NEW STUDENTS ENJOY FIRST MONTH FOR ONLY $49!
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Hey There
Led by Tamisha J. Ponder, Sankofa Yoga is a Vinyasa-Hatha based school that teaches a method that balances instruction, engagement, alignment, breath, and fluid movement. The Sankofa Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program encourages yoga as a lifestyle, a theory, and a practice. Our approach to asana practice is rooted in the Vinyasa yoga tradition and inspired by Power, Yin, and Traditional Hatha Yoga.
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program
January 2023 - September 2023
Sankofa Yoga 200-hr Yoga Teacher Training Program provides trainees with the tools to develop a sense of personal power, overcome self-limitation, resource community and return to the source. Our approach to instruction reflects philosophy, accessibility, community, and is designed to reach the masses to bring yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to all. We encourage balance; thus, after completion of this course students will be able to lead various types of yoga classes, such as Vinyasa/Hatha Flow, Deep Stretch, Restorative and Power Yoga enabling them to teach in any setting and engage community while doing so.
In addition to monthly training sessions, students are also required to commit to a daily practice, complete homework assignments, and attend yoga classes with senior teachers at Sankofa Yoga; there are no additional fees. Our program has been designed to exceed the 200-hour Teacher Training program standards for registration with Yoga Alliance. Upon completion of this course, students will be eligible to apply for registration with Yoga Alliance to become a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT).
SCHEDULE
We will meet once a month in-studio on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays over the course of eight months as the training course is taught in nine intensive weekends. This format supports students having time to integrate the material, complete homework assignments, and prepare for assigned practice teaching sessions and final practicum.
Thursdays: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Fridays: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturdays: 8:30 am – 5:45 pm
Sundays: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Additional Coursework Hours: Independent Study Hours (reading, journaling, personal yoga and meditation practice)
*See Course Details for guidelines on in-studio participation.
2023 COURSE DATES
Enrollment is closed! To be notified of our next training, click here.
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January 19-22, 2023
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February 23-26, 2023
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March 23-26, 2023
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April 20-23, 2023
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May 11-14, 2023
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June 8-11, 2023
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July 6-9, 2023
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August 3-6, 2023
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September 7-10, 2023
*See Course Details for information on Attendance Policy and Schedule Conflicts.
HEALTH + SAFETY
Training sessions will be held in-person at our studio, 302 Main Street, Laurel, MD, 20707, if health and safety conditions permit. In the event we must pivot, livestream/online learning will be set in place via Zoom. We are in accordance with Prince Georges County Executive Orders and follow guidelines as given. To view our training facility, click here.
*See Course Details for information on attendance policy.
TUITION + REGISTRATION
The cohort is limited to 10 students. The cost of our 200-hour Teacher Training is $3,000 and is payable as follows:
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10% Early Bird Discount is available for those paying in full by December 19, 2022
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Payment Plan Option: $300 non-refundable deposit, followed by 9 equal monthly auto-payments of $300 due on the 1st of each month starting January 1, 2023.
INFORMATION SESSION:
Interested in YTT but have questions or need more information? Find out more about how our YTT program can help you to deepen your yoga practice or set you on the path to being an authentic teacher. Join us on Tuesday, November 29th at 6:00 PM EST at our virtual info session. RSVP here.
NEXT STEPS:
Enrollment is closed! To be notified of our next training, click here.
If you are interested in joining our YTT, please complete the following steps. Applicants will be required to review the attached course details in entirety, submit an information form and pay the non-refundable $300 deposit to gain entry into the 200hr Sankofa Yoga Teacher Training Program. Once all three steps are completed, you're in! See steps below:
1) Download "Course Details"
2) Submit Information Form
3) Enroll with $300 deposit

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER TRAINER:
Dr. Tamisha J. Ponder found yoga at a time when her years as a community organizer had taken a toll on her well-being. Learning how to navigate stress and anxiety through her own yoga practice, Tamisha decided to become a yoga teacher in 2012 to share with her community. She is an E-RYT 500, RPYT, Reiki Master Teacher, Thai Massage Specialist, Fertility Doula, Birth Doula and founder/owner of Sankofa Yoga and Wellness Center. She is completed her Ph.D. Language, Literacy and Culture and holds a master's degree in Women's and Gender Studies: Health and Sexuality, and a bachelor's degree in Journalism with minors in History and Black Women's Studies. Tamisha is rooted in community healing and community advocacy. For more details, click here.

PICTURED ABOVE: Our first group of students, ALPHA, graduated in July 2022! To learn more about their work, click here.

PICTURED ABOVE: Our second group of students, BETA, graduated in November 2022! To learn more about their work, click here.

PICTURED ABOVE: Our third group of students, GAMMA, currently in YTT. Program dates: Sept. 22-25, 2022; Oct. 20-23, 2022; Nov. 17-20, 2022; Dec. 15-18, 2022; Jan. 26-29, 2023; Feb. 16-19, 2023; March 16-19, 2023; April 13-16, 2023; and May 18-21, 2023. Check back with them in May 2023 for their final practicum!

PICTURED ABOVE: Our fourth group of students, DELTA, currently in YTT. Program dates: January 19-22, 2023; February 23-26, 2033; March 23-26, 2023; April 20-23, 2023; May 11-14, 2023; June 8-11, 2023; July 6-9, 2023; August 3-6, 2023; and September 7-10, 2023. Check back with them in September 2023 for their final practicum!