details of training dates.

Investment, Application + Scholarship