yoga teacher trainings 2025
The Natural Teacher 300 hr
&
The Natural Evolution 500 hr Continuing Education
At Satsang Yoga Charleston, our 2025 teacher trainings, the 300 Hour - Natural Teacher and 500 Hour - Natural Evolution, are not just about learning yoga; they are about becoming who you truly are.
What we teach is who we are. There is no distinction between deepening your knowledge of yoga and training to be a teacher. Both journeys demand a consistent and joyful exploration of the Yogic Arts. Our programs are named Natural Teacher and Natural Evolution because the greatest aspiration is to simply and naturally be yourself. With a strong foundation in philosophy, Sanskrit, anatomy, and vinyasa class craft, you'll gain powerful tools of deep understanding, leading to an intimate experience and expression of what makes you uniquely you.
Whatever you choose to explore in life, having an earnest and fearless connection to your own being is essential. Without it, there’s always a sense of something missing. Our programs provide a platform—with yoga as the foundation—for you to pursue your greatest joy and fulfillment, whatever that may be. Yoga enhances everything you love. But don’t just take our word for it; read and watch the testimonials from others who have walked this path and feel free to reach out to learn more.
What can I expect from the 300hr training?
1. Vinyasa Class Craft - Yoga Asana is our medium
Develop the skill to structure and guide a Vinyasa flow with purpose, creativity, and precision. Asana practice is central, serving as the medium through which the teacher conveys balance, alignment, and the deeper principles of yoga. You'll learn to craft sequences that are not just physical but mindful, creating flows that engage body, breath, and awareness.
2. Philosophy & Tradition - Swadhyaya, Study of The Self, Books/Reports
Swadhyaya, or self-study, is integral to yoga philosophy. This module delves into traditional texts and modern perspectives, encouraging participants to reflect deeply on their own practice and teaching. Reading and accompanying book reports will guide and integrate your understanding of how ancient teachings translate into modern life and personal growth.
3. Meditation - Practice/Teach - Integration
Meditation is both a personal practice and a tool for teaching. In this component, you'll deepen your own meditation practice while learning how to guide others in this process. The goal is not only to teach techniques but to integrate meditation into everyday life and asana classes.
4. Hatha Yoga Practices - Kriyas
Kriyas, or purification techniques, are part of the broader tradition of Hatha Yoga. These practices are designed to cleanse and balance the body and mind, preparing the practitioner for deeper spiritual work. You’ll learn how to incorporate kriyas safely and effectively into your classes and personal practice.
5. Sanskrit and Music - Vibration that Awakens: Mantras, Chants, Asanas, Harmonium
This element focuses on the power of sound and vibration in yoga. You'll study Sanskrit, learn mantras, chants, and their vibrational impact, and explore how to use instruments like the harmonium to create an immersive, uplifting experience for students.
6. Chakras - Complete & Comprehensive, Applicable
The chakra system is studied in depth, not just theoretically but in ways that can be practically applied in teaching and personal practice. This section covers how chakras influence physical, emotional, and energetic states and how to integrate this knowledge into your teaching style.
7. Oral Tradition, Living Tradition - Beyond the Written Word
Yoga’s roots are in oral tradition, passed down from teacher to student. This module explores the importance of oral teachings, storytelling, and the living lineage of yoga. You'll learn how to embody and transmit teachings beyond textbooks, staying connected to the heart of the practice.
8. Anatomy in Service to Vinyasa
Understanding anatomy is essential for safe and effective Vinyasa practice. Rather than treating anatomy as a separate subject, this section integrates anatomical knowledge directly into class planning, sequencing, and teaching. The goal is to make anatomy a practical tool that enhances your ability to guide students safely through asanas.
9. Assists: Feeling Energy, Seeing Energy, Assisting Energy
Hands-on assists are more than just physical adjustments; they involve sensing and working with the student’s energy and understanding the flow of prana. You'll learn how to assist students not only for alignment but also to support their energetic flow, creating a deeper experience in their practice.
10. Teachers & Students - Serving the Highest in One Another
This philosophy emphasizes the sacred relationship between teacher and student. Both are on a path of growth, learning, and mutual respect. You will be encouraged to approach teaching with humility and grace, recognizing that teaching is not about imparting knowledge but about guiding students in their own discovery of their highest potential.
11. Make Me an Instrument - How Do I Do This?
This is about aligning yourself with a higher purpose in teaching. How can you, as a teacher, become an instrument for something greater—whether that’s the tradition of yoga, the well-being of your students, or the unfolding of your own growth? This segment encourages deep introspection and reflection on the purpose and impact of teaching.
We asked YTT Graduates : Why did you choose Satsang for your education?
Your Instructor
Jeffrey Cohen
More About Jeffrey
Jeffrey is the Director and Founder of Satsang Yoga Charleston and serves as the Lead for Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTT). With over two decades of experience in teaching international Yoga and Meditation, he is celebrated for his ability to provide a comprehensive, thoughtful, and transformative Yoga experience. His natural teaching style fosters an environment where practitioners feel inspired and at ease, thanks to his genuine nature, compassion, humor, musicality, and adeptness in teaching.
Having a deep understanding of the therapeutic benefits of Yoga, Jeffrey integrates his experiences as a suicide survivor, along with insights gained from psychotherapy and childhood trauma, into his teachings. This unique perspective allows him to connect with students on a profound level, guiding them through their personal journeys.
His professional background includes notable achievements such as:
Owner of Satsang Yoga Charleston since 2005
Head Facilitator for Jivamukti Yoga International Teacher Trainings
Guest Presenter at renowned venues like Kripalu, Omega Institute, and Art of Living Retreat Center, as well as various festivals
Creator of specialized Yoga Teacher Trainings, including “Natural Teacher” and “Natural Evolution”
Collaborations with professional sports teams, Blackbaud, Michael Franti, and multiple Yoga video projects
A diverse musical portfolio that features both rock and Bhakti Yoga recordings, which have been showcased in films and videos, and are available on platforms like Spotify.
Jeffrey’s commitment to bridging ancient wisdom with modern relevance continues to inspire countless students and teachers alike.
We asked YTT Grads to describe Jeffrey’s teaching style, press play!
“This training deepened my knowledge and thirst for the true origin of why I was drawn to yoga. From Sanskrit to Kriyas, it was a mind-blowing experience filled with Gratitude and Love.”
Kim Miles - YTT Graduate
Full Details for our 2025 Yoga Teacher Trainings
Dates: January 4 - May 25, 2025
300hr Natural Teacher Requirements:
•Completed Application Form
•Consistent Asana & Meditation Practice throughout Training
•Completion of Required & Reference Reading
•Book reports: 5 - 250-500 word essays
•Attendance at All Sessions
500hr Natural Evolution Cont Ed Requirements:
•Completion of at least 200hr Yoga Teacher Training
•Evaluation with Jeffrey Cohen. Please contact him at 843-822-8393 or email
These Yoga Teacher Training program is fully accredited by Yoga Alliance, ensuring that graduates meet the highest standards of yoga education. Upon successful completion, participants will be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a, a globally recognized credential that demonstrates proficiency in teaching yoga.
“Despite initial doubts, each weekend strengthened my connection to Source. The training is deeply rooted in wisdom, akin to a magnificent tree. It’s a commitment worth every mile traveled.”
Martha Kastler - YTT Graduate