The essentials
200h certified yoga teacher training
October 2023 - June 2024
An opportunity to dive deep into the Self for all curious students of Yoga.

Looking to study & teach yoga?
Institut Yoga Essentiel unites an internationally recognized, diverse and leading faculty offering a thorough course of study of yoga’s multi-faceted aspects.
This course is open all curious students of Yoga who wish to cultivate the skills to transmit the teachings to others, or simply looking to dive into the Self, and explore yogic studies to deepen their own understanding and practice of Yoga. Our 200 hour teacher training program is designed to assist in personal development as well as providing all the prerequisites to becoming a certified and qualified yoga teacher.
About the program
The students will learn the ethical guidelines for teaching and living yoga; they will explore the fundamental idea behind yoga philosophy: the deep connection with the Self.
The students will learn how to see and understand the human body, the principles of alignment and the use of props. The fundamental principles of teaching asana and pranayama are taught.
The students will learn about the subtle body and the Ayurvedic constitutions to better understand themselves and others. Through naada (yoga of sound) and sanskrit studies, the students will learn how to liberate their voice through chanting and reciting mantras; as well as pronouncing, reading and writing basic sanskrit words.
The students will leave the training with a deeper understanding of their personal practice, and clarity to teach with confidence in both online and in-person contexts, should they pursue a career in teaching.
This 200 hour program is offered on a part-time basis, consisting of 14 weekends (online and/or in person), 30 accumulative practice hours of online group classes, and personal growth/exploration through homework assignments and readings. All modules will be recorded and available for reviewing if a class is missed. The practical modules held in-person, will also be recorded live for students who wish to attend the entire training virtually.
We also propose options for independent studies for students simply looking to study for personal development or continuing education.

Meet our diverse and leading faculty
TWO FORMATS OFFERED TO SUPPORT YOUR SCHEDULE

JOSEPHINE VITTORIA
Program Director, E-RYT 500, Director and Founder of Institut Yoga Essentiel
Module: Asana, Teaching Methods, Practice
Module: Yoga Ethics and Lifestyle
Josephine Vittoria E-RYT 500, is the founder and director of Institut Yoga Essentiel in Montreal, Canada. Following the teachings of the Iyengar tradition, since 2009 she has studied under the guidance of various senior Iyengar teachers and influencers including Judith Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Relax and Renew®); Elise Miller (Yoga for Scoliosis), and Bobby Clennell (author of The Woman’s Yoga Book). She graduated from École Satyam in Montreal; and completed EYTT & Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with François Raoult at Open Sky Yoga in Rochester, NY. These experiences have influenced the way she understands herself and the world as well as the way she expresses herself creatively through her jewelry brand Inherstudy. Creating space, discovering self-awareness, and learning to let go are the fundamentals of her teachings.

FRANÇOIS RAOULT
E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, Director of Open Sky Yoga, MA in Ethnomusicology
Module: Pranayama (Yoga of Breath) and Naada Yoga (Yoga of Sound)
François Raoult, M.A, ERYT 500 is the founder and director of Open Sky Yoga Center in Rochester, NY and has taught yoga since 1975. He first felt the call to yoga at age 19, on a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of India. For a decade, he toured Euope with an avant-garde puppet theatre and imposed music for the plays. The manipulation of string puppets led him to explore yoga and tai chi. He conducts seminars, international retreats and teacher training worldwide. He also leads a group regularly to India. A graduate of the Ecole Nationale de Yoga in Paris and among the first French yoga instructors to study in Pune (India) with Sri B.K.S. Iyengar from whom he received a Junior 3 certification. François has also explored meditation with Thich Nath Hahn at Plum Village, Ayurveda with Dr. Robert Svoboda and experiential anatomy with Thomas Myers. Certified in Gond and Laughing Yoga (!). François ompleted the international Sound Healer program in Spain and also holds a master's degree in Ethnomusicology.

AMRITA CHOUDHURY
Founder of Nrityoga®, Choreographer, Teacher of Sacred Dance/Mudras and Yoga,
BA in Anthropology
Module: Energetic Anatomy (The Subtle Body)
Amrita Choudhury is the founder of Nrityoga®, Yoga of Dance, a discipline that incorporates ancient Indian Yoga, Sacred Dance, Meditation, Mudras, with Raja, Bhakti, Tantra, Jnana, Hatha, Mantra, and other yoga traditions. She brings more than 30 years of international teaching experience in Yoga philosophies, Yoga practices, Mudra Vigyan, & Nrityoga® (Yoga of Dance). Born and brought up in India, Amrita comes from the Tantra & Bhakti lineages of India through her grandfather- a Shaivite Yogi, her grand-aunt Sri Anandamayi Ma, as well as temple yogini Sashimani Mahari. She was educated in world-renowned Santiniketan Ashram, in India. Her research work has been supported by various Canadian & Indian government institutions. Her talks and workshops on Mudras, Yoga, Nrityoga® (Yoga of Dance), Yoga philosophies as well as therapeutic uses of Yoga have been presented at international Yoga conferences, Yoga trainings, educational seminars, & health institutions. Amrita also holds a degree in Anthropology, and is a respected Yoga-dance researcher & teacher.

JULIEN DEVAUD
D.O., Certified Yoga Teacher, Founder of Hakini Clinique d'Ostéopathie et École de Yoga
Module: Anatomy and Biomechanics
Julien Devaud, D.O., is the founder of Hakini, a clinic of osteopathy and yoga school in Verdun, Quebec. He has been practicing as an osteopath for over 10 years and is passionate about movement of the human body. His studies in sports physiology and osteopathy, as well as his yoga practice, have allowed him to develop a global vision of health and well-being. It is with pleasure and passion that he guides you to the heart of human biology and movement. His goal is to make this accessible, and ultimately, to allow everyone to use their body to its fullest potential.

MIRABAI MOSCA
Certified Yoga Teacher, Thai Yoga Massage Therapist, MA in Psychology
Module: Yoga History and Philosophy
Module: Introduction to Sanskrit
Mirabai Mosca, M.A., is a certified yoga teacher, thai yoga massage therapist, and holds a master's degree in Psychology. She was raised in a yogic family and has been practicing yoga all of her life. She has been teaching yoga for over 20 years and sharing her expertise in yoga teachers’ training world wide. Originally from Uruguay, she came to Montreal in 2009 to learn Thai Yoga Massage from Kam Thye Chow, a renowned master. She views this unique massage technique as an extension of her yoga practice. Mirabai has also been teaching Sanskrit for over a decade. She believes that the practice of sanskrit can improve concentration and open energetical channels. She makes this sacred language accessible and enjoyable to learn. She also considers the importance of understanding yoga’s philosophical background to deepening self knowledge and personal growth.

YOGESH VAN ACKER
Co-director of At The Core, Vedic Counselor, Certified Yoga and Meditation Therapist, Ayurvedic Educator & Treatment Therapist
Module: Introduction to Ayurveda
Yogesh Van Acker is the co-director of At The Core in Ontario, Canada. Seventeen years ago, Yogesh and his wife, Shankari, began the journey to leave unsatisfying careers in policing and financial banking to pursue their dream of living and sharing health and wellness. For more than 15 years their life has been dedicated to the practice, study and teaching of Consciousness and the Vedic Sciences of Yoga, Meditation, Ayurveda and Jyotish (Vedic Astrology).
During their trip to India in March 2016 they were blessed with the spiritual names of Shankari and Yogesh by their teachers Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley) and Yogini Shambhavi Devi. As Vedic Counselors they have each obtained over 10,000 hours of training in courses, classes and retreats with The Forest Academy and The American Institute of Vedic Studies. Shankari and Yogesh have been blessed to study and work with transformational Teachers of the Spiritual Sciences throughout the world. These years of experience have allowed them to establish a strongly transformational counselling approach which is both insightful and inspirational.
The Curriculum

Module
1
Asana, Art of Teaching, Practice
Saturday and/or Sunday
Oct 7*, 8 2023
Nov 4, 5, 18 2023
Dec 2, 3 2023
Jan 13, 14* 2024
Feb 3, 4 2024
Mar 2, 3 2024
Apr 6*, 7 2024
May 4*, 5* 2024
Jun 1, 2* 2024
June 8, 9 2024
+ 25 additional hours of practice in online teacher's class.
Schedule:
8:30 am - 12:30 pm (EST) or
*full day 8:30 am - 3:30 pm (EST)
Teacher: Josephine Vittoria (In-person and/or online)
The students will study yoga asana with emphasis on postural alignment. They will learn the fundamental principles of teaching: how to practice and teach yoga asana (postures) including demonstration, observation, assisting and correcting. The students will learn modifications of the asanas and how to use yoga props. The benefits and the contraindications of the poses will also be explored thoroughly. The following postural groups will be taught individually throughout the training for a thorough understanding of each of their benefits: Standing Poses, Forward Bends, Backbends, Rotations, Inversions, Restorative Poses. An introduction to the practice of Dhyana (meditation), a basic spiritual practice for quieting the mind and getting in touch with our deeper Self will also be explored throughout this course.
The students will practice teaching, assisting and correcting others. They will observe others teaching, and learn to give and receive feedback. The student will also document and record one on one sessions with students of their choice. The teacher will provide written feedback on all recorded and documented sessions.
The students will learn communication skills such as group dynamics, time management, use of language and voice, and the establishment of priorities and boundaries. They will learn how to address the specific needs of individuals to the degree possible in a group setting. The students will also learn about class structures and sequencing.
Module
2
Anatomy and Biomechanics
Sunday 9:00 am - 1:30 pm (EST)
Nov 19, 2023
Dec 17, 2023
Jan 21, 2024
Sunday 9:00 am - 12:30 pm (EST)
May 5, 2024
Teacher: Julien Devaud (In-person or online)
This course will introduce the basic anatomical and physiological principles essential for understanding and developing a yoga practice. Studying human anatomy may seem intimidating, however this module proposes an interactive and fun approach to delve into this complex material, focusing on relevant information to enrich your understanding of your yoga practice. Understanding how our joints work is essential in order to respect our limitations and our bodies, and ensure a safe practice for our students. Learning the muscular chains enhances the possibility of visualizing the body during asana practice, and develops our understanding of practice; taking it to another level.
Module
3
Pranayama and Naada (Yoga of Sound)
Saturday and Sunday (Weekend Intensive)
February 17-18, 2024
9:00 am - 1:30 pm (EST)
Teacher: François Raoult (online only)
Pranayama is one of the most efficient ways to silence the mind and open the doors of perception. Breath becomes a steady guide towards deeper states of meditation. Pranayama is also the energy behind the voice and mantra, which enhances the resonance for healing. This module will explore the connections between Ayurveda and pranayama, the therapeutic aspects of pranayama, as well as chanting and music.
This module will also explore:
-
The Bandhas and their health benefits (e.g., prevention of incontinence, enhance metabolic function, etc.)
-
The anatomy of breath, (what is the normal/natural breath function)
-
Ujjayi, viloma, bhastrika, kapalabhati and nadi shodhana
-
Pranayama for pacification of each dosha and sattvic direction for optimal breathing function
-
Active and restorative asanas to enhance breath and prepare the pranic field
Breath will also be explored as a mantra (e.g., various ways of chanting Om (Aum) including basic over toning). The students will also learn pranayama and its counterindications in specific ailments (physiologic and psychological). The practice of the shruti box (how and why to use it), the use of bells and their function in yoga therapy sessions will also be explored.
Module
4
Energetic Anatomy (The Subtle Body)
Saturday and Sunday (Weekend Intensive)
March 16-17, 2024
10:00 am - 3:30 pm (EST)
Teacher: Amrita Choudhury (In person or online)
Mudra Vigyan: A compliment to healing through Yoga Mudras
Mudra Vigyan is the science of healing through Mudras (symbolic therapeutic hand positions). Each finger represents Earth, Water, Fire, Air & Ether. Touching upon the hundreds of nerve endings which influence the whole body at a cellular and atomic(energetic) level; this practice affects the body, mind & spirit of one's being, aids in healing, and can be an important aspect of yoga asanas. This segment goes into the in-depth wisdom of ancient Yoga Mudras, Ritualistic, Therapeutic & Sacred dance mudras, and their therapeutic & healing usages.The teacher will guide you through various hand mudras in combination with eye, breath, & visualization techniques which aid in various physical, emotional & spiritual healing. Theory, technique, breathwork, practice, movement, all are incorporated in this class series. Special attention is given to how mudras can be incorporated in yoga practices & teachings.
Chakras and Nadis
A comprehensive introduction to each of the seven chakras residing in the subtle body. This segment highlights the physical, biological, emotional, & energetic significance of each chakra. Participants will learn how to incorporate this ancient wisdom into some of their asanas & teaching practice. Both Sanskrit & English terminology will be used to offer a complete view of the energetic chakra system from the ancient Indian Yogic perspective. Participants will also learn about how the flow of the Kundalini energy through each chakra affects the energetic and emotional body.
The human body is also known to have 72,000 nadis that help carry prana (energy) to each cell. Various asanas in combination with breathwork activates certain nadis. We will be exploring the main 3 Nadis : Ida, Pingala, and Sushmana, and how the cosmic force(Shakti) is able to travel through the spinal column through the nadis and unite with the Siva located in the crown chakra. This union at the energetic level, represents the grand union with one’s higher self.
The Five Vayus
In Sanskrit “Vayu” means “wind”. The ancient yogis considered Prana (one’s life force energy) to have five different vayus or “flowing winds”. Each Vayu has special energetic qualities and functions. We will be exploring the 5 main Vayus (Pancha Prana), that yoga practitioners can incorporate into their yoga practices and teachings.
The Three Gunas
In Ayurveda, the sister science of Yoga, Gunas or strands of life, weave us together to achieve a higher objective in this universe we reside in. Knowledge of the Sattva, Rajas, & Tamas Gunas, are particularly important for yoga practitioners to understand how they are able to shift their focus inward for each asana. Understanding these attributes,helps build the path that leads to Sattva – a state of serenity, balance, & contentment. This wisdom helps the practitioner incorporate this aspect within each asana.
Module
5
Humanities : History & Philosophy, Ethics, Sanskrit
History and Philosophy of Yoga
Saturday 2:00 - 4:30 pm (EST)
Nov 4, 2023
Dec 2, 2023
Feb 3, 2024
Mar 2, 2024
Teacher: Mirabai Mosca (online only)
—
Introduction to Sanskrit
Sunday 2:30 - 4:30 pm (EST)
Nov 5, 2023
Dec 3, 2023
Feb 4, 2024
Mar 3, 2024
Teacher: Mirabai Mosca (online only)
—
Yoga Ethics and Lifestyle
Saturday or Sunday 2:30 - 4:30 pm (EST)
Oct 8, 2023
Nov 18, 2023
Jan 13, 2024
April 7, 2024
Teacher: Josephine Vittoria (online only)
Yoga History & Philosophy
Yoga is a way of life, a philosophical path to understand reality. The practice is there to help grasp the theory. What most people know of yoga are the asana (postures). They are one small part of many yoga practices. The fundamental idea behind yoga philosophy is the connection with ourselves; what we are, after shedding all the layers, in our core. That connection is what makes us feel content and complete. In this module, the students will delve deeper into the study of the origins of yoga. They will learn about the four major paths of yoga: Jnana Yoga, Raja Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga. Vedanta philosophy is introduced, as well as most relevant classical scriptures: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and The Bhagavad Gita.
Yoga Ethics and Lifestyle
The students will learn and study the eight limbed path of yoga according to the sage Patanjali. The yogic code of conduct, or moral and ethical guidelines (social and individual): the Yamas and the Niyamas, are taught in depth.
Introduction to Sanskrit
In this module, the students will explore the pronunciation and meaning of relevant sanskrit words in yoga : names of postures, mantras, and theoretic terms and concepts. The students will also learn the devanagari alphabet and simple grammar rules to be able to read and write in Sanskrit.
Module
6
Introduction to Ayurveda
Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EST)
Dec 9, 2023
Jan 20, 2024
Teacher : Yogesh Van Acker (online only)
Introduction to Ayurveda
Explore the concepts of Ayurvedic thinking and practicing yoga as a part of your life. This course teaches enthusiastic students of yoga, to understand the subtle anatomy of Ayurveda and its compliment to healing with Yoga. This will deepen and personalize your yoga practice.
Tuition
Early Bird until June 1, 2023
$3150.00 CAD
Regular Tuition after June 1, 2023
$3300.00 CAD
Tuition includes $500.00 deposit (non-refundable) to be paid upon registration.
Tuition is tax deductible.
Additional fees
Application fee (non-refundable) $50.00 CAD
Certification fee (only applicable to students who wish to receive a teaching diploma, due at the end of the training) $150 CAD
Included:
Access to video recordings of all modules, course material (pdf, documents), access to 25 practice hours of online group classes.
Excluded:
Required books, Yoga Props, Registration to Yoga Alliance International (optional)
Accreditation
