Fall / Winter YTT IN OTTAWA

200hr Vinyasa Yoga
Teacher Training

October 17, 2026 – April 11, 2027

Led by Michael Dynie, Allison Tomotsugo, Janice DeFilippi and special guests.
at Astanga Yoga Ottawa, 200 Bank St.

save $400 when you register before Sept 20

Our Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is designed to take you deep into the heart of yoga.

We want to empower you with the tools required to skillfully teach yoga to the unique needs of your students – be it gentle, strong, or somewhere in the middle.

Your growth will be supported by in-depth studies of yoga philosophy, the anatomy of movement, teaching yoga postures to different levels of ability, creative and purposeful class sequencing, the energetics of yoga, breathing techniques (pranayama), lifestyle and ethics discussions.

Develop your Personal Practice

Our aim is to help you to take your own practice to a much deeper level, so you can confidently transmit your own understanding of yoga to others from a place of personal experience.

This course offers a rare opportunity to transform your own personal yoga practice, get grounded in the philosophical roots of the yoga tradition, and discover your own unique approach to teaching others.

Training includes a detailed Training Manual and Unlimited Membership Pass to Astanga Yoga Ottawa studio (200 Bank) starting on the day you pay your deposit, until the end of the training where you can take classes in person or join online.

Principles applicable to any yoga style

  • Adjustment Techniques
  • Eye of the Anatomist
  • Adapting yoga to the Person 
  • Varying poses for specific benefits.
  • Energetics of Asana and Breath, and Vinyasa

“Styles are a modern, made-up thing.
The role of the teacher is adapting yoga to the person,
not the other way around.”

— T.K.V. Desikachar

Styles of Practice

Our graduates understand that there is one Yoga with infinite branches.  Hatha yoga principles underly all “modern styles” when they honour Indian culture by incorporating breath-control, concentrative gazing (dristi), and opportunities for mental and physical stillness. The word “Vinyasa” is to practice with intention, or to synchronize movement with breath control in a scientific way — “flow” is an oversimplification which is often used interchangeably. 

Modern yoga studios generally use a Class style system, so we’ll make sense of how to teach to audience expectations.

Hatha Yoga

Integrates Pranayama (breathing exercises) into posture practice, mix of dynamic and longer held asanas to cultivate mental stillness. Often branded as a gentler yoga form in modern times.

Ashtanga Vinyasa

Originating from Mysore, India 100 years ago, this breath linking movement system inspired Vinyasa and power styles years later. The set sequencing of Ashtanga helps facilitate as self-guided practice as a moving meditation.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa means "to do something in a special way," as a pre-meditated ritual. Moving between postures with the breath, and sequencing classes in a special way are a few aspects of Vinyasa. Slowing the breath while moving is a central concept that links yoga back to it's roots. Intensity is variable according to the goal.

Flow

The modern off-shoot of Vinyasa. Often used to blend yoga with more of a cardio workout where breath is not emphasized, but sometimes it's the same thing as Vinyasa Yoga, depending on the instructor's understanding.

Power Yoga

An evolving approach that blends functional movement and strength training with Vinyasa yoga. Originally it was based in Ashtanga. This term started being used in 1990 my two American teachers who practised Ashtanga Yoga.

Gentle

Ideal for beginners, older populations, and those seeking a more relaxed approach.

Chair Yoga

For those looking to improve their balance, and for health conditions where the head needs to remain above the heart (blood pressure, eye conditions, etc). Valuable approach for those with mobility challenges

Program Overview

Philosophy – As an inspiration for living! Study the most influential source texts: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika

Safety and Injury Prevention – Modern perspectives on asana (posture) and alignment in motion.

Anatomy of Yoga – Functional anatomy of yoga and the physiology of meditative states.

Self-Guided Practice in a Group – Yoga at your own pace with AYO’s Mysore program (optional)

Meditation – Various practical approaches will be explored drawing from Patanjali’s Yoga and Buddhism.

Breathing Techniques (Pranayama) – practices that can focus the mind, and calm or stimulate the nervous system to experience deep states of tranquility.

Teaching Skills – Adjustment techniques, holding space, language skills, sequencing for specific purposes, wrapping content around a theme, and modifying yoga to suit individual needs.

Language Skills — balance the flow with the form; humility and strength: mental focus and acceptance; tools for putting yourself and your students at ease. Grounding and holding the seat of the teacher.

Cultural Appreciation vs Appropriation, and Social Justice — How can we honour Yoga’s vast roots as a Southeast Asian tradition? We will begin to untangle the colonial gaze with which yoga has developed, and cultivate an approach to social justice that aligns with the yoga principles of ahimsa (non-violence) and satya (pursuit of the truth).

Diversity and Inclusivity in Yoga Spaces — Examine the intersection of yoga, race and gender. Learn to use language in a way that honours and embraces the diversity of human experiences and gender identities.

Teaching through a Trauma-Informed Lens — Gain an understanding of the basic impact trauma can have on the brain and body, and cultivate compassion.

 

Your Investment:

EARLY BIRD RATE: $3,100 + HST

Register and pay $500 deposit before Sept 20th to save $400 off the full tuition cost.

 

REGULAR TUITION: $3,500 + HST

Tuition must be paid in full by February 28, 2027.

Register and pay $500 deposit (non-refundable) to secure your spot. Please be sure you can commit to the full course before you make your payment!

Tuition must be paid in full by Feb 28, 2027

Monthly payment plans available

Contact Janice
[email protected]

Program Schedule

10 Weekends

SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS
9 AM – 5 PM

OCT 17-18 • OCT 31-NOV 1

NOV 14-15, 28-29

DEC 12-13 • JAN 9-10, 30-31

FEB 20-21 • MARCH 20-21

APRIL 10-11

Five Wednesdays Online (Zoom)
7:00 PM — 8:30 PM
* Dates to be announced.
Expect one Wednesday evening per month starting in November