Overview
This 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is a hybrid format. About 30% of the curriculum is done online, and the rest is in person.
Portugal has been our base for many years now. We have been running Teacher Training courses in beautiful Ericeira since 2018, and October has always been our favourite month. We welcome you to another edition of our October Ericeira Yoga Teacher Training.
During the training, you will learn a comprehensive Spanda Yoga Method created by the Institute's founder Nina Vukas (E-RYT 500, RPYT, IAYT) and enriched by our proficient faculty. The method is based on the latest functional movement, biomechanics, and physiological understanding. We intend to integrate ancient wisdom and modern science, finding their meeting points. Consequently, our approach is multidisciplinary, rooted in Tantric and Hatha Yoga teachings, Classical Yoga Philosophy and Ayurveda, and sciences such as Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics, Neuroscience and Psychology. Regarding the History and Tradition of Yoga, we teach in a non-dogmatic, research-informed way.
We focus on teaching Yoga as a holistic well-being and health discipline, not a performance art. You will learn how to be a knowledgeable, skilled, mindful Yoga Teacher and integrate asana, pranayama, meditation, mudra, and mantra to create a balanced and healing practice for your students and a safe space for them to grow.
Join us if you are looking for comprehensive yoga teacher training and a structured Vinyasa method.
Hybrid training - 30% online, 70% in person
Yoga Alliance certified
Small group - max 14 students
Two lead teachers and many guest teachers
The online part is on-demand, so you can do it at your pace and time
The in-person part consists of 19 days, with one full day off
We believe in giving back, so we donate to local charities and plant trees worldwide for each teacher training we do. MORE INFO
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 will you learn?
We teach a Method called Spanda Vinyasa; as the name suggests, it’s a more dynamic, Vinyasa style of Yoga practice. However, we will also teach you how to adjust this practice for beginners and how to lead a relaxing, Restorative Yoga class.
We do not teach a set flow. Some parts will be a set sequence, but for the most part, we will give you a structure and teach you how to sequence not only creative but, more importantly, in meaningful themed class-based either on the physical body or the Five Elements. We will also teach you WHEN to teach which type of class. You will learn about Ayurveda, for example, and why you should not lead a Fire Element class in the summer or what is a good balancing class for a windy fall day. You will learn how to weave Yogic tools beyond asana into your class, such as pranayama, mudra, meditation and mantra.
You will get an excellent understanding of Anatomy and Physiology related to Yogic practices and an appreciation for our amazing bodies. Generally, everything we teach is backed up with references and proof, even regarding Yogic tradition. We are passionate about the TRUTH and believe that seeking the truth (and not following dogmas and belief systems) is what spirituality is all about. Our teachers, no matter how senior and how much knowledge they might have, are not gurus but fellow humans on the path of Yoga and Wellbeing.
If you are doing this training for yourself and not necessarily to teach, you will be able to create healing, balancing, and empowering classes for yourself and your friends. If you are planning to teach, you will be able to do so literally the day after you get your diploma, as many of our students have.
And last but not least, we like to stay in touch and help you on your journey. We have a community page on our website you can use for your bio until you create your own; we will happily share your events and answer your questions. We often need assistants for our events and always choose from our Sangha (community). Once you study with us, you are always a part of Spanda Sangha.
If you would like to experience some of our classes to get the feel of the Method we teach, check out PRACTICE WITH US.
Program
Yoga History and Tradition
Applied Anatomy & Biomechanics
Common injuries
Introduction to Ayurveda
Asana alignment and adaptation
Five principles of Spanda Vinyasa
Five foundations of Spanda Vinyasa
Beyond asana - Kriya, Pranayama, Mudra, Mantra
Progressive sequencing - Building a class with a theme
Beginners class sequence + modifications
Restorative class sequence + working with props
Safe adjustments
Yoga and Ayurvedic principles - flowing with nature
Five Elements and their relationship with body/mind
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Bhumi (Earth) flow
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Agni (Fire) flow
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Vayu (Air) flow
Spanda Tattva Vinyasa - Jala (Water) flow
Teaching and assisting practicum
Ethics and Business of teaching yoga
Teaching methodology
Practicum
+ Reading assignments and homework
What to expect
Intensive teacher training is, well, - intensive on all levels. Your body will get tired as well as your mind; you will get emotional. There will also be many happy moments, moments of revelation and connection, AHA! moments. You will make friends forever. But, whatever the process, our goal is to hold the space for you and support you. You will always have space to speak your mind and heart. We will also schedule some free time so you can reset and process what you have learned.
Because of the intensity of training, we have created an online programme with the intention to prepare you for the training itself; there will be practice videos and alignment-based videos, lectures on anatomy and biomechanics, lectures, reading and essays on yoga history, philosophy and tradition, as well as Ayurveda, Yoga's sister science. Once we meet, you will feel much more confident in your body and already have some basic knowledge.
During the first week, we will go over the fundamentals of the Spanda Vinyasa Method and anatomy and biomechanics, asana alignment, basic adjustments and the Art of Sequencing. In the second part of the training, we will dive deeper into the subtle anatomy, learn about Ayurveda, the Five Elements and Elemental Vinyasa principles, or how to sequence according to the laws of mama Nature. You will not get a set sequence, but rather a set structure and many tools to create your sequences confidently, depending on your group and the environment.
Why choose us?
If you want to be taught by teachers with experience. We have been leading Yoga Teacher Training courses since 2009 and have certified hundreds of Yoga Teachers worldwide.
If you want to learn a comprehensive Vinyasa-style method and be ready to teach like a pro as soon as you get your diploma (as many of our students do), this training is for you.
If you want to learn how to teach a variety of classes - beginners, intermediate, advanced, and restorative, and not only one set sequence, this training is for you.
If you want to learn how to skilfully weave-in pranayama, meditation, mudra, and mantra into your class, this training is for you.
If you like structure but also the freedom to create a class that will serve you or your students best, this training is for you.
If you want to learn about the body and functional movement and understand why some often practiced asanas are not so great for an average 21st-century human, this training is for you.
If you want to learn about Ayurveda and how to use the principles of this intelligent system to create classes that balance the body/mind by respecting seasonal and other changes, this training is for you.
If you want to learn about Yoga in general as well as Yoga History and Tradition in a non-dogmatic way, backed by facts and not stories, this training is for you.
If you want to learn a lot, not just about Yoga, but about your body/mind, this training is for you.
And finally, if you want to teach and you need help and support as you take your first steps as a teacher, we’ll always be here for you.
Students about this course
“It took me a while to decide on which 200hr course I wanted to do, there is 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)
Support after the training
We like to stay in touch and help you on your journey. We have a community page on our website you can use for your bio until you create your own; we will happily share your events and answer your questions. We often need assistants for our events and always choose from our Sangha (community). Once you study with us, you are always a part of Spanda Sangha.
Another support you will have is our detailed, comprehensive 400+ page book our students use as reference for years, especially as they start teaching.
YOUR TEACHERS
Bruno Morais
E-RYT200, RYT 500
Movement has always been essential to Bruno's life; he studied dance in Amsterdam and performed for years in theatres around Europe. During this time, he practised Yoga, mainly as a warm-up during his years as a dancer, but also because he found a more profound connection with himself on the mat, so completing a Yoga Teacher Training was a natural next step in his life.
While at the crossroads of his professional life, Bruno took some time off to travel the globe, teaching Yoga everywhere he stayed longer. He also continued with his Yoga education, completing a 300-hour training with Nina Vukas and Celest Pereira, and soon joined our team, first as a mentor, followed by an assistant teacher, and later taking the lead on our 200-hour YTT courses in Portugal and Sri Lanka.
Bruno is a fun and down-to-earth teacher; his students mainly describe him as humble and patient. When he is not leading one of our 200-hour YTTs, Bruno is teaching weekly classes in different Yoga studios in and around Lisbon.
Teresa Wohlmannstetter
E-RYT200, RYT500, Physio
Teresa is a physiotherapist who worked in an orthopaedic practice for many years before she became a full-time Yoga Teacher. A yogini since her teens, she attended a Yoga Teacher Training to bring more tools into her passion for supporting and healing body/mind.
After completing her 200-hour training with us in Portugal and graduating with honours as one of the best in her class, Teresa joined us as an Anatomy Teacher first while continuing her Yoga education, sound healing education, as well as pursuing professional education in manual therapy. After completing her 300-hour YTT with Spanda Institute, Teresa became an essential part of our 200- and 300-hour programmes team.
A passionate surfer, Teresa lives in Portugal, where she offers group and private Yoga classes, sound healing sessions, massage and therapy sessions and bespoke Yoga retreats.
Maddie Rowland
E-RYT 200, RYT 500
A professional singer and musician, Maddie has been sharing her love for Yoga and music in Cornwall, Portugal, Sri Lanka and Bali. She has been teaching Yoga since her early 20s, and was one of the youngest students to complete a 300-hour programme with us.
After completing her 300-hour YTTC, Maddie joined our Teacher Training team and is now an essential member of our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training programmes in Portugal and Sri Lanka.
In her classes and retreats, she combines her passion for world music and sound, using a variety of instruments to create a healing space, guiding you along a journey of sound and moving meditation. Besides our YTT courses, Maddie teaches weekly classes in Cornwall and leads beautiful annual retreats in Portugal.
Nina Vukas
Program Director - E-RYT500, RPYT, IAYT
Nina is a founder of Spanda Institute and a Program Director of the 200-hour and 300-hour programs.
A practitioner since her early 20s, Nina completed her first YTT in 2004 and became a full-time Yoga Teacher in 2006 when she opened a Yoga studio (Sangha Yoga Centre 2006-2019). In 2009 she founded a Yoga Teacher Training school and led 200 and 300-hour programs. The school later became Spanda Institute, a well-known yoga school with an excellent international team offering various programs in Europe and Sri Lanka.
Today Nina focuses mainly on teaching 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training courses, offering one-on-one Yoga Therapy and Psychotherapy sessions, and organising Spanda events. She is in charge of the online part of your training.
Schedule
ONLINE SCHEDULE
The online part of the training consists of recorded materials and a few live Q&A sessions via zoom (a few weeks before the in-person training).
You will receive the materials as soon as the full payment has been made, and can start studying in your pace and time. This part consist of 60+ hours of study, so please ensure you have sufficient time to cover it before the in-person part. Online part of the training will also cover your written exam - you will be asked to write four essays and will have to answer quizzes in each of the chapters. This means that you won’t need to stress about a written exam once we meet in person.
IN-PERSON SCHEDULE
Will be announced closer to date.
Location
Perched atop of 30-meter sandstone cliffs, overlooking the powerful blue Atlantic, and a string of golden sand beaches, lies Ericeira, a fishing town in Lisbon district, about 35 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. The old village is charming and typically Portuguese with whitewashed houses, blue doors, and window frames, tiles, chapels, and narrow cobbled streets. Once a peaceful coastal town, Ericeira and the surrounding coast has recently been recognized as the World surfing reserve, transforming it into a surfer's mecca, with over 30 surf spots with a diversity of waves for all levels.
Our venue, Olive3 yoga retreat centre, is conveniently nestled in the old village, within walking distance from the beaches, shops, and restaurants, but tucked away enough to allow peace and quiet. You will find it almost hidden behind three olive trees (hence the name!) and Fonte do Cabo, an old fountain dating from 1457. which makes it one of the oldest fountains in Ericeira.
With simple but charming and comfortable rooms, a big garden featuring a small pool, a large communal kitchen, and a beautiful, bright yoga shala, Olive 3 is a perfect place teacher training venue.
Investment and Terms
Single small room with shared bathroom
Early Bird … 3500 euro
Late Bird … 3700 euro
Price is per person and includes:
Tuition cost, 400+ page manual
19-day accommodation with breakfast
Single double-bed room with shared bathroom
Early Bird … 3740 euro
Late Bird … 3940 euro
Price is per person and includes:
Tuition cost, 400+ page manual
19-day accommodation with breakfast
Twin room with shared bathroom
Early Bird … 3080 euro
Late Bird … 3280 euro
Price is per person and includes:
Tuition cost, 400+ page manual
19-day accommodation with breakfast
Other options
A non-residential option is possible for Ericeira residents or those travelling with family. Please email us for details.
Half scholarship is available for those with low income, please email us to see if you are eligible. The scholarship is only applied to the tuition (1200 euro discount on EB packages, 1300 on LB packages)
Full scholarships (on tuition) are also available when announced. Please follow our IG and subscribe to our newsletter to follow scholarship announcements.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
500 € deposit to save your spot. This deposit is non-refundable unless we cancel the training.
Early Bird price is available until July 15th, 2024. Late Bird full payment is due by September 15th, 2024.
ACCOMMODATION
All the packages above including accommodation, are for the rooms at Olive3. All the rooms share bathrooms.
Apart from single and double rooms, Olive3 also has dorm rooms and en-suite studios which you can book directly through them. Please email us for details.
MEALS
Breakfast is included in your accommodation price, and after practice snack, as well as one group dinner is included in the tuition price.
Within five-minute walking distance of Olive3 retreat, you can find the best restaurants in Ericeira. Each serves at least one vegan and one vegetarian dish. We didn’t include lunch and dinner to the package so you can choose what you like daily and explore everything Ericeira has to offer. There is a communal kitchen in Olive3, for those who prefer preparing their meals.
Students about this course
“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)
“I could not have asked for a better Yoga Teacher Training experience. Randomly stumbling on your website was the best thing to happen to me. These three weeks have been incredibly healing, I cannot even begin to put into words. I cannot wait to take everything I learned from you and apply it to daily life every single day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart” - Amy (USA)
“The Spanda Teacher Training was an experience I will take with me forever. I have learned so much about history, philosophy, science, anatomy, spirituality, about the world and my own body, mind and soul - all teachings that I take with me and use in my everyday life. I am deeply grateful to Nina, Bruno and Teresa for sharing their knowledge and loving energy. Each one of them is a great teacher in their own way, making the training very complete and fun. I would recommend this training to anyone wanting to take their yoga deeper. You will have a very enlightening and instructive experience and make friends for life.” - Alberica (ITA)
"Originally I was planning to do my TTC in India – as I thought that's where it's 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 off and thorough, you come out very well prepared to teach right away, 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)
“Great experience, great teachers and a very complete and detailed program.” - Barbara (PT)