Teaching Better
Sun Salutations

WITH MARK STEPHENS


20-Hour Course – Starts March 13th

20 Hours of Learning

Live Interaction

20 CEUs

6 Months of Access

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Why Remix and Refine
the Sun Salutations?

After 108 years of global postural practices, we've gained deep insight into the beauty, power, and problematic elements of Surya Namaskaras – the "Classical" forms introduced by the Sivananda tradition and Surya Namaskara A/B from the Krishnamachrya tradition.

There are several specific issues or potential problems in these conventional approaches: prematurely deep forward bends, repetitive stress, premature placement of Warrior I, and movements that unnecessarily disturb the integrity of the breath. 

The remixes address these issues with simple alternatives. The refinements happen within the forms and transitions.

Learn Several Key Proven Techniques for Each Transition Plus a Few Innovations That Make the Flow More Accessible and Sustainable for All

The entire foundation of all flow styles of yoga is rooted in the dynamic movement of the Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskaras). It is here that we warm the body and set the rhythm and mood for all that follows, connecting breath and bodymind in the gradual opening and refinement of the overall practice.  

With deep bows to the teachings of early 20th century yoga gurus and their proteges, we stand on the shoulders of history to see more clearly into the present and future – not to be held back by the early pioneers or our contemporaries who insist on strict adherence to tradition.

There are 12 asanas in the Classical and A/B forms: Mountain (Tadasana), Upward Arms (Urdhva Hastasana), Chair (Utkatasana), Standing Forward Bend (Uttanasana), Half Standing Forward Bend (Ardha Uttanasana), Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana), Warrior I (Virabhadrasana I), Low Cobra (Ardha Bhujanghasana), Plank (Phalakhasana), Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana), and Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Down). 

In this course, we look in great detail at of these asanas as they appear in both the traditional and remixed forms. In doing so, we also cover the practical, functional anatomy of movement, focusing on stability, ease, and being present in the experience.

What You'll Learn in This Course

In looking closely at each asana and transition in the three most popular Sun Salutation sequences, we highlight the phases and qualities of breath, the energetics (what one is actively doing), and the bio-mechanical forces.

Each asana and movement asks to both actively engage certain muscles and to relax others. We look closely at each of our major joints involved in each asana and transition, how they are actively mobilized and stabilized, and how these qualities of action are best approached throughout the flowing sequence.

We address healthy range of motion, matters of hypermobility and hypomobility, the role of connective tissues such as fascia and ligaments, differences in bone structure among different students (and differences by age and conditions such as pregnancy), and how best to guide both individual students and entire classes in clear and plain language.

We also address common myths and misunderstandings about the human body that arise from archaic and overly imaginative sources, thereby further highlighting the practical realities of real human beings doing yoga.

This expanded knowledge of dynamic yoga will directly enhance your knowledge and skills teaching Surya Namaskars, including offering modifications and props, giving hands-on adjustments, and more deeply appreciating each one of your students.

TOPICS

  • Brief overview of the history of Sun Salutations
  • The traditional approaches to Sun Salutations
  • Detailed guidance in each of the 12 asanas and the transitions into and out of them.
  • The practical, functional anatomy and biomechanics of movement (i.e., kinesiology) of movement.
  • Hopw best to introduce and teach Salutations to students who are new to them.
  • Modifications and use of props with each of the 12 asanas.
  •  Alignment, cueing, and hands-on adjustments
  • Working with injuries and special conditions

MATERIALS & REQUIREMENTS

This online course requires a strong internet connection so that the video content easily streams to your computer or other device. 

COURSE MATERIALS

  • Provided: Printable Workbook with images & ample space for notes (PDF), Course Syllabus (PDF)
  • Highly Recommended: Teaching Yoga (second edition), by Mark Stephens

COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION 

  • Watch all of the course video content
  • Attend the live sessions OR watch the recorded replays of the live sessions

FORMAT & SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE

  • March 13, 2026
    Course opens 
  • March 16
    1-hour Live Course Orientation
    10:00am–11:00am
  • March 20, April 3 & 17
    Three 3-hour Live Sessions
    9:00am–12:00pm
  • August 30
    5-Hour Live Session
    10:00am to 3pm
  • September 13, 2026
    Course closes

LIVE SESSIONS

  • March 16, 2026
    (9:00-10:00am PDT) 
  • March 20, 2026
    (9:00am-12:00pm PDT)
  • April 3, 2026
    (9:00am-12:00pm PDT)
  • April 17, 2026
    (9:00am-12:00pm PDT)
Time Zone Converter:
9am PDT = 12pm EDT | 6pm CEST 

This Live Format course features 20 hours of online learning that blends self-paced pre-recorded videos with live interaction via Zoom. There are three-and-a-half hours of prerecorded video, allowing you to learn at your own pace and according to your personal schedule.

The 3-week interactive portion of this course offers three live sessions via Zoom in which you will directly engage with Mark and other course participants. 

To make the most of attending the live sessions, we encourage watching all of the pre-recorded videos during the 3-week interactive portion of the course. This makes our live sessions via Zoom far more useful and productive in expanding your knowledge and skills. 

That said, we know your schedule can change at any given moment and that you may need more time to complete the course. That's why all the live sessions are recorded and available for you to watch at your convenience, and it's why we give you 6 months to complete the course.

Thus, you can either attend the live sessions in real-time or you can watch the recorded replays if you cannot attend live – or both!

This flexibility allows you to complete the course in as little as three weeks or as long as 6 months. It's your choice!

Who This Course Is For

New & Experienced Teachers and Serious Students Welcome!

Designed for new and experienced yoga teachers (& yoga teacher trainers), this course builds upon your current knowledge and helps you develop the refined skills for guiding students far more safely and effectively in their practice of the Sun Salutations.

With a focus on the most common sequences found in Flow-style yoga clases, this course is for teachers who want to guide the practice from their own knowledge and understanding while informed by the most recent, state-of-the-art understanding of Surya Namaskaras.     

  • If you've want to teach Sun Salutations and the basic "vinyasa" in the clearest and most informed ways...
  • If you ever feel frustrated in giving your students clear guidance in these asanas and transitions...
  • If you want to improve your knowledge of alignment and cueing...
  • If you want to learn more about helping students with injuries and special conditions... 
  • If you want to teach from a well of your own knowledge...

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU!

Register 

Early Bird Price - Expires February 16, 2026

$299 USD

Features:

  • 20 hours of convenient & flexible online learning.
  • 5 hours of pre-recorded videos you can watch at any time.
  • 15 hours of Interactive Live Group Sessions with Mark via Zoom. 
  • Printable Sun Salutation worksheets with postural images (PDF download).
  • 6 months access the course 
  • A total of 20 Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Hours
  • A Certificate of Completion
SIGN ME UP!

FAQs

Jimmy Corneyre, RYT 200, France

"Thank you Mark, for your knowledge, support and practical experience on Yoga. 
Your wisdom confirmed to me how responsible we all should be on processing a safe and enjoyable yoga class. Proud to be part of your community, Thank you so much! Shanti." - Jimmy (Power Hatha Yoga & Kriya

 

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JOIN AN UPCOMING EVENT

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• Classes in Santa Cruz, California
• November in Cologne, Germany
• December Hamburg, Germany
• Winter Solstice Retreat, Mexico
• Yoga Teacher Training – January 2026

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