Our immersion will have 20 days of instruction, with Sundays off – 23 days total
Note: We chose these dates as the Green Climber’s Home is often fully booked in late-November and December.
October is the end of the rainy season in Laos. Sometimes October is completely dry, while other times there can be rain into November. Please refer to the graphs below for more info on the fall climate in Thakhek.
Yogis have 6.5 hours each day to rest, relax and climb
Q) What does a typical day look like?
5:45am – Wake up
6:00 – 7:30am – Morning yoga practice
7:30 – 8:30am – Breakfast
8:30 – 10:30am – Workshop A
10:30 – 12:30pm – Lunch
12:30 – 2:30pm – Workshop B
2:30 – 2:45pm – Break
2:45 – 4:45pm – Student Teaching (Workshop C)
4:45 – 6:45pm – Free time & dinner
6:45 – 8:15pm – Evening reflection
8:15 – 9:45pm – Free time
We have 5 workshops a day (9 hours of training) over 20 days = 180 hours.
The remaining 20 hours are set aside for local studio practice prior to the training.
We train Monday – Saturday with Sundays off ➞ 23 days for our 200 hour immersion.
Check out Curriculum Details for more info on how our schedule fits into the syllabus and training.
Tuition
Tuition:
Super early bird price ➞ Register by June 1st @ $2,200
Early bird price ➞ Register by August 1st @ $2,300
Register before October 24th @ $2,400
Tuition Includes:
Course books – Practice Journal, Course Companion, Asana Manual, plus Anatomy for Vinyasa Flow and Standing Poses by Ray Long M.D.
1:1 instructor support before, during and after the training – Any students looking to develop their practice or start their career can book three free skype appointments with Andy before or after the course.
Private Facebook group & e-learning center with extensive online resources
Please note:
Tuition does not cover food and accommodation. Please refer to our FAQs section for details.
Q) How much should I expect to pay for meals and accommodation?
A) Depending on your preferences, you can expect to spend between $500 - $1,200.
If you book a tent and budget your meals, you’ll spend around $500.
If you book a bungalow with private bathroom, spend more on meals and rest days, you could spend upwards of $1,200.
Q) How do we book our accommodation?
Regarding accommodation, we'll keep 12 bungalows reserved for yogis from now until April 12th, 2020 (6 months prior to the training). Anyone who signs up before April 12th will be guaranteed a bungalow if they prefer.
After April 12th, any remaining bungalows will be open to the public on a first-come, first-serve bases. If the bungalows are fully booked, yogis will still be able to book dorm rooms and tents. Be sure to sign up early and get your accommodation booked in advance!
For more info on accommodation, see the FAQs. You can also visit Green Climber’s Home website here.
After you complete the application, we’ll review it and get in touch with you. A $500 deposit will hold your place (deposit is non-refundable 6 months prior to the training).
Full payment due October 15th.
Photo Gallery
Check out photos from past trainings and retreats here
Green Climber’s Home is a climbing resort in Laos offering some of the best limestone climbing in Asia. With over 400 bolted routes and 60 boulder problems within walking distance, Green Climbers Home has become a sought-after destination for climbers around the world.
Thakhek is the main climbing hub in Laos & Green Climber's Home the only purpose-built resort for climbers
Climbers can find a variety of routes at all levels - from beginner (5/5.7) to advanced (8a/5.13b):
Climbing at Green Climber's Home
Climbing at "The Roof" - 200 meters from the Starlight Yoga Studio:
Foo Chee Chang's 2017 climbing trip on Vimeo:
"I think the consensus among us is that Thakhek is the best sport-climbing area in South-East Asia for its sheer number, variety and quality of routes." - Foo Chee Chang
For details on climbing in Thakhek and Green Climber’s Home, check out Mountain Project.
From Mountain Project:
“Between the wide range of developed routes and the huge potential for new route, an average approach of about 5 minutes, and wonderful lodging and food right next to the cliff, Thakhek is certainly a destination for climbers visiting Laos.”
In addition to climbing, Green Climber’s Home offers:
To learn more about the history of climbing around Green Climber’s Home, check out the National Geographic writeup: “Meet the doctors who helped rock climbing take off in Laos”
Our training at the Green Climber’s Home is an ideal spot for a yoga immersion – offering a relaxed resort in a gorgeous environment. Yogis have the option to climb in their free time, or relax in our natural surroundings. While there is Wi-Fi at Camp 2, those looking to take a digital holiday will find this an easy transition to make.
✧ Highly qualified educators
In addition to being a dedicated yogi, Andy is also a highly-qualified teacher with a Master’s Degree in Education and background in curriculum design. Dan previously worked with the Hong Kong Department of Education as a lead advisor to classroom teachers. Julie owns and operates Luang Prabang Yoga and Laos Yoga Retreats.
✧ Curriculum
Our immersion is designed using leading educational practices to make your learning fun and easy. Redpoint Yoga offers a progressive, real-world curriculum. It’s designed to give you the knowledge and skills to teach effective classes that are authentic to you. Yogis graduate with a clear statement of purpose, lessons ready-to-teach and an individualized career plan. Even if you aren’t looking to teach, our training is centered around deepening your practice and developing your goals as a yogi.
✧ Small class size
Our training is limited to 12 students, creating an ideal learning environment and supportive community for a one-month immersion.
✧ Personalized support
To get the most out of our training, we offer 1:1 and group meetings before, during and after the training. In addition, our Course Companion book provides pre-workshop and post-workshop readings, links to videos and exercises. This way, we can discuss key information for all students in our workshops, while allowing you the option to further develop knowledge and skills in the areas that matter most to you. Our curriculum is designed so that we check in with every student, every step of the way.
Meet the Instructors
Andy Seymour
E-RYT 200 & Master’s in Education
Andy discovered yoga 10 years ago as a result of various running injuries. It amazed him to find the perfect practice to develop flexibility and heal injuries. As a yoga teacher, his classes strike a subtle balance between challenge and ease – creating a space for yogis to quiet the mind and flow. He values yoga’s synergistic ability to balance the nervous system and focus the mind – allowing us to fully engage the present.
Andy loves teaching. He has 10 years of classroom experience. For the last 4 years he taught geography, philosophy and economics at the American International School of Vietnam. With a Master’s in Education, he has a keen understanding that good teaching is simply developed through practice, rather than a talent only few possess. The “art” of teaching is more of a “science” – one that’s easier and more fun to learn through games and activities.
In 2015, Andy completed his 200 Hour YTTC in the Ashtanga tradition in Rishikesh, India. In the spring of 2018, he graduated from Lucas Rockwood’s Yoga Teacher’s College in Barcelona, Spain.
Dan Hannah
RYT 200 & Education Consultant
Dan believes that yoga can change lives. He has developed that belief from a long history of yoga practice as a learner and teacher. He has combined rock, mountain, and ice climbing with a personal yoga practice for many years.
Dan has instructed yoga to rock climbers, colleagues in the workplace, and in the yoga community. As a career teacher with 22 years’ experience, Dan has been a classroom teacher, university lecturer and educational officer for the Hong Kong Department of Education.
Julie Moksim
E-RYT 200, Founder of Luang Prabang & Laos Yoga Retreats
In 2011, Julie left her corporate day job, packed her bags and headed to Bali for her 200 hour yoga teacher training. In 2012, she moved to Laos and established a community yoga co-op, Luang Prabang Yoga. The following year, she also founded Laos Yoga Retreats, which now offers twelve retreats a year in a remote fishing village in Northern Laos.
Between 2016 and 2018, Julie was also a co-owner and managing partner at Yangon Yoga House, the first English-language yoga studio in Yangon, Myanmar.
When it comes to teaching, Julie excels in clear and informative instructions that go beyond a “one-size fits all” approach. As a teacher trainer, Julie seeks to ensure that trainees can design and teach classes that are an authentic reflection of their practice.
Julie will join us for week 3 focusing on yoga teaching.
Training at a Glance
Learn the practice ➞ Learn the theory ➞ Teach inspired lessons
Week 1: Yoga practice essentials with Andy
Learn the best tips for a successful yoga practice
Practice a wide variety of styles – reflect on those you connect with most
Get an intro to modern yoga’s foundational Ashtanga Series. Learn the Ashtanga Standing Series and how to integrate key Ashtanga poses into your lessons to get results faster.
Gain insights into yoga’s cross-training benefits with climbing
Week 2: Understanding our yoga journey with Dan
Clear and concise answers for the questions: What is yoga? How did it evolve? How do we get the benefits faster?
Study the ancient philosophical text, The Yoga Sutras, which sets the foundation for our modern yoga & meditation practice
Reflect on the different yoga & life philosophies that resonate with you
Week 3: Teaching fundamentals with Julie
Learn best practices for effective classes ➞ designing flows, cuing poses & adjusting students
Outline your yoga portfolio and set your career trajectory
Option to teach public classes at Green Climber’s Home during the training and after graduation
Simple step-by-step method:
Week 1 ➞ Learn the practice
Week 2 ➞ Understand the philosophy
Week 3 ➞ Apply it & teach inspired lessons!
One-of-a-Kind Yoga Teacher Training
Problem: Most trainings measure “success” by the lead instructor’s accomplishments.
This can become a teacher-centered experience.
Solution: Redpoint Yoga takes a student-centered approach.
We measure success based on:
1) How fun & engaging our workshops are for yogis
2) How well yogis can demonstrate what they’ve learned
Big difference.
Q) What sets this training apart from the rest?
You.
The entire curriculum, each workshop, activity and question is designed with you – the student – in mind. And we have the curriculum to prove it.
Click here to read more on Redpoint Yoga’s course overview
Andy is one of the few formally-trained and highly-qualified educators running yoga teacher trainings in Vietnam.
With a Master’s in Education, Andy’s developed this training based on the latest research-based teaching methods. And he’s spent years fine-tuning the curriculum so it’s a fun, enjoyable, student-centered experience.
Our workshops focus only on the most essential information needed to develop a solid yoga practice and teach inspired lessons.
We focus on key principles, essential anatomy and the fundamentals of teaching. Our approach ensures that our yogis zero in on what matters.
Our approach:
• Introduce key info
• Real-world interaction
• Application
• Instructor feedback
• Student reflection
• Review and refinement
• Make it your own and create with it
“I hear things, and I forget them.
I see things, and I remember them.
I do things, and I understand them.”
– Confucius
Q) What can we expect to learn in a 200 hour training?
200 hours is a limited amount of time to cover a wide range of topics. As a result, there are some topics we will introduce, and let interested yogis explore further on their own.
We provide extensive online resources (books, articles, podcasts & videos) in our e-learning center. These materials are carefully selected, organized and easy to find. Students can check out PowerPoints, readings and practice activities before the workshops.
In 21st century education, the buzzword for this approach is a “flipped classroom” (think Khan Academy).
In addition, we provide 1:1 support before, during and after the training to help yogis dig deeper on any topics of interest.
Students can prep for lessons of interest by watching videos, reading articles and practice exercises before the workshop. In this case, students have months to prepare. Students are provided feedback and optional follow-up assignments from instructors. This helps yogis to get clear on what interests them, focusing on what matters most.
Q) So aside from quiz and test prep, is there anything else I should study during the training?
Rather than assigning busywork, we encourage yogis to flip the script.
Instead of asking the question: “What do I need to study to graduate?”
We encourage yogis to think bigger. We use engaging workshops and simple reflections to help yogis get clear on their practice and teaching.
From that vantage point – when we have a more self-directed education – we can really develop a growth mindset. With an understanding of our interests, talents and strengths, we flip the script and ask our instructors:
“My practice goals are _________________.
My teaching goals are _________________.
What will your training do to help me get there faster?”
Don’t have answers to any of these yet? Not a problem. It’s our goal to help you get there!
Everyone is on a unique yoga journey – different starting point, different destination. We’re here to meet you where you’re at. And get you where you need to go.
The focus isn’t what we cover, it’s what you discover.
Q) “So what’s going to be on the test?”
Yogis get all this information in a streamlined review guide after they register. Our training prepares yogis for final assessments with easy-to-follow checks along the way.
This is not to say we give you answers to the tests. Yogis still need to demonstrate their ability to interpret and apply these concepts in real-life situations.
In addition to the review guides, we prepare students by giving them:
A written pre-test on Day 1 – yogis will get a clear picture of their background knowledge, strengths and areas to focus on right at the start
Optional practice quizzes and tests from past trainings (in our Course Companion)
We also have plenty of time set aside during our evening reflection workshops, office hours, and review games
Each workshop is found in the Course Companion.
You can find a detailed outline for each one with specific:
Goals
Questions to check your understanding
Activities to develop knowledge and skills
In addition, these workshop overviews include optional:
Readings and reflections prior to/following the workshop
Next steps after the workshop (self-directed ed with optional instructor support)
Q) “What will we do today?”
The most common questions students have are:
What will we do today?
How does this connect to the bigger picture?
What do we need to know to graduate?
Is this gonna be on the test?
Answers to these questions are all found in the Course Companion.
With this approach, students can instead enjoy the experience, deepen their practice and connect with fellow yogis.
Redpoint Yoga workshops offer a balance of traditional lecture and innovative, activity-based learning.
We take real-life situations, learn the theory and apply it. And we make this content more fun and easier to remember through activities and games.
Redpoint Yoga’s Mission
Help yogis to communicate what they love about their practice,
and grow as students & teachers
Essential Question 1 – What beliefs am I encouraging about yoga?
2 - Grow as a student
Develop your yoga practice (pre-practices, poses, breathing, meditation)
Identify tips learned from other teachers (learn from your “outer teacher”)
Identify tips learned through your self-practice (learn from your “inner teacher”)
Articulate what you have learned
Essential Question 2 – What are the best tips for a successful practice?
3 - Grow as a teacher
Understand universal theories of teaching and learning
Transfer your understanding of yoga philosophy and your practice to create yoga lessons of value to your community
Essential Question 3 – What experiences do I want to create as a teacher?
Everything we do in this course falls into one of three related domains:
We focus each of these domains into Essential Questions:
While these are big questions that take years of practice and teaching to develop, you will graduate our training with a foundation in all three.
Think of these Essential Questions as a way to establish your trajectory as a yoga teacher.
With an understanding that the best students make the best teachers, we focus our training primarily on the 2nd category – practice. Learn about correct alignment, safe practice, and explore diverse styles of yoga. Experience the benefits of a dedicated practice firsthand through our immersion.
With a solid foundation in the practice of yoga, we then branch out into the philosophy of yoga. How did yoga originate? Why is it so popular today?
Finally, we’ll learn the foundational aspects of teaching yoga.
In addition to gaining knowledge in these three domains, there are many opportunities built into the curriculum for reflection. Learn how to apply these theories as you develop your own understanding of yoga philosophy, practice and teaching.
Yoga Alliance 200 Hour Requirements
Yoga Alliance requires a minimum number of hours in each of 5 categories:
• 100 Hours - Techniques, Training & Practice
• 25 Hours - Teaching Methodology
• 20 Hours - Anatomy & Physiology
• 30 Hours – Yoga Philosophy
• 10 Hours – Practicum
Here’s how we organize these hours in Redpoint Yoga’s curriculum:
1 - "What is yoga?" (15%)
• 30 Hours of Yoga Philosophy
2 - "How do I practice yoga?" (60%)
• 100 Hours of Techniques, Training & Practice
• 20 Hours of Anatomy
3 - "How do I teach yoga?" (25%)
• 25 Hours of Teaching Methods
• 10 Hours of Practicum
How will we spend the 200 hours?
Our one-month immersion is organized over 3 weeks – 20 days of training with 3 Sundays off.
Each day we train for 9 hours:
• 90 min practice
• Three 2-hour workshops
• 90 min evening reflection
Note: Our 3rd workshop will be for student-teaching.
So 20 days of training with 9 hours per day = 180 hours.
In addition to these 180 hours, yogis have 20 hours of studio practice prior to the training.
Requirements for Graduation
All requirements for graduation are built into our 200 hour curriculum. You won’t be required to devote any additional time to successfully complete our training.
For those looking to further develop in yoga philosophy, practice and/or teaching, we offer supplemental curriculum as well as 1:1 support before, during and after the training.
Every evaluation will have clear guidelines for satisfactory/unsatisfactory performance. Student assignments will be graded with detailed and supportive feedback from course instructors.
1 - "What is yoga?"
• Tell us your "Yoga Story" (8 hour homework assignment)
- How did you discover yoga?
- What aspects of philosophy help you? (connect to course content)
- Option to write a paper, make a video, drawing/painting, or podcast
2 - "How do I practice yoga?"
• Written Test of Yoga Knowledge (Quizzes & Final Exam)
- Poses, Alignment & Breathing
- Anatomy, Physiology, Safety & Benefits
- History & Styles of Yoga
3 - "How do I teach yoga?"
• Skills-Based ("Hands On") Tests -All assessed with feedback from trainers
- Teach Sun Series A & B (Week 1)
- Teach a 30 minute lesson (Week 2)
- Teach a 60 minute themed lesson (Week 3)
- Teach a private lesson (Final Exam)
- Give a 15 min presentation ("Mini-workshop")
- Outline your yoga portfolio
List of Workshops
Techniques & Practice
Teaching Methods
Anatomy
Philosophy
Group practice with Andy, Dan, Gabriella & Julie
Yoga Adjustments – How to Adjust Everyone
Yoga Alignment – Principles for a Safe Practice
Yoga Sutras – Yoga’s Founding Philosophy
How to Develop Your Inner Teacher Through Self-Practice
Designing Flows – How to Connect Poses for “Vinyasa”
Anatomy & Science of Breathing
Yoga Pre-Practices (Yamas & Niyamas) – How to Deepen Your Practice
“What is Yoga?” – Defining Our Practice
Designing Lessons – Begin with Your End Goals in Mind
Anatomy of the Spine – How to Protect and Strengthen Our Spine
Applying Hatha Yoga Philosophy on the Mat (Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
Intro to the Ashtanga Primary Series – Mysore Style
Using Your Voice – Developing Precision in Your Cues
Shoulders, Knees, Elbows – Essential Anatomy
Buddhist Philosophy & Yoga
Yoga Breathing Techniques – Pranayama
How Students Learn – Foundational Education Theory
Yoga & Our Nervous System – How To Tone Our Nervous System
How to Discover Your Dharma? How to Perform Your Kharma? – Bhagavad Gita & Game of Thrones
As a sporty and active person, I find this course extremely helpful for my personal practice – not only in yoga but also other gym workouts. One of the most interesting things here is that the course showed me both spiritual and scientific views on yoga.
After the course, Andy has been giving me good advice related to my yoga career. As I am a new yoga teacher, he supports me by sending me many job opportunities in Saigon where I live. Thanks to Andy, now I have achieved many goals in my yoga teacher career after just one year since I started.
Definitely one of the most trusted and well-designed curriculums. Talented and dedicated teachers, wonderful yoga mates, great vibe…you name it!! My appreciation especially to Andy Seymour for creating and hosting such an amazing course and giving me the chance to really step up on my yoga career. Last but not least to our lovely warm hearted wonder women: cô Oanh Nguyen, cô Thái Hương and cô Tú. Really can’t thank you enough, not only to the teaching and guidance but also for the genuine sharing and friendship. Forever love!!!
Mai Nhien
Highly recommended for those who want to pursue yoga teaching with fundamental and diversified knowledge. Professional and dedicated teachers, well-designed curriculum.
Enjoy a hike behind Camp 1 at Green Climber's Home
1.5km from Green Climbers home there’s a swimming area at Tha Falang river
Tham Sa Pha In cave is a short a 15 min walk from Camp 2
Option to rent bicycles and explore other caves nearby. You can also explore the greater Thakhek area on a 1-5 day motorbike or cycling tour on the 450km Thakhek Loop (Detailed guide here). Be sure to check out the loop after the training to avoid the rainy season.
Eco Tours of the Thakhek area can be booked through Green Discovery here
Q) “I have a few weeks to travel before/after the training. What do you recommend?”
Fall is a great time to visit Southeast Asia. It’s the low season for tourism and also better weather for climbing and yoga.
Nearby yoga destinations include beach resorts in Koh Samui and Koh Pagnan, Thailand. Chiang Mai and Pai, Thailand are among the more popular mountain retreat locations. Or book a plane to the main yoga destination in Southeast Asia: Bali.
Note on fall climbing: October is still the end of rainy season in Thailand and Vietnam. To reduce the likelihood of rain, you may want to plan on visiting these countries after the training.
Climbing nearby
Krabi, Thailand
o Check out Asia’s main climbing hub. Go climbing, deep-water soloing and hang out on one of Thailand’s most renowned beaches.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
o Climb at Crazy Horse Buttress and check out the diverse collection of yoga studios and retreat centers in and around town. Option to extend your yoga trip to Pai.
Nam Pha Pa Yai, Thailand
o 2 hours northeast of Bangkok. Single pitch and multi-pitch climbs from 5 to 8b, all within walking distance from Nam Pha Pa Yai. This camp also boasts the only zipline access to climbs.
Cat Ba Island, Vietnam
o Climbing, deep-water soloing, hiking in Cat Ba National Park. Or hang out at the beach and take a boat tour of Ha Long Bay.
Getu, China
o Bring your 80 meter rope and check out some of the most stunning multi-pitch sport climbs in Asia at the Great Arch of Getu.
Free guide book and more info on Petzl’s website here.
Our instructors teach a hatha-vinyasa style of yoga. In other words, we teach the popular fusion style found in most yoga studios.
We also explore the traditional Ashtanga Primary Series, while also offering enough variety to meet most studios and student’s needs.
As a student, you will have the freedom and support to design and teach yoga in your own style.
What if I’m new to yoga?
Beginners are encouraged to join our course. Typically, we require at least 6 months of yoga practice.
Students who have less than 6 months will likely find our immersion too physically challenging. Students who have practiced for over a year or who have a regular home practice will find the pacing and level of challenge manageable.
What is the maximum amount of time I’ll have to put into this training?
For this training plus the Yoga Alliance certificate, you only need to invest 200 hours.
If this is all the time you have to commit, no worries!
For those looking to get more out of their YTTC, we’re here to help. We offer additional resources and 1:1 support before, during and after the training.
For those looking to deepen their understanding of philosophy, yoga practice, or developing their yoga career, we can create a unique, self-directed program and help you get there step-by-step.
Just let us know what topics you’re interested in, and we’ll it from there.
Aside from the 20 practice hours before the training, there are no prerequisites for our immersion.
We do recommend being in good physical shape and having at least 6 months of yoga experience prior to the training.
We also recommend starting to read some yoga books on topics of interest. You can also get a head start on our course content in our e-learning center.
Are there any prerequisites for the training?
Aside from the 20 practice hours before the training, there are no prerequisites for our immersion. We do recommend being in good physical shape and having at least 6 months of yoga experience prior to the training.
What if I don’t want to teach yoga?
It’s common for yogis to take a 200 hr yoga teacher training even if they don’t plan on teaching.
It’s a great opportunity to study the fundamentals of yoga practice and philosophy.
If you intend join our training specifically to deepen your practice, we welcome any motivated students.
What does “support before, during or after the training” look like?
As part of the 200 HR YTTC, yogis get 3 free one hour skype sessions with Andy before or after the training.
These sessions are designed to help you develop your yoga practice and teaching goals and outline action steps to get there.
If you would like continued support, Andy offers online continuing ed.
Check back this summer for more info on the 50 & 200 HR online trainings.
Is there anyone I can speak with to see if this training is right for me?
Email us at info@RedpointYoga.com and we can set up a free 30 min skype session with Andy.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have to see if this training is a good fit.
How do I sign up?
Click on the "Apply" button below. After you submit your application and we review it, a $500 deposit will confirm your place.
Questions about Redpoint Yoga's schedule, training & syllabus
How will we spend the 200 hours?
A) Our one-month immersion is organized over 3 weeks. We have 20 days of training plus 3 Sundays off.
Each day we train for 9 hours:
• 90 min morning yoga practice
• Three 2-hour workshops
• 90 minute evening reflection
So 20 days of training with 9 hours each day = 180 hours.
Our training is divided into 180 “Contact Hours” and 20 “Non-Contact Hours.” This means we will spend 180 of 200 hours together.
20 hours will be spent practicing yoga in local studios prior to our training.
Rather than adding an additional three days to the training, we find it more useful for students to practice 20 hours in local studios prior to the training.
This helps them experience diverse teaching styles as well as network with local studios where they may want to teach after our immersion.
These non-contact hours also makes the training three days shorter, and cheaper.
Aside from these 20 practice hours, there are no other course requirements beforehand.
Redpoint Yoga mentions the option for “self-directed education” – what is this?
Since everybody has unique interests, talents and strengths, we believe each yogi should have a unique curriculum. This just requires you to answer a few simple questions about your interests and we take care of the rest.
Not interested? You can skip this part. It’s not required for graduation.
If interested, you can dig deeper into one of the 3 key areas of our training:
• Yoga practice – What style of yoga do I like? (And how do I get better, faster?)
• Yoga philosophy – What philosophy do I connect with (And how can I apply it?)
• Yoga teaching – What kind of a teacher do I want to be? (And how do I get better, faster?)
From there, we identify some initial goals.
Andy will then help identify the knowledge and skills we need to develop.
From there, we outline and co-create a personalized curriculum that will help you reach your practice and teaching goals.
How can we follow a self-directed curriculum during the training?
We have 30 hours set aside for the evening reflections. Yogis are encouraged to use this time to develop in areas that interest them most. Yogis will be matched with likeminded yogis to collaborate on projects and shared goals.
These reflections aren’t necessarily done solo. They can be done in whole group workshops, small groups, pairs, solo, or 1:1 with instructors depending on the nature of the reflection.
If you aren’t sure what area you want to focus on, you can sample content from the entire training.
If you want to get a quick intro the entire self-directed component of Redpoint’s curriculum, here’s an overview of the self-directed curriculum that covers all 10 modules (for info on our 10 modules, see “Curriculum Details”).
Each of these 10 modules has detailed templates and simple step-by-step guidance. Below is a brief intro.
If you’d like help, we can provide 1:1 support to help you dig deeper into any and all of the following:
1) Yoga Practice – 10 hours
1.1 – Workshop Reflection (2 hrs):
• What workshops and content do you enjoy most? What did you learn? How did you learn it? What learning style best describes you? Answering these questions helps us better understand your interests and learning style.
1.2 – Reflecting on Your Practice (2 hrs):
• Reflect on what styles of yoga that you like, don’t like, and why. This will help you understand what kind of a yoga teacher you want to be. And help you better connect with likeminded yogis.
1.3 – Your 8 Limb Map (2 hrs):
• When you say you have a “yoga practice” – what does that look like in your life right now? How do you practice yoga “on the mat” and “off the mat”? Where Where do you hope to take it in the future?
1.4 – Understanding Yoga Anatomy (4 hrs):
• Independent research on an anatomy topic of your choice. You can apply this to your 15 min student presentation, or to a future workshop you’ll teach after the training.
2) Yoga Philosophy – 10 hours
2.1 – Intro to Depth Psychology (2 hrs):
• Reflect on your yoga journey – Why you started yoga, where you are now, where you are headed, and why.
2.2 – Establishing Your Career Compass (6 hrs):
• Use a streamlined goal-setting method from Bill Burnett and Dave Evans’s Designing Your Life. Yogis will reflect, brainstorm and create 3 unique 5 year plans. From there, we can pick one of them and set a 3 month goal to help get things rolling.
2.3 – Building Your Brand (2 hrs):
• Using concepts from Patrick Hanlon’s Primal Branding, we will describe our yoga journey in more metaphorical, mythic (and marketable) terms. What words are associated with your brand? Who are your icons? What are your rituals? When we speak this language, we can better identify and connect with our yoga tribe.
3) Yoga Teaching – 10 hours
3.1 – Review for Quizzes & Tests (2 hrs):
• Take practice quizzes and tests from previous Redpoint trainings. Look through the quiz review and final exam review sheets to identify which topics are still difficult. Get 1:1 help and answers to all your questions prior to quizzes and tests.
3.2 – Prep for Student Teaching & Projects (6 hrs):
• Get 1:1 help designing yoga lessons. Small group feedback on designing unique flows and outlining scripts for cuing. Brainstorm ideas for your student presentation. And get help taking it from an idea to a finished product.
3.3 – Yoga Portfolio (2 hrs):
• While Yoga Alliance requires “business of yoga” be limited to 4 hours in a YTTC, we do offer an extensive resource center to help you get started on any aspect of your yoga teaching career. We offer support before and after the training to help you get any component of your portfolio up and running.
What books are required for the training?
For the Redpoint Yoga Laos training, we require yogis to pick up:
• Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar ($13 paperback – not available on Kindle)
• Anatomy for Vinyasa Flows and Standing Poses by Ray Long MD ($8.50 on Kindle)
• Science of Yoga: Understanding the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your practice by Ann Swanson ($10 on Kindle)
• The Worry Solution by Dr. Martin Rossman ($10 on Kindle)
• The Rock Warrior’s Way: Mental Training for Climbers by Arno Ilgner ($10 on Kindle)
• Primal Branding by Patrick Hanlon ($14 on Kindle)
• The Power of Full Engagement by Tony Schwartz and Jim Loehr ($14 on Kindle)
• Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans ($14 on Kindle)
• Understanding by Design by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe ($19 on Kindle)
Not to worry, we aren’t assigning every page of these books. Just the key sections so you’ll get the most out of our training together.
Why these books?
There are several concepts that we cover over the training that rely on these primary sources. Purchasing these books supports the authors. And you can gain perspective by hearing them explain these ideas in greater detail.
This will set you back about $100. But the info contained in these books will be a helpful reference as you develop in your practice, philosophy and teaching – long after the training ends.
All other content relevant to our YTTC is provided in course PPTs, and is written into Redpoint Yoga’s course books:
• Practice Journal
• Course Companion
• Asana Manual
• Designing Lessons
The content in these course books is the summary of:
• Dozens of books on yoga and teaching
• Hundreds of podcasts and YouTube videos
• Andy’s 10 years in the classroom, 5 years teaching in yoga studios, Master’s in Education, insights gained from completing two 200 HR YTTCs as a student and 3 as a teacher
Redpoint’s e-learning center also including dozens of podcasts and YouTube videos, all categorized by topic and easy to find.
What other books do you recommend for yoga philosophy, practice and teaching?
Whatever books you might be interested in, start there!
Here’s a list of books I’ve found helpful:
Yoga Practice Books
• Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson
• The Heart of Yoga by TKV Desikachar
• 2,100 Asanas by Daniel Lacerda
• The Power of Ashtanga Yoga by Kino Macgregor
Breathing and Deep Relaxation Practices
• The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown
• The Healing Power of Breath by Dr. Patricia Gerbarg
• Yoga for Anxiety: Meditations and Practices for Calming the Body and Mind by Mary NurrieStearns
• Guided Imagery for Self-Healing by Dr. Martin Rossman
Yoga Anatomy
All of Dr. Ray Long’s books:
• Anatomy for Hip Openers and Forward Bends: Yoga Mat Companion 2
• Anatomy for Backbends and Twists: Yoga Mat Companion 3
• Anatomy for Arm Balances and Inversions: Yoga Mat Companion 4
• The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys Volume I
• The Key Poses of Yoga: Scientific Keys Volume II
Also:
• Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter
• Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel
• Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Nutrition Books
• Eat Fat, Get Thin, Get Thin by Dr. Mark Hyman
• Why We Get Fat by Dr. Gary Taubes
Philosophy Books
(Note that I draw from a wide range of sources here. I believe yoga philosophy extends to practice off the mat, and concepts outside of traditional yoga):
• Tribe by Sebastian Junger
• The Rise of Superman by Steven Kotler
• The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
• Man & His Symbols by Carl Jung
• Consciousness in Jung & Patanjali by Dr. Leanne Whitney
• Jung on Yoga by Dr. Dario Nardi
• The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers
• How to Relax & How to Love by Thich Nhat Hanh
• Light on Life by BKS Iyengar
Yoga Teaching & Career Development
(Another note here that I haven’t found a lot of great books on teaching yoga. Most of the books I recommend are more general philosophy of education books):
• Free to Learn by Dr. Peter Gray
• Don’t Do Stuff You Hate by Isaac Morehouse
• The Art of Self-Directed Education by Blake Boles
• Classroom Instruction That Works & The Art & Science of Teaching by Dr. Robert Marzano
• Spin Selling by Neil Rackham
• Teaching Yoga & Yoga Adjustments by Mark Stephens
Mekong River in Thakhek, on the Thai/Laos border
Questions specific for our 1 month Laos immersion
Is this a yoga training for climbers? What if I don’t climb?
This training is best suited for yogis who climb.
But if you don’t climb, the majority of the training is still focused on yoga practice and teaching essentials.
Yogis who don’t climb can learn about the benefits of cross training yoga with climbing. Learn how yoga helps with the mental aspects of climbing, prevents injuries, and helps climbers move better on the rock.
If you’ve never tried climbing, and you’re interested, this training makes it easy to get started!
Check out Green Climber’s Home’s beginner to advanced climbing courses here.
Aside from climbing, what else is there to do at Green Climber’s Home on training days?
We have two hours at lunch, two hours at dinner. Options include:
• Several nature hikes around Green Climber’s Home and surrounding local area
• Explore the cave behind Camp 1 and go for a swim
• Rent bicycles, get GCH to prep a lunch and go for a swim at the nearby Tha Falang river (1.5km away)
• Relax in a hammock with a book
• Slackline at one of three different locations
• Train at the Camp 2 rec area
• Volleyball, badminton, boule, darts, cards or board games
• Hang out with yogis from the training or meet other climbers at GCH
We also have 90 minutes free time before bed.
It isn’t required for the training, but yogis are encouraged to start a meditation practice. And this training is the perfect time and place to get started.
Option to meditate at the Starlight Yoga Studio, in your bungalow, or walk around and find your own spot in nature. Even 5 minutes a night will help you develop a habit you can take with you after the training.
Will we have enough time to climb?
Each day we have two hours free time at lunch and two more at dinner. While this isn’t a lot of time to hang out at the crag, it is enough to get a few climbs in.
Climbers are encouraged to work on project climbs over the course of the training and check in with them a few times a week. For example – project a climb on Tuesday & Thursday, send it on Sunday.
Yogis can also get some quick climbing in by renting a crash pad from GCH and checking out the 60+ boulder problems in the area.
Yogis also have free time on Sundays when we take a full day off.
We recommend arriving a few days early, staying a few days later. Your Laos visa is good for 30 days, giving you an extra week before or after our 23 days together.
And of course, we recommend renewing your Laos visa for an extra month after the training and enjoying all the amazing climbing this area has to offer!
Are there multipitch sport climbing routes at Green Climber’s Home?
Yes! This is another great way to spend your Sundays off the training.
Choose from:
o Chinese New Year – 4 pitch, 6b
o Kwan – 4 pitch, 6a
o Burnout Syndrome – 3 pitch 7a+
o Shadow of the Wall – 3 pitch, 6c
o Nothing Else Matters – 3 pitch, 7a+
o Fresh Air – 2 pitches, 7b+
o Der Grimel – 2 pitches, 7b
o Tribute – 2 pitch, 6c+
o Pilgrimage – 2 pitch, 6b+
What if I don't climb but I want to learn?
If you've never been climbing before, you came to the right place! Green Climber's Home offers half day and full day courses. You're encouraged to check these out on rest days, or before/after the training.
What do we do in our 90 min evening reflection workshops?
Our evening workshops are an opportunity to:
• Review what we’ve learned
• Ask follow up questions
• Plan your student-teaching lessons
• Answer self-reflection questions and journal
• Set and reflect on your practice and teaching goals
• Brainstorm ideas with partners, in small groups and with instructors
• Study for quizzes and tests
Are these evening reflection workshops independent study time? I thought we were training with instructors for 200 hours?
All of the evening reflection workshops will be spent with instructors. And most of the workshops will be in groups.
We’ll have 20 evening reflection workshops, for a total of 30 hours. Depending on where we are in the training, these workshops will be divided into:
• Whole group workshops
• Small groups
• Work with a partner
• Personal reflection and independent research
• 1:1 coaching with instructors
Why did you choose November and not another time?
We chose these dates as the Green Climber’s Home is often fully booked in late-November and December.
October is the end of the rainy season in Laos. Sometimes October is completely dry, while other times there’s rain into November. Please refer to the graphs below for more info on the fall climate in Thakhek.
After you have filled out the application, been accepted to the training and given your $500 deposit, you can email your room request to us at info@RedpointYoga.com and we’ll book your reservation.
I just registered for the training. Is there anything I need to prepare before Laos?
20 hours of the training are set aside for you to practice in local studios. This helps you connect with yogis in your local area, and build a network for after the training.
Aside from these practice hours, there are no other course requirements beforehand.
Regarding logistics for the traveling to Laos. Make sure:
• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to travel
• You have 2 passport photos for the visa on arrival
Depending on your nationality, you can expect to pay between $30-40 for your visa on arrival.
Those looking to get started on course content early can start to read through course books, recommended readings and check out Redpoint’s online lectures.
Students can also set up a 1:1 coaching session with Andy via skype to help get started – yogis get 3 free with their 200 hour training.
Tanja & Uli Weidner founded Green Climber’s Home in 2011.
Fia Weis and Flo Klempp joined in 2015 when Camp 2 was built.
After 7 years building it from the ground-up, the original team has decided to move home to Germany.
As of May 2019, Green Climber’s Home is under new management with Thomas Grasser & Fai Kanita in Camp 1 and Sam Pfeifer & Melissa Robertson in Camp 2.
What else, except climbing, can I undertake at GCH?
There is quite a lot, what you can do:
Swimming is fun in the cave behind GCH 1, or in the rivulet behind GCH 2, or even in the deeper river at the Tha Falang.
Furthermore you may enjoy playing Badminton or Boule
You might try to juggle, or to ‘fight’ with the slack line.
Why not just relax and perhaps read a book at our ‘sand beach’ besides the cave.
It might be interesting to make a bicycle tour to nearby villages.
Also, there are some caves, waiting for you to explore them
Strolling and shopping at the colorful Thakek markets is quite an experience.
Rent a bike and do the “motor bike-Loop". There are many blogs that provide info about other travel suggestions.
Go on tour with Green Discovery Laos for one or several days, for instance to the spectacular cave Kong Lor.
Which of your dishes are vegetarian?
Principally we offer all dishes also on basis of tofu. Automatically this means “vegetarian”.
Do you offer vegan dishes as well?
The dishes “Fried Noodles“, “Green Coconut Curry” or “Panang Curry“ are vegan if you choose the tofu variant. Furthermore, the salad dishes “pure” and “with tofu” (served with a vinegar/oil vinaigrette) do not contain any animal based components.
What shall I do if I suffer from a food allergy or food intolerance?
At the end of our menu list you find extra numbers for ordering special menu variants. If this does not satisfy you, please ask the waiter
Which currencies are accepted at GCH?
We accept no credit cards and want cash.
You can either pay with: Laotian Kip (LAK), Thai Baht (THB), American Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR).
Be sure of having enough cash with you, when you check out.
Where can I draw money?
In Thakhek, at everyred ATM of the BCE-Bank (and many other banks as well) Lao Kip can be withdrawn with a VISA-Card.
Sometimes a Master Card also works, not however a Maestro- or EC-Bankcard.
ATM’s are located
- At the BCEL Bank
- Across the street close to the Inthira Hotel
- At the post office
- At many other places in town
ATM’s are sometimes empty - especially so on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings – and do, not spit-out any money then. In order to draw cash reliably, do it on other days.
ATM’s deliver a maximum of 1.000.000 Kip, but you can repeat the drawing procedure as often as you want (at least theoretically). This way, you can get as much money as needed.
Presenting Traveler checks or a Visa-Card at the local banks, you can get Thai Baht, US$ or any other (common) currency.
Are there any caves nearby, which are worth visiting?
A short description of all caves located close to the Green Climbers Home including a map, can be found under “Rest Days” in the Laos Climbing Guide (together with other recommended rest-day activities for leisure days).
Which places, located nearby, are suitable for swimming?
There are 2 sites. The first one is located just within walking distance behind the camping site. At that place you can bath/swim inside and out of ‘our’ cave.
The second place is at Tha Falang, about 1.5 km distant from the GCH. Under the heading “Rest days” a map of this site and how to get there is included in the Laos Climbing Guide.
How do I get to town fast and cheaply?
Option 1: By Tuk-Tuk
The fare is 100.000 Kip divided by the number of participating people.
More than 5 persons pay a somewhat higher fare per person.
It takes about 25 min. to get to the bus terminal and, approx. 30 min. to Inthira Hotel.
Option 2: By Bicycle
The rental fee/day at Mr. Leng´s Bicycle rental (100m from Camp 2) is 40.000 - 60.000 Kip.
Depending on the actual whether conditions, it takes you about 1 hr. to arrive in Thakhek.
Option 3: Hitch-Hike
You could offer some money to the driver (in the range of 10.000 to 20.000 Kip). Our experiences with hitch-hiking are somewhat unpredictable. You may luckily be picked up within a short time, or you wait and wait and wait.
Not all Laotians understand the principle of hitch-hiking and some drivers plainly ask for money after arrival. It is important to know that in Asia the typical hitch-hiking gesture is a stretched-out arm and hand (palm down) which is moved up and down.
If take-off time of my flight at Nakhon Phanom (NP) is at such and such time, what bus must I take from Thakhek?
The first bus to the airport leaves Thakhek at 8:00 a.m. It takes approx. 1.5 hrs. to get to the airport.
A taxi makes it within about 30 min. So you can get to NP airport not much earlier than about 10:00 a.m.
As a Consequence, if your plane is scheduled for earlier than 10:30 a.m., you must either travel to Thailand the evening before or you must charter a minibus.
How can I charter a private minibus and to what expenses?
The private minibus accommodates 8 persons and costs 850.000 Kip for a ride to the Nakhon Phanom airport.
The fare is independent of the number of passengers.
Advantages:
* You will be picked up directly at GCH
* You can choose your departure time
* You do not face a waiting line at customs clearance
* You will be dropped directly at the airport (or elsewhere, if you want)
* The trip from GCH to the airport takes only one hour.
* Even in case of early flights you can spend your last night at the GCH instead of being forced to depart already the day before take-off.
Reservations: For a minibus, reservations can be made at our reception. We care for everything.
Payment: You pay the driver directly. He will accept Lao Kip, Thai Baht and US $.
May I change my sleeping place from tent to dorm or vice versa?
Not having made in time a reservation for this you should contact us such a wish as soon as possible.
We do our best to help you, but this may just not be possible within short time, especially during peak season when the GCH is crowded.
How far in advance do I have to inform the desk when I want to stay any longer
Do so as early as possible. During December until February, our resort is extremely frequented and possibly booked-out.
What makes the differences between GCH 1 and GCH 2?
There are only 2 relevant distinctions
The bungalows of GCH 1 have bathrooms of their own and are somewhat larger.
GCH 1 additionally has a housing 12 persons, GCH 2 has not.
The “mode of operation”, the menus, the services offered, and - of course - the climbing facilities are identical in both camps.
How far away is GCH 2 from GCH 1?
The distance between both camps is approx. 500 m; approaching the camps from Highway no. 12, GCH 2 is reached first. Following the gravel road further, you get to GCH 1.
For what reason are all GCH-buildings erected on poles?
Between June and September, that is, during the monsoon period, heavy rain may cause the small river, adjacent to the camp, to flood the campsites for days and sometimes even weeks.
The houses withstand this flooding, because they rest on concrete poles, founded deep in the ground
Do you provide internet/WIFI at Green Climbers Home?
We do not offer WiFi at GCH, but you can get internet with your own modem / I-Phone / Smartphone.
The only provider is M-PHONE. We sell SIM-cards and top-ups in both Resorts.
GCH 1: there is no signal in the area. You will have to go out a little through the gate. After another 30 m you can get access at the “Nerd corner”.
GCH 2: you get quite good 3G access in this area.
Instructions for the usage of this SIM-card are posted at the "Nerd corner" or our info-board.
Furthermore there are several restaurants and bars in Thakhek which offer WIFI for their guests, e.g. the Inthira Hotel, the ice-cream parlour ‘Snow’ and the restaurant ‘Travel Lodge’ (see map in the Laos Climbing Guide)
Why do you close down the GCH every year for 4 months?
During the rain season, i.e. from June until September our resort is closed down. In this period, rain storms are heavy enough to flood the climbing area partially or even completely.
Even when this is not the case, the gravel road to GCH, departing from Highway no. 12 is so slushy and soaked with water that it hardly can be passed.
Consequently, e.g. food couldn’t be brought to the camp. Moreover most climbing routes are so wet and slippery that they couldn’t be climbed.
How do I get a visa?
At the Laos border you must apply for a 30-day-visa “upon arrival”.
Depending on your nationality you will be charged $30 US – $40 US.
Swiss and Luxembourg people can choose between a 15 day visa (free of charge) and a 30-day visa (35 US$).
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in advance.
Note: Your passport must be valid at the time of entering Laos for another 6 months. In addition, you need to 2 passport-photos. German citizens get additional information under “Auswärtiges Amt”
Can I get my visa extended?
Yes. There are 2 possibilities to get this dones.
1) You make a short trip across the Thai border and re-enter right away (“visa-run”).
This means, you just pass through the visa procedure a second time, and get again a “residence permit”, valid for another 30 days.
2.) You prolong your visa at the Visa-prolongation-office (see map in the Laos Climbing Guide on page 5).
Doing it this way, every day of prolongation costs US $2. So, this alternative makes sense only up to 15 days.
For a longer extension period, only a “visa run” makes sense financially.
What consequences does it have when I overdrew my visa?
On leaving the country you will be charged with 10 US$ for each day of overdrawing your visa.
How long does it take from Bangkok International airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the National Airport (Don Mueang) in Bangkok?
You should calculate 4 hours to get from the Suvarnabhumi- to the Don Mueang-Airport:
1 hr, for passport control
30 min. for picking-up your luggage
15 min. until you have ‘conquered’ a taxi
1 hr. for transfer to the other airport
30 min for check-in at Don-Mueang Airport
the residual time is spared for unpredictable delays
Can I make it to GCH on the same day, if I arrive at Nakhon Phanom Airport with the plane scheduled for 4.25 p.m.?
1st possibility:
The last bus to Thakhek departs from Nakhon Phanom at 5 pm and is hard to catch, as it takes about 20 minutes to drive from the airport to the Nakhon Phanom bus station.
Therefore, you should take a taxi at the airport directly to the Thai border. After the baggage claim, you will be directed to the taxi / limousine stand where the taxi will be ordered and paid in advance.
Once you are at the border ...
- You can board the 5 pm bus, which may arrive at the same time as you.
- If there is no bus: hitch-hike over the 800m long 'Friendship Bridge' to the border of Laos. (It is forbidden to cross the bridge as a pedestrian).
- Pass the Laotian border. You must have your passport (valid for at least 6 months) and US $ 30-40 (depending on your citizenship) + passport photos at hand.
- You can probably get on a bus behind the border.
- If there is no bus: get a tuk tuk called by the officers to bring you to the Green Climbers Home.
- Here's the phone number of the tuk-tuk driver Mr. Noy: +856 (0) 20 52978936. The trip costs 150,000 kip.
2nd possibility:
We can arrange a private pick up service from the airport directly to Green Climbers Home (via Green Discovery Laos).
Price: 650,000 kip per trip.
What can I do, if I miss the last bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek?
After the course, Andy has been giving me good advice related to my yoga career. As I am a new yoga teacher, he supports me by sending me many job opportunities in Saigon where I live. Thanks to Andy, now I have achieved many goals in my yoga teacher career after just one year since I started.
Sophie Van, YouTube content creator at Yoga by Sophie