VINIYOGA® TEACHER TRAINING
Viniyoga Teacher Training is rooted in the classical teachings of T. Krishnamacharya, TKV Desikachar and Dr Kausthub Desikachar, where yoga is understood as a deeply personal and evolving practice. At the heart of this tradition is a simple but profound principle: yoga must be adapted to the individual, not the individual to yoga.
This training goes beyond learning techniques. It offers a holistic and experiential approach in which students are guided to understand the full spectrum of yoga tools—including movement, breath, meditation, lifestyle, and self-inquiry—and to apply them meaningfully in real life.
A distinctive feature of this training is its emphasis on individualised teaching and mentorship. Trainees learn to work one-to-one, observing and responding to each person's unique needs—physically, mentally, and emotionally. This develops not only skill, but also sensitivity, responsibility, and clarity as a teacher.
The training is also transformational. It supports the student’s personal growth while cultivating the ability to guide others on their journey toward health, self-awareness, and inner development. Yoga is approached not only as a practice, but as a process of healing, self-empowerment, and lifelong learning.
Finally, Viniyoga training is not an endpoint, but the beginning of a deeper journey—supported by ongoing mentorship, practice, and continued study within the tradition.
A Comprehensive and Integrated Curriculum
The training offers a comprehensive and in-depth curriculum, combining both practical and theoretical study, supported by personal practice and mentorship.
Students explore:
Yoga Philosophy – including an in-depth study of the Yogasūtra-s of Patañjali (Chapters 1 and 2) and other classical texts
Āsana and Prāṇāyāma – principles, techniques, adaptations, and sequencing for different needs
Meditation and Mantra – understanding the process of meditation, chanting, and their application
Teaching Methodology – ethics, communication, and the art of teaching both groups and individuals
Observation and Adaptation Skills – learning to assess and respond to different body types and conditions
Personal Practice and Mentorship – ongoing guidance through individual practice, reflection, and svādhyāya
Anatomy, Physiology, and Psychology – foundational knowledge to support safe and meaningful practice (optional)
The program unfolds over time with guided study, practice, assignments, and close interaction with a mentor, ensuring that learning is not only intellectual, but deeply embodied and lived.
This page features a registry of officially qualified Viniyoga Teacher Trainers from around the world.
These trainers have undergone rigorous training within the tradition and are recognised to offer certified programs. Through them, students can pursue authentic Viniyoga Teacher Training and receive official certification within this lineage. Consistent with the principle of Viniyoga, they offer the core teachings in their own unique manner. So while the form of their training may be different, the functional core will remain consistent with the sacred teachings of the tradition.
This registry supports both students and teachers—helping you find the right guide for your journey while strengthening our International Viniyoga Saṅga.
CURRENT REGISTERY OF VINIYOGA TEACHER TRAINERS WORLDWIDE
SINGAPORE & ASIA
Name of Trainer: Dr Kausthub Desikachar
Name of School: Viniyoga Singapore
Location: Singapore, Thailand, India
Languages: English
Training Options: In-person / Hybrid
Speciality: Holistic Tools of Yoga, Yoga Philosophy, Chanting, Sacred Texts
Website: www.viniyoga.com.sg
Email: info@viniyoga.com.sg
NEW ZEALAND
Name of Trainer: Ruth Diggins
Name of School: Yoga with Ruth
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Languages: English
Training Options: In-person
Speciality: Yogasūtra, Yoga Philosophy
Website: www.yogawithruth.co.nz/
Email: ruthdiggins.yoga@gmail.com
BELGIUM
Name of Trainer: Rigo Philip
Name of School: Mitra ASBL
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Languages: French, English
Training Options: In-person / Hybrid
Speciality: Integrative Yogic Tools
Website: www.mitra-yoga.be
Email: philip@mitra-yoga.be
SPAIN
Name of Trainer: Grazia Suffriti
Name of School: Pranamanasyoga
Location: San Sebastián, Spain
Languages: Spanish, Italian, English
Training Options: In-person
Speciality: Prāṇāyāma, Yogasūtra, Elderly
Website: https://pranamanasyoga.es/
Email: graziayoga@gmail.com
SPAIN
Name of Trainer: Miren Nekane Santamaria Landa
Name of School: Miren Nekane Santamaria Landa
Location: San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Languages: Spanish
Training Options: In-person, Online
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma
Email: nekaneabrazos@gmail.com
USA
Name of Trainer: Chitra Ganesh
Name of School: Śraddhā School of Yoga
Location: California, USA
Languages: English
Training Options: Hybrid, Online
Speciality: Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Yogasūtra, Yoga Texts
Website: www.śraddhāschoolofyoga.com
Email: chitrayoga70@gmail.com
UNITED KINGDOM
Name of Trainer: Kimberley Burnham
Name of School: KM-Yoga (Kramamukti Yoga)
Location: Dorset, United Kingdom
Languages: English
Training Options: In-person, Online, Hybrid
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Children's Yoga, Chanting, Yogasūtra
Website: www.km-yoga.com
Email: kim@km-yoga.com
UNITED KINGDOM
Name of Trainer: Sharon Cox Button
Name of School: Dorchester Yoga and Therapy Centre
Location: Dorchester, Dorset, United Kingdom
Languages: English
Training Options: In-person
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Yogasūtra
Website: www.dorchesteryoga.co.uk
Email: scoxbutton@gmail.com
ITALY
Name of Trainer: Federico Aronne Merlo
Name of School: Parinama Yoga
Location: Gravellona Toce (VB) - Italy
Languages: Italian, English
Training Options: In-person, Online, Hybrid
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Yogasūtra, Yoga Texts
Website: www.aronnemerloyoga.com
Email: info@aronnemerloyoga.com
ITALY
Name of Trainer: Davide Barchi
Name of School: ConTatto
Location: Modena, Italy
Languages: Italian, English
Training Options: In-person, Online, Hybrid
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Children's Yoga, Yogasūtra, Yoga Texts, Meditation
Website: www.spaziocontatto.org
Email: info@spaziocontatto.org
SOUTH KOREA
Name of Trainer: Seunghee Cha
Name of School: ANAJUDA Yoga Meditation Studio
Location: Seongnam City, Bundang-gu, South Korea
Languages: Korean, English
Training Options: In-person, Online, Hybrid
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Yogasūtra, Meditation
Website: www.instagram.com/suryaseunghee
Email: shaktiroopa@naver.com
CHINA
Name of Trainer: Li Yingzhe
Name of School: Li Yingzhe
Location: Shenzhen, China
Languages: Chinese, English
Training Options: In-person, Online, Hybrid
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting, Mantra, Alignment · Harmony
Email: 36748195@qq.com
INDONESIA
Name of Trainer: Ninin Srinahatya Praharni
Name of School: Ninin Srinahatya Praharni
Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Languages: English, Indonesian
Training Options: In-person, Online
Speciality: Āsana, Prāṇāyāma, Chanting
Email: nina.nahatya@gmail.com
JAPAN
Name of Trainer: Naoko Morita
Name of School: Naoko Morita
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Languages: Japanese, English
Training Options: In-person, Online
Speciality: Chanting
Website: https://moritanaoko.com
Email: yogacakra.naoko@gmail.com
JAPAN
Name of Trainer: Sachiyo Munechika
Name of School: Yoga Studio Svarūpa
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Languages: Japanese
Training Options: In-person, Online
Speciality: One-on-One teaching, chanting, Yogasūtra
Website: www.yogahrdayam.com
Email: info@yogahrdayam.com
CANADA
Name of Trainer: Anne-Marie Vigeant
Name of School: Yoga with Anne-Marie
Location: Montreal, Canada | Gisborne, NZ
Languages: English, French, Spanish
Training Options: In-person, Online, Hybrid
Speciality: Children's Yoga, Chanting, Yogasūtra, Yoga philosophy
Email: amvigeant@gmail.com
NEW ZEALAND
Name of Trainer: Kate Bendall
Name of School: The Home of Yoga
Location: Dunedin, New Zealand
Languages: English
Training Options: Hybrid
Speciality: Chanting, Elderly
Website: Katebendallyoga.com
Email: kate.bendall@yahoo.com