Yoga Teacher Training in London

2026 SYS Teacher Training with Cat & Phil

Sangyé Yoga School: Awakening Student Teacher Training 

This training is for students who wish to deepen their understanding of the yoga practice as it relates to life in a closely mentored program. The duration of the training is spread out over 4 months. The training is suitable for students who are looking to transition into the role of a teacher, as well as those who may wish to simply deepen their own yoga/yoga as it relates to life practice.

Previous years have attracted students from the UK, Europe, USA and beyond. Out of town students must be able to commit to adding days either side of modules to complete in person practice requirement with cat. The training has reached capacity most years; therefore, applying in advance is encouraged.

This 200hr (300+hr with independent study required) course presents a foundation in yoga principles with a strong emphasis on vinyasa. Trainees are expected to maintain a daily meditation and a consistent asana practice during the training. A set sequence will be provided approximately 1 month prior to the first module and students will be expected to self-practice this sequence approximately 3x per week and know it by the first module. Developing a self-practice, identifying and overcoming challenges are an important step in the teacher trainee’s ability to teach and ultimately communicate with experiential insight and precision.

The course will include the following areas of study:
–   Asana, bandha, drishti
–   Applied anatomy
–   Mechanics of fundamental assists
–   Philosophy
–   Pranayama
–   Meditation
–   Teaching methodology
–   Ethics drawn from the 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva (Tibetan Buddhist)
(It is not necessary to read this text prior to the training.)

2026 COURSE SCHEDULE: JUNE – OCTOBER
11th edition

Module 1: 10-14 June
Module 2:  2- 5 July (thu: afternoon/evening only)
Module 3: 24-26 July
Module 4: virtual only: 14-16 August – (3-6pm)
Module 5: 4-6 September
Module 6: 25-27 September
Module 7: 14-18 October

Additional virtual module: the 9 stages of shamatha (calm abiding) meditation – live attendance required
Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 September

tuition: £4200
early bird: £4000 1st April – fully paid

Pre-course work will be provided on/around May 10th as preparation and to be completed for upcoming modules.

COURSE LOCATION

All dates will be held at Sangyé Yoga School, 300 Kensal Rd, London, W10 5BE

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the end of the course, it is expected that you will have the tools & techniques to:

– teach a solid vinyasa class
– formulate talks to enhance students’ understanding and application of Yoga philosophy
– teach and incorporate simple meditation and breathing techniques in class
– develop and refine personal asana and seated concentration practice

• be knowledgeable in vinyasa yoga framework and components
• learn the art of observation and assists within an asana practice
• become knowledgeable about the foundation and philosophy of Yoga
• have a foundation in the schools of Tibetan Buddhism
• contemplate and apply ethical conducts (according to The 37 Practices of a Bodhisattva)
• learn Sanskrit names for asanas contained within the sequence and know correct pronunciation of select sutras/chants
• overcome some fears and see your potential…to give way to inner confidence as a student, teacher and most importantly a human being

PRE-REQUISITES

Practitioners are expected to have a minimum 3 years of a strong yoga practice before they can be considered and possibly accepted onto this teacher training course. The following postures should be well established and will be the basis for assessments: surya namaskar components, paschimottanasana, urdvha dhanurasana & salamba sirsasana.

It is also helpful for students to have a basic understanding of yoga through the required reading list. This should include the importance of a compassionate diet and the ethical conduct as outlined by the yama/niyamas – albeit they may not have a deep knowledge of this when they initially enrol onto the course. Once weekly attendance of classes taught by cat is expected over the course of the training dates. This is to be able to check in with the trainee’s practice on a regular basis and to also become familiar with sequencing by direct experience. The tt is responsible for ensuring that the required number is met by the end of the course in order to pass (approximately 14 inclusive of modules). As to be expected, the more classes attended, the greater depth of experience during tt. Your attendance in class during this period will shift in experience, from a teaching perspective. The more exposure, in person, the more absorbed.

The 200 hour course is meant to serve as an introduction to the path as a more conscious student and/or teacher. We strongly believe that self-discipline, continuous study, application over a lengthy period of time, beyond the training, is an integral part in the trainee’s overall development as both a student and a teacher. TT will merely be the “tip of the iceberg”.

Successful applicants should be in good health and have stable personal circumstances to complete this course with the focus and dedication it requires. Please think seriously about the commitment involved in undertaking this course and ensure you can attend the dates, fulfil the assignments and requirements on top of your current responsibilities/lifestyle. Feel free to speak to several tt alumnae to get their perspective. Let us know if you have specific questions you wish to explore and we can connect you over email with the appropriate alumnae.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please email to register your interest and receive the application form: [email protected]

Applicants will also be asked to submit two reference forms:
1. current yoga teacher or main teacher of 2+ years
2. personal reference

Application fee: £30 (cash brought to assessment + interview)
The application fee covers: review of completed application, practice assessment (does not include class fee), 15-20min interview

1st – Review all requirements to ensure eligibility is met and that course dates work with your availability (no more than 3 days during the entire course can be missed)
2nd – Request the application/reference forms. Confirm that the required number of exploratory classes attended have been met (if not a regular student at SYS/cat) before submitting completed forms.
3rd – Submit all forms and while awaiting practice assessment/interview date, we strongly advise interviewing past teacher trainees about their experience. We can provide introductions and contact information, if needed.

If you are keen, we suggest that applicants avoid waiting until the last minute to enquire about requirements and perhaps even get a head start on reading materials/essay. Time to prepare is extremely valuable and would enhance the learning experience.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

All applicants must have attended an absolute minimum of 3 classes with cat before submitting an application form (no exceptions). After submitting the application form, prospective trainees will be required to attend class for an assessment, to better understand their asana practice and to best assess whether suitable to participate in this tt. Please email to pre-register for the class and also to confirm availability for an interview afterwards – applications must be received one week prior + practice assessment must happen before interview.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE

Before the Course:

• Informal interview/assessment of practice after submission of application form
• Essays – 1 submitted after application approval and invited to participate: CHOOSE A SUTRA or VERSE. MAX 1,500 words (could be less) written on either a sutra in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Chapters 1 or 2), Swami Satchidananda translation OR a verse from The Dhammapada translation/commentary by Eknath Easwaran. It is due before the start of the course, no later than the first module.
• Completion of anatomy modules (online) & pre-course reading

During the Course:

• Attendance log for classes, meditation, journal keeping
• Teaching development – trainees will be assessed on their ability of teaching a led class, including safe and foundational adjustments (assists)
• Practice development – students will be assessed on their own practice/development in the set sequence provided
• Mid-term and final written assessment

ATTENDANCE

Students should attend a minimum of 90% of the course to complete. Should students miss more than this minimum, they will need to agree with the teacher on which modules to re-take. Additional fees will apply for any catch up modules that would require scheduling a private session.

There is a time limit (once the course finishes) to complete: 14 days – exceptions for family emergencies, health reasons, etc. Extensions may be granted if the student is unable to complete the requirements due to unforeseen circumstances.

Students are expected to maintain an asana practice of 4-5 days a week for the duration of the training (1x week in a class environment with cat and 2-3x self-practise on the sequence provided). In addition to the asana practice, students are expected to maintain a daily (seated) meditation practice.

MATERIALS

The course will provide a printed workbook/manual. Additional reading material will be provided during the course. Students are expected to read the two books required to write an essay before the start of the course. These books will need to be purchased separately and are not included in the cost of tuition.

ACCREDITATION

This training school has met the stringent requirements set by Yoga Alliance Professionals, demonstrating that the course is of the highest standard and that our graduates may use the title ‘Registered Yoga Teacher’ RYT as a sign of quality training when they register themselves with Yoga Alliance Professionals.’ Cat Alip-Douglas & Phil Douglas are registered as Senior Yoga Teachers with Yoga Alliance Professionals.

BOOKING

After your application has been reviewed and you receive an invitation to join the course, a non-returnable deposit of £500 is necessary to secure a place and should be paid at the time of the booking. The invitation will be valid for 14 days from receipt. The full fee must be paid by the course start date, unless alternative payment options discussed, in advance, with SYS.

Applications will be taken on a ‘first come first served’ basis and students who have paid their deposit will have priority over those who have not. We reserve the right to refuse a place to students who have not paid their deposit or full fees by the required date. The fees must be paid in full and any private sessions paid for before a graduation certificate will be issued.

WHAT FEES INCLUDE / WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Included:
– Training and assessment by a qualified Yoga Alliance Professionals Senior Yoga Teacher
– A manual and other appropriate manuals/paperwork
– Anatomy Course registration
– Specialist Guest Teachers
– A potentially life changing experience…

Not included:
– This is not a residential course; therefore, accommodations, meals etc are not covered.
– Classes, workshops at Sangyé Yoga School.
– Insurance: RECOMMENDED by start of course (you can purchase this from Yoga Alliance Professionals from £25).
– A certificate (paying the fees does not guarantee you a certificate as you will need to successfully pass all assignments and attend a minimum of 90% the course).
– Books from the reading list.

TUITION INVESTMENT & REFUND POLICY

Course investment: £4200
Please email if you need to discuss a payment plan. SYS is amenable to making this work for you financially, within reason.

DEPOSIT

To secure your space a non-returnable deposit of £500 is required upon booking. The balance is due before the course start date. Payments may be made by cash, cheque or direct bank transfer. Alternatively, you can pay with debit or credit card (fees apply).

These costs include all tuition, a manual as well as final exam classes and your teaching diploma. In addition you will need to purchase the books listed on the reading list.

CANCELLATION & REFUND

The full amount must be paid before the course start date. No refunds will be given after the start of the course. The initial deposit is non-refundable.

Course leader reserves the right to cancel the course in advance if a minimum number of students are not registered.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information & further enquiries- please email: [email protected]

SANGYE TEACHER TRAINING: INSIGHTS FROM ALUMNAE (2016 – PRESENT)

“Sangye Yoga School is real. It is the kind of yoga studio with no bullshit. Sangye invites real human connections and remains no matter how far away I live, a space I can tap into, virtually as well. The tt training pulled me into this community. It is straightforward, honest and values the inquisitive mind of being students in life. Cat expresses her wisdom with so much passion, eloquence and humor, and always emanates from a place of being a student herself. The result is each moment is grasped and honored as valuable by everyone in the room. The space becomes very intimate very quickly. The TT gently and gracefully over the weeks and months, held me to tear down the foundations of who I am, to question myself, and give me the tools to continue this search and learn on an experiential level the pure joy of this process and its rippling effect within me, the world and people around us. Thank you for having the willingness to continue this tt over the years, it is such a gift!”
– Shiva Y. (tt 2023)

“ Sangye teacher training is an invitation to meet yourself, honestly, through the practice. It’s thorough, grounding, and very rewarding if you allow yourself to fully commit to the process. The experience stayed with me long after the training ended. Truly special.”
– Lilas M. (tt 2024)

“Cat and Phil’s teaching style is distinguished by their extensive knowledge, attention to detail, and their genuine warmth. Throughout the training, they provided a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment, allowing us to feel encouraged and motivated. The course was meticulously and professionally organised, achieving an ideal balance between practical teaching skills and deepening our personal practices. I highly recommend the Sangye Yoga Teacher Training to anyone seeking to deepen their own yoga practice or considering the path towards teaching.”
– Polly J. (tt 2024)

“Signing up for Sangye’s Teacher Training is without doubt one of the best things I’ve ever done. I went in there thinking I’d learn how to be a yoga teacher but the experience offered me so much more. The course is comprehensive, the teaching is exceptional but the deep insight to my own being that it offered was an absolute gift. It turned out to be an opportunity to learn a lot about myself and make some fundamental shifts in my life. This training is truly an awakening – I can’t recommend it enough.”
– Megan C. (tt 2021)

“Sangye TT is far more than a teacher training; it’s a life reset. The experience is transformative. The more you put in, the more you get out. Cat and Phil are incredibly generous with their expertise, and the supportive Sangye community creates the perfect environment to grow and evolve.”
– Ella K. (tt 2023)

“Embarking on the Sangyé yoga TT was an incredible journey that deepened my practice, opened my mind to rich philosophical concepts and gave me confidence to craft and teach a yoga class. The process was both rigorous and full of joy and shared with some wonderful people – it allowed me the space to dive into the work in a very supported way. Nearly ten years on the learnings from the TT still resonate with me and I find new ways to understand them – if you love cat’s classes and want to go deeper I honestly couldn’t recommend it more.”
– James C. (tt 2017)

“Taking part in Teacher Training at Sanyge Yoga School in 2017 was a genuinely transformative experience – one that deepened not only my physical practice but also expanded my understanding of presence, compassion, and wisdom. The training created a rare environment where rigorous learning was held alongside warmth, humour, and a sense of real friendship that made even long days feel enlivening rather than exhausting. I came away with far more than teaching techniques; I gained life lessons guided by Buddhist philosophy and developed an understanding of how yoga can be lived beyond the mat. That foundation continues to shape my own practice today, years later, in ways that are still unfolding, both as a teacher and as a practitioner.”
– Antonia S. (tt 2017)

“cat and Phil not only lead and facilitate a tt course that is deeply learned, they empower each student to self study, practice, experience and reflect. this tt feels individually tailored, as it really does bring a personal awakening.”
– Beena D. (tt 2020)

“The original intention for doing TT at Sangye was to improve my practice, but it ended up being so much more than that. It’s been completely transformative for me personally. Cat and Phil have created a space where you are constantly challenged, but you always feel supported because they genuinely see the best in everyone. I really doubted if I could actually pull this off with work and family commitments but I’m so glad I prioritised it. It is easily the best and more impactful decision I’ve made in my 20 years of yoga practice.”
– Elisa S. (tt 2023)

“I could not recommend teacher training with Cat highly enough. She inspired in me a depth of learning I did not know I had – despite having done other TT courses. It was so much more than just yoga. In fact the whole course was a therapeutic experience and has benefited many other areas of my life. If you are privileged enough to have the chance to do it; grab the opportunity with both hands. You won’t regret it!”
– Rebecca M. (tt 2024)

“Beyond being an excellent teacher training, for me it was, and still is, a school of life. Many years later, the ongoing training and this space continues to bring me so much in all aspects of life. Like with anything else, you get out of it what you put into it.”
– Julia M. (tt 2018)

“TT taught me how to sit with my own discomfort in a way that helped me let go and open up to life. It was a beautiful mirror that showed me where in my life I am still clinging to ‘control’ and where I still need to let go to open up. The experience helped me become more present in my practice.
– Zoe M. (tt 2021)

“Life changing! The TT set me up to confidently move into teaching full time just three months after I completed the course. It’s no walk in the park but the knowledge and expertise that Cat and Phil share help all students leave the course with the ability to teach to a very high standard.”
– Joe S. (tt 2017)

“One of the most transformative and affirming experiences I’ve had. Expect to be pushed outside your comfort zone, this is a good thing. Beyond the practice and teaching I met some amazing people that are friends today. If you have signed up already, lucky you! If you are unsure, do it – thank me later!”
– Paddy A. (tt 2018)

“100% recommend – such a great tt! I met great people, pushed comfort zones and learnt so much. The tt springboarded me straight into teaching. Cat and Phil really teach you how to teach, with great precision, depth and structure that is next level. It was also great for personal exploration ! Probably rather cliché, but quit the corporate job to teach and ended up training as a therapist.”
– Rex W. (tt 2020)

“Teacher Training deepened my understanding of yoga as more than movement, a practice of steadiness, curiosity and play. Cat and Phil have a rare way of revealing the deeper layers of the practice. Grounding and challenging, transformative.”
– Lizzie P. (tt 2021)

“The clue really is in the small print — this training is an awakening. I put off doing a teacher training for years and finally signed up just to deepen my own practice, with no real plans to teach. Somehow that changed along the way, and now I teach alongside work and raising my kids — and I love it.
The course is rigorous, thorough, deeply informative, and practical. Cat and Phil are experienced, passionate, generous, and lead by example. It’s demanding, yes, but there’s plenty of energy, laughter, and a real sense of community.
It lays the foundations for your practice for sure but gives you a much richer understanding of what yoga really is with a humbling sense of what a privilege it is to share it with others.”
– Katie K. (tt 2022) 

“Sangye’s TT has taught me a very solid understanding of what it takes to be the teacher I want to be and would want to be taught by. I learned so much about both the philosophy and practice, how to apply this and transfer the teachings to others. There is a cultivation of awareness around continuous development and learning.”
– Julia V.B. (tt 2023)

 “SYS TT was a truly transformative experience for both body and mind. What started as a way to deepen my practice became a powerful journey of self-discovery and growth. Cat and Phil created a supportive and inspiring environment where learning felt natural and meaningful. You don’t only gain the skills to teach yoga, but also a deeper understanding of yourself and the practice. So grateful for the experience!”
– Konstantina L. (tt 2019)

“Even with the demanding life of a business owner and a busy family, I found this course incredibly manageable. It was like going back to school in the best way possible—a grounding, informative experience that provided a wonderful new perspective on life and tools that are practically useful far beyond the mat.”
–  James C. (tt 2022)

“The yoga teacher training at Sangye etched kindness, compassion, and spaciousness into my heart in a way that changed me forever. The training was flawless, the quality was unmatched, the experience a gift beyond measure. Six years in, the teachings are still unfolding and blooming within me in ways I never imagined”.
– Rob D. (tt 2020)

“The standards for this teacher training are extremely high.  cat and phil expect you to not only meet those standards, but to surpass them and set your own.  They see the best in every student and help each student to recognise that within themselves.  It is more than a training to develop the skills to teach a yoga class, it is a training to develop as a human being.  A life changing experience that has reshaped this life and continues to do so.”
– Jason Y. (tt 2019)

 

 

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