Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Foundational Yoga Studies YTT 200 Online program!
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, 13 students completed Mount Madonna’s six-month online yoga teacher training, gathering one weekend each month for study and practice in Classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path). This cohort joined from across the country, with students attending from California, Missouri, and Florida. Despite the distance, they were an exceptionally open and supportive group who built a genuine community over their six months together.
Guided by a faculty of 20 teachers, the group explored foundational practices and techniques primarily within the Ashtanga and Hatha Yoga (path of balance) systems — including shat karma (purification methods), mudra (symbolic gestures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, and asana (postures). These methods were supported by study in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Samkhya Philosophy, Ayurveda, subtle body theory, anatomy, physiology, and teaching methodology — woven throughout the training as a foundation for both personal practice and teaching.
Apprentice Laura Harris, E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, YACEP®, certified Pranayama Teacher, Accessible Yoga Teacher, and YogaBody Science of Stretching Coach, shared this message about being an apprentice for the program this year:
“Being an apprentice is a transformative experience.The opportunity to help students discover their teaching voices and confidence as well as witness their expanding understanding of Yoga from theoretical to personal is a truly sacred thing. I also have deep appreciation for this time of continued connection and learning within the Mount Madonna community for myself. I have grown as a space-holder, facilitator, collaborator, student, and teacher under the guidance of the amazing faculty and traditions and teachings of Baba Hari Dass. Online Mount Madonna community is vibrant, accessible, nurturing, and full and I couldn’t recommend apprenticing more—plus we get to meet everyone’s pets.’”
A joyful moment from the YTT 200 Online graduation ceremony, where graduates and program leaders gathered to celebrate the program’s completion:
Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Foundational Yoga Studies YTT 200 in-person intensive!
On July 12, this year’s YTT 200 in-person intensive cohort completed Mount Madonna’s month-long yoga teacher training, following 30 days and 29 nights of immersive study, practice, and community life on the Mount Madonna campus.
Throughout the intensive, students engaged deeply with the Classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path) tradition through daily practice, study, and reflection. Alongside asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), meditation, shat karma (purification methods), and mudra (symbolic gestures), the cohort studied Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Samkhya Philosophy, Ayurveda, subtle body theory, anatomy, physiology, and teaching methodology.
Living and learning together allowed the students to bring these teachings into the rhythms of daily life while developing their individual voices as teachers. Their graduation marked the culmination of a month shaped by dedicated practice, meaningful connection, and shared commitment to the study of Yoga.
A moment among the redwoods with the YTT 200 In-Person Intensive cohort and program leaders during their month together on the mountain:
Mount Madonna is honored to celebrate the dedication, curiosity, and heart these graduates brought to their respective journeys. May their practices continue to unfold — and may these teachings continue to nourish them on their paths and shine through in the ways they choose to live, serve, and share.
