Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Bali's Rice Fields

YogaUnion has been running teacher trainings in Bali for over a decade, and this 50-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa module is a distillation of that experience. The course is led by Sharath, a teacher with 15 years of experience across India, Mexico, Guatemala, Europe, Thailand, and Bali. He's supported by Cecilia, a certified first-level Ashtanga teacher and second-sequence practitioner. Together they cover the full Ashtanga primary series, plus the principles of creative vinyasa sequencing.

A typical day starts with pranayama and meditation, then moves into a asana practice. Mornings are dedicated to the physical practice — you'll work through the Ashtanga sequence with hands-on adjustments and alignment cues. Afternoons are for theory: anatomy, philosophy, and how to teach. You'll also get to practice teaching on each other, with feedback from Sharath and Cecilia. There are workshops on mudras, chakras, and the energetic body, plus sessions on the history of Ashtanga yoga.

What makes this training different is the setting. The shala is open-air, surrounded by rice paddies. You can hear the water trickling through the fields during savasana. The homestays are all within a few minutes' walk, and the path between them is a dirt track where you'll pass farmers and the occasional scooter. It's not a resort — it's a working rice field community. That's the charm. You're not in a sterile retreat center; you're in the middle of Bali's agricultural heart.

The training is registered with Yoga Alliance, so the 50 hours count as Continuing Education (CE) hours for registered teachers. It's also a solid foundation for anyone who's been practicing for a few years and wants to understand the method more deeply. The course manual is included, and you'll leave with a certificate of completion. YogaUnion also offers a 10% discount on their online courses after you graduate.

One thing to note: the location is not accessible by car. You'll walk or take a scooter from the main road. This keeps the area quiet and free of traffic noise, but it's worth packing light. The homestays are simple — think Bali basic, not boutique hotel. But the Wi-Fi is free, the hot water works, and the beds are comfortable. You're here for the practice, not the room service.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in shared twin room (upgrade to private room available) - 3 daily vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - 50-hour Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training course - Certificate upon successful completion - Yoga mats, blocks, straps, and bolsters - Course manual - Daily yoga classes and workshops

What's not included

- Airport transfers (available upon request) - Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fee - Additional treatments and activities not listed in the itinerary