BECOME A TEACHER OR JUST DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE
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200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training at Recess Yoga
A transformative, real-world teacher training for modern seekers
Co-Led by Recess Yoga Founder Tom Sowders and Recess Pittsboro Owner Katie Brownfield
Novemeber 2026 - May 2027 · 9 weekends · Pittsboro, NC
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US
Honoring the Roots of Yoga
Yoga philosophy and deities, like Ganesha, pictured here, can help us live our lives. But before we go any further, we acknowledge that yoga is not a product of the West—it is a sacred tradition that comes to us from South Asia, particularly from India and surrounding regions. The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits we experience through this practice are made possible by the wisdom, resilience, and generosity of South Asian people, teachers, and lineages—many of whom have been marginalized or erased in the global spread of modern yoga.
At Recess, we are committed to honoring these roots by teaching with humility, curiosity, and respect. We aim to hold space for meaningful study, embodied practice, and cultural awareness as we take part in the ongoing evolution of yoga in a modern world.
You Weren’t Made to Fit Into a Registry
This deep dive into the eight limbs of yoga is all about showing up fully—in your body, in your breath, in your life—and learning how to lead others from that place of authenticity. It’s about genuine inquiry, practice, reflection, play, challenge, joy, sweat, stillness, and the kind of presence that you can feel in a room.
You’ll leave this training with a strong foundation in yoga philosophy, movement, and advanced teaching skills. But more than that, you’ll leave with a new relationship to your voice, your practice, and your purpose in life.
We’ve chosen not to affiliate with Yoga Alliance. This is not because we don’t believe in high standards—we most certainly do. It's because we believe in real standards and the ability to meet those standards in a way that feels authentic to us. We’re interested in yoga’s heart not its corporate arm. Mentorship, community, critical thinking, and embodied experience are our curriculum—not bureaucracy.
That doesn’t limit you. Many respected 300-hour programs, like Asheville Yoga Center’s, accept graduates from non-Yoga Alliance trainings like ours. Real learning speaks for itself.
Lastly, this decision wasn't made because we CAN'T meet their standards. We can. We just choose not to limit ourselves and what we offer you based on their standards.
What You’ll Learn
- Functional anatomy and safe alignment for real bodies
- Sequencing and theming classes to help them create rich inner experiences for your students
- The roots of yoga philosophy
- Meditation, breathwork, and the nervous system
- Trauma-aware, inclusive teaching strategies
- How to find your voice and teach from the heart
- How to responsibly assist with voice and touch
- Real-world prep: business of yoga, ethics, power dynamics
- And real teaching experience
What You’ll Get
You’ll graduate with a 200-hour certificate from Recess Yoga and the confidence to teach in your own voice—whether in studios, gyms, online, or your own community.
Unlimited yoga for the duration of the training. ($700+ value!)
Graduation celebration with guests and fun activities
Community with your cohort, maybe friends for life
Field Trip to Sauna House Durham
Who It’s For
- Aspiring yoga teachers
- Students seeking to deepen their practice, relationship with, and knowledge of yoga
- Community leaders, bodyworkers, and wellness professionals
- Anyone craving a spiritually grounded, challenging but supportive deep dive into yoga
Format & Schedule
9 weekends over approximately 7 months
Saturdays: 9am–5pm
Sundays: 9am–5pm
(1-hour break each day)
If you can't make one weekend, we will offer make up activities.
Schedule
Weekend 1: Foundations + Philosophy
November 14–15, 2026
Lead Teacher: Tom Sowders
Weekend 2: Anatomy & Functional Movement
December 5-6, 2026
Lead Teacher: Katie Brownfield
Weekend 3: Ashtanga Foundations
December 12–13, 2026
Lead Teacher: Katie Brownfield
Guest Teacher: Tessa Joseph-Nicholas
Weekend 4: Meditation + Presence
January 9–10, 2027
Lead Teacher: Tom Sowders
Weekend 5: Yin, Fascia & Nervous System
February 27–28, 2027
Lead Teacher: Katie Brownfield
Guest Teacher: Sarah Atashi
Weekend 6: Creative Sequencing & Intelligent Class Design
March 13–14, 2027
Lead Teacher: Katie Brownfield
Weekend 7: Bhakti, Chanting & Teaching from the Heart
March 27–28, 2027
Lead Teacher: Tom Sowders
Integration Field Trip
Tuesday, April 20, 2027
Sauna House Durham
Weekend 8: Sequencing, Assists & Accessibility
April 24–25, 2027
Lead Teacher: Katie Brownfield
Guest Teacher: Jill Simon
Weekend 9: Final Teaching + Integration
May 15–16, 2027
Lead Teacher: Tom Sowders
Graduation Celebration
May 22, 2027
6:30 PM
Recess Yoga Carrboro
Guest Teachers
- Tessa Joseph-Nicholas – Ashtanga Yoga foundations
- Jill Simon - Inclusivity
- Sarah Atashi - Yin Yoga and creating a vibe
- AND MORE TBA!