BWY foundation course (level 1)
Are you ready to take your Yoga practice further?
Who is this course for?
If you are fascinated by Yoga but not sure that you want to teach Yoga (yet?), this is the perfect training to take your Yoga practice to the next level. It’s also an ideal preparation for those who may wish to train as yoga teachers in the future (completion of the course would be advantageous when applying to join a BWY Diploma course and is highly recommended).
This 60 hour Yoga foundation training will give you a rounded introduction to the theory that underpins Yoga while developing your individual skills as a Yoga practitioner. You’ll develop a varied toolkit and explore useful practices that are not always taught in general classes.
This is the ideal way to expand your Yoga horizons in a safe and supportive environment.
Which aspects of Yoga will I explore?
To give you a good grounding in key aspects of Yoga our core syllabus includes:
• A detailed review of key āsanas (postures) and their practical use.
• Practice planning basics so you can start to create your own simple practices.
• A practical introduction to a variety of basic breathing techniques, kriya (cleansing practices), prāṇāyāma (breath control) techniques and their use.
• How to get started with concentration and relaxation techniques and then to develop your practice.
• How to use sound and chanting in your practice (no singing ability necessary!).
• An introduction to the subtle tools of mudrā (sealing gestures) and how to integrate them into your practice.
• An introduction to sanskrit and its importance in Yoga.
• The history of Yoga and an overview of key areas of Yoga philosophy.
Students are required to practise regularly throughout the course and are encouraged to reflect upon and make notes on their practice in journal form.
Optional suggestions for additional home study may be made during the course but there is no written homework. The course is not formally assessed so you can focus on learning in your own way and simply enjoying the journey!
You can download the BWY Foundation Course 1 syllabus here
Teaching methods
We use a mix of lectures, whole group discussion, small group discussion & reporting back to the whole group, question & answer and experiential practices.
Next course dates
The course will be taught online (via Zoom) on 10 days over a minimum of 6 months (10:00-17:15 French time/ 09:00- 16:15 UK time). We are planning to run our next course on the following Sundays:
2024 - 15 & 29 Sept, 20 Oct, 10 & 24 Nov, 08 Dec
2025 – 12 Jan, 02 Feb, 02 & 23 Mar
Who is eligible?
We normally ask for you to have completed a minimum of two years’ class attendance with a suitably qualified and experienced yoga teacher. However, if you do not meet these criteria but you feel you have a similar level of experience and can demonstrate commitment to your practice, we are happy to discuss whether the course may still be appropriate for you at this time.
Students must also join the British Wheel of Yoga for the duration of the course (if not already a member).
If you have not already worked with us on a regular basis we will also ask you to attend an interview and/or one of our regular classes before a place is offered.
Will I receive a certificate?
A British Wheel of Yoga Foundation Course 1 Certificate of Attendance will be issued to students who achieve at least 80% attendance or above (please note that there is no option to make up missed hours so please check the dates carefully before applying for a place on the course).
“I’m so glad I found you and that I came on your Foundation Course. You have given me the tools that now I can use to develop my own practice and incorporate Yoga into my everyday.”
“Thank you so much for all your hard work and effort for the Foundation course. I really enjoyed it and have benefited enormously. I am looking forward to continuing to learn about Yoga and I’m sure I’ll be returning to your courses. ”
What does the Foundation course cost?
The course costs £675 and this includes the £60 BWY course registration fee. We need a minimum of 6 registered students 14 days before the start date for the course to proceed. There will be a maximum of 10 students on the course to ensure that everyone receives the personal support and attention they need. The course includes 60 hours of tuition over a minimum period of 6 months.
For all courses an initial deposit of £275 is required to reserve your place. The balance is due three weeks before the start of the course (please speak to us if you would like to discuss an alternative payment plan).
All course fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable in any circumstances (even if your plans change and you subsequently withdraw from the course before completion).
Other costs
You will also need to be a member of the BWY before the course begins and for the duration of your course. You can apply for BWY membership online at http://www.bwy.org.uk/join-the-bwy/ if you are not already a member.
If you have any questions regarding the course or would like to apply for a place, please click below.
