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Lead. Teach.
Inspire.
About Us
Akram Yoga Studio opened its doors in Woking in early 2013 with a clear vision in mind. Our primary goal was to create a hot yoga studio where students like yourself would leave a class discussing the transformative power of yoga before even mentioning the heat.
In that same year, our owner Zahir Akram and senior alliance teacher Christine Felix made a decision based on popular demand. They initiated a teaching course, initially thinking it would be a one-time occurrence. However, the overwhelming response and positive feedback propelled them forward, and for 11 years, we have successfully conducted this program annually.
Sadly, in 2020, we experienced the loss of Christine Felix. Nonetheless, her impactful legacy continues to inspire and guide us. Our team since then include's Laura Akram, Zahir's wife, a qualified yoga teacher and yoga therapist, along with the expertise of senior alliance teacher Paull Allen.
Our mission is not to impose any particular dogma upon you. Instead, we strive to equip you with all the necessary tools to become a thriving yoga teacher. Throughout the program, you will gain comprehensive knowledge, from static hatha yoga to dynamic vinyasa flow and even teaching techniques in a heated room.
At Akram Yoga, we aim to empower you as a teacher and provide an enriching learning experience. We believe in cultivating a nurturing environment where kindness and growth go hand in hand.
We hope you will join us in continuing to share the magic of Yoga.
Why Choose Us?
Here's why our program stands out:
In-Person Training: Immerse yourself in a hands-on learning experience with our in-person training. Step into our welcoming studio and connect with a supportive community of fellow yogis, creating lasting bonds and shared growth.
Experienced Teachers: Learn from our dedicated team of experienced Yoga Teachers who are passionate about guiding and empowering you on your teaching path. Benefit from their wealth of knowledge, personalized mentorship, and expert guidance.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Dive deep into the foundations of yoga through a comprehensive curriculum that covers asanas, anatomy, philosophy, sequencing, and more. Gain a holistic understanding of yoga, empowering you to teach confidently and authentically.
Teaching Practicum: Put theory into practice with our teaching practicum, where you'll have the opportunity to lead classes under the guidance of experienced teachers. Develop your teaching skills, build confidence, and receive valuable feedback to refine your craft.
Yoga Alliance Certification: Upon successful completion, you'll receive a Yoga Alliance certification recognized globally. Open doors to teaching opportunities and gain credibility as a qualified yoga instructor.
Personal Transformation: Experience personal growth as you deepen your practice, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate mindfulness. Discover a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit, fostering a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
Supportive Community: Join a supportive and inclusive community of aspiring yogis who share your passion for yoga. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who inspire and uplift each other throughout the training journey.
Enrol now in Akram Yoga's 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program and embark on a rewarding and transformative path. Let us empower you to share the gift of yoga with others.
In-person Training
We firmly believe in the immense value of in-person yoga teacher training. It provides a unique opportunity for you to not only receive guidance from experienced tutors but also learn from your peers. In-person training fosters profound connections and a sense of community that often extends long after you've completed your teaching journey.
Imagine this: attending an in-person training is like embarking on a transformative adventure with like-minded individuals who share your passion for yoga. Together, you form lasting friendships that enrich your personal and professional life. These connections become your support system, guiding you even after you've stepped into the role of a yoga teacher.
Moreover, in-person training allows you to witness firsthand the wonders of yoga in action. By being in close proximity to your fellow students, you have the opportunity to observe real bodies in motion, understanding the nuances of different yoga postures and learning to identify potential challenges or areas of focus. This real-time interaction with real people provides an invaluable learning experience that cannot be replicated through virtual platforms like Zoom.
Our course leader, Zahir, recently shared his profound reflections on the life-changing experience of in-person teacher training alongside the class of 2022/23. His heartfelt account resonates with the deep impact that can only be achieved through face-to-face interactions and shared physical experiences. READ BLOG
No virtual setting can truly replicate the transformative power and lasting memories created during in-person yoga teacher training.
Join us in embracing the richness of in-person training and embark on a journey that will shape not only your teaching skills but also your personal growth and connection to a vibrant yoga community.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q - "IS THIS IS A 'HOT YOGA' QUALIFICATION OR A 'REGULAR' YOGA TEACHER TRAINING QUALIFICATION?
A - (from Zahir). This is NOT a 'Hot Yoga' qualification, but you will gain the confidence to teach in a heated room. This is a regular 200-hour Yoga teacher training program, meaning that after successfully completing the course, you will be a recognized yoga teacher with the confidence to teach a variety of styles. These styles range from a flow-based approach to a more static Hatha style, or a hybrid of the two.
To emphasize, although we are a heated studio, our teacher training program is not a hot yoga qualification. It is a yoga teacher qualification that will give you the confidence to teach a variety of styles, including 'hot' yoga.
Q - "DO I NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE / BENDY TO DO THIS COURSE?
A - (from Zahir) The answer is NO. For me, being a yoga teacher is about communication and inspiring people, helping them see the best in themselves. It’s not about us teachers and our ability to perform fancy and advanced poses. If you have an advanced yoga practice, then great. You can teach more advanced poses and you will certainly have an audience once you start teaching. However, as you will learn throughout the course, yoga is not solely about flexibility and increasing flexibility. Yoga is primarily about breathing better (physiology) and moving better (anatomy). It’s crucial that we, as yoga teachers, understand this because many people who come to yoga may never be able to do the advanced poses. But they can improve their movement by 5%, and in doing so, can completely change their lives for the better.
As yoga teachers, our ability to communicate and simply be ourselves is more important than being bendy. Think of it like being a guide on a mountain trail. The goal is not to show off your climbing skills but to help others navigate their own path, encouraging them to take one step at a time and enjoy the journey.
As Albert Einstein once said, "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving." In this course, we emphasise the importance of continual progress over perfection.
Q - SO I DON'T NEED TO BE ABLE TO HEADSTAND TO PASS THE COURSE?
A - (from Zahir) No. You are not judged on your ability to headstand. However, under Laura and Paul's expert guidance, you will learn how to headstand. You will discover that the magic in headstand lies in what you learn about yourself on the way up. The true magic is in the journey of getting up and staying up.
I remember reading about the Buddha. When asked what he had gained from "enlightenment," Buddha said he had gained nothing. He simply discarded what was in him that was of no use to him. He shed all his fears and insecurities and realized enlightenment was always within. I see headstand as similar. You don't need extra strength or a strong core or anything additional. Anatomically speaking, we have everything we need to create the headstand. We just need to let go of what is holding us back. Once we let go, we realize we always had it within.
This journey from not being able to do a headstand to understanding that it is a mental pose more than a physical one will enable you to help others. We find the magic and pass it on.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." The entire yoga teacher training emphasises the internal discovery and strength we all possess.
Q - IS THE TEACHER TRAINING RECOGNISED BY A GOVERNING BODY? LIKE THE YOGA ALLIANCE PROFESSIONALS UK?
A - (from Zahir) Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate from Akram Yoga stating that you have completed your training as approved by the Yoga Alliance Professionals UK. We will register you with them when you start your training, and upon completion, you can register with them and become a member..
Q - HOW DO WE PASS THIS COURSE?
A - (from Zahir) The first point to understand is that you cannot pass based on attendance alone. You have to work for your qualification. This is the main reason we spread the training over 10 months (one weekend per month). This way, what you learn can be digested, which we don't feel you can achieve in an intensive training or a one-month training. We are sharing decades of experience and expertise with you, and all of this takes time to learn and build your confidence.
To pass the course (as listed in our prospectus), you must 1) complete an essay for Laura based on a subject yet to be determined, 2) complete an open-book anatomy quiz in your own time (to consolidate your learning—think of this as a glorified revision session), and then on the final weekend, 3) perform a 40-45 minute sequence for your fellow students that will be assessed by Paul (senior teacher) and Laura (course leader).
But please don't worry about any assessments now. We will give you all the tools and confidence to complete your tasks and pass this course. We are here for you and will guide you all the way. Think of it like planting a garden. Each session is a seed, and over time, with care and patience, those seeds will grow into a flourishing garden. The beauty of the garden lies not just in its full bloom but in its continuous nurturing and growth.
As Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."
As you can tell. I love a profound quote.
Q - WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES TO JOIN THE COURSE?
A - (from Zahir). There are no prerequisites. All you need is a willingness to learn, and we are happy to guide you. Your flexibility, knowledge, and wisdom are all areas that can be developed over time. The most important thing before starting the course is to approach it with a clear and open mind, ready to learn.
A TYPICAL DAY
Yoga Teacher Training Day Breakdown:
Morning Session:
- Start of day: 08:30
- Location: Upstairs studio
- Focus: Theory-based sessions covering various modules (see prospectus)
- Topics covered: Using our anatomy module as an example, the morning session begins with a deep dive into functional anatomy. We explore the intricate workings of different joints and muscles, understanding how they impact our yoga practice. By delving into the connection between anatomy and yoga poses, we gain valuable insights into maintaining the safety of our students, which is always our top priority.
- Interactive learning: Throughout the morning, we encourage participants to actively engage by posing thought-provoking questions. By discussing the practical implications of a basic understanding of human anatomy (for example), we foster a dynamic learning environment where everyone can contribute their perspectives and experiences.
Breaks: We provide two breaks during the morning sessions, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. These breaks offer an opportunity to recharge, make a cup of coffee, and enjoy some biscuits in our office (both provided). It's also a chance to stretch your legs and rejuvenate before diving back in.
Lunch Break:
Time: 12:30-13:00
Facilities: Our training facility includes a convenient fridge and microwave on-site, allowing you to bring your own lunch and store it if needed. You can also enjoy your lunch within the building. If you prefer to explore other options, there are plenty of choices available just a few hundred yards away. Tesco, as well as various coffee shops and eateries, provide a range of dining possibilities to suit different tastes and preferences.
Afternoon Session:
- Start: 13:00
- Location: Main downstairs studio
- Focus: Practical-based activities
- Application of morning's knowledge: The afternoon session is designed to put the theoretical understanding gained in the morning into practice. We engage in various activities that allow participants to apply their newfound knowledge of anatomy to actual yoga practice. This hands-on approach enhances comprehension and builds confidence in incorporating anatomical principles into teaching and personal practice.
- Exploring poses and teaching practice: Additionally, the afternoon session may involve in-depth exploration of specific yoga poses outlined in your training manuals. We provide guidance and support to help you understand the nuances of each pose, its benefits, and modifications. Moreover, there will be opportunities for teaching practice, allowing you to refine your instructional skills and receive feedback from experienced trainers and fellow trainees.
End of Day:
Finish time: 16:00
This structured training day aims to equip you with the necessary tools and expertise to become a confident and competent yoga teacher.
Note: The schedule and specific activities may vary slightly based on the particular training program and its curriculum.
contact us
If you have any questions or would like to discuss our teacher training, contact us using the link below or you can call us on
07577 422132.
We look forward to hearing from you.
“A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind & touches a heart.”
Yoga Teacher Training
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Making Friends for Life since 2013
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VIEW PROSPECTUS
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READ FAQ
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DECLARE INTEREST / APPLICATION FORM
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PAY £500 DEPOSIT
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START READING ZAHIR'S BLOGS
TRAINING TERMS & CONDITIONS
Terms & Conditions – Yoga Teacher Training
No Refund Policy
By enrolling in our yoga teacher training, you acknowledge and agree to our strict No Refund Policy. Once payment is made, no refunds will be issued, regardless of the reason for withdrawal. This is due to the following:
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Upon enrollment, you gain immediate access to the studio, including valuable materials such as manuals, courses, and other resources that represent years of dedicated work and could easily be downloaded or duplicated.
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Access to our training materials is granted at the time of payment, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of the course, which is why refunds cannot be provided once access is granted.
Course Deferral
We understand that life circumstances may change. Should you be unable to complete the training as initially planned, we offer the option to defer your training. However, this must be requested in advance, and deferral is subject to availability. No refunds will be issued, and all deferrals must be completed within one year from the original start date.
Commitment to Training
We ask that all students ensure they are fully committed to completing the training before enrolling. It is your responsibility to assess your schedule, availability, and readiness to take part in the course before making a payment.
Additional Terms for In-Person Training
Attendance and Participation
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Attendance Policy: Full attendance is required to be eligible for certification. Missing any part of the course may result in forfeiting certification unless special arrangements have been made in advance to make up missed sessions.
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Punctuality: Please arrive on time for each session. Late arrivals may be disruptive and could affect your eligibility for certification.
Health and Safety
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Medical Conditions: It is your responsibility to inform the instructor of any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or limitations before the course begins.
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Injury Waiver: By participating in this training, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk and agree to consult a medical professional if necessary. You also agree not to hold the course provider liable for any injuries sustained during the training
Code of Conduct
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Behavior Expectations: All participants are expected to maintain respectful behavior toward instructors and fellow students. Any inappropriate or disruptive behavior may result in dismissal from the course, without a refund.
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Commitment to Practice: Active engagement in both the physical and philosophical aspects of the training is required.
Certification Requirements
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Completion Criteria: Certification is only awarded to participants who meet the full course requirements, including attendance, assessments, and practical exams. Failure to meet these requirements may result in forfeiting certification.
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Non-Transferability: Certification is non-transferable and only valid for the individual who completes the training.
Force Majeure
In the event of unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters, strikes, or pandemics, which may cause the training to be cancelled or postponed, we reserve the right to reschedule or transition to online training without breach of the agreement. No refunds will be issued in such cases.