200-HOUR ASHTANGA YOGA APPRENTICESHIP

THE 2026 YOGA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

​Join Level II Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and founder of The Yoga Shala, Krista Shirley, for a transformational deep dive into the practice, philosophy, and teaching of traditional Ashtanga Yoga.

Program Overview

​The Yoga Shala’s 200-hour Comprehensive Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship Program is a unique, immersive training experience that weaves together the practical, philosophical, historical, and spiritual dimensions of yoga. It is rigorous, intimate, and deeply personal—designed to elevate both your practice and your understanding of yoga as a whole-life path.

This program is ideal for serious students and aspiring teachers who are ready to commit to personal growth, intelligent practice, and lifelong learning. You do not need to be a teacher—or even intend to become one—to join us. You do need a sincere desire to go deeper.

Class size is limited to preserve the intimacy and mentorship of the experience. Apprentices train with Krista over nine intensive weekends across five months, and participate in ongoing observation, assisting, and mentorship within the supportive learning environment of The Yoga Shala.

THE 2026 YOGA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

​Join Level II Authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher and founder of The Yoga Shala, Krista Shirley, for a transformational deep dive into the practice, philosophy, and teaching of traditional Ashtanga Yoga.

Program Overview

​The Yoga Shala’s 200-hour Comprehensive Ashtanga Yoga Apprenticeship Program is a unique, immersive training experience that weaves together the practical, philosophical, historical, and spiritual dimensions of yoga. It is rigorous, intimate, and deeply personal—designed to elevate both your practice and your understanding of yoga as a whole-life path.

This program is ideal for serious students and aspiring teachers who are ready to commit to personal growth, intelligent practice, and lifelong learning. You do not need to be a teacher—or even intend to become one—to join us. You do need a sincere desire to go deeper.

Class size is limited to preserve the intimacy and mentorship of the experience. Apprentices train with Krista over nine intensive weekends across five months, and participate in ongoing observation, assisting, and mentorship within the supportive learning environment of The Yoga Shala.

Weekend Training Dates:

January 16–18
February 6–8
February 27–March 1
March 13–15
April 3–5​​
April 24–26
May 15–17
June 5–7
June 26–28

Weekend Training Times:

Fridays: 5:00pm–9:00pm
Saturdays: 7:30am–3:30pm
Sundays: 7:30am–3:30pm

Weekend Training Dates:

January 16–18
February 6–8
February 27–March 1
March 13–15
April 3–5​​
April 24–26
May 15–17
June 5–7
June 26–28

Weekend Training Times:

Fridays: 5:00pm–9:00pm
Saturdays: 7:30am–3:30pm
Sundays: 7:30am–3:30pm

Requirements

  • Maintain a six-day-per-week personal practice

  • Attend Mysore classes at The Yoga Shala at least three times per week (in-person or virtually via Zoom for out-of-town students)

  • Keep a detailed daily practice log

  • Attend all weekend training sessions with Krista

  • Participate in assigned observation and assisting during studio classes

  • Complete all required reading, writing, and research assignments

  • Successfully complete the final written exam, oral exam, and teaching practicum

Program Curriculum Focus

  • Asana: Primary Series & introduction to Intermediate Series

  • Physical and subtle anatomy

  • Pranayama (breath control)

  • Meditation

  • Chanting

  • Kriyas (cleansing techniques)

  • Yoga theory, philosophy & history

  • Teaching methodology: assists/adjustments, cueing, sequencing, and special populations

  • The science of the mind-body connection: neuroplasticity, proprioception, tensegrity, somatic awareness

  • Ethical guidelines and the business of yoga

Requirements

  • Maintain a six-day-per-week personal practice

  • Attend Mysore classes at The Yoga Shala at least three times per week (in-person or virtually via Zoom for out-of-town students)

  • Keep a detailed daily practice log

  • Attend all weekend training sessions with Krista

  • Participate in assigned observation and assisting during studio classes

  • Complete all required reading, writing, and research assignments

  • Successfully complete the final written exam, oral exam, and teaching practicum

Program Curriculum Focus

  • Asana: Primary Series & introduction to Intermediate Series

  • Physical and subtle anatomy

  • Pranayama (breath control)

  • Meditation

  • Chanting

  • Kriyas (cleansing techniques)

  • Yoga theory, philosophy & history

  • Teaching methodology: assists/adjustments, cueing, sequencing, and special populations

  • The science of the mind-body connection: neuroplasticity, proprioception, tensegrity, somatic awareness

  • Ethical guidelines and the business of yoga

Lifetime Community & Audit Privilege

​All graduates of the 200-hour Apprenticeship Program are invited to retake the full program at no additional cost in future years. Whether you want to revisit the material, continue your mentorship with Krista, deepen your embodiment of the practice, or reconnect with the community—you will always have a place here.

This is not just a training. It’s a lifelong path of learning, growth, and belonging.

Tuition & Membership

​Tuition: $3,400
Includes all instruction, mentorship, classroom hours, observed assisting, and a comprehensive apprenticeship manual.

Books are not included, but may be purchased through The Yoga Shala.
Local students are required to maintain a consistent practice at The Yoga Shala throughout the program. Choose between a standard monthly membership or receive the discounted Apprentice Unlimited Membership for $1,600 (a $620 savings).

Lifetime Community & Audit Privilege

​All graduates of the 200-hour Apprenticeship Program are invited to retake the full program at no additional cost in future years. Whether you want to revisit the material, continue your mentorship with Krista, deepen your embodiment of the practice, or reconnect with the community—you will always have a place here.

This is not just a training. It’s a lifelong path of learning, growth, and belonging.

Tuition & Membership

​Tuition: $3,400
Includes all instruction, mentorship, classroom hours, observed assisting, and a comprehensive apprenticeship manual.

Books are not included, but may be purchased through The Yoga Shala.
Local students are required to maintain a consistent practice at The Yoga Shala throughout the program. Choose between a standard monthly membership or receive the discounted Apprentice Unlimited Membership for $1,600 (a $620 savings).

Application Process

​To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.


Submit your completed application and $300 deposit to:


The Yoga Shala – 140 Circle Drive #4, Maitland, FL 32751


If your application is not accepted, you will receive a refund minus a $50 processing fee.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds (minus deposit) are available until November 20, 2025. After December 20, 2025, no refunds will be issued.

Certification Details

This apprenticeship is designed as an educational immersion, not a certification course. Students who complete all requirements will receive a 200-hour Certificate of Completion issued by The Yoga Shala.


Please note: Only Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC) in Mysore, India has the authority to grant formal Authorization or Certification to teach traditional Ashtanga Yoga.

If you feel ready to deepen your path, strengthen your practice, and be mentored in the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga, we invite you to apply. 📩 [email protected] | ☎ 407-506-4626

Application Process

​To apply, email [email protected] to request your 2026 application.


Submit your completed application and $300 deposit to:


The Yoga Shala – 140 Circle Drive #4, Maitland, FL 32751


If your application is not accepted, you will receive a refund minus a $50 processing fee.

Cancellation Policy

Refunds (minus deposit) are available until November 20, 2025. After December 20, 2025, no refunds will be issued.

Certification Details

This apprenticeship is designed as an educational immersion, not a certification course. Students who complete all requirements will receive a 200-hour Certificate of Completion issued by The Yoga Shala.


Please note: Only Sharath Yoga Centre (SYC) in Mysore, India has the authority to grant formal Authorization or Certification to teach traditional Ashtanga Yoga.

If you feel ready to deepen your path, strengthen your practice, and be mentored in the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga, we invite you to apply. 📩 [email protected] | ☎ 407-506-4626

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Contact Us

REQUEST AN APPLICATION

Contact Us

The Yoga Shala is a body movement studio with a specialized approach, customizing each client's class experience, based on their goals and needs. Our goal is to foster a lighthearted, non-dogmatic, warm and encouraging environment.

© 2025 The Yoga Shala - All Rights Reserved.

The Yoga Shala is a body movement studio with a specialized approach, customizing each client's class experience, based on their goals and needs. Our goal is to foster a lighthearted, non-dogmatic, warm and encouraging environment.

© 2025 The Yoga Shala - All Rights Reserved.