Every year, our team sends out a survey to studio owners and existing teachers and meticulously reviews teacher trainings from all over the world to create this list. This year we had over 150 yoga teachers from all over the world contribute.
What makes an excellent teacher training is ultimately subjective; the best training is more a matter of fit than ranking. Still, there are a few criteria we've learned over the years that do make for a great experience. Those criteria are:
1. Leader Quality
This is the most critical ranking factor we use to determine our selections. Great teachers make great trainings.
2. Professional Prep
A program's track record of training real, professional teachers. This is an important factor in a teacher training program and there are programs that are clear standouts.
3. Spirit-vibe:
The x-factor, the indescribable inspiring feeling that sparks deep inner-transformation. Something you could only know from being on the actual training.
4. Accommodations & food
Another important factor. Comfort, safety, and quality of food are very important to a great experience.
One commonality among all the trainings are truly world-class leaders. We've found over the years that this is by far the most important factor in a quality teacher training experience. The trainings are categorized by the following:
Awards
Best in Preparing Teachers, Best Traditional, Best Non-Traditional, Best Overall.
By Location
Best In India, Best in Bali, Best in Thailand, Best in Costa Rica, Best in US, Best in Australia, Best in Europe.
By Training Type
Best Kundalini, Best Yin, Best Ashtanga, Best Advanced Training.
BEST IN PREPARING TEACHERS:
Jason Crandell Teacher Training, San Francisco
Leaders: 8/10
Teaching Prep: 10/10
Accommodation & Food: N/A
Spirit Vibe: 6/10
Why it's on this list:
This training made the list as the best professional preparation for teaching.
The results speak for themselves. Jason Crandell has proven himself to be a generator of professional yoga teachers. Students leave the training feeling adequately prepared to enter the market, an increasingly rare phenomenon in the teacher training world. Jason imparts his integrity and work ethic into his students, preparing them for the rigors of a long career teaching yoga. This training is not a spiritual cake-walk. It will push your body, giving you the disciplines necessary to enter an increasingly competitive yoga teacher market.
BEST TRADITIONAL:
Sivananda Center, Bahamas
Leaders: 7/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: 9/10
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
This training made the list as one of the best ways to get the taste of a traditional Indian yoga lineage. You'll have an opportunity to practice in the style of yoga taught by Swami Vishnudevananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda, in one of the most unique yoga retreat centers in the world.
The Sivananda yoga systems is a highly specific yoga system with a set sequence of postures. If this is your jam, this is the place for you.
Another benefit of Sivananda training is the massive, worldwide community of practitioners. There are not many spiritual communities in the world as large as the Sivananda community, with centers all over the world. The Sivananda certification is a widely recognized certification that adds a hint of prestige to your CV.
BEST NON-TRADITIONAL:
Meghan Currie Yoga Training, Bali
Leaders: 7/10
Teaching Prep: 6/10
Accommodation & Food: 7/10
Spirit Vibe: 8/10
Why it's on this list:
Meghan has quickly developed a reputation as one of the most innovative, young teacher trainers in Bali. Her style is distinct, flowing, feminine and expressive. Each day with her is a unique adventure into a variety of different spiritual modalities. Set in Bali, Meghan's trainings draw on a variety of inspirations outside of yoga. Students describe her as inspiring, innovative, emotional and authentic. Her trainings typically draw long wait lists from students all over the world.
BEST OVERALL (2):
East+West, Bali
Leaders: 9/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: 9/10
Spirit Vibe: 10/10
Why it's on this list:
It's not hard to see why East+West tops our list. This school brings some of the most regarded teachers in the world, including Surinder Singh (Best in India), legendary teacher Mark Whitwell, Deep Kumar, and Paul Teodo. All trainings are held in luxurious, all-inclusive resorts in Bali and it's hardly more expensive than a training at your local studio. Their students say their trainings feel like a collection of the best this world has to offer.
All of their trainings pair Indian master teachers with popular western teachers. It creates an environment where students can learn from the most direct, ancient teachings in a format that is comfortable and relatable. East+West has perhaps the most diverse team of teachers in the world, bringing masters from all walks of life. Each of East+West's trainings has 4-5 teachers from different backgrounds to give students different flavors of teachings.
Of all the trainings on this list East+West stands out in their commitment to creating a truly transformative, unforgettable experience for each student. Students say they love the welcoming environment where they can learn from the teachings of yoga separate from religious tradition. They love the open, all-accepting, modern-meets-ancient atmosphere.
Ubud is quickly emerging as the new mecca of yoga on the planet, with a deep spiritual resonance and many of the comforts of the western world. Resorts & food in Bali is second to none.
Kia Miller's Radiant Body Training, India
Leaders: 9/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: 7/10
Spirit Vibe: 9/10
Why it's on this list:
A world-class combination of east & west in every respect. Kia's teacher trainings are nestled in the foothills of the Himalaya's just outside of Rishikesh at The Saatva Center, one of India's more westernized retreat centers. She co-leads with highly regarded Indian meditation & philosophy teacher Anand Mehrotra.
Kia is one of the most recognized teachers in the world, for good reason. There's no one in the world more dedicated to a personal practice, and she imparts this dedication on her students. Students love her India trainings because they experience every variety of life: enhanced health, deep meditation, music and dance, laughter, and devotion.
Kia's trainings draw distinctly from Kundalini & Tantra philosophy, so they feel distinct from a traditional asana-based training. You'll dive into some of the subtler yoga practices like pranayamas, kriyas, and mantras, which Kia has a unique ability to make practical and relatable.
BEST IN INDIA:
Surinder Singh's Swasti Yoga, Rishikesh
Leaders: 10/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: 4/10
Spirit Vibe: 9/10
Why it's on this list:
There's one reason this training made our 2019 list as the best in India: Surinder Singh. Surinder is one of the true godfathers of yoga in Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga. Broad-chested, jovial, he resembles an Indian Santa Claus. The gifts he bears are precious lessons on life and yoga. He is everything you hope you'd get from an Indian yoga teacher. A walking embodiment of a yoga, he's the type of person you immediately like and are never disappointed by. He carries the presence of a humble master who can make you laugh while pushing your body and mind open in ways. His teachings are simple, profound, precise, and entirely his own. Thousands of students all over the world hold Surinder in their heart as their lifetime teacher. His trainings are a masterclass on how to live a genuinely peaceful, gentle, compassionate life.
Be prepared: this is a traditional Indian yoga experience in every sense of the word. It is not for those seeking luxuries. Accommodations aren't fancy, food is simple, but the spirit of this place transcends all of it. You're learning yoga in its birthplace from one of India's most respected teachers.
BEST IN THAILAND:
Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui
Leaders: 7/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: 9/10
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
A tight-knit community of yogi's in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The well-established Centered Yoga at Samahita retreat has been running trainings since 1999. Courses are fully inclusive of the training program, facilities, accommodation and food. If you’re looking for integrity it’s a fantastic place to do your teacher training.
Lead teacher Paul Dallaghan has developed a reputation as one of the best teacher trainers around. He was a direct student of Pattabhi Jois and has also spent many years with his main teacher in pranayama and the meditative process, Sri O.P. Tiwari. He brings a good mix of cultures together with tradition meeting scientific knowledge, making the trainings highly profound and precise, yet fun and relatable for western students. Samahita is also known for having fantastic accommodations and food, significantly better than industry standards.
BEST IN BALI:
East+West, Bali
Why it's on this list:
Also this year's pick for best overall, East+West is quintessential Bali. A unique mix of cultures converging on one of the most beautiful and spiritually-charged places in the world. Students say East+West feels like a collection of all the best this world has to offer.
BEST IN COSTA RICA:
Marianne Wells @ Bodhi Tree Resort, Nosara
Leaders: 7/10
Teaching Prep: 8/10
Accommodation & Food: 8/10
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
Marianne Well's 200-hour teacher training at Bodhi Tree Resort has all the elements of a world-class training: classically trained teachers with decades of experience and a long track record, an ideal tropical location, and a beautiful venue.
Marianne is known in the yoga industry for inspiring her students to pursue real careers in yoga, as many of her hundreds of former students have gone on to open studios of their own.
BEST IN THE US:
Annie Carpenter, The Nest San Francisco
Leaders: 9/10
Teaching Prep: 8/10
Accommodation & Food: NA
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
Those in the industry admire Annie Carpenter as a teacher of teachers, a true master of yoga asana. Her trainings will take you quickly to the depth of potential of the physical practice, and humble you in the presence of a master who's been teaching yoga for more than 25 years at the highest level. Annie is one of the most recognized and revered teachers in the world who has trained hundreds of now successful teachers. Students say her teachings are relatable, inspiring, and incredibly detailed. If you want to model a career after anyone in the yoga industry, Annie is the one to model after.
BEST IN AUSTRALIA:
Byron Yoga Centre, Byron Bay
Leaders: 7/10
Teaching Prep: 8/10
Accommodation & Food: 7/10
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
First opened in 1988, The Byron Yoga Center is one of Australia's longest running Yoga centers and one of the longest on this list. They offer a variety of flexible training options if you want to do your teacher training as an immersive, part-time, or mix. Their unique retreat center allows you to experience an immersive training, one of the few in Australia.
Those in the industry admire the longevity of the Byron Yoga Center, and their straightforward approach to teaching Asana. Training here is a great way to kick off a teaching career, particularly if you live in the Byron area.
BEST IN EUROPE:
Judit Varga Teacher Training, Budapest
Leaders: 7/10
Teaching Prep: 8/10
Accommodation & Food: NA
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
Those in the industry say Judit was born to teach yoga. A relatively newer teacher on this list, teaching only since 2009, Judit resonates a deeply heart-centered practice and an intuitive skill for guiding others into deep states of yoga. She leads trainings both in Budapest and in Bali. Her presence in her classes and her attention to detail in her trainings are what earned her a spot as Europes best teacher training program.
BEST KUNDALINI TRAINING:
Yoga West with Guru Singh, LA
Leaders: 10/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: NA
Spirit Vibe: 8/10
Why it's on this list:
It's clear why those in the industry revere this as the Mecca of Kundalini Yoga teacher training. Yoga West is the Kundalini Yoga Legacy Studio of the Master, Yogi Bhajan, and remains a haven for the all-star teachers of the Kundalini world. Kundalini Yoga can sometimes feel esoteric and complex, but not here. The teachers at Yoga West are highly experienced and grounded. Students say they feel they are in the presence of experienced, master teachers.
Guru Singh was a direct student of Yogi Bhajan and he lives up to his reputation in every class. His classes are mystical adventures through music, mantra, and movement. He is simultaneously one of the most grounded, and mystical teachers you will ever meet.
BEST YIN YOGA TRAINING:
Tina Nance Yin Yoga Trainings, Bali
Leaders: 8/10
Teaching Prep: 7/10
Accommodation & Food: 9/10
Spirit Vibe: 8/10
Why it's on this list:
Tina is a deeply experienced teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching at the highest level. She resonates a deep knowledge of the subtle practices of Yin and therapeutic yoga. Students say she is a fantastic role model, and are particularly drawn to her teachings on women's health and self-care. Her trainings feel emotionally authentic and extremely precise. Tina's Yin teacher trainings in Bali are held at the Yoga Barn, one of the most vibrant yoga communities on the planet.
BEST ASHTANGA TRAINING:
Prem & Radha's Ashtanga Yoga Bali
Leaders: 8/10
Teaching Prep: 8/10
Accommodation & Food: 6/10
Spirit Vibe: 7/10
Why it's on this list:
You might think the world's best Ashtanga yoga trainings would be in Mysore. Think again. There's no better place in the world to prepare yourself for a career as an Ashtanga yoga teacher than with Prem and Radha in Ubud.
Prem & Radha are two of the living sages of Ashtanga yoga. Both direct students of Pattabhi Jois, they are a unique pair of teachers bound by their devotion to their beloved Guru. You'll feel that love and devotion even during the grueling hours and challenging physical work of an immersive Ashtanga teacher training. This is true Ashtanga yoga in every sense. Here you'll develop the true disciplines and precise practice of an Ashtangi. Prem & Radha give it to you exactly as it was given to them by the creator of Ashtanga Yoga.
BEST ADVANCED TRAINING (2):
Colleen Saidman and Rodney Yee's 300 Hour Training, Tribeca NY
Why it's on this list:
Rodney and Colleen are two of the most respected teachers in the world. If you are seeking a 300-hour training, it's likely you are trying to take your teaching craft to another level of mastery and enhance your career as a teacher. There are few teachers in the world more qualified to do that.
Alan Finger's 300 Hour Advanced Training
Why it's on this list:
YogaWorks founder Alan Finger is one of the longest-tenured ambassadors of yoga who's influence has touched the industry in many many ways. Students say his trainings feel comprehensive and deep, like an initiation into the true path of being a yoga teacher. You'll inherit some of the wisdom of him and his team which aim to prepare students for long careers of integrity as yoga teachers.