April 17, 2027 - May 5, 2027
NEW DATES JUST IN!
Overview
Location & Time:
Ericeira, Portugal – Spanda Institute’s home base since 2018
Maré Guesthouse - in the heart of the village, steps away from the beach
The training starts on April 17, 2027, at 6 pm, and finishes on May 5, 2027, at 7 pm (check-out is the next day after breakfast)
Tuition & Accommodation
Packages: from tuition only to tuition + single, twin and quadruple room accommodation
Half-scholarships available (50% off the tuition) for the unemployed; limited spots offered
Key Features:
Hybrid format: 30% online (self-paced), 70% in-person
Immersive in-person training: 18 days in Portugal (with one full day off mid-training)
Small group setting for personal attention
Yoga Alliance Certified and internationally recognised
Flexible online portion: complete at your own pace
Half-scholarships available (unemployed, low income)
Suitable for both personal growth and professional certification
Email us or book a call for additional information
What You’ll Learn:
Science-informed practice and techniques
The Spanda Yoga Method: Intelligent sequencing, themed sequencing
Yoga history and philosophy taught through a non-dogmatic, research-informed lens
How to teach themed Vinyasa classes, Beginner Yoga, and Restorative Yoga
Holistic tools: asana, pranayama, meditation, mudra, mantra
Trauma-sensitive approaches that create safe and healing spaces for students
Faculty:
Created by Nina Vukas (E-RYT 500, RPYT, IAYT), founder of Spanda Institute
Led by three lead teachers with support from expert guest faculty
Spanda Institute has trained yoga teachers worldwide for over 15 years
Highly rated school on Yoga Alliance
Beyond the Training:
Join a lifelong Spanda Sangha community
Participation supports our Karma Yoga projects, contributing to sustainability and humanitarian efforts
What will you learn?
We teach the Spanda Vinyasa Method, a dynamic vinyasa-based style that can be adapted for beginners as well as deeply restorative classes.
Rather than following a rigid set flow, you’ll learn a flexible framework for building creative, purposeful, and themed sequences including themed classes based on the Five Elements. You’ll also discover how to integrate pranayama, mudra, meditation, and mantra to create a truly holistic experience.
The program provides a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, explored in relation to yoga practice and individual body differences, as well as trauma-informed teaching methodology. All content is taught through a research-informed, non-dogmatic approach, blending tradition with modern science.
Whether for personal growth or professional teaching, you’ll gain the skills to create healing, balanced, and empowering classes - many graduates begin teaching as soon as they complete the training. Finally, becoming part of Spanda means joining a supportive community that stays connected long after the training ends.
If you would like to experience some of our classes to get the feel of the Method we teach, check out PRACTICE WITH US.
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Online training (recorded materials)
Yoga History and Tradition
Anatomy & Physiology
Applied Anatomy of Yoga & Biomechanics
Introduction to Ayurveda
Subtle Anatomy
Practice videos
Reading assignments and homework
Recorded materials can be watched at your own time/pace.Part 1: Fundamental teachings of Spanda Vinyasa Yoga
First half of the training is dedicated to setting solid foundations and acquiring substantial knowledge on which we can build upon, like anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, or how to apply anatomy and biomechanics in yoga. We dive deep into learning about asana alignment and individual adaptation, how to avoid and work with common yoga injuries. We learn about safe adjustments and unravel the method of Integral Vinyasa - from the principles and foundations to the sequencing of themed classes and beginners classes and dive into teaching methodology and take our first teaching steps.
Applied anatomy and biomechanics
Asana alignment and adaptation
Five principles of Integral Vinyasa
Five foundations of Integral Vinyasa
Progressive sequencing
Building a class with a theme
Beginners classes
Safe adjustments
Teaching methodologyPart 2: Spanda Tattva Vinyasa
This module moves from the physical to explore the deeper, more advanced level of yogic practice, teaching, and sequencing. Apart from learning different Namaskars and Elemental sequences, we will learn how and when to use them, considering the laws of Nature - from the time of the day to the moon phase, season, personal constitution, cycle etc. We will slowly start to move deeper into the subtle and explore yoga through the teachings of Ayurveda, yoga's sister science. In this way, we focus on promoting balance and healing on and off the mat. In this part, we cover more teaching methodology, teaching practice, ethics, and the business of teaching yoga.
Yoga and Ayurvedic principles - flowing with nature
Spanda Vinyasa - Bhumi (Earth) flow
Spanda Vinyasa - Agni (Fire) flow
Spanda Vinyasa - Vayu (Air) flow
Spanda Vinyasa - Jala (Water) flow
Teaching methodology: Trauma-Sensitive Yoga
Teaching and assisting practicum
Ethics and business of teaching yoga
+ Closing & Diploma ceremony
Daily Schedule
8:00 - 9:30 Morning practice
9:30 - 10:15 Breakfast break
10:15 - 13:00 Lectures
13:00 - 15:00 Lunch break
15:00 - 18:00 Lectures & Practicum
April 17th - we start at 6 pm
May 5th - check out after breakfast
One full rest day halfway through the training
Is this training for you?
This training may be for you if you are looking for:
Experience you can trust. We have been training yoga teachers since 2009, continually refining our programme through experience, research and student feedback.
A science-informed approach to anatomy and physiology. You will explore functional movement and learn to look at asana and Vinyasa through this lens, developing a deeper understanding of how the body moves and how to work with it intelligently. You will also explore how movement, breathing and other yoga practices influence our physiology, informed by current research.
A trauma-sensitive approach to learning and teaching. You will be introduced to the principles of trauma-informed yoga while experiencing this approach throughout the training itself. We emphasise mindfulness rather than performance, respect individual boundaries and give you space to make choices based on what feels appropriate for your own body and experience.
A practical method that prepares you to teach. Rather than memorising one set sequence, you will learn a comprehensive Vinyasa-based methodology that gives you both structure and freedom. You will learn how to sequence and teach themed Vinyasa classes for different levels, as well as Beginners and Restorative Yoga, adapting what you teach to the people in front of you.
More than asana. You will learn how to meaningfully integrate pranayama, meditation, mudra and mantra into your classes, understanding how these practices can complement and support the physical practice.
A practical understanding of Ayurveda. You will explore how Ayurvedic principles can inform your practice and teaching, including how to adapt classes to seasonal and individual needs.
Yoga beyond the physical practice. We explore yoga history, philosophy and tradition with curiosity and respect, taking a non-dogmatic approach that considers both traditional sources and contemporary scholarship.
Time and space to learn. Our in-person groups are intentionally small, giving you plenty of opportunities to ask questions, practise teaching, receive individual feedback and learn from both your teachers and fellow students.
Learning that begins before you arrive. Your online pre-training introduces key subjects through recorded lectures, quizzes and coursework, giving you time to absorb the theory before we come together and allowing us to make better use of the in-person training.
An opportunity to deepen your own practice and understanding. Not everyone who joins us intends to teach. The training is also an opportunity to deepen your understanding of yoga, your own practice and the relationship between body and mind.
Support beyond graduation
Our relationship with you does not end when you receive your diploma. Once you study with us, you become part of Spanda Sangha, our international community of graduates, and we like to stay connected as you take your first steps into teaching and beyond.
We are happy to share your classes, workshops and events through our network. When we need assistants for our trainings and events, we look first to our own Sangha, and many of the teachers now on the Spanda faculty began their journey with us as students.
You will also leave the training with two comprehensive course manuals, with more than 400 pages of material, as well as access to your online pre-training lectures and resources. You can return to these whenever you need them, and many of our graduates continue using them as a reference for years, particularly when they first begin teaching.
Once you study with us, you remain part of Spanda Sangha, and we hope to continue supporting your learning and teaching long after the training ends.
Prerequisites
Aligned with Yoga Alliance standards, we require a minimum of one year of continuous and dedicated yoga practice, a good understanding of the English language, and a dedication to study and practice.
We know that each person is different, and believe no one better can decide if this program is for you but - you. Having said this we would like to stress out that this is a rich and intensive program, both for your body and your mind. To get your diploma you will be required to attend all the hours, pass both written and teaching exams, but we will make sure that you do.
If you are unsure if this training is right for you, or have any questions, we are happy to arrange a zoom call with one of the lead teachers.
What our Students Say
“It’s rare to feel so engaged and inspired throughout full days of teaching, but the team at Spanda Institute created exactly that experience. Their classes were rich with knowledge, clearly articulated, and delivered with both passion and structure. They struck a unique balance between bringing lightness and humour to the room while maintaining clarity and purpose in their teaching. What truly set them apart was the genuine care shown to each student. The teachers treated everyone with respect and maturity, and made the learning environment feel empowering and inclusive. I left feeling confident to teach a 90 minute class which I didn’t think would be attainable. It was the perfect place to begin a yoga journey - a true teaching family.”
Your Teachers
BRUNO MORAIS
E-RYT 500
One of our senior teachers, Bruno will take the lead trainer role in this teacher training. His deep understanding of movement helps students explore how sequences flow, transitions connect, and how to embody and teach them with greater confidence and ease. Fun, down-to-earth, and intuitive in his approach, Bruno is known by his students for his humility, patience, and ability to make movement feel accessible.
ALBERICA RINDI
E-RYT 500
Teaching alongside Bruno, Biki brings warmth and care to the training, along with a wealth of knowledge. Her kind and approachable nature creates a supportive environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, exploring, and learning at their own pace. With experience teaching people from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, she intuitively meets students where they are and makes everyone feel welcome, included, and genuinely cared for throughout the training.
NINA VUKAS
E-RYT 500, RPYT, C-IAYT
As the founder of Spanda Institute and creator of this programme, Nina brings over 20 years of teaching experience and a deep love for sharing yoga beyond the physical practice. You’ll meet her at the start of your journey during the online pre-training, where she’ll guide you through much of the theory. While Nina now dedicates much of her time to mentoring established teachers through Spanda’s advanced trainings, she remains closely involved in this programme and will join you in person for selected lectures, including Trauma-Sensitive Yoga.
MARINA MORIC
RYT 500, PhD Neuroscience
TERESA WOHLMANNSTETTER
RYT-500, Physio
During the online training, you’ll also learn from two of our long-standing faculty members: Marina Morić, PhD in Neuroscience, who will bring the science of the brain into your understanding of yoga, and Teresa Wohlmannstetter, physiotherapist and yoga teacher, who will guide you through functional anatomy and the body in movement.
Location, accommodation & meals
ABOUT ERICEIRA
Perched atop 30-metre sandstone cliffs, overlooking the powerful blue Atlantic and a stretch of golden sand beaches, Ericeira is a fishing town in the Lisbon district, about 35 kilometres northwest of Lisbon. The old village is charming and quintessentially Portuguese, with its whitewashed houses, blue doors and window frames, traditional tiles, chapels, and narrow cobbled streets. Once a peaceful coastal retreat, Ericeira and its surrounding coastline have recently been recognised as a World Surfing Reserve, transforming it into a surfer’s paradise with over 30 surf spots offering a variety of waves for all levels.
ABOUT MARÉ
Our venue, and Spanda Institute home base, Maré Guesthouse is conveniently nestled in the heart of the old village, within walking distance of the beaches, shops, and restaurants, yet tucked away just enough to provide peace and quiet. Maré sits next to Fonte do Cabo, an old fountain dating back to 1457 and one of the oldest in Ericeira; as you walk through the red doors, you will find a little oasis. Maré's rooms are airy and light, with cotton bedlinen and simple, nature-inspired details. All the rooms share bathrooms. Common areas include a lush garden with a plunge pool, a co-working space, and a bright, beautiful yoga shala. Please note that we do not have a shared kitchen for cooking and storage. Also, we have a cat living on the property. Let us know if you have a cat allergy so we can keep Vasco away.
ABOUT THE MEALS
Your stay includes a healthy, organic, plant-based breakfast and lunch, with both vegan and vegetarian options. Lunch includes a main course and dessert, a refreshing drink such as homemade lemonade or iced tea, and coffee. Our meals are balanced and nourishing, with plenty of protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates to keep you energised throughout the training. For dinner, we encourage you to explore the local restaurant scene. With plenty of options just a few minutes' walk away, there's something for every taste and budget.
Investment / Packages
ACCOMMODATION & WHAT IS INCLUDED?
All residential packages include tuition, comprehensive course materials, 18 nights of accommodation, breakfast and lunch (except on the day off), tourist tax for the duration of your stay, and one group dinner. All listed prices are per person.
Room categories refer to occupancy: single rooms are for one person, twin rooms are shared by two students, and the shared attic room accommodates four students. All bathroom facilities are shared.
Non-residential packages include tuition, comprehensive course materials and one group dinner, with the option to add breakfast, lunch or both.
Small single room - sold out
Early Bird … 4218 €
Late Bird …. 4418 €
Located on the first floor overlooking the garden, this cosy room has a single bed and easy access to the upstairs shared bathrooms.
Please note: we have just one room in this category, and it tends to book quickly.
Large single room
Early Bird … 4596 €
Late Bird …. 4696 €
Our larger single rooms are located across the ground and first floors, with either garden or alley views. All rooms share bathroom facilities.
Please note: we allocate individual rooms based on the group's needs, with earlier bookings allocated to more sought-after rooms.
Twin shared room
Early Bird … 3732 €
Late Bird …. 3832 €
Our twin rooms have two single beds and are located in different parts of the house, with garden, alley or square views. All rooms share bathroom facilities.
Please note: we allocate individual rooms according to availability and the needs of each group, with earlier bookings given priority.
Shared Attic Room - quadruple
Early Bird … 3408 €
Late Bird …. 3608 €
Our spacious attic room has four single beds and a small living area with a sofa, armchair and coffee table, offering plenty of space to relax and settle in during your stay. The shared bathroom is located on the floor below.
Please note: for yoga teacher training, this room is set up with four single beds.
Non-residential packages
TUITION ONLY:
Early Bird … 2400 €
Late Bird …. 2600 €
ADDITIONAL MEALS:
Lunch 288 € (16 × 18 € )
Breakfast 208 € (16 × 13 €)
If you choose not to stay at the venue or add a meal package, you are welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it in the garden and dining room. Please note, however, that there is no shared kitchen, refrigerator or washing-up area available for guest use.
Terms and conditions
500 € deposit to secure your spot.
Early bird prices are available until December 15, 2026, when the remaining balance is due.
Late Bird prices are charged after December 15. The remaining balance is due March 10, 2027.
You will find full terms and conditions in our application form. Please read them carefully.
Frequent Q & A
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As soon as your full tuition is paid. We send out invoices on due date, but if you wish to start earlier, let us know.
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The nearest airport is Lisbon (LIS). From there you can take a direct bus, or get an Uber/Bolt. We will provide detailed directions and recommendations in your “Know Before You Go” information pack.
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Training begins in the evening on the first day, so it is best to arrive in Lisbon by early afternoon to allow enough time to reach the venue and settle in. Transfers from Lisbon airport take around one hour with a bus or a bit less with an Uber.
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Our yoga shala has mats and props, but it’s always best to bring your own.
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Yes, you are welcome to stay in Olive3 before or after the training, but please book the accommodation directly with them.
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The training schedule is intensive, but the beach is only a short walk away, so you can enjoy the sea during breaks and before/after the training day. We also include one full day off midway through the training, giving you time to explore Ericeira, surf, or rest.
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Yes. While most trainees stay at the retreat centre for the full immersive experience, you are welcome to arrange your own accommodation in Ericeira or stay with friends. If you choose this option, your tuition fee will cover the training only, and you will need to organise your own meals and daily transport to and from the venue.
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Yes. If you book a large single room, you are welcome to share it with a partner or friend. Alternatively, Olive3 also offers private studios which you can book directly if you prefer more privacy or need more space.
Students about this course
“It took me a while to decide on which 200hr course I wanted to do, there are so many out there but as soon as I found Spanda Institute I knew I had found the one. Now I have completed it I know I made the right choice. The pre-course work was so beneficial and gave such a good insight into what I could expect on the course. The manual we received when we arrived is now my bible, it’s unbelievable!! The content of the course was so enjoyable and easy to understand, I was a little worried about the complexity of the anatomy and philosophy module but Theresa and Bruno and the manual made it really easy to learn. I enjoyed every single day with Spanda, the schedule of the days was brilliant, we covered so much and still had time to absorb it all. Bruno, Theresa and Maddie are out of this world brilliant and it was a privilege to learn from them. If you are considering Spanda, do it, do it, do it, you won’t regret it!” Dani (UK)
“It has been 3 wonderful weeks for me, I am grateful and happy to be part of the Spanda family now. This course has fulfilled my expectations and more: the method, the content, the teaching, and the participants make this yoga teacher training unique.”
- Anne Lyse (FRA)
“Spanda’s training program was thoughtfully designed and suited my independent learning style. I appreciated having structured video content and clear guidance on curriculum that feels relevant to most western teaching environments. I was challenged in a supportive way—never pushed to unrealistic standards—and everything we learned supported real-world practice. The content was thorough but not overwhelming, and it created space for us to follow our individual curiosities more deeply. Our teachers were truly exceptional—present, structured, and clearly invested in our growth. Their passion for the Spanda method and our learning felt sincere throughout our time together.”
- Malarie (USA)
"Originally I was planning to do my TTC in India – as I thought that's where it ought to be done. However, after stumbling across the Spanda TTC I immediately fell in love with the good mix of tradition paired with modern insights of science. The program is very well-rounded and thorough, you come out very well-prepared to teach right away, and make some awesome connections and Bruno, Nina, and Teresa are just the kindest people that made the whole experience great. I highly recommend anyone to follow the program at Spanda – you will learn a thorough method that gives you the confidence you need to start your own teaching experience!"
- Nina (CH)
“The training is very well structured, I feel like I learned a lot in a short period and I'm able to already apply the knowledge I gained in this training. It was amazing to see everybody grow and become already good teachers because we had a lot of support and guidance from our teachers. I feel ready to teach.”
- Ana (PT)
”Great training, lovely & supportive teachers, I really really LOVED my time at Spandas 200h ytt. I learned so much and am beyond grateful for this AMAZING opportunity to study here! Thank you so so much for EVERYTHING!!! <3”
- Jennifer (CH)
“Enrolling in the SPANDA Yoga Teacher Training program was certainly one of the best decisions I’ve made. This experience went far beyond learning the asanas and anatomy. It was a deep dive into the world of Yoga that allowed us to understand what a Yoga practice really is about and how to convey this beautiful message in our own classes. All the teachers really did care about our overall wellbeing and comprehension. The method that the owner Nina created is like a great foundation to build upon. Overall I couldn’t have wished for a better Training and am grateful from the bottom of my heart to have had the chance to go my first steps into the Yoga Teacher Era with SPANDA.”
- Paula (GER)
“I enjoyed every single day during this training. The teachers were AMAZING. I directly love the connexion with team and they were so patient and kindness. I couldn't dream to have better teachers; thanks again Bruno, Teressa, Biki and Maddie. It was also special for me because I follow this training during my second pregnancy and it wasn't a problem at all. The tools that we had (videos, manuals and the Spanda method) give confidence to teach right after the training. The classes were provided with a high quality. Thanks again Spanda Institute!”
- Natacha (UK)