Using a non-dogmatic approach, Grace views the physical practice of yoga as gateway, not an end in itself. For her, the practice of yoga asana teaches us to not only broaden the breath, but also to expand stillness within ourselves....
Ancient Teachings, Modern Approach.
Overview
The Sacred Fig 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training is a highly-intensive program designed to educate & inspire the next generation of world-class yoga leaders.  We firmly believe that the strongest attribute any yoga teacher possesses is themselves.  And so we emphasize things like personal development, confidence, and speech (and we’ll bust some myths about alignment, too). Our rigorous program is approved by the Yoga Alliance, but it’s so much more than that.  In fact, it’s one of the most comprehensive available today.  Our teacher trainings attract students of all levels, from literally all around the globe. The Sacred Fig Yoga Teacher Trainings produce confident, knowledgeable, articulate, and empowered yoga teachers.  Period.
At the core of the The Sacred Fig philosophy is a profound sense of connection. Â Not only do our thoughts affect us in tangible ways, but we also have the extraordinary capacity to affect those around us, and the environment we live in. Â And so as yoga practitioners and teachers, we strive for the extraordinary, so that we may serve as a beacon of possibility for those around us. Â We see the divine in everything around us, but we also know that it lies within us. Â So before trying to shape & control everything outside of us, we first look deep within, and do the work ourselves.
We don’t provide answers (and we’re wary of any teacher or school who claims that they do). Instead, we welcome & provide different viewpoints, we stir lively discourse.  We set the circumstances to challenge notions about what yoga is, what it might feel like or look like, and why we practice.  We create an accelerated learning environment, where trainees gain the confidence to discover their own “truths” about yoga, about their bodies and their practice.  There’s no memorization, no mimicry, and no script.  From this place, trainees find their authentic voice… sharing their knowledge & their practice naturally. Join us.
Watch this 2 minute video , which was filmed during a past 200hr teacher training in Bali. Our Bali trainings are listed as one of the top programs in Bali by Find Yoga Trainings.
About Bali
Bali has a certain magic to it. Somewhere between the stunning rice terraces and ridiculous surf… the daily offerings that mystically appear throughout the day, and the ever abundant tropical fruits & flowers.
Our Yoga Teacher Training takes place in the undiscovered northwest coast of Bali. It's far from the traffic + overdevelopment of the rest of Bali. Here in Pemuteran, life slows down. In the distance, you can see Java's majestic Ijen Volcano, rising over Menjangan Island. The Bali Sea ripples calmly against volcanic sand. Sinuous ribbons of green unfold, speckled with temples, coconut trees, and rice terraces in every direction. From our property, hike in the jungle for an hour, and end up at a small secret waterfall, perfect for a cold plunge.
Waking up with the sun, meditating, & practicing yoga seem to come naturally here. Bali is the only island in Indonesia (out of tens of thousands) that’s Hindu, and their culture has a uniqueness all of it’s own. From the temple offerings, to the sound of the gamelan, and that sweet smile that the Balinese so readily share, Bali tends to sweep most off their feet.
Bali is just south of the equator, so it’s reliably hot & sunny. It’s tropical and wet. The largest (and still active) volcano, is considered by Balinese to be the center of the universe.
Our property is a 3.5 hour drive from Bali's airport. The day before training starts, and on the morning of the start of training, we will arrange for a few vans from the airport and surrounding area, to pick up trainees and drive them to our property. One van costs US $60, and trainees will split the cost of the van among themselves.
The Retreat Center
Our training is held at a stunning private estate on Bali's Northwest coast. We have exclusive access to a handful of private villas, clustered together, each with their own private pool and chic living spaces. We're just a few minutes drive from the calm ocean. Surrounded by jungle & fireflies, the lush property includes a handful of swimming pools tapering off into the jungle and ocean in the distance. Expect lovely touches like turmeric tonic at breakfast, and turn-down service for your room each evening.
The yoga shala (pictured here), is our sacred space. The shala has sweeping views of the mountains and sea in the distance. The entire space is shaded, with gorgeous reclaimed wood floors, fans, a sound system, and all the props you would expect from a modern yoga studio. With our updated covid precautions, we kindly ask that you bring your own yoga mat. This is where we start our day, each morning at sunrise.
Each villa is unique, with it's own charm. Some villas are two stories, others feature a rooftop terrace. Some have swinging day beds, others have hammocks. Each villa has it's own private pool, a fabulous lounge area, and a modern kitchen with full size refrigerator, and all the amenities to brew coffee or tea in the comfort of your own villa. You can opt for a single, double, or triple room. All rooms feature fine linens, AC and rain showers. Some rooms feature an outdoor shower. Please note that all villas are unique, and all rooms + beds are unique! If you are looking for corporate resort experience, like a JW Mariott, this is not the training for you. If you are looking for understated luxury and barefoot adventure, then this is the program for you! For more photos + details on the room specifics, click here.
We fly in our favorite chef for this program. Meals are served family-style in the open-air restaurant. You'll have three meals per day. Meals are mostly vegetarian and always thoughtfully prepared. Purified spring water is always available, and strong Bali coffee (yes, coffee) & teas are available for you to self-prepare throughout the day. A lot of the menu is vegan, with non-vegan options (like eggs, cheese, and dairy milk) often offered on the side. Our chef is thoughtful with accommodating dietary restrictions such as gluten free.
Please note that our villas are in the jungle, and while all the bedrooms are fully enclosed, many of the villas have outdoor living space + bathrooms. That means that on any given day, you can expect new friends like geckos, bats, chickens, kitties, flies, mosquitos, dogs, cicadas & even cows. If you aren't familiar with any of these creatures, we invite you to broaden your perspective and get to know your new neighbors.
curriculum
Yoga Technique, Training & Practice
100 hours
Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Mantra, Kriya & Chanting
learn moreThis is the largest portion of the curriculum, including sunrise Satsang, followed by daily Asana practice. Early morning Satsang will always include a form of meditation, and will also often include various traditional yoga techniques, such as Mantra, Kriya (cleansing techniques) and Pranayama (breathwork). The daily Asana practice is 90 minutes of rigorous, intentional, breath-based vinyasa.
Embodied Leadership
10 hours
Personal Development
learn moreThe Sacred Fig trainings are unique in that we weave in personal development and embodied leadership into the very fabric of our programs. Trainees work in group settings, as well as one-on-one with a dedicated performance coach. Graduates often mention this module of training as uniquely transformational.
The Sacred Fig Teaching Method
30 hours
Demoing, assisting, voice, tone & rhythm
learn moreThe Sacred Fig Teaching Methodology is unique in it's approach. Yes, demonstrating, assisting, and adjusting students is certainly covered. But we also weave in confidence building, & group dynamics. Finally, we'll cover voice, rhythm, tone, and pace. The Sacred Fig Education is specifically geared to direct trainees to discover their authentic voice.
Applied Anatomy + Biomechanics
25 hours
Applied Physical & Energetic Anatomy
learn moreThe Sacred Fig anatomical education is far from a traditional anatomy snooze-fest. You'll learn about ground-breaking anatomical research in a real-life setting. Our anatomy curriculum has been carefully crafted by Jules Mitchell, a thought leader in the biomechanics space. We cover both the human physical anatomy (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, & cardiovascular systems) as well as energetic anatomy (prana, chakras, nadis, bandhas). There is a specific emphasis on biomechanics as well as understanding fascia & it's role in shaping our bodies. All the anatomical principles learned in the training are applicable to yoga asana practice in a real-life setting, in terms of healthy & sustainable movement patterns, benefits, and contraindications.
Yoga Philosophy & Ethics
30 hours
From The Bhagavad Gita to Modern-Day Mindfulness
learn moreThe Sacred Fig has a non-traditional approach to Yoga Philosophy. Expect a healthy dialogue on key concepts from The Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita, but that's just the start. As one could dedicate years to yoga philosophy, we hone-in on key traditional philosophical concepts, such as Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism). We will also explore present-moment awareness techniques, and mindfulness practice as it relates to a yoga teacher.
Practicum
20 hours
Practice Teaching, Video Feedback & Dropping The Comfort Zone
learn moreUsing accelerated learning techniques, trainees will practice teaching in a variety of settings & scenarios (including small & large groups, and plenty of surprise scenarios). We utilize technology, for example, via video feedback, as another layer to the learning process. The Sacred Fig Practicum is regarded at the forefront of Yoga education, using a thoroughly considered approach to teaching that greatly expands the potential and speed in which one learns.
Daily Schedule
This rigorous 200 hour teacher training program takes place over 24 days. Plan on arriving at the property around 2-3pm on Feb 1, our first meeting as a group is at 5pm on Feb 1. The training ends at 11am on Feb 24. It is not possible to arrive late, or depart early, please plan accordingly. Over the course of the training, expect one full-day of rest, as well as two afternoons off. Below is a typical schedule, which tends to vary slightly each training, according to the specific needs & pace of each individual group. Different faculty will rotate in & out of the program over the course of the month, and so the days will naturally vary, as each day builds upon the next.
6:30am - 7:15am
Sunrise Satsang.
Satsang means to gather in the company of those seeking the highest truth. And so together, each morning we will meditate, practice pranayama, and chant mantra. Satsang practices will vary day to day.
7:30am - 9:15am
Asana.
Rigorous, intentional, breath-based vinyasa, led by The Sacred Fig senior faculty. After practice, there's just enough time to enjoy a fresh young coconut water, shower, or dip in the pool before breakfast.
9:15am - 10:15am
Nourish.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast of living foods. Expect eggs, avocados, tropical fruits, yogurts, homemade granola, turmeric tonic, homemade jam, homemade bread. Most meals are vegetarian, and there's options for everyone. Food is most often organic & local. Bali coffee & teas are available.
10:30am - 1pm
Morning Session.
The morning session tends to be the most "traditional" in terms of yoga education - the core elements. Topics vary each week, from yoga philosophy as it's relevant today, to anatomy of the body, and how it relates to asana practice.
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Nourish.
Nutritious vegetarian lunch.
2pm - 3:30pm
Integrate.
Use this time to study, or enjoy a nap by the pool. This is also a great opportunity to enjoy a massage at the spa - priced reasonably at only US $15 per hour.
3:30pm - 6:15pm
Afternoon Session.
The afternoon session is hands-on. Topics include teacher breakout sessions, energetics of the body & movement, alignment of key poses, and physical adjustments.
6:45pm - 7:45pm
Nourish.
Delicious vegetarian dinner.
8pm - 9pm
Evening Session.
Evening sessions are specifically geared to be more experiential, spontaneous & appropriate for the hour. Everything from film screenings, to dance parties, and embodied leadership night sessions. Some evenings will not have required sessions, while others may run slightly longer than the scheduled time.
10pm
Take Rest.
faculty
Grace Dubery
More
Anton Brandt
When not standing on his hands, most of Anton’s adult life has been spent travelling the world, with the common thread linking his varied life experience being a search for the extraordinary. From founding a sustainable footwear brand, to working...
Tony Lupinacci
I began my practice over a decade ago in an attempt to metabolize deep grief and to understand the human condition through my own. After countless hours of practice + self study I began to shed the protective layers of...