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200 hr India + Online
‍yoga teacher training
december 28, 2025 - janauary 11, 2026 or january 18, 2026 in mayapur, west bengal
based on the 5000 yrs old Bhakti Texts & Practices from India

by slow yoga in coorp. w. SoultoSoul

receive a 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training certificate acknowledged by Yoga Alliance.
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This style of the teacher training combines the flexibility of learning with modern technology with the
traditional style of teaching in the culture and the country that gave birth to yoga, india
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Learn yoga in a setting conducive to planting deep yogic impressions and values. the traditional atmosphere
enables you to absorb the lifestyle of yoga, in addition to its external techniques. 
200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow

This is a spiritual retreat to deepen your sadhana and advance in meditation practice and teaching. 
incorporate elements of bhakti, particularly by the techniques of sacred sound, into your yoga practice. 
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janne trains yoga teachers who will lead others by exemplifying the values of yoga with integrity and even-mindedness - a sustainable recipe for satisfaction and inner peace

janne will share with you the principles of bhakti as they come down through a traditional lineage of teachers.
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the Yoga Shala
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this yoga teacher training is a combination of online studies and a two weeks trip to india. the two week retreat in india will be hosted at soultosoul creative space 120 km north of Kolkata in Mayapur, West Bengal, India.

Mayapur is a famous pilgrimage place where yogic culture has its roots and origins.
Geographically it is situated where river ganges and river jalangi meet in the heart of 9 islands.

the soultosoul yoga retreat venue is located in a lush, green and quiet area, just three minutes walking distance from jalangi river and a five minutes rickshaw ride from the largest hindu temple in the world: 
the TOVP - Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, welcoming millions of pilgrims annually.
from the TOVP the ganges river can be reached within a short walking distance.

additional yoga space, the rooftop of the guesthouse: 

for more information on the yoga retreat venue in mayapur please click here.
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gopinath grew up in mayapur, WB, India and currently lives half of the year in germany and half of the year in mayapur. he holds a master of business administration and knows mayapur and the surrounding area as someone knows one's own hometown. 
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your Yoga Teachers
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‍Janne, Jan and Emma - your powerful team of three
from Europe & with Indian wisdom in their hearts & more than 60 years of combined experience in yoga

jan teaches the meditation module (online) and Emma the anatomy module (online)
while janne will teach all other topics of the teacher training online and in person in India. 200 hr online yoga teach
training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow

Jan Simak is a registered Yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance (E-RYT 200, RYT 500, YACEP).  Jan has been practicing Yoga for the last ten years, with a special interest in philosophy and meditation. Being trained in various systems including Sivananda Yoga, Gokul Yoga, and Purna yoga and having spent five years of his life in ashramas around the globe in order to deepen his insights in traditional yoga, he now works as a Yoga Teacher Trainer. Originally from germany, he has travelled far to teach yoga, especially working as a full time teacher trainer at the Byron Yoga Center (australia) for 3 years, presenting a spectrum of topics including asana, pranayama, meditation, and philosophy. He offers both regular studio classes and private classes, and hosts workshops in various countries.  Still continuing to deepen his understanding of the tradition, he regularly travels to malaysia to practice with and teach for his teacher and guide Jani Jaatinen, a.k.a. Mahayogi Gokulacandra.
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Janne Kontala, E-RYT200, RYT500, YACEP, PhD in Religious Studies, the author of the book Inner yoga, and developer of the slow yoga-method, started practicing yoga in 1992.

Spending five years in traditional ashrams in india and finland, Jannes particular interests lie in meditative yoga, which is thoroughly reflected in his teaching.

Janne regularly trains yoga teachers in all aspects of yoga, including asanas, pranayama, meditation and philosophy. He mainly teaches in scandinavia, belgium, singapore and malaysia. Janne is an inspirational teacher with a great sense of humour.

janne will be your yoga teacher during your time in India. you will spend 5 hours daily in the training together where youcan personally meet him and get guided.
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Emma Slow. Emma’s yoga path started in 1999 – 2000 with hatha and ashtanga yoga.

She practices Slow yoga on a daily basis since 2009 when she started practicing it with her teacher Janne Kontala. Emma has also extensively studied yoga- and physiotherapy and teaches a wide range of yoga styles and yoga therapy.

In addition to her weekly lessons and courses, she has recently trained yoga instructors in scandinavia, belgium and malaysia.

Key themes in her teaching are anatomy, body function, therapeutic perspective, and increased awareness and safety in practice.

Emma is a registered yoga teacher (E-RYT 200) with Yoga Alliance.

5 hrs of Quality Study dailywhen in india
to fully focus, absorb, experience and explore
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as we like to focus on you having an incredible and fantastic experience instead of feeling exhausted and overwhelmed due to long hours of studies and physical training during our time in india we will combine 5 hours of quality studies with yogic cultural and relaxing activities. this will give you the advantage to fully absorb and deepen the learned knowledge and at the same time to really explore the daily lived culture of yoga in india first hand on our daily guided safe group activities in the local area outside the teaching hours.

200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow

daily local and cultural experiences ‍

during the retreat we will have organised, safe group activities outside the teaching hours such as: 
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Boat trip on the Ganges River

TOVP TempleTour
(largest hindu temple in the world w. currently 7 mio. visitors annually)

indian Cooking class with gopinath

Plant Trees and contribute to the local environment

visit a local traditional Gurukula
(boarding school for boys based on vedic teachings - the same teachings that our training is based on)

participate in an ancient  Vedic Fire Ritual (Yajna)
(for those completing their training with the India retreat, this will be your graduation ceremony)

visit the local  Goshala
(cow farm with cow protection program)

Lunch at jagganath temple

meet a Monk and ask personal questions

kirtan evening
(traditional music-based meditation of singing mantras)    

Pizza night at Gaura Village
(a local housing project based on yogic teachings and vastu shastra (yogic architecture)  

experience a traditional indian Dance performance

visit Places of Pilgrimage of historical significance, outside of the popular tourist routes  

visit a local Mud Housebuilt 100 % sustainable and eco friendly

the Food
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all food served during the training is based on the  principle of ahimsa. ahimsa means non violence and is the main principle of yoga.
therefore our dishes are 100 % Vegetarian. the dairy used is only taken from local well treated cows (you will get to meet the cow farm during the training and learn more about cow protection). Your host Gopinath is a fantastic cook himself and will ensure the quality and hyigiene of the food at all times.
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all meals (three meals a day) are included in the price*.

*On the day off only breakfast is included as it is our experience that our guests will prefer to see around and visit local restaurants, which as a rule offer a variety of vegetarian meals to an affordable price

the Dates
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14 or 21 days
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day of Arrival: 28.12.2025
day of Departure:
11.01.2026 or 18.1.2026

You can choose two or three weeks of retreats.

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before and after these dates you can participate in the recorded online training at anytime from anywhere in the world. it can also be started at any time and be studied entirely in your own pace. the only dates and time you commit to are the above ones for your trip to India.
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the Online Training
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for more information on the online part of the training please click here.
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join our holistic 200 hr yoga teacher training Ecosystem for your body, mind & consciousness. 
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About slow yoga
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Slow yoga is a meditative approach to yoga developed by Janne Kontala.
Using asana, movement and breath in a deliberately slow fashion, it leads the practitioner to experiencing inner silence.

This slow yoga training offers a possibility for personal growth both as a teacher and as a practitioner.
Welcoming diversity, Slow yoga is open to practitioners of all yoga styles.

You will learn to develop your own practice in a meditative way and also will receive the skills to teach and share your knowledge with others!
Although the program certainly is designed to help you share what you learn, the most important aspect of the training is your own inner transformation.

Asanas can be directly used as tools for meditation, not only as an exercise for physical fitness. You will learn to regulate the breath as a method to promote inner peace, as well as learn some of the most effective yogic meditation techniques for inner transformation.

As a teacher, you will be able to use what you have learned to teach a broad variety of classes based on the students needs.
The online platform offers you a possibility to study at your own pace.
The extensive material bank will be at your disposal both during and after the course.
In this way, you will have all the time you need to get acquainted with and internalize all components of the training.

In addition, there will be several weekly online sessions, allowing you to get to know your teachers and fellow students, and get real-time guidance.
The examinations take place online. After completion of the course, you are eligible for a Slow yoga teacher certificate.

In addition, the program entitles the practitioners for RYT 200 certification by Bhaktivedanta college Hatha Yoga teacher training program, provided you complete the program within the timeline set forth by Yoga Alliance.

The teacher training consists of:
200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow
Personal practice of slow asana-kriyas
Basics of anatomy
Basics of prenatal yoga
Breathing techniques to induce peace of mind
Mantra-meditation for inner clarity and peace
The philosophical foundations of yoga
Teaching skills
Extensive supporting material
Experienced teachers
200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow

what we promise & what you can expect
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life transforming experience

lifetime course access

clear, structured and easy accessible video platform

a relaxed time during our retreat in India including daily cultural experiences

highly qualified & experienced teachers with 60 years of combined yoga experience

personal and online support ‍

200 hr  yoga teacher training certificate

ability to register with yoga alliance*
upon successful completion of the course before 31/12/2023

free cookbook

free mantra music album

be part of the slow yoga & soultosoulfriends community  
200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow

‍Requirements & what you will need at home
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at least two years of yoga-experience
yoga mat
yoga blocks
yoga belt
bolster or pillow
blanket
stable internet connection
computer or smartphone/tablet with video call / video recording function (including sound)
200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow

Time set
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The online program is designed in a way that allows you to start at any time.
Complete your studies within 12 months for the 200 hr online yoga teacher training certification
and to qualify for a Yoga Alliance certification (RYT 200).
Study at your own pace without a particular timeline to deepen your understanding of yoga.

the entire online course will take 150 hours
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to complete within three months we suggest:
- 12 full time weekends
- or 4 hours on 4 days per week
- or 2 - 2.5 hours daily
- or study in your own pace

+ 14 or 21 days in india from december 28, 2025 - january 11, 2026 or january 18, 2026
200 hr online yoga teacher training : self paced: start anytime from anywhere : with jan simak, janne kontala & emma slow
Slow Yoga Teacher Training is conducted in co-operation with Bhaktivedanta College Yoga School accredited by Yoga Alliance.
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program in mayapur, india
The program at the turn of the year is a combination of old and new, traditional yoga spirituality, bhakti, and modern yoga that you will recognize from your classes in the West. Each morning will begin early, with Hatha-yoga: asanas, flowing movement, regulated breath, to tune the body, breath, and mind into the instruments for transmitting the sacred sound of the mantras. After breakfast, we will explore the meditative yoga, with mantras, pranayama, meditation techniques, and the underlying philosophy.

The three weeks have their own specific themes, and emphases as follows:

Week 1 (28.12-3.1.): VandanamThe theme of the first week is the bhakti-practice of vandanam, prayer. The inner mood of devotion is combined with physical expressions of the body through various mudras and namaskaras, and internal meditative practices.

Week 2 (4.1.-10.1.): Shravanam and KirtanamHearing, shravanam, and reciting, kirtanam, the sacred sound are the two major  practices of bhakti. Hearing the sacred narratives, reciting mantras, and singing together in kirtana are the predominant practices during this week.

Week 3 (11.1.-17.1.): JapaJapa, the bhakti practice of mantra meditation, is the primary personal practice of the bhakti-yogi. During this week we explore the techniques and intentions that are helpful to enter into the world of meditation.


Early afternoon is the time for lunch. Each week on particular afternoons we visit and explore the sacred place of Mayapur. Each place has its unique atmosphere. To truly absorb the atmosphere of Mayapur, we will visit temples, ancient and modern. Mayapur is home for one of the most impressive temple complexes in Norther India, partially still under construction. There are many older, unknown temples and ashramas in the area, which we will visit with our guide, Gopinath. To name a few, there is a rare temple dedicated to Harihara, the combined form of Vishnu and Shiva. There is also a little known temple dedicated to Jagannath, Lord of the Universes. In the evening, we will come back to our residence for dinner, to end the day with evening kirtana and rest.
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Daily Schedule7:00-8:30 Asana-class
8:30-10.00  Breakfast
10:00-12:30 Meditative yoga; mantras; mudras; philosophy of yoga
13:00-14:00 Lunch
15:00-18:00 Afternoons are free, or for exploring spiritual India:
excursions to holy places, nature, Ganges, temples, meeting sadhus (twice a week excursion)
‍18:00-19:00 Dinner
‍19:15-20:00 Kirtana
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the Price
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 day of arrival: 28.12.2025
day of departure: 11.01.2026 or 18.1.2026

you can choose two or three weeks of retreats. the prices include the online yoga teacher training.

early bird (see discounts below): confirm latest 30 August by payment for the discounted price.

Price for two weeks: - 2350 € (early bird registration 2150 €) in a room for three people
- 2500 € (early bird registration 2300 €) in a room for two people
- 2700 € (early bird registration 2500 €) in a single room

Price for three weeks:- 3025 € (early bird registration 2825 €) in a room for three people
- 3200 € (early bird registration 3000 €) in a room for two people
- 3325 € (early bird registration 3125 €) in a single room

if you wish to only attend the retreat without the yoga teacher training, the price will be 500 euro less.

The prices include accommodation in the guesthouse, meals, organized excursions and sightseeings, and transportation from Kolkata airport to the guesthouse, and from the guesthouse to the airport. You can arrange your own transportation from the airport, which is not included in the price. Price does not include flights, visa, or travel insurances.
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You can book your place by paying the registration fee, half of the total price.
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You can register for the program further down on this website. Once you have done that, we will send you an invoice for confirming your participation. Once you have paid, you have a place!

Note that this is a binding commitment.
If you think you may have to cancel, take an insurance to cover the risk.

Congratulations! ‍
you are about to start your 200 hr online + india yoga teacher training by slow yoga & soultosoul.
enroll by submitting your details in the form below.

*please note that submitting this registration form is legally binding and will create an invoice the moment you submit.
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 Glimpse of Mayapur
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Mayapur is a town located at the place of roots of bhakti yoga for this day and age and on that principle A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has established the vaishnava culture by laying the foundation of bhakti yoga philosophy in the form of his institute called ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Mayapur is the head quarter for the Vaishnava culture and for the ISKCON movement. Our retreat place 'soultosoul creative space' is located in a peaceful location close to ISKCON headquarters
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frequently asked Questions
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do i need a computer or is a smartphone /tablet enough to participate the course?
even though we do recommend using a computer, a tablet or even a smartphone could do the job.

how much time will i need to finish the entire course
the entire course will take 200 hours. to complete within three months we suggest: 12 full time weekends or 4 hours on 4 days per week or 2 - 2.5 hours daily or study in your own pace

how will the assessment be taken?
the assessment takes place by combining a live video meeting with online quizz examination.

where and how can I ask questions to the teachers? 
below each module you will have a form to submit questions directly through our website. otherwise you can ask janne personally during your time in india.

are there any requirements to participate in the yoga teacher training?
at least two years of yoga experience. Don't hesitate to contact us if you feel unsure about your eligibility.

do i have to be online at a certain time?
only for classes conducted live and the assessment we need to schedule video calls at certain times together.

i am not in your time zone - how does the yoga teacher training work for me?
the training consists of recorded and live classes via video calls. the video calls will need to be scheduled according to your and our time zone. other than that the recorded classes can be taken anytime from anywhere.

what time zone are you in?
most of the time we are in scandinavia and germany. therefore central european time (cet) applies to the live classes and the assessment. Live classes are recorded so you can watch them later if you miss them. Assessment, however, requires you to be there in real time

i am changing time zones during my studies, is that a problem?
no, changing time zones is not a problem. you can study the course from anytime and from anywhere. you do require an internet connection though to access the course.

how much previous practice do i need to participate in the yoga teacher training?
‍at least two years of regular practice
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do i have to be physically fit?
the slow yoga method can be practiced by people in any age and condition that allow normal physical practice. if unsure, consult a qualified health practitioner.

can i teach worldwide with the certificate you issue?
yes the yoga alliance certificate we issue is recognized worldwide and you can register with yoga alliance after completion of the course.

how much extra study do i need to do myself to pass the exam after taking your course?
it depends on your personal way of learning. if you study on a daily basis, it is sufficient that you practice while following the online materials. if, however, your online studies are focused on particular weekends, it is important that you keep up a practice routine during the inbetween days. Yoga is based on regular practice, and it is not possible to develop the required skills if you only occasionally study during a weekend.

within what time frame do i have to complete the yoga teacher training?
the program is designed in a way that allows you to start at any time. complete your studies within 12 months for the 200 hr online yoga teacher training certification and to qualify for a Yoga Alliance certification (RYT 200).

is it possible to meet the teachers in person?
yes, during your time in india you will meet janne in person for two weeks daily.

is it possible to continue training after this 200 hr online yoga teacher training? Do you also offer continuous studies?
yes it is possible to continue training after this 200 hr online yoga teacher training. please contact janne directly for more information. you can reach him via info@soultosoulfriends.com.

do you also offer 300 hr yoga teacher trainings?
yes we do. please speak to janne directly about this. you can reach him via info@soultosoulfriends.com. ‍
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do i require a permanent internet connection or will it be possible to study part of the course offline?
you require a stable internet connection to study the course.

what if i do not like the course or it does not meet my expectations?
before enrolling for the course you should be 100 % sure that this is the right course for you. we do not issue refunds.

do you issue refunds?
we do not issue refunds.

how does life long access work?
you will be able to access the course via the website with the access details given to you as long as we are running it. in case we decide in the next years to take it down, we will communicate this with you and the videos willl be available for you to download.

what are the benefits of life long access? 
you can revisit the entire course or sections and refresh your knowledge at any time needed.


you have more questions or wish to get in touch with us?
please use the form below.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a life transforming experience. Study yoga from the comfort of your home and become a certified Yoga Teacher Trainer - in your own pace and your own space. Skip accommodation and transportation cost and be present at work and with family. Use the special time given to you in this powerful transformative year of 2021!Join our 200 hr online yoga teacher training 2021 based on the 5000 yrs old Bhakti texts & practices from India - study anytime from anywhere with slow yoga in coorp. w. SoultoSoul. You have been looking for a 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training in Sydney, Byron Bay, India, New York or Bali? Or maybe you would love to participate a 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training in Germany, Holland, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, England or New Zealand? Then join now - because our 200 hr online yoga teacher training is coming directly TO YOU!Receive more infos or get in touch via: www.soultosoulfriends.com/yttThe slow yoga style taught in the 200 hr online yoga teacher training is a meditative approach to yoga developed by Janne Kontala. Using asana, movement and breath in a deliberately slow fashion, it leads the practitioner to experiencing inner silence. This 200 hr online yoga teacher training offers a possibility for personal growth both as a teacher and as a practitioner. Welcoming diversity, our 200 hr online yoga teacher training is open to practitioners of all yoga styles. In the 200 hr online yoga teacher training you will learn to develop your own practice in a meditative way and also will receive the skills to teach and share your knowledge with others! Although the 200 hr online yoga teacher training certainly is designed to help you share what you learn, the most important aspect of the training is your own inner transformation. Asanas can be directly used as tools for meditation, not only as an exercise for physical fitness. In this 200 hr online yoga teacher training will learn to regulate the breath as a method to promote inner peace, as well as learn some of the most effective yogic meditation techniques for inner transformation. As a teacher, you will be able to use what you have learned to teach a broad variety of classes based on the students needs. The 200 hr online yoga teacher training online platform offers you a possibility to study at your own pace. The extensive material bank of the 200 hr online yoga teacher training will be at your disposal both during and after the course. In this way, you will have all the time you need to get acquainted with and internalize all components of the 200 hr online yoga teacher training. In addition, the 200 hr online yoga teacher training offers several weekly online sessions, allowing you to get to know your teachers and fellow students, and get real-time guidance. The examinations take place online. After completion of the course, you are eligible for a Slow yoga teacher certificate. In addition, the program entitles the practitioners for RYT 200 certification, provided you complete the program within the timeline set forth by Yoga Alliance.The teacher training consists of:Personal practice of slow asana-kriyas, basics of anatomy, basics of prenatal yoga, breathing techniques to induce peace of mind, mantra-meditation for inner clarity and peace, the philosophical foundations of yoga, teaching skills, extensive supporting material, experienced teachers. Your Teachers Janne Kontala, Jan Simak and Emma Slow will teach you during the 200 hr online yoga teacher training everything you would learn in an in-person Yoga Teacher Training in Sydney, Byron Bay, India, New York, California, Canada, USA, Bali, Germany, Holland, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, England, New Zealand, Netherlands, Greenland, Rishikesh, Goa, Ubud, Mayapur, Vrindavan or anywhere else in the world! With the slow yoga and SoultoSoul 200 hr online yoga teacher training the yoga teacher training comes directly to your place! You can now participate this 200 hr online yoga teacher training from anywhere in the world, anytime. The 200 hr online yoga teacher training by slow yoga and SoultoSoul is available wherever you are - means worldwide and in any timezone! You have been thinking about doing a 200 hr yoga teacher training at places you love such as the Bhakti Center in New York, the Govardhan Eco Village in India, Radhadesh in Belgium or Krishna Village in Byron Bay? Then this 200 hr online yoga teacher training is the right training for you! Get fully certified with yoga alliance Get your 200 hr yoga teacher training certification with yoga alliance by participating our 200 hr online yoga teacher training!