200HR IN PERSON YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
JANUARY 2027
Where ancient practice meets embodied modern living.
Blending functional movement, the deep roots of Yoga philosophy, and embodied practice, this training invites you into a deeper relationship with yoga — both on and beyond the mat.
Join us for our first in person 200HR Yoga Teacher Training - right here in Christchurch, NZ. We are so excited to be offering an in person experience right here in our own backyard.
Whether you feel called to teach or simply wish to meet yoga more deeply as a way of life, our 200hr training is designed as a space for transformation, inquiry, and embodied learning.
This is more than memorising pose names or the name the muscles of the body. It is an invitation to explore yoga as a living practice: one that supports presence, curiosity, community, and meaningful connection in an ever-changing world. Through a balance of science and soul, structure and intuition, you’ll be guided to not only understand the practice more deeply, but to embody it in a way that is uniquely your own.
For those seeking depth beyond the poses.
OUR FIRST COHORT BEGINS JANUARY 30TH, 2027
course details.
Our training runs in-person from Friday, January 30th – Sunday, May 31st, combining immersive weekend intensives with supported home study. All in-person sessions take place at Kula Studio in Christchurch.
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. Once full payment has been received, a 20-class yoga pass will be added to your account, supporting you to deepen your personal practice in the lead-up to the training.
This course includes required readings, homework, and presentations, all of which form part of your 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training hours and are designed to support integration, reflection, and embodied learning throughout the journey.
After the training, there will be opportunities to assist, facilitate and teach community classes at Kula Studio.
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Our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training is a hybrid training held over 4 months, combining immersive in-person weekends with supported home study. In-person training takes place at Kula Studio in Christchurch.
During our immersive weekends we will meet on Fridays from 4.30pm- 8.30pm, Saturdays from 11am-6pm and Sundays from 11am-4pm.
The course is broken down into 4x 3 week modules with 2 weeks break in between modules.
Module 1 + 2 is 100hrs in length to support those not interested in teaching. And the remaining 100 hrs completed during Module 3 + 4.
(if you complete our first 2 modules and you want to continune, you can still sign up prior to module 3 + 4 commencing) -
Friday | 4:30pm – 8:30pm
Arrival + opening circle
Grounding practice
Guided reflection, journaling & group discussion
Closing integration chat + intention setting for the weekend
Saturday | 11:00am – 6:00pm
Morning embodied practice
Learning lab + philosophy
Lunch break
Functional anatomy + applied movement
Teaching integration / group discussion
Closing practice + reflection
Sunday | 11:00am – 6:00pm
Group practice
Pranayama, meditation & chanting
Lunch break
Yoga methodology + teaching tools
Integration lab / Q&A
Closing circle
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200-hour Yoga Alliance–aligned certification on completion of the course + final presentation has been passed
In-person training weekends + guided home study
Comprehensive training manual
Practical teaching labs and feedback sessions
Anatomy, sequencing, philosophy, teaching methodology, the foundations of yin, understanding the yoga industry & special populations
Mentorship and ongoing support throughout the training
1 × 20-class pass to use at the studio (expires July 30th 2027)
1 × private 1-hour 1:1 session with Ellie for personalised support, questions about the course, or guidance around your personal practice
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Kula Studio, Christchurch NZ
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Friday January 30th - Sunday May 15th 2027
Module 1: Jan 30th - Feb 15th
Module 2: March 6th - 22nd
Module 3: April 10th - 26th
Module 4: May 15th-31st
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Full 200hr Course: $2850 - Early Bird Rate until December 1st 2026.
$3250- Regular Pricing.
First 100hrs Only:$1500 - Early Bird until December 1st 2026.
$1800 - Regular Pricing
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to save your place.
Payment can be broken down into instalments - just reach out to find out your options.
WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?
For seekers, curious practitioners, and aspiring teachers who want to experience yoga beyond the physical practice alone. If you love yoga that is both grounding and soulful — blending intelligent movement with depth, philosophy, breath, and connection — this training is for you.
Whether you’re hoping to teach, deepen your personal practice, or reconnect to yourself in a more meaningful way, this training is designed to support your growth both on and off the mat.
Already certified? Expect to expand your understanding of movement, refine your teaching voice, and reconnect to the heart of the practice.
Throughout the training, you’ll learn to:
— Teach safe, intelligent, and well-rounded Vinyasa + Hatha style yoga classes
— Understand functional anatomy and how bodies move differently within the yoga practice
— Deep dive into pranayama, meditation, mantra, the foundations of yin yoga, and embodied practices
— Explore yogic philosophy in a modern, meaningful way through a Tantric lens
— Create thoughtful, accessible, and intentional sequences
— Build confidence in your voice, teaching, and self-expression
— Deepen your personal + home practice, and self-awareness
— Learn to teach from a place of authenticity, presence, and connection
FAQ
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This is in depth training that stems from the Hatha + Vinyasa ecosystem with a lens of Tantric Philosophy.
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Yes you can- as long as you have an open mind and are eager to learn. The physical depth of the shape that you take isn’t as important to us as your interest and willingness to embrace the material being offered and your enthusiasm to explore your practice on an off the mat.
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As long as you’re keen to learn about yoga, then yes! Whether you feel called to teach or not, it’s valuble to understand the body, history and the roots of yoga better. There are so many layers to yoga, and teaching it doesn’t have to be one.
We will also be breaking up the training into two parts. The first 100hrs will focus on philosophy, yoga asana learning labs, establishing a home practice, and anatomy 101 for those who want more depth without the teaching component of the curriculum. -
Our training is intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 16 participants. This allows for a more personalised learning experience where everyone has space to ask questions, be fully supported, and integrate the material at a deeper level. It also helps foster a strong sense of connection and community within the group, so the training feels collaborative rather than classroom-like.
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Yes - we will have lots of time to practice teaching in the training and through community classes that will be offered post training.
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Because this is an immersive 200-hour training, full attendance is an important part of the learning experience. Each weekend builds progressively, and the training is designed as a shared container where integration, discussion, and embodied learning happen over time within the group.
If a student is unable to attend a weekend due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, we will work together on a case-by-case basis to find a suitable make-up option. This may include a private catch-up session or additional learning requirements to ensure training standards are met.
In some cases, if significant time is missed, we may recommend joining a future training to support the depth and continuity of the learning experience.
MEET YOUR TEACHING TEAM
Ellie COOPER - lead teacher
Kula Studio Founder & 500HR E-RYTEllie Cooper is a yoga teacher, teacher trainer and the Owner of Kula Studio based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Her teaching blends functional movement, intelligent sequencing and nervous system awareness with a grounded, heart-led approach to practice.
Yoga has been a lifelong companion for Ellie for over 15 years, and she is deeply committed to honouring the rich lineages that have shaped the practice long before us—and will continue long after us. As an educator, her intention is to offer students and teachers a wide and practical range of tools so the physical practice can truly meet them where they are, moment to moment.
She completed her initial 200hr training with LYT Yoga in 2019 before continuing her studies through multiple advanced trainings over the years with Yoga Medicine, Awakening Yoga Academy, and respected teachers including Tiffany Cruikshank, Janet Stone, Jason Crandell, Rocky Heron, Patrick Beach and Carling Harps. Passionate about creating spaces that feel both supportive and empowering, Ellie’s work is rooted in helping students and teachers move with greater awareness, curiosity and connection.
Follow her journey on instagram @byelliecooper
Mari Colbert is a yoga teacher and teacher trainer at Kula Studio whose work is rooted in embodiment, nervous system awareness and the healing potential of movement. With over 15 years of experience, her path into yoga began during professional dance training in London, where the practice became both a refuge and a profound tool for transformation.
Her studies span Embodied Flow™, Classical Tantra, somatics, biomechanics, trauma-sensitive yoga, Body Mind Centering® and humanistic psychology, shaping a deeply holistic and compassionate approach to teaching. Mari’s offerings are inclusive, grounding and trauma-informed, creating spaces where students are supported to reconnect with themselves through presence, curiosity and embodied practice.
Alongside teaching and mentoring, Mari also works as a yoga teacher trainer and ACC-registered provider for Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, and is currently training in Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy.
Yoga Teacher & 500HR Yoga Teacher + TrainerMARI COLBERT - GUEST TEACHER
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP ON YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A YOGA TEACHER?
This is a big step, and it’s normal to want to talk it through.
Book a 15-minute call with Ellie to connect, ask your questions, and see if it feels like the right fit.