About The Retreat
2023 Dates
3rd – 25th June
2nd – 23rd December
Our 200 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training course emphasises teaching from beginner to intermediary levels. It therefore concentrates on safety, the use of props, correct breathing and alignment, restorative asana, relaxation and meditation as well as more dynamic and strong asanas to improve strength, endurance and will power.
The Hatha Yoga taught at SYM is based on the Iyengar and Sivananda Yoga methods, with a focus on flow, steadiness and relaxation. Asana practice includes the exploration of the Chakras and the Chinese acupuncture meridians with an emphasis on their profound healing properties.
The course include’s Pranayama, Flow, Restorative or Therapeutic Asana, Relaxation (Savasana), Meditation, Nutrition, Yoga Philosophy and Psychology, Bodywork and Chakra Balancing. Sequences taught are designed to improve both strength and flexibility as well as bring awareness to the flow of subtle energy through the body.
This Haha Yoga Teacher Training reflects an energetic and therapeutic approach to yoga in line with the instructors’ wide ranging experience which includes Iyengar and Sivananda Yoga, 30 years experience as a professional Shiatsu Therapist and Teacher as well as 16 years as a Martial Arts Instructor.
The course emphasises teaching from beginner to intermediary levels. It therefore concentrates on safety, the use of props, correct breathing and alignment, restorative asana, relaxation and meditation as well as more dynamic and strong asanas to improve strength, endurance and will power. Fundamentally students are encouraged to feel the energy flow in each posture to get the maximum understanding and benefit from their practice.
Students need to respect their own limitations and are not expected to exercise beyond their own physical capacities. However all students should be in general good health both physically and emotionally, in order to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires.
The course will be taught in English. The practical part will be evaluated by continuous assessment and you may write the final exam in your own language. Practitioners are advised to have a minimum of 2 years and 100 hours yoga experience. It is also helpful for students to have a basic understanding of the philosophy of Yoga, life style and diet; however all these subjects are taught during the course.
Successful applicants should be in general good health both physically and emotionally, in order to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires. Individuals who do not meet these minimum requirements may still apply for a place and their applications will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by Yoga Alliance International. Our graduates are able to register on the Yoga Alliance International and International Yoga Federation database upon completion of the course and will receive YAI and SYM certification enabling future graduates to teach internationally.
Course objectives
This program will enable future graduates to teach with confidence. The sequences taught are designed to provide an excellent foundation to all the basic poses, to teach avoiding any injury and where necessary adapt poses and sequences for differing physical levels and needs.
Emphasis is on getting prana (energy) to flow while doing the poses, to understand their therapeutic benefits and for each person to practice with enjoyment, correct breathing, correct alignment and sincerity: Ultimately harmonizing mind, body and energy.
The spiritual notions of yoga can also be found in other philosophical/spiritual traditions such as Buddhism or the Western traditions. This will be looked at more closely in the yoga philosophy classes.
Focus of hatha yoga taught at SYM
ASANA practice is based on the Iyengar and Sivananda Yoga methods, with a focus on flow (sun salutation), steadiness (in holding the poses), alignment and recuperative poses (reclining postures and relaxation). Asana practise also includes the exploration of the Chakras and the Chinese acupuncture meridian stretches.
PRANAYAMA are breathing exercises to stimulate the diaphragm, vitalise the body-mind and regulate the flow of energy throughout the system. Good breathing is fundamental for a healthy organism to flourish and recuperate from any ailment.
YOGA PHILOSOPHY & PSYCHOLOGY is concerned with the fundamental questions of: Who we are; Where we come from and where we are going. It is a philosophy which has a universal appeal and one can easily find parallels in other cultures such as ancient Greece, and Europe, Egypt or China. Theory classes reflect Gerry’s passion for the subjects covered.
RELAXATION Physical, emotional and mental relaxation are essential to recover from stress, fatigue, anxiety and disease. Through deep relaxation we can truly let go and begin the journey towards health and wholeness.
MEDITATION is an essential tool for calming the mind and creating stillness and peace within. Meditation facilitates a deeper dialogue with the self as it necessitates concentration and going inwards. SYM offers both guided and non-guided meditation sessions on its courses.
BODY WORK The 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training includes some basic shiatsu body work, which students can take home to practise on friends and family.
YOGIC NUTRITION Good digestion is essential for health and also leads to more balanced emotions, better concentration and better meditation. Yogic nutrition is based on eating healthy, nutritious foods to build a strong body and mind. SYM provides delicious, wholesome, vegetarian and vegan meals cooked in house by our Chef.
Teacher
Gerry Rixen is a registered senior yoga teacher SYT with Yoga Alliance Professionals and a registered teacher with Yoga Alliance International and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre.
He started his yoga practice with the Iyengar method and developed his approach in Yoga therapy over 25 years, with professional experience as a teacher and therapist in Shiatsu and Chinese Medicine including thousands of personal treatments.
He is the founder and director of SYM-Ltd and has been teaching Yoga, Shiatsu, Chinese medicine, and related subjects in France, Spain, Greece, Italy, and the UK.
His profound knowledge of oriental healing arts, martial arts and philosophy is enhanced by his deep understanding of western spiritual and esoteric traditions, including Platonism and Hermetism, Astrology and Psychology.
Over the years he has fused his unique understanding of diagnosis, energy healing, nutrition, oriental and western therapy, psychology and philosophy to create truly interesting workshops related to personal transformation and breakthrough, deep psychological insights, the healing of chronic and degenerative disease and spiritual clarity and advancement.
After completing his studies in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University he worked as a language teacher and TV-news journalist before dedicating himself full time to healing and teaching. Gerry is fluent in English, French, German and Spanish.
Course Syllabus
200 hours
This course is divided into 180 contact hours with a teacher and 20 non-contact hours of individual and/or group study
Yoga Asanas: 86 hours
Basic routine, postures and variations, sun salutation, relaxation, abdominal breathing; full yogic breath, two pranayama techniques, recuperative and advanced postures, meditation.
Practice and Teaching: 20 hours
Beginners and intermediary classes for all levels and ages, in depth asana practice and variations (touches on classes for: the elderly, children and yoga for pregnancy).
Teaching techniques – Guiding, coaching, leading, use of language and communication, use of props, hands-on assisting, finding your personal teaching style, designing classes for mixed levels, teaching new postures in-depth, assessing individual needs, ethics and safety guidelines.
The course also includes discussion on teaching yoga as a business including self employment, safety, legal requirements and marketing.
Anatomy, Physiology: 16 hours
Basic anatomy and physiology; including muscles, bones, the spine, the hormonal system, the nervous system, the urinary system, the immune system and the reproductive system but with particular emphasis on respiration, circulation and digestion.
Chanting, Shiatsu, DVDs, Discussions: 18 hours
Chanting, Introduction to body work, Shiatsu and Chinese meridians, Developing sensitivity, Tuning into energy fields and the chakras, DVDs; relevant documentaries.
Homework and Group Study: 20 hours (non-contact)
Daily Schedule
08:30 – 10:00 Pranayama, Asanas, (main asana class)
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:30 – 12:00 Meditation, Philosophy, Ethics, Shiatsu
12:00 – 14:00 Lunch
14:00- 16:00 Individual study time
16:00 – 17:45 Anatomy & Physiology, Yoga Psychology, Yoga Theory
17:45 – 18:00 Break
18:00 – 20:00 Asana, Teaching & Practicum, Yoga Therapy
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner & Break
This is an example of the daily schedule; please note times may change slightly due to season and location.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes a big traditional villa and a town house. Both have easy access to the village swimming pool, cafe, bar and shops. Food is prepared and served in the main Villa where some classes are also held. The main yoga hall is an easy five minute walk from both locations.
Cuisine
All meals are vegetarian and prepared by our cook at the house and will include a completely vegan option. We advise students not to eat any breakfast before the morning asana class but there is time for snacks in the morning break.
Retreat price
Dormitory (Max 6 people) : €2250 / Twin Room: €2450 / Single : €2800
Includes
* Tuition
At least one excursion to the beach for a morning of practise, swimming and meditation
* Yoga course Manual
* Yoga textbook
* Anatomy and physiology text book
* Mats, props, cushions, supports
* 2 full main vegetarian / vegan/ gluten free delicious meals per day
* Accommodation
* Yoga Alliance International certification.
* Pick up (and drop off) from Peniscola/Benicarlo railway station
What past students have said
”I’m so blessed to have taken my 200 hour yoga teacher training in Cervera Del Maestre with Gerry as the head instructor. Just over 3 weeks of training I found myself very centred and inspired I would do this training all over again with no hesitation. I highly recommend this training for anyone who wants to teach yoga and immerse themselves in the Spanish culture! It’s incredible and an experience I’ll never forget.” Cory Dillingham, Colorado, USA
”The 200 hour teacher training in Spain was satisfying and fulfilling in every single way. It was exactly what I was looking for. The teachers explain in detail how to get safely in and out of each pose and what the correct alignment should be like…. And all that in a very relaxed and easy going atmosphere. Not to mention the food: I have never eaten such healthy, quality food in my entire life. An experience never to forget!”. Griet, Belgium
”Gerry’s unique esoteric knowledge ties Indian philosophy to the Western traditions, making the theory very interesting and relevant to our own ancient culture. The deep understanding of the chakras and prana taught opened up a different dialogue for me allowing for a truly profound experience. The asana practise was challenging, therapeutic and energising, and i took away a wealth of knowledge to improve my practise and help others with. The food, people and location were all wonderful and I highly recommend this course for all those ready to embark on their yoga journey.” Ana, London, UK
What to pack
* Clothes for yoga practise and meditation
* Plain clothes with no big logos. Preferably white, but also blue, yellow, orange, pink, ect all are ok. We work with colour in yoga and therefore wear colours that permit the flow of energy and light.
* Your swim wear, and sun hat!
* Comfortable walking shoes
* Health insurance (EU Health card)
How to get here
Cervera Del Maestre, Valencia is a small village in the mountains 16 km inland from Benicarló, on the Spanish Costa del Azahar 2 hours drive south of Barcelona and 1 hour north of Valencia. The region is well known for its abundant agricultural produce, beaches, mountains and historical towns and villages. You will fly to Castellon where we shall pick you up.
We recommended SkyScanner to search for the best airfare.
Enquiry
To request further information on this 200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training in Valencia, please complete the form below and someone will get back to you within 24 hours.
