Recess Method™ Yoga School Level 1 training

Established 2026

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Recess Method Yoga School

Seattle, WA

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Purpose

This training bridges traditional yogic teachings with contemporary approaches to the body, breath, and nervous system.

A central pillar of the program is somatic awareness, supporting the development of interoception, proprioception, and embodied intelligence. Students learn how

What to expect

The Recess Method™ Approach

The Recess Method™ is a somatically-informed teaching framework that integrates breath, movement, and nervous system awareness into a cohesive and practical methodology.

Students are trained to:

Teach from embodied intelligence rather than memorized sequencing

Recognize and respond to nervous system states in real time

Guide students through sensation-based awareness and internal feedback

Adapt practices for diverse bodies, experiences, and environments

Communicate with clarity, precision, and accessibility

A signature component of the training is the Recess Method™ Anatomy & Pose Calligraphy System, which supports deep understanding of postures through structure, function, and intentional application.

Style/Lineage

A Somatically-Informed Approach to Yoga, Leadership & Embodied Teaching

The Recess Method™ Yoga Teacher Training is a comprehensive 200-hour program designed to develop skilled, confident, and thoughtful yoga teachers.

Rooted in classical yoga philosophy and informed by modern science, this training integrates functional anatomy, breath mechanics, nervous system education, and somatic awareness as a core teaching methodology.

Students are guided to move beyond memorization and into embodied understanding—learning how to teach from direct experience, clarity, and presence.

Additional Information

Training Structure

The program is organized into three integrated phases:

Learn
Develop a strong foundation in philosophy, anatomy, breath, and nervous system function

Embodied Practice
Cultivate somatic awareness through interoception, proprioception, and applied integration

Teach
Translate embodied understanding into clear, adaptive, and effective instruction

This structure ensures students are not only informed—but capable of teaching with confidence and responsiveness.

Core competencies

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to…

Teaching Skills	Apply yama and niyama principles to specific teaching scenarios involving consent, boundaries, and professional conduct, integrating philosophical themes from classical texts into class intention-setting and verbal framing Integrate somatic awareness into yoga instruction by guiding students to notice internal sensation, breath quality, and nervous system state, and lead structured reflection practices including pose observation and awareness exercises—to support embodied learning and self-inquiry Teach surya namaskar a and b to beginner students using the complete teaching scripts provided in the recess method curriculum — demonstrating clear breath cuing, alignment instruction, observational presence, and the ability to offer real-time modifications throughout Apply a progressive skill-building framework for safely introducing inversions by sequencing foundational strengthening, preparatory stages, and full expression Teach representative postures from each asana category demonstrating anatomically informed cueing, integrating breath and somatic awareness, and guiding smooth, class-appropriate transitions between categories
Yoga History & Theory	Explain the development of modern postural yoga by tracing its evolution from classical traditions through a specific historical lineage, distinguishing between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation within a yoga teaching context, and summarizing the ethical responsibility of acknowledging lineage and honoring yoga’s south asian roots in professional practice Discuss the role of subtle body frameworks in yoga by describing the kośa model as a multi-layered system of physical, energetic, mental, and awareness-based experience, explaining how prāṇa flows through the nāḍīs and how imbalances may manifest as physical or emotional patterns, and interpreting modern scientific perspectives on mind-body integration in relation to these traditional models. Explain the principles of dinacharya as a nervous system regulation practice by describing how consistent daily rhythms support autonomic balance, sleep quality, and emotional regulation
Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics	Apply functional anatomy knowledge to deliver safe alignment cues and appropriate physical assists identify and adapt for contraindicated movements in common conditions (e.g., hypermobility, si dysfunction, chronic low back pain), and implement props effectively to support anatomical variation, stability, and structural integrity across diverse bodies. Apply polyvagal-informed principles to yoga class design by adjusting pacing, intensity, verbal tone, and environmental factors to support nervous system regulation, and recognizing and responding to signs of autonomic activation or shutdown through de-escalating cues, accessible options, and invitations to rest
Practice Skills	Perform meditation and mindfulness practices by using appropriate pacing, somatic language, and nervous system awareness, and self guide a yoga nidra or body scan sequence within a somatic awareness framework Demonstrate foundational asana principles by performing correct alignment across all eight asana categories, executing surya namaskar a and b with clear breath synchronization, and adapting postures through appropriate modifications and prop use Complete pose study documentation for foundational ashtanga postures by practicing pose calligraphy drawings, recording anatomical and structural observations, and reflecting on somatic awareness to deepen understanding of alignment, function, and embodied experience Practice pranayama by demonstrating accurate execution of foundational techniques, and integrating breath cueing within an asana sequence to support nervous system awareness and somatic experience
Lifestyle & Ethics	Apply consent-based assist protocols in live teaching practice using explicit verbal consent language, offering non-touch alternatives, and responding respectfully when a student declines Discuss ethical decision-making in realistic teaching scenarios involving student disclosure, scope-of-practice boundaries, and dual relationship considerations Facilitate a trauma-sensitive yoga class using fully invitational, choice-based language throughout

AYC allows each school to state and evaluate the competencies each student acquires. Students rate how well the program delivered them.

Program Emphasis

Evaluation methods

Program evaluations

Solo Project Or Presentation
Oral Exam
Written Submission
Direct Observation

Students will be evaluated through a combination of oral/written exams, solo projects and practice teaching sessions

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Program Faculty

Featured Faculty

Parnisia Thomas

Yoga educator integrating classical Hatha and Ashtanga Vinyasa to develop strength, precision, and embodied leadership on and off the mat. Dedicated to expanding access to transformative wellness experiences across communities.

brainandbodyrecess.com

Seattle, WA, US