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FOUNDATIONAL YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
A breath-centric, traditional approach to learning and living yoga.
A six-month training with five immersive weekend retreats that deepen your practice, strengthen your understanding of yoga, and support personal transformation.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR 2026 NOW OPEN
Entering the Foundations of Yoga
Our Yoga teacher training is held over six months with five weekend retreats at our beautiful property in Long Beach. With fortnightly online mentoring supporting your integration of the retreat style teaching weekend. It is a thoughtful blend of ancient philosophy with a focus on contemporary application. The course is designed to be a personal and transformational experience that celebrates the gift of life as our greatest teacher.
Who This Training Is For
This training welcomes students of all experience levels who feel called to deepen their study and understanding of yoga. It is suitable for personal development, professional development, or for those seeking a supportive and transformative learning environment.
Perfect for those who want to:
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Deepen their personal practice
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Train as a yoga teacher
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Refine or expand existing teaching skills
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Learn breath-centric, trauma-aware methods
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Build confidence in facilitation
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Explore yoga philosophy in a grounded, accessible way
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Grow within a supportive, like-minded community
What You’ll Walk Away With
Safe, Adaptive Teaching Skills
Learn how to modify postures, breath, and practices for different bodies and needs
Intelligent Sequencing Foundations
Create simple, purposeful class plans using Vinyāsa Krama principles
Meditation, Prānāyāma & Sound Techniques
Guide accessible breath, meditation, and chanting practices with confidence
Teaching Readiness & Ethical Foundations
Understand the basics of class safety, business, ethics, and gain eligibility for insurance
A Personalised Breath-Centric Practice
Learn to move and breathe in a way that calms, steadies, and supports your system
Foundational Insight Into Yoga Philosophy
Understand where the teachings come from so your practice feels informed and grounded
Practical Āyurveda for Daily Life
Explore lifestyle, food, and seasonal habits that support balance and wellbeing
MEET YOUR TEACHER
About Rachel Nokes
Rachel is the lead teacher of this training and brings over sixteen years of teaching, therapy, and counselling experience. Her approach is grounded in the traditional teachings of TVK Desikachar and Krishnamacharya, with a strong focus on breath-centric practice, intelligent sequencing, and accessible yoga for all bodies.
She weaves philosophy, storytelling, and practical wisdom into her classes, creating a warm and supportive learning environment for students. Rachel has taught across Australia and internationally, and continues to mentor teachers who wish to deepen their understanding of yoga and its roots.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Your training includes immersive retreats, regular mentoring, and ongoing support to help you integrate and embody the teachings throughout the program.
Retreat Immersions
Five four-day retreat blocks held Friday to Monday
Private room accommodation with shared bathroom at our Homestead
Fully catered meals featuring organic, homegrown produce where possible
Online Mentoring
Fortnightly group mentoring sessions to support your study, questions, and personal practice
Learning Materials
A beautiful printed training manual and all required textbooks
An āyurvedic goodie bag to support your personal āyurveda practices
Ongoing Resources
Access to our extensive online library of lectures and guided practices to support your study and integration
CORE AREAS OF STUDY
Yoga History
Yogic Lifestyle
Āyurveda
Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology
Techniques
Principles of Āsana Practice
Sequencing Classes – Vinyāsa Krama
Āsana Application, Sequence and Class Design
Teaching Methods
Seven Steps to Learning and Teaching
The Language of Teaching – Modifications and Adaptation
Introduction to Prānāyāma
Sound and Chanting
Meditation Theory and Practice
Trauma-Informed Teaching
The Subtle Body
The Business of Yoga
Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras
Ethics
PROGRAM TIMELINE
The Foundations Teacher Training runs from September 2026 to March 2027, with a structure that blends retreat weekends, online study, and ongoing mentoring. This structure gives you spacious time to absorb, integrate, and apply the teachings.
Explore the full program schedule
Download the brochure for retreat dates, mentoring details, and the complete program timetable.
GUEST TEACHERS
Our training is supported by experienced guest teachers who bring specialist knowledge to deepen your learning.
Lis White
Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Lis is a highly experienced yoga teacher and exercise physiologist who offers practical, applied anatomy throughout the training. Her teaching blends clear anatomical understanding with supportive, accessible movement.
Sarah Ball
Trauma Sensitive Yoga Teaching
Sarah is a yoga teacher, trainer, counsellor, and social worker specialising in trauma-sensitive and mental health-informed approaches to yoga. She brings a grounded and compassionate lens to supporting students and teachers in this area.
A Retreat-Based Approach to Learning
Your training is held across five immersive retreat weekends at Ray of Light Homestead in Long Beach. Surrounded by national parks, quiet beaches, and a warm local community, the homestead offers a peaceful environment to step away from daily life and learn with clarity. Each weekend includes guided practice, philosophy, time for reflection, nourishing meals, and space to rest. The retreat format supports deeper integration, allowing the teachings to land slowly and meaningfully. You’ll have the option to stay in one of our comfortable private rooms, each with its own character, or choose a camping or non-residential option if you prefer.
WHAT MAKES THIS PROGRAM UNIQUE
A Foundation Built on Depth and Practice
We support you in developing a solid foundation in Yoga through personal practice, teaching skills, and a love of Yoga that enriches and inspires. We believe it takes time to reveal the teacher within, which is why our training runs longer than most. The time commitment reflects our holistic approach to this sacred practice.
An Immersive Retreat-Based Learning
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Five fully immersive retreat-style learning experiences that allow you to step away from daily life and learn in a focused, supportive environment.
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Breath-centric, lineage-based teaching grounded in the traditional methods of Desikachar and Krishnamacharya.
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Small group learning that ensures personalised guidance and a strong sense of community.
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Integrated mentoring with both group sessions and three individual mentoring calls to support your personal practice and development.
Investment
TBC
Final pricing will be confirmed soon. For full details, please download the brochure or express your interest to be notified when enrolment opens. This training includes all retreats, online study sessions, mentoring, accommodation, catering, learning materials, and access to our online library.
What to expect once pricing is released:
✔ A deposit is required to secure your place applications are open
✔ Pay-in-full and payment plan options will be available
✔ Payment plans can be tailored to support your personal circumstances
If you have any questions or would like to discuss payment options in advance, please feel welcome to contact Rachel at hello@rayoflightyoga.com
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
This training is an immersive, supportive pathway for anyone wishing to deepen their practice, explore the foundations of yoga, or step into teaching with confidence and clarity. Express your interest via the registration form and be the first notified when enrolments open for the 2026 program.