Scott Johnson

 

A Mindful Approach To Adjusting The Intermediate Series Training Intensive

 

We are so excited to announce that renowned Ashtanga Yoga teacher SCOTT JOHNSON (London | Stillpoint Yoga) will be back again in Cologne!
Join him for a special 5-DAY TEACHER & PRACTITIONER INTENSIVE and experience A MINDFUL APPROACH TO ADJUSTING THE INTERMEDIATE SERIES.

This training is for Yoga teachers and Ashtanga practitioners who are interested in learning more about the practice and teaching of the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga.

At the end of the 30 hour training you will receive a certificate of attendance. YAP (Yoga Alliance Professionals) accredited teachers will be able to register the hours as CPD (Continuing Professional Development).


Training Overview

The Intermediate Series offers a profound continuation of the personal inquiry begun in Primary Series. Known as Nadi Shodhana — nerve cleansing — this sequence works deeply on the nervous system, energetics, and subtle patterns of body and breath.
It’s a series that challenges and reveals, asking us to pay closer attention, to listen more deeply, and to hold space — for ourselves and others — as we encounter resistance, release, and transformation.
In this training, we explore not just the what of the Intermediate Series, but the how and why. How does the sequence evolve from Primary? How do we meet it with care, intelligence, and discernment? And how can we guide others with clarity, presence, and trust?


A Mindful Approach to Adjustment

Rather than relying on rote techniques, we will explore how adjustments can become opportunities for shared awareness, deep listening, and intuitive touch. Through guided labs and practice teaching, you will:
Learn clear, safe, and responsive assists for each posture of the Intermediate Series — from Pasasana through Urdhva Dandasana
Understand the physical, energetic, and psychological shifts that arise in this more complex sequence
Practice adapting your approach for different bodies and minds
Refine your ability to see and respond to movement patterns with precision and compassion


Philosophical Framework:

The Kleśas
Each day will also include in-depth teachings and group inquiry into the kleśas—the five root causes of suffering as outlined in the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali:

Avidyā – misunderstanding

Asmitā – ego-identification

Rāga – attachment

Dveṣa – aversion

Abhiniveśa – fear of loss/death

We will explore how these mental and emotional patterns subtly appear within our physical practice and relationships—and how a mindful approach to teaching and adjusting can help us meet them with awareness.


What You Will Learn

• A complete and integrated view of the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga
• Alignment principles, transitions, and key challenges throughout the sequence
• Safe and effective adjustment techniques that prioritise presence and connection
• How to support others through the complexity of the Intermediate Series
• Tools for self-inquiry and reflection as both practitioner and teacher
• How the kleśas manifest in practice—and how yoga offers a path through them
  
  

Who Is This Training For?

This training is for teachers of Ashtanga yoga and experienced practitioners who are familiar with the Intermediate Series up to Pincha Mayurasana. You should have a consistent Mysore-style practice and a curiosity about both the physical and philosophical dimensions of yoga.

Program

Day 1 — 22. November
7am - 9am Mysore self practice
11am - 12pm Philosophical principles: Avidya
12pm - 1pm
Fundamental intermediate series principles:
Pashasana – Noose Pose
Krounchasana – Heron Pose
Shalabhasana A & B – Locust Pose
Bhekasana – Frog Pose
Dhanurasana – Bow Pose
Parshva Dhanurasana – Side Bow Pose
2pm - 4pm Teacher Adjustment Practicum

Day 2 — 23. November
7am - 9am Mysore self practice
11am - 12pm Philosophical principles: Asmita
12pm - 1pm
Fundamental intermediate series principles
Ustrasana – Camel Pose
Laghu Vajrasana – Little Thunderbolt Pose
Kapotasana A & B – Pigeon Pose
Supta Vajrasana – Sleeping Thunderbolt Pose
Bakasana A & B – Crane Pose (jump into Chaturanga in B)
2pm - 4pm Teacher Adjustment Practicum on the first five poses

Day 3 — 24. November 
7am - 9am Mysore self practice
11am - 12pm Philosophical principles: Raga
12pm - 1pm
Fundamental intermediate series principles:
Bharadvajasana – Bharadvaja’s Twist
Ardha Matsyendrasana – Half Lord of the Fishes Pose
Eka Pada Sirsasana A & B – One-Leg Behind-Head Pose
Dvipada Sirsasana – Two Legs Behind-Head Pose
Yoga Nidrasana – Yogic Sleep Pose
2pm - 4pm Teacher Adjustment Practicum on the five poses

Day 4 — 25. November
7am - 9am Mysore self practice
11am - 12pm Philosophical principles: Dveśa
12pm - 1pm
Fundamental intermediate series principles -
Tittibhasana A, B & C – Firefly Pose Sequence
Pincha Mayurasana – Forearm Stand
Karandavasana – Duck Pose (from Pincha into lotus and back)
Mayurasana – Peacock Pose
Nakrasana – Crocodile Pose (jumping plank)
2pm - 4pm Teacher Adjustment Practicum on the five poses

Day 5 — 26. November 
7am - 9am Mysore self practice
11am - 12pm Philosophical principles: Abhinaveśa
12pm - 1pm
Fundamental intermediate series principles -
Vatayanasana – Horse Pose
Parighasana – Gate Pose (sometimes repeated)
Gomukhasana A & B – Cow Face Pose
Supta Urdhva Pada Vajrasana – Reclined Upward Leg Pose
Mukta Hasta Sirsasana A, B, C – Free Hand Headstand Variations
Baddha Hasta Sirsasana A, B, C, D – Bound Headstand Variations
2pm - 4pm Teacher Adjustment Practicum.

Scott has been director and senior teacher at Stillpoint since he co-founded it in 2009 as Stillpoint Yoga London, with the late Ozge Karabiyik. He has dedicated himself to sharing the practice of yoga each weekday morning since then.

Scott has been practising yoga since 1998, and teaching Ashtanga yoga since 2003. He’s one of only a few Ashtanga teachers to both be authorised in the primary and intermediate series by Manju Jois and be given senior teacher status by John Scott.

Scott is registered as a senior yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance UK and has also undergone extensive training with Clear Mind International, gaining their level 1, 2 & 3 certificate in Mindfulness and Compassion. Scott’s years of dedicated and committed teaching each morning has led Stillpoint to become a highly respected central London Ashtanga yoga shala. He meets everyone who comes and looks to create long-term relationships, integrating the practice of yoga and embodied mindfulness as a way of meeting the world.

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Cancellation policy

A binding registration takes place on the day of receipt of payment. In case of cancellation by the participant, the following participation fees will be refunded:
- Up to 2 weeks before: 80%
- In case of a later cancellation a refund is not possible.

Minimum participants: 6

If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the workshop.