IKIGAI’s 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training Program with Maxim Gagarin is designed to provide you with the right knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to teach yoga safely and effectively.
This training is both a commitment and an opportunity that will lead you to real transformational changes in your life. Opting for this YTT500 certification will further your understanding of the many layers of Yoga that are so integral to the practice.
This TTC is unique because it is the first ever Yoga Alliance approved TTC in Hong Kong that allows students to take a 500h training at one go with no prior training needed. (The usual protocol is to take 200h course first and then the 300h course next, separately).
Therefore this Teacher Training is applicable for both students who have completed their 200h training and want to further their practice to achieve their 500h certification. As well as for students who do not have any certification yet but want to become 500h certified straight away.
It is also important to note that although upon completion of the course you will become a certified teacher, taking a yoga teacher training course is NOT ONLY for those who want to become teachers. It is a life changing experience for anyone who wants to broaden their understanding of Yoga and learn about the true meaning of health and happiness!
🗓 Dates:
October 21st, 2023 - April 28th, 2024 (6 months)
📍 Location:
IKIGAI x Art Piece (CWB): Art Piece Building, 3 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
🛑 Early Bird Offer Ends On September 30th! 🛑
Training Description
Maxim will provide detailed education and guidance across four main categories: history, philosophy and ethics; teaching methodology; anatomy and physiology; techniques, training, and practice.
Throughout the program, you’ll develop the ability to create a class environment that accommodates students of all levels, master your teaching skills, and tailor instructions for individual, personal, private, and group classes. By the end of the program, you'll be well-equipped to lead effective Yoga classes and teach in a safe and ethical manner.
Syllabus
Part 1: History, Philosophy, and Ethics
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history, philosophy, and ethics of Yoga teaching, including the Bhagavad Gita, karma, the Five Kleshas, and the four types of Yoga in Vedic culture. Develop an ethical perspective on teaching Yoga and explore various Yoga practices such as Pranayama, Bandhas, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dyana, and Samadhi, as well as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Part 2: Teaching Methodology
Learn teaching methodology for both groups and individuals in Yoga, including how to find and develop your voice as an instructor, create a class environment that suits all levels, and grow your teaching practice. By the end of this module, gain the knowledge and skills to confidently teach Yoga.
Part 3: Anatomy & Physiology
Explore essential knowledge about human anatomy and its role in Yoga teaching, including the skeletal, muscular, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, and nervous systems, and how to ensure a safe and effective practice for students. This module also covers basic first aid and the benefits of vegetarianism in Yoga practice. Gain a deeper understanding of the anatomical aspects of Yoga by the end of this module.
Part 4: Techniques, Training and Practice
Get hands-on training in Yoga practices to learn how to perform them safely, understand physical and subtle bodies, and teach with spiritual practice. Understand the difference between asana, kriya and vinyasa, the importance of flexibility, and different Yoga gymnastics. Master your teaching skills, how to construct sequences, and how to lead personal, private, and group classes. Gain confidence to lead your students to inner balance and peace. Learn over 50 postures, their modifications, benefits, and contraindications to ensure students' safety. Develop the skills to confidently lead classes and tailor instruction to different levels of practice.
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Maxim studied Yoga in Hong Kong, India, and Vietnam.
Although he practiced many sports before, including football, skiing, and mountain climbing, he had never practiced any gymnastics or specific flexibility trainings prior to starting Yoga.
After meeting some inspirational spiritual leaders, he felt that his true calling was in Yoga and was amazed to notice how quickly and efficiently a regular and dedicated practice can improve the body and at the same time clear the mind.
He is passionate about teaching Hatha Yoga and Sanatana Dharma. Teaching his students has never felt like a job to him but like his devotional service to God and society, which brought him to the path of Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion).
His lessons are suitable for those who can challenge themselves, and change their being on both physical and spiritual levels. He believes that only by moving beyond our limits true progress can be achieved.
Schedule
The full course will be held from Saturday 21st October, 2023 to Sunday 28th April, 2024.
Sessions will take place on the weekend and on some public holidays (12:30-17:30).
Additionally, you will be required to complete self-study hours and practice hours as part of the course curriculum. The course fee includes complimentary IKIGAI group class credits to complete the required hours within the duration of the course. It is mandatory to complete this in order to successfully meet the course requirements.
Please find the full details of the training schedule dates and sessions below:
Course Price For TTC200 Certificate Holders
HK$35,000
Tuition
Super Early-bird 25% OFF Discount
FIRST 4 STUDENTS ONLY!
HK$41,250
Early-bird 15% OFF Discount
(ends Friday 30th September )
HK$46,750
Regular Price
HK$55,000
Optional 3-Part Payment Plan Available:
Pay Full Original Prices above
OR
Pay in 3 Instalments (Plus 5% Handling Fee)
Contact IKIGAI via WhatApp for more details: +852 9013 3701
Tuition includes:
- Training materials and assessments -
- Yoga knowledge, theory and practice with Lead Teacher Maxim -
- 165 group class credits (All-Studio Access) to be completed within 12 months -
- YTT500 Yoga Alliance-certified Teacher Training Certificate -
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SPECIFIC TERMS TO THIS TRAINING
We understand the importance of making informed decisions, especially when it comes to investing in your education. We aim to provide transparent information about our tuition and refund policies to ensure that you have peace of mind about your investment.
TuitionTo hold an applicant's place in the program, a deposit of HK$5,000 is required.
The remaining amount can be paid in full before the start of the training program or through three monthly installments (extra 5% handling fee).
RefundIf an applicant cancels 30 days or more before the start of the program, 50% of the full amount paid (deposit + remaining amount) will be refunded.
If an applicant cancels less than 30 days before the start of the program, no refund of the amount paid will be given. A transfer to another person can be discussed with the studio’s management and a fee of 10% of the cost of the package can be applied. The approval of the transfer and extra fees are solely at the studio’s management discretion.
The program will not give any refunds or credits after the training starts.
IKIGAI reserves the right to cancel any training up to 20 days before it begins. In that case, any payments applicants have made will be refunded in full.
Contact & Enquiries
We appreciate your cooperation and dedication to our program. If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us via email on hello@ikigai.hk or via phone (+852) 9013 3701.
*If there is any discrepancy between the printed and web versions, the web version shall prevail.
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Event AgreementTerms and Conditions
A /Definitions
Activity:
Any activity undertaken by you during an Event including any yoga training activityAgreement:
This agreement (including the IKIGAI online application and personal data form) between you and HOUSE OF IKIGAI LIMITED Limited for the provision of activities by IKIGAI.Event:
Agreed yoga training activities in the form of a workshop delivered to you by IKIGAI teachers or guest teachers, either in person or through an online platform.Existing Condition:
A physical, mental, fitness, health, illness or medical condition/disability/injury (including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, pregnancy, the taking of medication, skin condition, or existing injury) that you possess and that could be aggravated or increase your Risk of Injury by participating in the Event or any Activity.Equipment:
Any equipment used during the Event.Fees:
Any fees that you pay in respect of the EventLoss:
Liabilities, costs, expenses, damages and losses (including direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profit, loss of reputation and all interest, penalties and legal costs (calculated on a full indemnity basis) and all other professional or investigation costs and expenses).Physical Activity:
Any physical exercise or other physical activity while participating in an Event including warm-up, strength training, agility drills, jumping, cardiovascular activities and flexibility training.Protected Persons:
Our directors, officers, Representatives, volunteers, sponsors, service providers and independent contractors.IKIGAI:
HOUSE OF IKIGAI LimitedRelated Agreements:
Any agreements that you enter into with IKIGAI.Representatives:
Our employees and agents (including IKIGAI teachers but excluding other providers of services or products even if these are provided/supplied).Risk of Injury:
The risk of any type of injury (including minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, muscle strains and torn ligaments and more serious injuries such as snapped ligaments, dislocated joints, broken bones, heart attack and concussion) disability (including permanent disability such as paralysis) and death.Rules:
The rules, regulations, guidelines and etiquette for taking part in all types of training services provided by IKIGAI (including the Event).Website:
Our websites currently at www.ikigai.hkWe, our and us
IKIGAIYou or your
You as a party to this Agreement and participantB/ Clauses
1. Fees
1.1 You are only entitled to attend the Event when you have paid the fees in full.
1.2 Please refer to the description of the refund and cancellation policy of your selected Event on the website
2. Your Physical Condition and Safety
2.1 You understand, agree and undertake that:
(i) participating in the agreed Event imposes various types/levels of physical and mental demands and Risk of Injury and you must disclose to us any Existing Condition that you are aware of.
(ii) IKIGAI representatives are not trained and qualified medical professionals and you shall not rely on any physical assessment by IKIGAI as professional medical advice, or use such assessment by IKIGAI as the basis of any injury or health claim against IKIGAI arising from the Event;
(iii) it is your ultimate responsibility to assess, and satisfy yourself, that you possess the fitness, skill and health levels adequate to safely undertake the Activities (including seeking professional medical assessment and advice yourself) and to use any Equipment;
(iv) you shall not perform any Activity if, in so far as you are aware, you possess an Existing Condition that could be aggravated or that could increase your Risk of Injury by your participation in the Activity;
2.2 You agree that our Representatives may refuse or discontinue your participation in the Event or Activity if they consider that an Existing Condition may be detrimental to your health or safety.
3. Effectiveness and/or Results of Training
3.1 You acknowledge and agree that:
(i) the effectiveness and/or results of the training provided in the Event cannot be guaranteed;
(ii) individual results of training provided in the Event may vary depending on your own efforts and cooperation in and outside of the Event; and
(iii) no representations, assurances or guarantees of any kind have been made or will be made to you by IKIGAI or any Representative concerning any specific results and/or outcomes of the Event.
4. Nutritional, Dietary or Pharmaceutical Products, Advice and/or Recommendations
4.1 You acknowledge and agree that our Teachers or Trainers are not qualified to advise you on the suitability of any nutritional, dietary and/or pharmaceutical product (whether sold by IKIGAI or not) and you alone are responsible for the selection of any product you choose to use or ingest;
5. Assumption of Risk
5.1 You acknowledge and agree that you, being fully aware of the Risk of Injury, still intend to participate in the Event on an entirely voluntary basis and agree to assume full responsibility for all Risk of Injury arising out of or in connection with the Event.
6. Waiver and Release of Liability
6.1 You waive and release all claims against us and all claims against each Protected Person, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, for any and all Loss you might incur arising out of or in connection with you participating in the Event;
6.2 We do not exclude or limit in any way our liability to you where it would be unlawful for us to do so. This includes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or the negligence of our employees or agents or for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation.
6.3 We will not be liable to you for any indirect or consequential loss including loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption or loss of business opportunity.
7. Indemnity
7.1 You agree to indemnify us and each Protected Person and hold us and each Protected Person harmless against all Loss we or they may suffer or incur, whether in contract, tort, negligence or otherwise, arising out of or in connection with any breach by you of this Agreement or your participation in the Event.
8. Recording of Event & Data Collection
8.1 You agree the Event can be recorded and stored by us in order to: (i) assess and improve your training or practice; (ii) evaluate and improve the Event; and (ii) for security reasons.
8.2 All online Events provided by IKIGAI are strictly intended for your individual use only and you must not record the Event for public or commercial use. You must obtain IKIGAI’s prior consent if you wish to broadcast the recordings in a public forum or intend to use the recordings for a commercial purpose, and we may charge you a fee in respect of such use.
8.3 We will collect and store the personal data you provide for the Event including the information in your application registration form, attendance and payments records, fitness and health records, and other relevant information provided by you during or outside of the Event. This information is used for the purpose of managing your registration and payments, managing the provision of the Activities, our internal evaluation of the Event.
8.4 The personal data we collect from you shall be kept confidential and will only be shared by third parties involved in the provision of the Event (such as contractors who provide administrative, technology, payment and/or other support services). Our recording of Event and collection of data from you will comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
8.5 Providing personal data is optional but failure to provide the personal data requested we request may mean we are unable to process your application or fully personalize your training Activities. You may seek access to and request the correction of any personal data we hold about you by contacting our team at hello@ikigai.hk
9. Intellectual Property Rights
9.1 All intellectual property used for the provision of the online Events belongs to IKIGAI (including copyright, choreography, trademarks, logos, concept, and branding rights). This includes the intellectual property contained in training materials provided to you outside of the Event such as videos or other training materials. You agree that any intellectual property that is newly created during the online Event shall fully belong to IKIGAI.
10. General Terms
10.1 If you are not yet 18 years old but over 14 years of age, your parent or guardian must co-sign this Agreement agreeing to be responsible for you until you turn 18 including responsibility for the payment of your Fees.
10.2 This Agreement is governed by the laws of Hong Kong.
10.3 This Agreement is personal to you. You may not transfer your rights and/or obligations under this Agreement to anyone else.
10.4 You agree that we may terminate this Agreement and your participation in the Event if you breach any Rules or if you engage in any behavior that prevents us from properly delivering the Event.
10.5 This Agreement replaces and extinguishes all previous agreements between you and IKIGAI, whether written or oral, relating to the Event. Where you have an existing membership and/or other agreements with IKIGAI these agreements shall still operate and in the event of any inconsistency relating to the Event this Agreement shall prevail).
10.6 By registering an/or participating in our events, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to all of its terms.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Questions about the Terms of Service should be sent to us at hello@ikigai.hk
Application Process
Submit your application and pay the HKD$5K deposit to secure your spot.
Receive confirmation of your application from our team. An interview might be required.
After your application has been accepted, choose your payment plan and enrol in the program.
Start your TTC experience!
FAQs
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The training is open to anyone who is interested in learning about in-depth knowledge of yoga and how to teach and practice yoga safely.
There are no specific prerequisites needed to join this training, although having a regular yoga practice for several months is suggested.
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No, you don’t need to have completed your first yoga teacher training before taking this teacher training. You will qualify as a registered yoga teacher upon completion of the course.
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Yes. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have learnt and practiced how to teach yoga, which makes you eligible and qualified to teach classes.
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Yes, this is a Yoga Alliance-certified program because it meets the requirements of the registered yoga teacher training syllabus. Upon successful completion of the course you will be awarded with official certification details which can be uploaded to the official Yoga alliance database.
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Yes, this surpasses the 200h course requirements. So your yoga teacher certification will be upgraded to include being a registered 500h yoga teacher.
This TTC is unique because it is the first ever Yoga Alliance approved TTC in Hong Kong that allows students to take a 500h training at one go with no prior training needed. (The usual protocol is to take 200h course first and then the 300h course next, separately).
Therefore this Teacher Training is applicable for both students who have completed their 200h training and want to further their practice to achieve their 500h certification. As well as for students who do not have any certification yet but want to become 500h certified straight away.
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Yes. Upon completion of the training, you can apply as 500h RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher) with Yoga Alliance.
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Yes. Upon successful completion of programme requirements, 100% attendance, and following the code of conduct – students will receive a Certificate of Completion for this teacher training programme.
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Students undergoing this training must be fully committed and understand that 100% full attendance is required. Only with proper attendance and completion of the course including outside assignments will students receive a certificate of completion.
In case of absence due to emergency or other major commitments, students need to take responsibility to study the missed lessons. Please speak with us prior to the course commencement date if any special arrangements are needed.
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Yes! Firstly Yoga is more than just the physical poses. However due to the way the course is designed, you will learn and improve along the journey. It is still suggested that a student should have a basic level of practice before joining the training instead of being a complete beginner. This will lead to a much faster improvement during the course.
Students attending the training do not need to have an advance practice. Generally many students were unable to perform advanced poses before starting a TTC but achieved them during the course.
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Students with a few months of practice who wants to deepen their understanding of Yoga should take this training. A group class setting does not give students the chance to explore, clear doubts, ask questions, practice in much more detail and more! - which a TTC does. If you are interested in history, philosophy and ethics; teaching methodology; anatomy and physiology; techniques, training, and practice of Yoga, it’s time to embark on a TTC journey!
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This training will be conducted in English. The study manual is also in English. However our IKIGAI staff team is always there to help should you need any further understanding or translation.