Teacher Training and Certification

Why become a certified YogaSkills Kemetic Yoga Instructor? 

• Earn money doing something that you like
• Become Part of the YogaSkills Network
• Become listed on www.yogaskills.com as a certified instructor
• Gain automatic membership in the Institute of Kemetic Yoga and receive monthly newsletter, on-going advice and support in your practice and business development, discounts on workshops and trainings, HotepWear clothing, DVDs, CDs, Retreats and more
• Sponsor retreats, workshops and trainings for profit
• Be part of the effort to build an international organization to bring the light of Kemetic Yoga and the YogaSkills Method to the world
• Contribute to the health and well being of our community

The YogaSkills Method™1.       The practice of Yoga develops skills that are transferable and applicable to all other aspects of your life.  By learning to control your breathing in order to perform the movements and postures you develop the following skills:

• Self Control
• Patience
• Concentration
• Intuition
• Self Reliance
• Prosperity
• Faith
• Insight
• Stress Management
• Wellness

2.      The YogaSkills Method involves movements and postures that flow.  It incorporates the Kemetic or ancient Egyptian principle of geometric progression.  This means that the body flows from one pose into the next.  We flow geometrically, meaning from a simple pose into increasingly complex poses.  The flow of the movements is based upon an understanding of anatomy, physiology, the bio-energetic body and the flow of internal energy.

• In each posture we use the breath to flow into each phase of the pose
• We also perform forms where we move from one pose into the next in continuous movement.  It is all done in coordination with the breath.
• While performing movements, postures and forms the body becomes an extension of the breath
• While performing movements, postures and forms we cease to experience the body as a physical entity and experience it as energy.
• We use controlled breathing and concentration combined with slow flowing movement to activate the flow of life force as we move
• It is the flowing that produces the transformation and the experience of the body as the pure energy, which is it’s true nature and in fact is the true nature of everything.
• It is the realization that the underlying nature of everything is spirit or energy or life force that causes us to understand our true nature and then be able to move towards the attainment of our highest potential

3.      The YogaSkills Methods encompasses:

• Kemetic (ancient Egyptian) philosophy and spiritual science
• Pre-Aryan (Non-Hindu) Indian Yogic concepts
• Movements and postures that are uniquely Kemetic

4.      The YogaSkills Method and Kemetic Yoga were developed to de-mystify the science of Yoga and make it understandable and available to people who are least likely to engage in it but need it the most.Yirser Ra Hotep (Elvrid Lawrence) is a master instructor of Yoga and the creator of the YogaSkills Method™.  He is also the most senior instructor of Kemetic Yoga in the United States with over 30 years of experience practicing and teaching.  Yirser was involved with the original research and documentation of Kemetic Yoga along with master Instructor Dr. Asar Ha-pi in the 1970s.  Yirser has continued to research, document and expand on the foundations of Kemetic Yoga.  He has written extensively, lectured and led workshops throughout the United States, Africa and the Caribbean, including Cuba.  Yirser has been featured in publications  such as  Yoga Journal, Yoga Chicago, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Parent, African Business and Culture to name a few.  He has also been interviewed and featured on WGN TV, ABC TV, NBC TV, CBS TV and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show.Yirser has trained and certified over 100 Kemetic Yoga instructors throughout the United States and has been recognized for his innovative Yoga Therapy programs for pre-school children, school age children and teens.  Yirser holds a master’s degree in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and has operated Groups Homes for abused and neglected youth, worked as an administrator for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and operated youth mentoring programs. Through his consulting business, YogaSkills Stress Management and Wellness he has provided services to major corporations, large social service agencies, Chicago Urban League, the city of Chicago, state of Illinois and Cook County.  He is a visiting professor at DePaul University School for New Learning where he teaches courses in Stress Management, Yogic Science, Comparative Religious and Philosophical Systems and the African American Family.Yirser is a registered Yoga Instructor, E-RYT with the Yoga AllianceYoga is a 27 billion dollar industry.  It is the most popular “exercise” (mind/body fitness) system in the world.  18 million Americans spend $1,500.00 yearly on Yoga classes, equipment, clothing, etc.  The majority of this population is baby boomers between the ages of 45 and 54.  This aging population is looking for an exercise system that is low impact, does not injure their body and helps to release stress.  They are also looking for a workout regimen that increases flexibility and helps them perform recreational sports more efficiently.  Experts estimate that the number of people practicing Yoga will continue to grow steadily for at least the next ten years.  Another important point is that the second fastest growing segment of the Yoga market is people 18 to 24.  This trend portends will for the future viability of Yoga from a business perspective.African Americans comprise 8% of the baby boomer population and a significant portion of the 18 to 24 year old market.  Like their white counterparts they do Yoga in order to gain the benefits of stress reduction, flexibility and injury prevention.  A significant portion of African Americans practicing Yoga are also interested in the spiritual aspect of Yoga.  They are attracted to the African Centered philosophy of Kemetic Yoga rather than the more Indian culture based mainstream Yoga. Gain Expertise in the following YogaSkills:

• The Kemetic YogaSkills Method of Movements, Postures and Breath
• Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) movements and postures
• Meditation and Breath Control
• Principles of Stress Management
• Kemetic Yoga History and philosophy
• Teaching Techniques and Safety
• Teaching Students with Special Needs

Training Format Options:

• 6 month and 3month initial course
• Class meets once per month for 6 months or twice per month for 3 months with major workshops led by Yirser Ra Hotep.
• 7 day intensive in Jamaica or some other part of the world.
• A 14 day intensive will be offered soon.
• Online and Distance Education Programs Available for $750.00
• 200 hour course is also available
• Training Guide provided as part of the course fee, along with the YogaSkills DVD and Journey to Amenta Meditation CD
• Weekly study sessions led by local facilitator providing opportunities for practice and teaching.
• Weekly journal assignments
• Email and telephone support
• Investment:  $1,500.00 or more to be paid in increments following a $500.00 down payment
• Upon course completion students receive a certificate of completion and certification letter.
• Additional follow up training intensives offered periodically in Chicago at the YogaSkills Studio at House of Hotep

Yirser Ra Hotep is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the foremost masters of Kemetic Yoga.  He has been featured in Ebony Magazine, ABC TV, WGN TV, Yoga Journal, African Business and Culture and has been seen on the Oprah Winfrey Show.Contact:  Call or email for current ScheduleYirser Ra Hotep:  773.396-6613 or toll free:  888 599-YOGA