Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training

Develop your unique personal voice and style as a human being and as a yoga teacher

This intensive teacher training course is designed to prepare and help you establish a solid practice and dive deeper into this transformational and life-changing practice of Ashtanga Yoga.

An established personal practice is the most significant foundation of your own yoga journey. This is the very source of your inner growth and self-experience on developing your unique personal voice and style as a human being and potentially as a teacher.

Marilou van Hoek is an experienced teacher and dedicated practitioner, who is committed and (com)passionate in guiding and supporting you through this process of self-awareness, development, and self-transformation.

Join her on this learning, practicing, connecting experience. Life changing.

“Extremely engaging and empowering. Marilou is an excellent teacher who teaches yoga with much dedication and patience. She has a deep understanding of asana and pranayama techniques and is very grounded when it comes to teaching. It has been an absolute privilege to follow this teacher training under her guidance.”

- Rahul Pandit

Curriculum

Ashtanga Yoga (Focus on the Primary Series):
Asana practices are a combination of Led Classes and Mysore Self practice

Asanas & Alignment:
Explore and learn all asanas of Primary Series in great detail; learn correct alignment with precise Vinyasas; learn about Functional Anatomy of Yoga.

Anatomy of Yoga & Physiology: Explore the human body and how it works, which will give insight into what is going on in your own body and your student’s.

Teaching Methodology: With a focus on how to hold space, communicate clearly, and assist safely, you will leave the course confident teaching all levels of students until your own practice or level.

The Art of Adjustment: Traditionally the primary method of teaching Ashtanga Yoga is through Hands-on Adjustments with the aim to help the student go into the posture deeper and further in a safe way.

Introduction to Second Series of Ashtanga Yoga: You will get a taste of the Second Series for your own parctice, you will not learn how to teach this series.

Coaching & Mentorship: You will be mentored throughout the training course individually and/ or in small groups.

Yoga Philosophy: The primary focus will be on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. We will study through chanting the sutras, also we will discuss some of these yogic texts and how relevant and useful they are in our modern life. And we will touch base on the Bhagavad Gita.

Intro to Ayurveda – Diet, and Lifestyle: Ayurveda is the sister science of Yoga, coming from the same roots of the Vedas. Learn the foundation of the 5 elements and the 3 Doshas. Develop an Ayurvedic perspective that will help find balance in your life.

Kriyas: Learn some of the Shat Kriyas practices (Purification Techniques) of the Classical Hatha Yoga

Pranayama: Following the Lineage of Kaivalyadham, which represents the main methods of the Classical Hatha Yoga.

Concentration and Meditation: Different kinds of meditation will be offered.

Mantra and Chanting: The recitation of mantra is known as japa, which literally means whispering. Chanting Mantras is said to quiet the habitual fluctuations of our consciousness.

WHo should join?

Initially, many participants take this training for personal development and do not intend to teach. Others are not sure yet if they will start teaching and some intend to already teach from the beginning.

is this you?

  • Are you eager to learn, deepen and expand knowledge of Ashtanga Yoga and other aspects of Yoga.

  • You have a solid foundation in Ashtanga yoga practice (Led classes and/ or Mysore) of preferably at least 1 year.

  • Are you looking for a comprehensive, safe, well-structured, and yet intuitive approach.

  • Have a strong desire and urge to share this art of healing with others.

Do you…

If you come from another style of yoga and don’t have a background in Ashtanga yoga, you need to become familiar with the first half primary series before the training starts. (suggestion: min. 3 months regular frequent practice).

What to expect

Homework
There is reading and homework between weekends. We advice you to plan some time in your agenda to do & enjoy this.

Your Practice – Preferably Mysore
But can be a combination of Mysore, Led Class, and at home: we expect you are willing to practice every day for 1-2 hours.

Assignments & Reading
Take into account 3-8 hours per week of homework.

Study groups
Meet 1-2 times every 4 weeks.

Observing and Assisting in Class
At least 12 hours under the guidance of Lead Teacher/ Assistant(s)

Health & Well-being
Let us know if you are suffering from any injury (physically) but also mentally or emotionally (on your application).

Language
All the teachings and the material is provided in English. You are welcome to do your assignments in Dutch.

program Planning

How the course is structured:

The first half of the course is focused on developing your own solid foundation through practice: meditation, kriyas, pranayama, and asanas (Ashtanga Yoga).

Living Yoga
In the middle, we journey into “Living the yogic Lifestyle” with our focus on the Art of Adjusting. We will have enough time to practice assisting each posture on each other.

Integration
The last weekends integrate being a practitioner and becoming a teacher as you deepen and become more comfortable using your teaching skills and methods. The last weekend is examinations and graduation day.

Program Outline

You will be asked to observe and assist in some classes that are offered on other days or evenings.

The first part of the day we practice Meditation, Kriyas & Pranayama and Asana practice.

  • Followed by a meal break.

  • Late afternoon’s sessions are a combination of lectures and exploration of asanas.

DATES & TIMES: 11:30-18:30 Each day | Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

2026:
6-7-8- March
24-25-26 April
29-30-31 May
26-27-28 June
28-29-30 August
25-26-27 September
23-24-25 October
27-28-29 November

LOCATION: Yoga Moves Fly Studio | Croeselaan 209, Utrecht

Investment:
Early Birds:
€2250 until 1 August
€2350 until 1 October
€2450 until 1 December
€2550 until 1 January 2026
€2650 until 1 February
€2750 Regular

Installment Available: €2800
Regular rate + €50 for a total of €2800
We are CRKBO registered, thus no VAT.

Note: Books are not included.

APPLication

We are accepting applications for 2026 

Please read the enrollment requirements and study expectations above.
If you are unsure of your level of practice, please contact us. 

You can also join one of Marilou’s classes and let her know before class you are thinking of joining this training. Or join a Q&A.

Enjoy the process! It starts as soon as you decide!

Marilou is the real thing!
She understands the practice from the inside out.

 

Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School (RYS 200)


Upon graduation you will receive a diploma from Marilou van Hoek & her training program: Pranayama. With this diploma from Pranayama you may register with Yoga Alliance International as RYT-200 (Registered Yoga Teacher).

Your lead teacher for this program:

Other teachers for this program:

YOGA MOVES GIVES LOTS OF PERKS

  • Discounts on Classes, trainings & workshops

  • FREE access to Yoga Moves On Demand Library

  • Discounts on studio rentals for self-practice

  • Alumni come-back days & special invites

 Impressions

  • Marieke - Ashtanga trainee

    Marilou has such a deep passion and devotion to the ashtanga practice, that is simply impossible to not take at least some of it with you on your own yoga path. To complete the package she also adds a lot of knowledge about pranayama techniques. Marilou is thorough teacher, there to guide you along the way. I have certainly learned a lot.

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 FAQ - Ashtanga Vinyasa training

+ What is the reading for this training?

For this training five books are required, you can all order them at Bol.com. The books of Gregor Maehle and Ray Long have a lot of pictures about anatomy. Therefore most people like to work with a paper copy for those titles.

+ CAN I STILL TAKE A TEACHER TRAINING IF I DON’T WANT TO BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR?

Yes! Yoga Teacher Training is for anyone who has experienced the profound benefits of yoga and wants to experience them more fully. We have many students who enroll solely for their own personal development.

+ HOW PROFICIENT IN YOGA DO I NEED TO BE TO ATTEND A TEACHER TRAINING?

We only ask that you have enough experience in yoga and specifically Ashtanga ~Yoga to have a good idea of what it is and a good foundation.

+ WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT 200-HOUR PROGRAMS YOGA MOVES OFFERS?

All Yoga Moves 200 Hour programs cover a foundational curriculum. You will learn about asana, meditation, pranayama, yogic anatomy, yogic history, and philosophy. The main factors to consider are:

  • What style of yoga do you prefer to learn to teach or what teacher?
  • In addition, the Ashtanga program is hosted by Yoga Moves, but you will be certified by Marilous yoga school/company.

+ WHEN I GRADUATE FROM THIS PROGRAM, WILL I BE ABLE TO TEACH?

Yes! Upon completion of one of our 200-hour programs, you will have the necessary foundation to begin your teaching career. You will receive your certificate from Marious school Pranayama.nl and may also register with the Yoga Alliance at the RYT-200 level (Registered Yoga Teacher 200). Graduates usually begin teaching in small studios, gyms.

+ WHAT YOGA LINEAGE DO YOU FOLLOW?

This course follows the lineage given by Pattabhi Jois, and Krishnamacharya, an Indian yoga teacher, ayurvedic healer and scholar. He is seen as one of the most important gurus of modern yoga, and is often called "the father of modern yoga" for his wide influence on the development of postural yoga. Through the training, we want you to find your own voice and a teaching method that is authentic to you.

+ WHAT IS YOGA ALLIANCE?

Yoga Alliance registers both individual yoga teachers and yoga teacher training programs (schools) who have complied with their educational standards. Their mission is to lead the yoga community, foster integrity, provide resources, and uphold the teachings of yoga. Although registration with the Yoga Alliance is not legally required for teaching yoga, most studios and fitness centers will require teachers to be registered with the Yoga Alliance. All Yoga Moves Teacher Training graduates are eligible for Yoga Alliance registration.

+ CAN I MAKE UP A MISSED DAY?

We ask that you prioritize your training days. We can sometimes make a special arrangement for a missed class/ days for the 200-hour training, but only in special circumstances. Please ensure that any such requests are communicated to your trainer coordinator prior to the training so that we can discuss whether a special arrangement will be needed. There will usually be an additional charge for making up lost time (for example, private sessions or make-up days).

 

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