22 Day 200-hour Ashtanga - Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Sparta
22 Day 200-hour Ashtanga - Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Sparta
Spartan Yoga Shala, Sparta, Greece
Up to 10 in group
August 9 - 31, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Asthanga, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga
- Yoga Alliance International certification
- Introduction to the foundation of Yoga
- Core asana, pranayama, and meditation classes
- Philosophy, psychology, lifestyle, energetics, and ethics classes
- Emphasis on the profoundly healing properties found in the practice
- Grasp the knowledge of fundamentally important anatomy and physiology
- 21 nights accommodation
- ASANA practice is based on the Iyengar and Sivananda Yoga methods, with a focus on flow (in 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.
About this Retreat
Gerry is a certified Senior Yoga Teacher, SYT, a Shiatsu Practitioner / Teacher and 4th Dan Martial Arts Instructor. He holds accreditation with Yoga Alliance International (YAI), International Yoga Federation (IYF), Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre, The Shiatsu Society (UK) and World Shorinji Kempo Organisation. He is also a registered member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).
He began his Yoga practice at the Iyengar institute in London, developing his approach for more than 30 years along with his professional experience as a teacher and therapist in Shiatsu and Chinese medicine.
He is founder and director of SYM-Ltd and has taught Yoga and Shiatsu in Spain, France, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom.
His knowledge of oriental healing arts, Yoga and Martial Arts combines with his knowledge of the Western spiritual and therapeutic traditions.
Over the years, he has merged his unique knowledge of diagnosis, treatment and healing, nutrition, philosophy and psychology to create truly interesting courses and workshops related to personal growth and transformation, as well as the cure of chronic and degenerative diseases.
After completing his studies in Archeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University, he worked as a language teacher and TV reporter /producer before devoting himself full-time to healing and teaching.
He speaks English, French, German and Spanish.
Nadia Al-Huqail is a professional, certified Yoga Teacher with over 25 years of experience. Since 2018, Nadia has been running the Spartan Yoga Shala in Sparta, Greece, where she facilitates and teaches daily yoga classes and workshops, actively working within the local community.
After graduating from Beirut University; Lebanon, with a BA in political science and international affairs, Nadia realized that the most effective way to help people was through teaching the science and practice of yoga, in which she has been engaged from an early age. She pursued this mission by completing several Yoga Teacher Training courses. Her qualifications include the following disciplines; Power Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin yoga, Groovykids Yoga, as well as Sound Healing, Mantra and Nada Yoga, Chakra Dancing and Creative Meditation.
Nadia has trained with many world renowned Yoga Teachers and is passionate about passing on this knowledge to her many students. Her classes are dynamic, restorative and healing. She speaks Greek, English and Arabic. She teaches the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training course in Sparta together with Gerry Rixen.
Details of this retreat
-Certification
Students who complete their training will receive Yoga Alliance International certification, enabling them to teach worldwide.
-Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by Yoga Alliance International. Shiatsu & Yoga Academy Europe graduates are able to register on the Yoga Alliance International database upon completion of the course and will receive YAI and SYM certification, enabling future graduates to teach internationally.
-Prerequisite
2 years or 100 hours minimum practice is required. Successful applicants should also 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.
-200-hour yoga teacher training
Ashtanga / Vinyasa Yoga
Asana practice includes the exploration of the chakras with an emphasis on their profound healing properties.
The course includes pranayama, 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. Students need to respect their own limitations and are not expected to exercise beyond their own physical capacities.
This Yoga Teacher training reflects a therapeutic approach to Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga.
-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.
-Relaxation
Physical, emotional, and mental relaxation are essential to recover from stress, fatigue, anxiety, and disease. Through deep relaxation, you can truly let go and begin the journey towards health and wholeness.
-Meditation
This 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. The course offers both guided and non-guided meditation sessions.
-Body work
The 200-hour yoga teacher training includes some basic Shiatsu body work, which students can take home to practice 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 and nutritious foods to build a strong body and mind.
-Course syllabus - 200 hours
This includes contact hours with a teacher and individual and / or group study.
-Yoga asanas
*Basic routine, postures, and variations
Sun salutation
Relaxation
Abdominal breathing
Full yogic breath
Pranayama techniques
Recuperative and advanced postures
Meditation
-Practice and teaching
*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
Safety guidelines
The course also includes discussion on teaching yoga as a business, including self employment, safety, legal requirements, and marketing.
-Anatomy and physiology
*Basic anatomy and physiology, including the spine, respiration, circulation, digestion, and elimination
*Hormonal, nervous, urinary, and immune systems
*Physiological and energetic effects of asanas, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation
*Benefits and contraindications for all asanas (poses)
*Effects of structural and postural alignment on health and wellbeing
*Stress and stress management
*Principles of diet and nutrition
-Philosophy, psychology, lifestyle, energetics, and ethics
*The five points of yoga
The four paths of yoga
The eight limbs of yoga
The gunas
The five koshas
The four elements and the akasha
Prana (qi), concept of energy, the nadis and Chinese Acupuncture meridians
The chakras (energy centers)
The bandhas
Karma and reincarnation
Teacher-student relationship
Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
The yugas
Mantras
Principles and benefits of meditation
Ethics for yoga teachers
-Non-contact hours
*Karma yoga is a fundamental tenant of yoga and means selfless service. Students are expected to participate in some of the daily chores as part of this service. This is approximately 30 minutes per day.
*Homework and group study
-Attendance
Trainees should attend a minimum of 90% of the course. Should trainees miss more than this minimum, they will need to agree with the teacher which modules to retake. SYM reserves the right to charge additional fees for these catch up modules.
Students who complete their training will receive Yoga Alliance International certification, enabling them to teach worldwide.
-Accreditation
This course is fully accredited by Yoga Alliance International. Shiatsu & Yoga Academy Europe graduates are able to register on the Yoga Alliance International database upon completion of the course and will receive YAI and SYM certification, enabling future graduates to teach internationally.
-Prerequisite
2 years or 100 hours minimum practice is required. Successful applicants should also 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.
-200-hour yoga teacher training
Ashtanga / Vinyasa Yoga
Asana practice includes the exploration of the chakras with an emphasis on their profound healing properties.
The course includes pranayama, 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. Students need to respect their own limitations and are not expected to exercise beyond their own physical capacities.
This Yoga Teacher training reflects a therapeutic approach to Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga.
-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.
-Relaxation
Physical, emotional, and mental relaxation are essential to recover from stress, fatigue, anxiety, and disease. Through deep relaxation, you can truly let go and begin the journey towards health and wholeness.
-Meditation
This 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. The course offers both guided and non-guided meditation sessions.
-Body work
The 200-hour yoga teacher training includes some basic Shiatsu body work, which students can take home to practice 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 and nutritious foods to build a strong body and mind.
-Course syllabus - 200 hours
This includes contact hours with a teacher and individual and / or group study.
-Yoga asanas
*Basic routine, postures, and variations
Sun salutation
Relaxation
Abdominal breathing
Full yogic breath
Pranayama techniques
Recuperative and advanced postures
Meditation
-Practice and teaching
*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
Safety guidelines
The course also includes discussion on teaching yoga as a business, including self employment, safety, legal requirements, and marketing.
-Anatomy and physiology
*Basic anatomy and physiology, including the spine, respiration, circulation, digestion, and elimination
*Hormonal, nervous, urinary, and immune systems
*Physiological and energetic effects of asanas, pranayama, meditation, and relaxation
*Benefits and contraindications for all asanas (poses)
*Effects of structural and postural alignment on health and wellbeing
*Stress and stress management
*Principles of diet and nutrition
-Philosophy, psychology, lifestyle, energetics, and ethics
*The five points of yoga
The four paths of yoga
The eight limbs of yoga
The gunas
The five koshas
The four elements and the akasha
Prana (qi), concept of energy, the nadis and Chinese Acupuncture meridians
The chakras (energy centers)
The bandhas
Karma and reincarnation
Teacher-student relationship
Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita
The yugas
Mantras
Principles and benefits of meditation
Ethics for yoga teachers
-Non-contact hours
*Karma yoga is a fundamental tenant of yoga and means selfless service. Students are expected to participate in some of the daily chores as part of this service. This is approximately 30 minutes per day.
*Homework and group study
-Attendance
Trainees should attend a minimum of 90% of the course. Should trainees miss more than this minimum, they will need to agree with the teacher which modules to retake. SYM reserves the right to charge additional fees for these catch up modules.
Schedule
08:30 - 10:30 Pranayama, asanas, meditation, relaxation (main asana class)
10:30 - 11:30 Break
11:30 - 13:00 In depth asana training
13:00 - 16:00 Lunch break and individual study time
16:00 - 17:30 Yoga theory, yoga psychology,
18:00 - 19:30 Anatomy and physiology / Teaching and practicum / Meditation
19:30 Dinner / free time / study time
10:30 - 11:30 Break
11:30 - 13:00 In depth asana training
13:00 - 16:00 Lunch break and individual study time
16:00 - 17:30 Yoga theory, yoga psychology,
18:00 - 19:30 Anatomy and physiology / Teaching and practicum / Meditation
19:30 Dinner / free time / study time
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Shiatsu & Yoga Academy Europe, Spartan Yoga Shala, Sparta, Greece
Directions
Please book your flights to arrive at Kalamata International Airport (KLX) or Athens International Airport (ATH). Then by bus to Sparta bus station where The Shiatsu & Yoga Academy Europe will meet you. Private pick up can be arranged at an additional cost. Please send them an inquiry for more details.
Accommodation
To come.
Shared Twin Room
Private single room
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
Surrounded by towering mountain ranges, olive farms, and orange trees, Sparta sits right next to the renowned ancient heritage site of Mystras. The energy of the past is still felt in this authentic Greek city, where great food, kind people, and endless hikes are just on your doorstep. The course is held at the Spartan Yoga Shala.
Meals
Food is not included. Students may cook their own meals in their own accommodation or take advantage of the many restaurants and bars as well as supermarkets and markets that also offer vegetarian and
What's Included
- Yoga Alliance International certification
- Tuition
- Course manual
- End of course party
- 21 nights accommodation
- Pick up and drop off at Sparta Bus Station
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance
- Train tickets
- Meals
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