Yin Yoga & Traditional Chinese Medicine Teacher Training in Rural Japan

The curriculum is split between yin yoga technique and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. On the yin side, you'll study the history of the practice, tension vs compression theory, functional anatomy of the five main yin archetypes, and how to use props and modifications safely. Teaching sessions cover sequencing, theming, and how to guide students through long holds without losing them.

The TCM portion goes deeper than most yin trainings. You'll learn the yin-yang philosophy, qi theory, the three treasures, and the four vital substances before moving into the twelve main meridian pathways — their functions, dysfunctions, and connections to organ systems and emotional health. Five Element theory and TCM lifestyle and diet principles round out the Eastern theory.

Anatomy is functional and applied: ankle, knee, hip, spine, and shoulder structures, skeletal variation between bodies, and a lab where you analyse yin poses through that lens. There's also a module on the subtle body — nadis, chakras, granthis, koshas, and vayus — and how to sequence for it.

Olivier Charles, the lead teacher, has been teaching full-time for over 20 years. He trained with Tom Myers on advanced yoga anatomy, spent seven years at Sampoorna Yoga in India, and five years at Earth Yoga Village developing their 200-hour, 300-hour, and yin training curricula. He's a Certified Yoga Therapist and Ayurvedic Health Counselor, and runs a yoga studio and retreat centre in West Japan with his wife Hiromi.

Past students describe his teaching as fun, challenging, and anatomy-focused, with enough humour to keep intensive days from feeling heavy. Reviews mention his approachability, his genuine interest in each student's progress, and his ability to make philosophical material practical.

You'll graduate with a 50-hour Yoga Alliance Continuing Education certificate and the knowledge to teach yin yoga with meridian theory — not just call poses and set a timer.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation (shared or single room) - 3 daily meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) except Sundays - 50-hour Yoga Alliance Continuing Education certification - Course manual - Free WiFi - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Nature hikes with a guide - Ayurvedic consultation - School t-shirt or tote bag - Pre and post retreat support - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available for €35 return from TTJ) - Travel insurance - International flights - Visa fees - Sunday meals - Optional upgrades (extra nights, massage, onsen, laundry)