300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Portland, Oregon
August 27 to November 1, 2025*
“The teacher training was a fantastic journey where the owners and teachers are truly dedicated to bringing knowledge and their experience to their students. Not only is one challenged but the rewards of improved self awareness, vast knowledge of yoga, anatomy, energetics, its history, and the amazing connections formed, will leave one with utmost gratitude and appreciation. ”
Start Your Yoga Teaching Journey with Our 300-Hour Training
In Yoga for Life yoga training with Raj and Kelly, you will gain academic and experiential knowledge in a complete system of yoga much more than the physical practices and class sequences. As students of Guruji Andrey Lappa, founder of the Universal Yoga lineage, our training aims to support practitioners with a depth and maturity in yoga such that it becomes a part of you and you become a part of a lineage of authentic Himalayan yoga. With both 300-hour and 500-hour training certification options, there is a long-term learning home here with us.
WHY DO WE START WITH 300 HOURS?
While Yoga Alliance curriculum requires only 200 hours for a Yoga Teacher’s certification, our experience has been that the leap from a practitioner to a teacher cannot be bridged with such a short course. As a result, we start off with this 300-hour curriculum. This gives our trainees much needed time to incorporate absorb, practice, and master the many facets of what constitutes teaching. The evidence is visible. Yoga for Life graduates find a teaching position immediately upon pursuing at studios nationwide and internationally.
LEARN TO TEACH SKILLFUL AND INTELLIGENT HATHA AND VINYASA YOGA CLASSES
In our 300-hour program, you'll learn two full-class sequences: (1) a static strengthening and stretching sequence (Hatha), consisting of 35 poses and eight different pranayama, and (2) a dynamic strengthening and stretching sequence (Vinyasa). Both classes are accessible and challenging for students of all practice levels. 30+ hours of yoga anatomy, which includes functional anatomy, ayurveda, kriyas, kinesiology and more. And, you’ll walk away with a solid understanding of what yoga is, as a result of the philosophical lecture series (see topics below). Many, if not most, of the graduates from this program, are well-positioned to teach at local and national yoga studios right after graduation.
This program is taught by YFL Co-founders Raj Patra and Kelly Suttell.
A Comprehensive Syllabus
Refined over years, this coursework provides a you with a stable platform for learning, absorbing, and transitioning into confident, assured yoga teachers in your own right.
Adhering to the rich, expansive content and teachings of traditional yoga, you will integrate with society in a modern context through extensive lecture series, office hours, q&a, and interactions.
WHAT’S INCLUDED - OUR PROMISE TO YOU:
You Will Learn to Teach Two Yoga Sequences:
Proficiency in teaching two full sequences (Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga) to students of all skill levels, based upon the systematic and scientific Universal Yoga principles in ranges of mobility, orientation in space and levels of complexity.
An understanding of how to access and deepen static yoga poses and dynamic vinyasa.
An understanding of how to safely instruct and align poses, while offering simplifications and intensifications using verbal and physical adjustments.
Subtle body anatomy, including the chakra and nadi systems, and their significance in an 8-limb practice.
An understanding of how to work with and accommodate students of all skill levels.
You Will Learn About How to Incorporate Yoga Philosophy into Daily Life:
Major yoga philosophy and history texts (reading list provided upon acceptance to the program).
The history and journey of yoga from the East to the West, and the significance of present-day stalwarts.
Classifications of yoga lineages, styles, sub-styles, and practices in Hindu and Buddhist yoga.
Overview of various styles of yoga, including Raja, Karma, Bhakti, Jnana yoga, and the breadth and depth of Universal Yoga.
Yoga Philosophy lectures cover topics such as: Tantrik yoga, History of yoga, impacts of Karma, finding your Dharma, Nature of Chitta in Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, Samskaras, Major styles of yoga in modern times, Role of music and Rasa in yoga, essential differences between Hinduism and Buddhism, pursuit of yogic freedom and happiness, etc.
You Will Experience Personal Growth and Development:
Public-speaking, voice projection, leadership skills and classroom safety skills.
How to become a yoga professional or entrepreneur in a competitive market; short- and long-term impact of yoga industry post-COVID world; tools one needs for teaching online and in-person classes; successful interviews and audition demos at yoga studios.
How to embody the principles of yoga to continue to further your own external and internal practices.
And, so much more!
2025 PROGRAM DATES & SCHEDULE:
Week 1: Aug 27, 29, 30, 31 | Week 2: Sept 3, 5, 6, 7 | Week 3: Sept 10, 12, 13, 14 | Week 4: Sept 17, 19, 20, 21 | Week 5: Week off for study and practice
Week 6: Oct 1, 3, 4, 5 | Week 7: Oct 8, 10, 11, 12 | Week 8: Oct 15, 17, 18, 19 | Week 9: Week off for study and practice
Week 10: Oct 29, 31, Nov 1, 2 (Exam and graduation)
Wednesdays: 6-9PM on Zoom | Fridays: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM in person| Saturdays and Sundays: 9 AM to 5 PM in person (with breaks) | All sessions are LIVE
Wednesdays are reserved for lectures on yoga history and philosophy. On Fridays, we cover pranayama, bandha, and the lesser-known topics and practices of yoga. Weekends typically start with yoga classes, followed by posture break-downs, sequence analysis, anatomy and posture alignments, and dialog practice in small groups and one-on-one. Above dates may vary due to program necessities and unforeseen circumstances.
TUITION & APPLICATION PROCESS
Program tuition: $3,800 ($500 deposit upon acceptance, and $3,300 due by Aug 1)
Payment plan: $3,900 (six consecutive monthly payments of $650 from application acceptance)
Application deadline: Aug 1, 2025
The application process is simple: Fill out the application form thoughtfully. We will notify you if you are accepted to the program within 10 days. Once accepted, sign a registration form and pay a $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot. We’ll start sending you communications and reading lists thereafter to start your journey ahead.
LOCATION:
We teach classes and trainings at our private home near St. Vincent Hospital (zip code 97225). We provide our address upon registering for class or trainings.
ON THE FENCE ABOUT SIGNING UP?
Set up a FREE 30-minute Discovery Call with Kelly here and get to know Kelly and ask any questions about the program.
*Please note: training requires a minimum of eight accepted students and can be cancelled up to 14 days prior to start date. All dates above subject to change.
Yoga for Life Teacher Training Testimonials
“Raj and Kelly are intentional, organized, and conscientious with how they plan every second of training to grant their students the knowledge essential for carrying on the torch of yoga. I recommend this training program for those deeply curious about the tradition of yoga, serious about their practice, and with an understanding of the responsibility a yoga teacher brings to her students. ”
“Kelly and Raj always make themselves available to fully and generously answer all questions - they value the “why” behind every piece of information they provided; no stone is ever left unturned. A medical doctor (who is also a yoga teacher) provides further support with in-depth detail on anatomy. Be prepared to work incredibly hard, learn a ton, improve your personal practice, build a lifelong community, walk away with amazing sequence information and for your whole life view and style to change - it’s so worth it! ”
A YOGA ALLIANCE CERTIFIED EDUCATION CENTER
We offer training programs that continuously surpass all standards set by Yoga Alliance. The curriculum ensures our yoga practitioners and teachers grow to understand an authentic yoga lineage, while learning about anatomy, alignment and complex sequencing theories. Our advanced training programs also offer life skills and health information grounded in the yogic tradition.
You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing your 300 Hours of Foundations coursework, once you pass your written and practical exams.
“Its focus of yoga theory, anatomy, and facilitation of asanas, alignment, and pranayamas is exceptional.”
“It was a life changing experience. I learned a lot about myself, yoga, and emotions that I didn’t quite understand at the the time.”
“I got a lot more out of it than I originally expected; I thought I would come out a Yoga Instructor, but instead I also came out a Yogi. It was truly an eye-opening and life-changing experience. ”
“I was very impressed with the level of training I received at YFL. The program was well put together and encompassed a well rounded mix of theory and practical. The teachers are dedicated and very knowledgeable. I would recommend this program to anyone looking to deepen their own practice, satisfy curiosity or broaden their understanding of what yoga is.”
“... YFL is truly committed to their trainees and are willing to help along the way. In times I felt overwhelmed, but very supported by the instructors and leaders. I love that I have made YFL my home! I would highly recommend anyone in the Portland area to look into this teacher training! ”
YOUR EDUCATORS
Raj Patra, Yoga for Life Co-Founder, E-RYT 500, YACEP
For over four decades, Raj has studied in the lineages and inspirations of Yogananda, Sri Anandamayi Ma, Swami Vivekananda, Bishnu Ghosh, Dr. A. G. Mohan, Zhander Remete, 17th Gyalwa Karmapa of Kagyu Lineage, venerable Chöje Lama Phuntsok Rinpoche, and most importantly, Guruji Andrey Lappa, founder of Universal Yoga and teacher of Tantrika. Raj is well-versed in systems of Hatha yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga and its western derivations, Bikram yoga, Power yoga, Yin yoga, Shadow yoga, and the extensive system of Universal Yoga and Shiva Nata (Dance of Shiva), and has spent time in Ramakrishna Mission, Dakshineshwar Temple, Belur Matth Vivekananda Institute in Kolkata, and Karma Lekshey Ling monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal to deepen his practices and teachings of Yoga. Read More.
“It is my deepest yearning to teach ancient yoga to modern people.” — Raj Patra
Kelly Suttell, Yoga for Life, Co-Founder, E-RYT 500
Creator of Kinetik Yoga (TM), and Integrative Healing Facilitator, Kelly started practicing yoga in 2003, after she started experiencing more chronic and acute neck and back pain due to the combination of congenital spondylolisthesis and a more sedentary professional life. After countless MRIs, physical therapy, acupuncture, and other rehabilitative modalities, Kelly turned to yoga. Since then, a holistic and complete yoga practice and life philosophy has been a key contributor towards preventing her chronic pain.
When not in the studio, Kelly is constantly reading about yoga and attending workshops, classes, and lectures from leading teachers, including A.G. Mohan, Guruji Andrey Lappa, and Zander Remete. Kelly has practiced a variety of styles and systems of yoga, including Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Mysore, Vinyasa, Universal, Yoga Nidra, and Yin/Tha yoga, but primarily teaches Vinyasa, Universal, and Yin/Tha. She aims for a teaching style that is heart-felt, compassionate, a caring, yet focused on anatomy, rehabilitative, and meditative. Read more.