Testimonials from Joschi Yoga Institute's Previous Graduates
"When I first decided on the 200 hour teacher training at Joschi Yoga Institute, I honestly had no expectations. I knew it was a comprehensive course that would cover the material I was ready to learn to help me on the path of teaching yoga. I am glad I didn't have expectations because my experience has far exceeded any I might have had! From the beautiful clean modern look and feel of the studio itself, to the incredible staff and trainee group..I felt at home...taken care of in all aspects of practice and professionalism.
I find the studio owners, Joschi and Monika to be quite incredible. From Monika's acute business sense and dedication to success, to Joschi's powerful creative, intuitive and humerous spirit...they complete a balance. Both are extremely knowledgeable in ALL aspects of yoga. I felt at home, empowered, encouraged, inspired. I laughed and fully enjoyed yoga and teaching aspects in ways I never imagined I could.
The staff, all quite incredible humans....provided me with the perfect tools to use to help others in all aspects of this ancient practice. There is no question that they are all examples of walking the talk...living their lives and teaching because they LOVE it. It is who they are....AWARE and AWAKE!
That is why the program can be as effective and impacting as it is...the ultimate inspiration and awareness. I found all of these aspects to be the perfect blend to teach and impart wisdom to us green trainees. I am sad to leave, having felt such a tribal sense of community within such a short time. I feel grateful, excited, connected and honored to be able to leave and share what they have all taught me in the light of helping others on the yoga path.
We are all connected and attract what we need in life...so I will simply continue to be an extension of Joschi Yoga Institute everytime I guide a person in a downward dog, a warrior, an om. My deepest blessings and love to all who have helped me...all good things, thoughts, awareness. Priceless experience. In gratitude," - Danielle D.
"Joschi's Teacher Training has been amazing! Truly amazing because it's been just a month; so short and so full! I loved that we were encouraged to be ourselves as individuals as well as part of a group. We grew and learned together with support and compassion for one another, which encouraged us all to take chances as individuals. The teachers created an atmosphere of learning and encouragement.
Every day we explored Yoga with two or three teachers, each of whom brought their passion and knowledge to every class. Asana, Anatomy, Yoga History and Philosohy, The Yoga Sutras, The Bhagavad Gita, Pranyama, Bandhas, the Business of Yoga, and teaching, teaching and teaching! It's so much, still settling and a fantastic base from which to begin to teach.
I complete the training enriched personally as well as professionally. Thank you Joschi, Monika and all your teachers for all you brought, shared and gave! A heartfelt...Namaste!" - Kim B.
"More then just a flawless studio and an in peck able website. The Joschi Yoga Institute teacher training can and will change your mind & body, but most of all the way in which they work together. The structure of the program works! Four weeks of pure dedication, intense amount knowledge in such a short amount of time. CHANGE is Possible in the blink of an eye! Walk in students leave as educators of mind body and FULL of sprit! Be ready and open to true understanding of life’s potential. Thank you for all your time, understanding and pure focused Energy. I feel blessed to have studied with such great instructor! I hope that more beautiful souls find their way to your doors! Just knock first! Thank you dearly, xoxo." - Colleen M.
"I just completed the Winter 2010 Joschi Yoga Institute 200 hr. Yoga Teacher Training. This outstanding program featured Joschi, Monika and their staff who embodied the passion, knowledge, and professionalism to impart the myriad facets of yoga. I would recommend this program to anyone with a desire to become a yoga teacher or to simply take their journey into yoga to a higher level. I savored every fleeting moment and the wonderful kindred spirits who shared in this experience. Namaste!" - Lynne G.
"When I first came to 'Joschi Yoga', I found the environment, teachers, classes and his unique personality very impressive. Then I decided to have teachers training there. Now 12 weeks and 200 + hours are over and I realized that I made a great choice. I learned and grew a lot.. The foundation they built on us about technical knowledge as well as teachers' persona are so amazing.. Monika was very patient, understanding and knowledgeable teacher meanwhile the other teachers of Joschi Yoga were very helpful during our training time.. Joschi says he is not a 'GURU' sure he is not but definitely he is like 'guru of anatomy in town' His knowledge and expertise is profound. If anyone is looking for a serious 200 hrs teacher training, this is the quality program and studio in NYC. Elevator can be eccentric from the first day but they will train you for that too...:)) Enjoy the journey.. Namaste.." - B.B.
"I recently went through the month intensive teacher training course at Joschi and it exceeded all expectations I had (and I had great expectations). All of the instructors were extremely insightful and inspiring and each had something unique to share. I honestly believe that no other education or experience in my life has transformed me so much for the better. Not only did I leave the training confident, excited about yoga (wanting to share my knowledge with all willing to listen), and equipped with the essential knowledge of anatomy, but through learning the philosophy of yoga and daily intensive practice, I feel exponentially more mentally balanced and overall, a more focused, peaceful, productive and happy person. Meditation was covered as well but was not the main focus of this course, however, I feel the practice of meditation is so personal, that there is only so much you can teach in a given amount of time. I love the atmosphere of the studio, and even the other students were such amazing people. I think this place is very unique and I wouldn't trade my experience at Joschi for anything!" - Marlena B.
"I'm currently enrolled in Joschi's 3-month yoga teacher training, and it has been a consistently positive experience from the start. I did a lot of research on programs as well as taking classes all over the city. I have a full time job in technology strategy consulting. Time is near and dear to me, and I take these types of commitments very seriously. For sure, yoga training is a highly personalized choice - based on factors ranging from one's own level of practice, experience w/ different styles of yoga and individual interests. One program may be fantastic for one student and not so for another - just like going to university, working for a company, or going to a restaurants.
That said, for me there are several areas to highlight:
* Joschi and Monika are authentic and genuinely interested in each student's journey with the program. Anyone who has spent time with them in the studio in advance of training would have a very clear sense of who they are, and if they as instructors are a fit for them. Given that yoga is ALL about being who we truly are, they embody this and are at ease with themselves, which I've found to help myself and others feel that way as well.
* They get that the "mass commercialization" of yoga is a big issue and have helped our trainee class understand this landscape and how we might navigate it. This has been an extremely valuable reality check for those truly interested in yoga for its transformative potential (vs. perhaps monetary or other interests - not that there is anything wrong with that).
* As we all know the perils of yoga when not done w/ proper alignment, etc, Joschi's intense focus, knowledge and experience on anatomy of the body and how it moves is absolutely fantastic. For me, a rule of thumb #1 is students not getting harmed in yoga! This requires teachers, new and experience, to have strong background in anatomy. This differentiates the program and for me is an essential part of my learning. As a result, his classes have a most creative sequencing and I have enjoyed and learned a lot from how he provides a complete class experience.
* Actual practice teaching is the best tool to incorporate our learnings, and we have had ample opportunity to be teaching, and are encouraged to do so. Like most things in life, one tends to get out what one puts in. I've found the 1st 2 months to be packed with information as well as a lot of hands-on.
Thanks to Joschi, I'm deepening my own practice and also gaining a better sense of where I'd like to go on my journey in teaching yoga. My gratitude for this opportunity." - Molly T.
"I am not new to yoga and have studied at different great studios with teachers whom I love. I came to Joschi when I was trying to decide on a studio where I could be in one place to focus, to feel at home while deepening my practice--and to eventually do a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. The first time I walked into Joschi it felt like I had walked into another world. Everything about this studio was just different. I didn't even realize that I was looking for different, but there it was. I felt at home.
The space is dark, beautiful, quite lounge-like and sophisticated. I immediately took 4 classes with 4 different teachers and fell in love with each of them and their varied styles. Many of them have received their Yoga Training Certificates from Joschi, and are really great teachers! I have experienced and witness each teacher taking special interest in and care for their students, their practice as well as their limitations and abilities. I am not too sure how it is that they do this, but these teachers also remember those things that they learn about new students upon their return and work them into the class. Here, there is a dynamic approach to yoga that for me was unexpected.
Some teachers are more traditional in their yoga styles than others which is where I naturally lean, however, those who are not as traditional push yoga to a refreshing & playful edge which has offered me options and insights that I value especially as I further explore my own relationship to yoga and start to imagine what kind of teacher I could potentially become. Because the owners Joschi & Monika got to know me pretty well right away, I'm sure that they knew that I would do my training with them even before I did!" - Teri R.
"Inhale Warrior I, exhale Warrior II. Inhale Peaceful Warrior. One breath, one movement. By following your own breath, let it move you through your flow. These words have become music to my ears over the past year that I've been attending Joschi. This attractive and chic yoga studio has become my second home, I kid you not! (I have told both the owners Joschi and Monika that I am going to set up a cot in the back room because I spend so much time there.) The dark wood floors, white walls and copper-colored ceiling sets the stage for a rejuvenating yet challenging vinyasa practice. All of the teachers are unique and they get to know your strengths and weakness so that they can help to deepen your practice. They are all super-friendly and carry such great energy that is truly refreshing. They not only act as your guide but are also very knowledgeable about yoga while adding their own personal flare to each class. Many of them even received their Yoga Teacher Training Certificates from Joschi. In addition to brilliant yoga classes, Joschi also offers mat-based pilates classes. With Joschi's comprehensive background in anatomy, he not only gets you in shape for summer but explains how the muscles work together so that you have a better understanding of what is happening in your own body. His style of teaching is not only interesting and funny but it allows you to see what exactly you need to focus on to improve your body. If not for their support, I would have never enrolled in their 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. Both Joschi and Monika are always available at the studio to answer any questions you may have. I appreciate everything that they do. I've enjoy my experience so much that now I really do live there, at times taking two and three classes a day!" - Paula P.
"I've studio-hopped for over 5 years in NYC and finally found the right fit- beautiful space, creativity of the flow, actual knowledge of the human body, and the best workout (my newly chiseled obliques thank you!) You feel at home at Joschi's the moment you walk in. The teachers are each unique and genuinely care about strengthening your practice. Lots of creative people frequent the studio and you immediately understand why they are drawn here. You always leave feeling better than you did walking in. The owners of this studio are gracious and have created a strong sense of community. Everyone seems to show a mutual respect for others and those with lack of self-awereness (e.g. cell phone users) are not ignored for the sake of a dollar. I'm happy to finally have a place I can enthusiastically recommend to everyone!" - Laila G.
"Considering becoming a yoga teacher? Then I highly recommend you choose the Joschi Yoga teacher program. I completed their intensive 4-week program today. It was everything I had hoped for and so much more... Over the past 11 years, I have taken yoga classes at many gyms, studios and clubs all over NYC. Moreover, as an avid triathlete competing at the world championship level and an active coach, I have seen my fair share of the fitness industry from the inside. I chose Joschi Yoga for my teacher training after taking classes there for a couple of months, getting to know the studio and talking to the teacher trainees of the preceding 4-week programs. The program emphasizes anatomy, proper asana, pranayama and meditation practice, and gaining teaching experience over the more esoteric aspects of the "subtle body". This worked well for me as I felt I was getting a thorough education re: those aspects of yoga that are grounded in (both Western and Eastern) science. We were also introduced to yoga philosophy, the doshas, koshas, bandhas and mudras through lively discussions that inspired further critical inquiry on my own. Where I thought Joschi and Monika really shine, though -- and surpassed my expectations --, was equipping me with the tools to become not just a passable conduit but the best yoga teacher I could be. From the very first day, they challenged me to establish a connection with my students through which I would be able to authentically relate my very own practice of yoga. At its heart, this requires self-scrutiny, courage and discipline. Monika and Joschi guided me through this sometimes scary process with "tough love" tempered by a generous helping of humor. Thanks to them, I feel confident that I will be able to deliver a safe, exciting and rewarding experience to my future yoga students. What is more, Monika and Joschi let me discover how teaching yoga can bring deep contentment and even joy to my life. For this unexpected gift, I will be forever grateful." - Christian S.
"I have practiced yoga for 12 years and take my practice rather seriously. At the same time, I'm not at all interested in the cult-y or chant-y studios that abound. Being of Indian descent and having academic and personal knowledge of Indian spiritual traditions, it makes me livid to see the way some of these teachings are thrown into bendy, stretchy yoga classes. At Joschi, I got exactly what I needed--an emphasis on protecting the body, strengthening the muscles, moving in a way that was right for my body (and not just "however your body is inspired to move"...which could be problematic in the end!). It was straight-up exercise with humor, challenge, and intensity. I definitely recommend this studio to anyone and everyone." - Siddhartha S.
"I fell in love with the first Joschi Flow class that I took, before making the decision to come to the studio for my training. The class pushed me beyond the limits that I didn't know could exist, I am hooked.
Monika is great. She knows her stuff and her smile is infectious. She is very much down to earth. Joschi is a little different. I could tell right away he had a dance background and he still shows that flamboyant personality, which actually helps to drive his class. His knowledge in anatomy is amazing. Through his teaching, it really starts to make sense to have the knowledge of what body part is working, when building a sequence. His classes are amazing, so the connection he facilitated to find the connection within myself is powerful.
We taught on day one. I heard of other studios that you don't get the chance the chance to teach until the very end of training. We had to build sequences in the first couple of weeks. It gradually built from a 5 minute sequence to 45 minutes. They were great on how much material they added on to us per week. I never felt overwhelmed. I did what they told us to do, which was to stay with the time-line they outlined and things will start clicking...so true.
The mystery anatomy test was a little hard. However, Joschi did outline most of the materials on the test. If you are a good note-taker and have a head on your shoulders, you should be able to pass.
Overall, I did have a great experience. The one thing I did wish we had more of was meditation and pranayama instruction. As someone who has done both for a number of years, it was easy for me to understand it. A few of the trainees didn't understand the concept. I remember having a few conversations about this topic. We were asked to teach both, but only really went through it a few times. For a 200 hour course, I think Joschi and Monika had chosen wisely on what to focus on during our training. There is so much still to learn, that you will never know it all. I do feel like I was given a solid foundation to build my teaching skills." - Tammy, W.
"Taking a teacher training has been a personal goal of mine for quite some time. Joschi's studio covers vinyasa flow and I felt this would suit my personality and what I look to attain from yoga. My favorite thing about this studio is that it addresses yogi values in the 21st century in New York. I take yoga for a number of reasons of health and balance and find that their realistic approach invites me into developing my practice further, without losing the realities I am tied to via career and environment. I do not feel forced into an extreme way of living, but feel far more welcomed to grow. As teacher trainees we are encouraged to teach throughout the course, Monika emphasizes safety and for each trainee to become an effective communicator. It is not just what the lessons are, but how to teach them and have your students understand you. As I have questions, I know I can ask during the teacher training class and get the answers I need. Joschi's anatomy lessons apply this complex subject in an attainable set of lessons. As in most forms of education, you have to review what you learn, anatomy is not easy and is well worth reviewing considering how direct he has crafted his teachings. Again emphasis on safety, is communicated in the anatomy lessons. They are both German and do well to connect with the students, while providing comfort to other foreigners. My teacher training has an equal split of Americans and foreigners. The support and encouragement is good and I think knowing that you can approach your teachers here is something you cannot forget. As with most things in life, if you have questions, want further details, or want to improve on something outside of the foundation of the teacher training, ASK! I certainly take advantage of learning from these individuals and recommend all to do the same." - Vanessa P.