What if I don't want to teach? Can I still participate in the program? Will I have to pass the practical exam?

Many students attend teacher training as a way to go deeper into their personal yoga practice. We welcome this! If you are attending the training for personal enrichment, you are NOT required to pass the final practical. You ARE still required to attend all sessions to graduate from the program.

Is there credit for training completed outside of this program?

The curriculum is predefined and comprehensive: it needs to be completed in its entirety for you to become a 200-Hour Yoga teacher. Therefore, we are not able to transfer credit or hours from other programs toward this training.

Tree of India School of Yoga | Teacher Training in Ohio

TREE OF INDIA SCHOOL OF YOGA

$250 Early Bird Discount available until May 1st!

Yoga Teacher Training Begins October 24, 2026!

An Amazing Journey Awaits

The Teacher Training program at the Tree of India School of Yoga is designed not only to certify new yoga teachers, but to guide committed students into a deeper, transformative relationship with yoga—both as a personal path and as a way to serve others.

What to expect

The Tree of India School of Yoga offers an immersive and transformative training experience rooted in the living tradition of yoga as taught through the lineage of Swami Kripalvananda. Trainees can expect a balance of intellectual study, embodied practice, and inner reflection designed to integrate yoga into all aspects of life.

The training blends in-person weekend immersions, guided personal practice, group discussion, and individual mentorship, creating a rich and supportive learning environment. Each session weaves together asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra, philosophy, anatomy, and the art of teaching—always emphasizing yoga as a path of self-realization and compassionate service. Rather than focusing solely on technique, the experience invites students to slow down, listen inward, and awaken their innate wisdom. Trainees are encouraged to approach practice as a sacred inquiry: to observe, to feel, to question, and to grow. Graduates often describe the training as life-changing—a time of personal evolution that deepens not only their practice, but their understanding of what it means to live yoga in the modern world.

Frequently asked questions

Throughout the training, trainees will be evaluated verbally on the material presented. These evaluations are designed to ascertain where you need additional study or support. Certification is not contingent upon these evaluations. The practice-teach sessions are the determining factor for whether a student will graduate. A "practical exam" -- being able to deliver a complete Yoga class successfully and safely to a group of your fellow students is a requirement for certification as a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance.

Each month there will be reading assignments to support your learning within the program. The amount of time this takes will depend upon the assignment and the individual. Students will be asked to select one book to read from the program reading list. They will be asked to write a short book review and share it with classmates along with their personal key take-aways from the book. There may also be time needed outside of the program sessions to prepare for practice teaches. Students will be required to attend a minimum of 4 yoga classes per week, either at Oxford Community Yoga or elsewhere with a certified yoga instructor. Attendance at all regular OCY classes is included with program tuition.

Still have questions?

Let's set up a time to chat or meet!

What will you learn?

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Demonstrate proficiency in asana and kriya from the program curriculum, honoring the intention of each posture while adapting it with integrity for their own body.
Demonstrate proficiency in pranayama and meditation practices (dual and non-dual), including appropriate use of mudra and bandha, and adapt these practices skillfully to maintain their energetic and philosophical integrity.
Sustain a consistent personal sadhana that includes self-reflection, journaling, and svadhyaya (self-study), integrating spiritual awareness into both practice and daily life.
Describe functional anatomy and biomechanics of bones, joints, connective tissue, and major muscle groups (with special attention to the spine) as they relate to safe and effective yoga practice.
Discuss the foundational philosophies of Tantra and Sankhya, including distinctions between ascetic and householder traditions, and explain how these lineages inform modern yoga practice.
Discuss the ethics and philosophy of Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, identifying dual and non-dual components and applying these teachings to both teaching methodology and daily living.
Explain the principles of subtle anatomy, including prana, nadis, and chakras, as presented in the Hatha Yoga tradition, and relate them to practice and teaching.
Articulate professional ethics, communication skills, and healthy boundaries consistent with both traditional yogic values and modern professional standards.
Design a safe, balanced, and inclusive tantra hatha yoga class, grounded in intelligent sequencing as outlined in the program’s methodology.
Teach using clear verbal cuing and appropriate hands-on adjustments, respecting individual differences and supporting student safety and empowerment.
Teach a complete, integrated yoga class (including asana, pranayama, and meditation) that uses descriptive language, appropriate pacing and novelty, and invites students into meaningful inner awareness.
Describe the foundational elements of the business of yoga, including professional insurance, membership in relevant organizations, and basic legal and financial considerations aligned with their personal teaching goals

Style/Lineage

Tree of India School of Yoga is rooted in the Kripalu tradition of Swami Kripalvananda, a tantric hatha yoga tradition emphasizing self-observation, compassionate awareness, and the awakening of prana through disciplined practice. Our style blends classical hatha yoga with mindful, meditative movement, breathwork, and introspective awareness, allowing each practitioner to explore yoga as both a physical and spiritual discipline. Classes and training sessions are taught in a spirit of inquiry and reverence for tradition while remaining accessible to modern practitioners of all levels. Through the integration of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha, mantra, and meditation, students are guided to develop strength, stability, and clarity—ultimately learning to use the body as a gateway to the higher dimensions of consciousness.

$250 Early Bird Discount available until May 1st!

Dates and Costs

Upcoming Program Dates: This training program consists of 7 weekends and a Zoom session over the course of 8 months. Attendance at every session is required. If you need to miss a session, you must speak to the Lead Trainer prior to the session to create a plan for making up hours and any course material missed.

Students must also attend a minimum of 2 yoga classes per week at Oxford Community Yoga or Hamilton Yoga Center. Tuition includes free classes for the duration of the program. (Special Events excluded.)

The majority of this training takes place in person, allowing for hands-on learning, direct mentorship, and a strong sense of community among trainees. In January, students will also complete video assignments to gain experience and confidence in practice teaching.

Program Tuition: $2900

The program schedule is:

Saturday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM at Oxford Community Yoga

Sunday 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Hamilton Yoga Center

Program dates are:

October 24-25, 2026

November 21-22, 2026

December 12-13, 2026

January 9, 2027; Zoom Meeting from 11 AM - 3 PM

February 6-7, 2027

March 13-14, 2027

April 17-18, 2027

May 15-16, 2027

May 23, 2027; 4-5 PM Graduation at Oxford Community Yoga

Trainees receive a Tree of India School of Yoga Student Manual and free classes at OCY for the duration of the training (Special Events excluded.) Students will need to purchase two additional text books for this training:

Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat

Anatomy of Hatha Yoga: A Manual for Students, Teachers and Practitioners

Deposit: Upon acceptance into the program, applicant must pay a deposit of $500 to hold their place in the program. If applicant cancels 30 days or more before the start of the program, the applicant will forfeit $100 of the deposit and the remaining balance will be refunded. If applicant cancels 14-29 days before the start of the program, the applicant will forfeit $250 of the deposit and the remaining balance will be refunded. No deposit refunds will be given if applicant cancels less than 2 weeks before the program begins.

If a student must withdraw from the program for special circumstances, the program may give a partial refund to the student in the exercise of its discretion. The program will not give any refunds or credits after the training starts. The program reserves the right to cancel any training before it begins. In that case any payments applicants have made will be refunded in full.

Payment Instructions: Provided upon acceptance to the program. NOTE: All payments due in full prior to the program start date.

Scholarship Opportunities: We are offering two partial scholarships for BIPOC individuals & members of marginalized communities in an effort to diversify the programs we host and play our part in ensuring all voices are heard in the yoga community. Email oxcomyoga@gmail.com to set up a time to meet and discuss.

Thinking about Teacher Training? Read what our recent graduates have to say...

I’m honored, grateful, and proud to have graduated as a certified yoga teacher today. Jessica is an immensely kind, knowledgeable, thorough mentor who’s created a welcoming space to learn, grow, and unfurl into the truest version of myself yet! When I took the leap to sign up for training, I knew that I wanted to expand my knowledge and understand more about traditional yoga. I did not comprehend the growth I would undergo in every other area of my life: most of all, my compassion and understanding for myself and others. It’s been a beautiful start to a long journey. Jai Bhagwan!

~Shelby Ashcraft

Yoga Teacher Training at Tree of India School of Yoga has been a challenging, fun learning experience. I have learned so much in a variety of areas, including self awareness/growth, effort, frustration, ease, as well as in-depth yoga history, philosophy, poses, movement, meditation, friendship, community, the list goes on! I highly recommend this program, it is more than just becoming a teacher. It is about self study, expansion with loving awareness.

~Piper

Tree of India School of Yoga's program is rooted in the teachings of Swami Kripalvanandji. I'm so proud to be a part of this lineage and honor the knowledge that has been handed down. Special thank you to my teacher and program director, Jessica Lohrey, who is a lovely spirit and holds an abundance of knowledge, experience, and perspective. Her tremendous dedication to her students and to the path of yoga is truly inspiring. I also had the joy of learning alongside a cohort of strong, intelligent, and grounded women. Many thanks to all who supported the journey!

~Stephany Plantz

I'm ready! How do I sign up?

Submit a Letter of Intent: This letter must demonstrate an experiential understanding of yoga practice and its benefits, and explain why you want to participate in the training. Include information about how long you've been practicing yoga, how often you practice, and where/with whom you practice. Send your Letter of Intent to the attention of Jessica Lohrey at oxcomyoga@gmail.com.