YOGA TEACHER TRAINING 2025
200HR CERTIFICATION
with James & Michele Sierra
Our training is fully accredited and registered with Yoga Australia, the peak registration body for yoga teachers.
• 5-Month Intensive Personalised Training
• In-Person at Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio
We are excited for you to participate in our 200 Hr Training Certification Course starting February 1, 2025. BHYS Teacher Training course is a dynamic and comprehensive course that includes various styles of asana practice including Hatha, dynamic vinyasa, beginner to intermediate levels, yoga for seniors). Our training includes intelligent sequencing design, use of props, applied anatomy, meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra and Buddhist and Yoga philosophy. Read on to learn more…
SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICE by December 1!
Become a Yoga Teacher. More than a course to learn how to teach yoga postures. Yoga Teacher Training at Baulkham Hills Yoga School takes you on an empowering personal and professional journey that will change your life! Yoga and meditation teachers are much needed in our current environment. There are many opportunities to bring yoga to diverse audiences and situations. We will support you in confidently and skillfully embarking on that journey!
overview
If you are passionate about yoga and want to deepen your personal and professional understanding of Yoga, Teacher Training at Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio is for you. Each training comprises personalised tuition, face-to-face and online learning, applied practice and the opportunity to be part of an established yoga teacher community. The training is offered in two levels; 200hr and 350hr. We are currently offering 200hr accreditation which is a recognised prerequisite for all 350hr YTT with us at a later date or with other providers in Australia and internationally.
TIMES & DATES 2025
Times: Saturdays 1pm – 4.30 pm; Sundays 8.30am -4.30pm at BHYS. Some Monday’s Online 6.30-9pm
Accessible In-person Weekend Training. One full weekend every 3-4 weeks, over 5 months.
Training runs from February 1 – June 30. We begin with an intensive February schedule, then an average of one In-person weekend at Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio and one Monday evening online via Zoom every 3 weeks. 90% in-person attendance is required to meet professional accreditation with Yoga Australia. See complete course prerequisites, requirements and tuition pricing on page 3.
Training Dates
o February 1, 2 studio ; 3 -online
o February 15,16 studio; 17-online
o March 15,16 studio
o April 5, 6 studio; 7-online
o April 28-online
o May 3,4 studio
o May 17-18 studio
o June 7-8 ASSESSMENT required attendance in person at BHYS
why train with us?
Baulkham Hills Yoga, accredited Teacher Training, has been running since 2005 and is established as one of the leading and most reputable training institutions in Australia.
We offer an affordable, comprehensive and fun course facilitated by Michele and James Sierra. To date, we have brought through 16 generations of graduate teachers by endowing the wisdom and knowledge they developed over decades of teaching experience. BHYoga graduates are well recognised for the quality of their teaching and are much in demand. Please come and meet some of our graduates, now senior teachers at BHYS; they will happily share their experience of this training with you.
“James' colourful sense of humour and energy, coupled with Michele's inspiring philosophical discussions will ignite your passion for teaching! Their complementary background and experience ensure thorough and professional training for all participants” -David Scope
o Study foundational yoga postures and sequencing which can be seamlessly applied to all styles and levels of yoga practice
o Immerse yourself in meditative science of Yoga and Buddhist philosophy
o Delve into applied anatomy, the joy of postural alignment. Learn about common postural problems, modifications, safe practice, and injury prevention.
o Deepen your meditation practice with a self-paced weekly E-Meditation course supported by personal instruction and training with Michele. This is one of the few yoga teacher training courses in Australia that emphasises integrating the practice of mindful awareness meditation with the physical and philosophical aspects of yoga.
o Explore the deeper layers of Yoga Nidra (transformational yogic sleep) for physical, psychological and spiritual health
o Learn foundational pranayama, breath work and therapeutic yoga practice
small group. You will learn in a small group and receive personalised attention, ongoing mentoring and hands-on experience. Upon completion of your training, you will be invited to join our respected, long-established community of fellow yoga teachers.
why weekend part-time training over 5 months? Our extensive experience shows that monthly part-time training is the most effective and enjoyable way to learn. To gain the most from the course, it is necessary to allow time to integrate and apply content and deepen your own personal practice so you can then go on to confidently and competently instruct your future yoga students. Our preference is not to offer an accelerated course for these reasons. There is no learning quite as exciting as yoga teacher training – we want you to take your time and savour every minute.
PREREQUISITES, TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility, prerequisites, requirements, additional hours + costs
o Applicants should have a minimum of one year's consistent yoga practice
o Outside the weekend modules, you will also be required to attend 50 hrs (or approx. 3 x 90min classes per month) of recorded class attendance at BHYS, for your own practice development. These hours complete the required hours for registration. We offer these classes at a special student rate of $18 (usually $27). The cost of these classes is in addition to your course fee. Ideally, yoga class attendance should be done at BHYS. However, we realise that this may not be possible for some who live more than 60 mins away. In such cases, a percentage of attending, assisting and observing hours may be taken with senior teachers in Australia, provided the teachers are approved by us. Please contact Michele at 0419018433 to discuss your requirements.
• 16 hours of first aid & CPR training (external at your own cost) when ready to teach.
• Required course texts (est. $80)
• Study commitment. You will also need to factor in 2-3 hours per week for study, homework and completion of small assignments.
• 90% in-person attendance for training weekends.
This training module is structured so that there is a balance of attending weekends with occasional breaks between completing assignments, studying, assimilating and applying what is being learnt. Assignments: Coursework in the form of practical and small written assignments, reading, and personal practice will be completed on your own time and supported by mentoring. Please allow for this in your planning and calendar scheduling for the year ahead.
TUITION PRICING
SPECIAL DISCOUNT Early Registration Price: #3290 (includes deposit) paid by December 1, 2024
FULL TUITION PRICE: $3690 (includes your prepaid deposit of $300)
Deposit of $300 on Registration: A $300 fully refundable deposit is required when you register to hold your place.
Balance of $3390 due by January 10, 2025
• Submit your course registration and deposit. No commitment, the deposit is fully refundable if you decide not to proceed after January 10. No admin fee is charged when submitting your registration form.
Earlybird + Registration
https://www.bhys.yoga/payment-teachertraining
A payment plan of 2 instalments is available upon request
• First, request, complete and submit your application form using the ‘Apply’ button below to confirm your genuine interest in training with us. Upon receipt of your completed application, we will be in touch to discuss our payment plan options and any questions you might have regarding the training, payment options, dates, or other specifics.
Payment Plan-application
https://www.bhys.yoga/application-200hr
Unsure if you want to teach yoga or join to expand your personal interest in yoga?
Do you know that you may enrol in this training for personal interest and self-development – there is no commitment to completing assignments for accreditation. Decide as you go. Module 1 will help you develop a confident, well-rounded home practice and understand how yoga and meditation can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilled life. Many of our students have joined us for the pure pleasure of learning, deepening their understanding and love of yoga while connecting with a community of like-minded folk. This is why we offer the unique opportunity to attend in person rather than a short, intensive, impersonal training. You can decide if you want to teach as the course progresses.
ABOUT ACCREDITATION & PROGESSIONAL REGISTRATION
The full course meets the requirements for ‘preliminary’ and ‘Level 1 registration’ with Yoga Australia, which holds the highest standards for Yoga Teacher Training in Australia. Yoga Australia registration is also recognised Internationally. The Yoga Teacher Training Diploma 200hr will be issued to all students who successfully complete 200hrs, enabling them to obtain registration and teach yoga at either introductory or general level.
ϖ 200 accreditation hours is required to register as a ‘Provisional Member’ with Yoga Australia. 5 months of formal training and informal mentoring any time within 6 months if you are planning to teach immediately.
Each teaching module is structured so that there is a balance of attending monthly weekends with occasional breaks between to complete assignments, study, assimilate and apply what is being learnt. Recommencement dates for those completing Level 2 will be discussed with participants to facilitate a smooth transition. Assignments: Coursework in the form of practical and small written assignments, reading, and personal practice will be completed on your own time and supported by mentoring. Please allow for this in your planning and calendar scheduling.
FAQ’s
What happens if I miss a class? 90% in-person attendance is required. If you miss part of a training weekend, we have you covered!
Thanks to our innovative and highly experienced instructors and the enthusiasm of previous trainees, we have developed a fantastic Yoga Teacher Training program that consists of in-person hands-on training, online study, and individual mentoring sessions. If you are unwell or miss an occasional session, we will record that session for later viewing so you can catch up. We also establish a buddy system for extra support.
What if I live far from Baulkham Hills and cannot regularly attend your weekly yoga classes? Can I make up these classes at another studio?
If you live more than 20km from the studio, we are happy to discuss options of attending some of your yoga classes attendance closer to home with a qualified senior Yoga Instructor. We have successfully negotiated options with many of our previous students. Please chat with us.
What subjects are covered?
Module 1 200hrs incorporates the study of hatha yoga asana series (level 1), embodied applied anatomy (level 1), meditation, pranayama, yoga nidra (level 1) and developing a strong personal practice. This module offers a historical and philosophical framework that includes the '8-limbed paths' found in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali and an introduction to Buddhist meditation and philosophy. Level 1 introduces you to sequencing and teaching methods required to begin teaching at a general and introductory level. Level 1 is a prerequisite for Level 2 and any full 350hr Yoga Teacher Training Diploma. If you choose to pick up level 2 later, you will have recognition of prior learning, having completed the first level.
“Baulkham Hills Yoga Teacher Training was a wonderful way to consolidate and expand my years of Yoga practice. Although I had read widely and practised broadly over the years, the teacher training added a level of depth and understanding not possible through personal study. This was made possible by the expert knowledge and skills of James and Michele Sierra. Their complementary understanding of asana, applied anatomy, meditation and philosophy, makes this course comprehensive as well as unique. I highly recommend this course to, not only those aspiring to be teachers but anyone looking to deepen their personal practice and understanding of yoga”. Alyssa
About course facilitators, Michele + James Sierra
James Sierra teaches a unique, dynamic interpretation of yoga asana while continuing to draw upon the foundational practices of respected, authentic yoga traditions. James has taught yoga for more than 35 years and completed extensive training in the BKS Iyengar, Astanga, and Hatha styles of yoga. He has undertaken studies with Judith Laster, Leslie Kaminoff and Rodney Yee. James is a practising natural health practitioner and holds qualifications in Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Nursing. His passion for teaching and training yoga instructors is continually fuelled by his in-depth knowledge of asana, applied anatomy, and Eastern and Western natural health modalities.
Michele Sierra (Yoga Australia & Meditation Association of Australia) also brings more than 30 years of experience to BHYS. Her initial studies were undertaken in India and USA and included Yoga Asana, Meditation and Eastern Philosophy. Michele’s foundational teachers consist of classical Indian Yogis, Iyengar, Feldenkrais and Alexander technique instructors. This eclectic group fostered a keen interest in the benefit of personalised physical alignment and the life-affirming practices of breath work and meditation. Michele continues her studies in Vajrayana Buddhism and holds psychology and visual arts degrees. She also offers accredited Meditation Teacher Training – visit Michele’s website to learn more about her work, michelesierra.com.
“As a graduate of Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio’s Teacher Training program, I can say with absolute conviction it has been the best education of my life. It was a transformative, life-changing experience that has enabled me to confidently teach throughout Sydney's studios, offices, homes and even at University. The comprehensive course structure, which beautifully balanced the practical and theoretical elements, equipped me with the skills to feel empowered to teach people of all different skill levels. Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio is a special place. It preserves the rich, authentic yogic tradition at its heart, whilst empowering students to carry their practice outside of the studio space into daily life. Saya Kentwell Editor, Mental Health Facilitator, Yoga Teacher
more faq
Q. How much homework is there? The BHYS teacher training diploma combines continuous assessment and practical and written examinations. After each module, reading and small amounts of written work are set. Towards the end of the training, there are slightly longer pieces of work in each subject area to complete. On average, past students have set aside between 2-3 hours to complete coursework per week in addition to attendance at the weekend modules.
Q. How much practice will I be expected to do? We recommend that you begin regular classes (1 x per week) with course teachers and senior instructors at our studio, approved by us. In addition, it is strongly recommended that you begin self-practice at home. This will enable you to experiment creatively, question and work toward integrating what you learn in class. Ultimately, this training is about you discovering your own embodied understanding of yoga and teaching from your personal experience and process of inquiry. To do this effectively requires self-practice, contemplation, meditation, acquired knowledge and experience.
As a requirement of the training, students must attend a minimum of 50 hours of taught classes. Online is only acceptable if you are unwell. If you live out of the area, we are happy to discuss alternate options for you.
Have more questions, who can I speak to?
Contact James or Michele for a chat at yoga@baulkhamhillsyoga.com.au or call Michele on 0419018433. James 0409661673. We would love to hear from you!