By Shamus Sillar
Issue 82 - May 2009

As someone who struggled to get through his very first hour of yoga earlier this year, the thought of hundreds of hours of advanced yoga training makes my eyes pop out on stalks. (At least my eyes are flexible.)

But for yoga practitioners wishing to transform themselves from mere students of the discipline into teachers, this is the intense level of instruction required.

In Singapore, Tirisula Yoga offers a 200-hour programme (known as the RYT 200) and a 500-hour programme (RYT 500). These are internationally recognised teacher-training courses, while Tirisula itself is a registered school with the Yoga Alliance in the US.

Currently enrolled in the 500-hour programme at Tirisula is 36-year-old Brazilian Rita Zagari. Rita started practising yoga 10 years ago because she wanted to get fit, but also because she was curious about the discipline: “I always guessed that I had a bit of yoga in me.”

Once she started, the benefits quickly became apparent.

“My body is leaner and more toned, for one thing. But yoga is much more than just physical fitness – I’ve become more confident in everyday life. It has helped me understand who I am, what I want, and where I can go.”

Rita moved to Singapore last year and began looking around for teachers.

“I realised I could do more in yoga than just be a participant. But I needed a Master as a mentor. Then I came across Masters Paalu and Satya at Tirisula. They ticked all the right boxes in terms of credibility, confidence, experience and expertise. From the first session, I knew I was in good hands.”

Starting in January this year, Rita has now completed hundreds of hours of teacher-training at Tirisula.

“There’s a group of seven of us from Singapore, France, Malaysia, the US and, of course, Brazil. We begin every day at 7am and train until 2pm.”

Classes include instruction in anatomy, alignment, breathing techniques, body cleansing, meditation, philosophy, and the history of yoga – not to mention three hours of strenuous physical training each day. As Rita puts it: “Our classes are definitely hardcore training!” There’s even reading and additional practice to do at home.

All of which is crucial for a person hoping to hold her own classes in the future.

“Once I complete the advanced course, I plan to start teaching. My aim is to begin with one-on-one sessions, educating my students not only about their bodies, but also how yoga can help them further their goals.

“There’s a world of difference between this course and yoga at gyms or fitness centres. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to live yoga and be yoga. Om Shanti!”

Tirisula Yoga is at 10 Haji Lane. Call (+65) 9009 8889 or (+65) 8141 5201. Visit www.tirisulayoga.com