Mindful Resilience for Yoga Teacher Training (MRYTT) FAQ

The 200-hour Mindful Resilience for Yoga Teacher Training (MRYTT) is a 200-hour yoga teacher training designed by the military community, for the military community.

Yoga is translated from the word yuj, which is loosely translated to the word union. We were once called to serve in uniform, so for many, being drawn to yoga is a natural transition. The camaraderie and sense of belonging is something we all seek after leaving our time in service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the student expectations and the requirements for graduation?

Conduct yourself in a professional manner.
Adhere to VYP Teacher’s Alliance Code of Conduct
Read and sign all required documentation upon acceptance by February 8, 2027.
Embody and teach all postures including modifications. (Blocks, straps, chairs, wall, etc.)
Demonstrate knowledge of movement, breathing, and meditation practices through practical applications and peer instruction.
Demonstrate an authentic ability to hold the space and share the practice with students, through the use of VYP’s Mindful Resilience of SPaCE, safe/predictable/accessible/controllable/environment. OR, Demonstrate VYP’s three guiding principles – (1) support precedes action – respect for the phase-oriented approach to PTS(d) treatment, support for the yoga teacher, support for the practices; (2) SPaCE, safe/predictable/accessible/controllable/environment – the yoga instructor, the yoga environment, options for each of the practices, previewing, maintaining boundaries, managing expectations; (3) Mindfulness and Acceptance – mindfulness, acceptance – awareness with non-judgment (santosha is the Sanskrit word).
Complete the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, which demonstrates comprehension of all competencies and subcompetencies which meet Yoga Alliance’s standards for 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training “common core” curriculum. (Yoga Alliance is the credentialing organization that VYP adheres to.)
100% attendance to all sessions – LIVE weekend , LIVE Practice & Purpose sessions. (Or, in accordance with the make-up policy for sessions or assignments missed.)
All homework, journaling, practice-teaching (to include final 60 minute teaching practicum), assignments, and quizzes submitted in a timely manner.
Complete payment of full tuition by August 1, 2027 – prior to attending in-person training at Feathered Pipe Ranch, Montana. Failure to do so will result in certificate being withheld until payment is complete.
Upon graduation, become a member of VYP’s Teachers Alliance (free). (Obtain insurance and read/sign all required documentation.)
Give 108 volunteer hours through Seva* work promoted through direct mentorship. *Seva means selfless service in Sanskrit. It is our duty as a yoga teacher and part of our values as a military member to participate in service. We believe in Seva here at VYP. (Please see further answers to Seva/Seva project below.)

Q: There are so many 200-hour teacher trainings available. What makes this one so different?

A: Our program is derived from many different lineages, schools, and ideals. Our focus on anatomy, physiology, philosophy, and psychology will allow each student to truly explore the concept of yoga as a more holistic practice. In addition, each student is assigned a 1:1 VYP Teacher mentor that guides and supplements our program’s Practice & Purpose: Philosophy, Integration and & Cohort Dialogue sessions. These Practice & Purpose sessions align with Yoga Alliance’s learning objectives, the LIVE weekend training sessions as well as a supportive journey into building upon each students’ personal purpose for teaching yoga. This supportive journey affords the students an opportunity to begin their practical teachings while in the training, as well as guiding them into their own svadhyaya, self-study (in Sanskrit).

Our training will also allow for time to integrate the learned material between sessions. Divided into LIVE online sessions, LIVE online classes, optional study groups, 1:1 mentorship and a six-day retreat-style in-person session, students will have the space to practice weekly concepts on their own, allowing time for reflection and exploring questions or observations as they arise.

We also strongly believe in the guiding principle that support precedes action. Each student attending the training will be partnered with a local VYP Ambassador and a Seva Team Member. The idea behind this partnership is to remind each other that we are never alone in our journey towards growth and betterment. Students will be able to connect with their Yoga Teacher Training local Ambassador/Seva Team Member, observe and participate in local classes (where available), and learn more about what it means to teach yoga to veterans, in all settings.

Q: What is included in the training?

A: While this training is billed as a “200” hour teacher training, that billing only includes contact hours with one of the lead instructors. Homework, journaling, self exploration, and check-ins with VYP Teacher Mentors, Seva Team Members and Study Group are not included in that time. You should expect to cover the following topics:

Yoga history – Terms, dates, styles
Yoga philosophy – Historical texts, important dates, and key ideas
Yoga asana – Commonly practiced poses, their historical context, how to safely sequence, anatomy and alignment with contraindications
Pranayama (breathwork) – Commonly practiced pranayama, effects on the physical and subtle body, sequencing to include adaptations and alternatives
Meditation, mantras, mudras
Anatomy and Biomechanics – Major bones, muscles and their functions in asana, types of joints and their movements
Physiology – Nervous, cardiovascular, circulatory, endocrine, and digestive systems
Ethics – Teaching responsibilities, governing bodies, business management
Food, lodging, yoga mat, blocks, strap, bag, t-shirt, books for required reading, manuals and associated handouts are all included in the training.

Q: I already have my 200 hour teacher training. Am I still eligible?

A: You are welcome to apply however due to the large number of applicants, we will prioritize applicants who have not been through a Yoga Teacher Training.

Q: I have a less than honorable discharge. Can I still apply?

A: Yes! We do ask for your DD214 as part of the application process however it is simply to verify time in service. For active duty members, more recent orders can take the place of a DD214.

Q: What style of yoga does the Veterans Yoga Project teach?

A: If you have been practicing yoga for a while, you may know that there is a style of yoga out there for everyone. Our style of physical movement or asana, is derived from several styles of yoga: hatha yoga, power flow, gentle and adaptive yoga, and vinyasa and Iyengar yoga. Despite our different backgrounds, you will be taught how to hold the space and share the practices of yoga, no matter the tradition or style you have practiced.

Q: What if I don’t want to be a teacher?

A: We understand that everyone approaches yoga with different intentions. Some choose to answer the call to teach while others are drawn to explore these practices on their own.

During the course of your program, you will be paired with a VYP Teacher Mentor who will serve as your 1:1 mentor. This mentor will provide support as you navigate teacher training as well as offer guidance to launch your own classes and Seva project requirements.

Upon graduation, you will be invited to join the VYP Teachers Alliance – a program wherein we provide lasting support to our teachers. As a participant in this program, you will be required to teach – and log – 108 “Seva” hours of yoga to veterans, their families, and community members. Your VYP Teacher Mentor, local VYP Ambassador and Seva Team Member will guide you through this journey. Seva translates to selfless service in Sanksrit. As a member of the military, you are already well informed on selfless service, and we believe in continued service to others here at VYP. As part of our 200h MRYTT Program, you are required to complete 108 hours of service to the military community alongside/in name of VYP. You are eligible to begin these hours during training, and you will have support in what is best for you and how to complete this. You have up to six months after graduation to begin these Seva hours.

This program is designed specifically to support you in your journey from student to teacher; if you would rather not be a teacher, we still encourage you to apply, however just know that teaching will be a requirement.

Q: I have an injury/special condition - can I still participate?

A: Of course! We welcome everyone, of all abilities, to apply.

Q: Will I be qualified to teach yoga once I complete this teacher training program?

A: Yes! Upon successful completion of this training, you will receive the basic qualifications to teach yoga in many settings as well as yoga studios, vet centers, and gyms.

If it is your intention to teach at your local VA, per national VA policy, you may be required to complete the next level of certification (RYT 500).

Q: Who will be leading this teacher training?

Lead Teachers:

Jessica Bugbee (Program Manager): Army veteran, E-RYT500, YACEP
Brian Garrison: Army veteran, E-RYT500, YACEP
Jenn Robb: E-RYT500, CIAYT, YACEP

Teachers:

Mollie Franke (Director of Volunteer Engagement): Army veteran, E-RYT200, YACEP
Angela Phillips (MRY Class Specialist): E-RYT500, YACEP
Brianna Renner (VYP CEO): Marine Corps veteran, E-RYT500, YACEP

Q: Is there a prerequisite for this training?

A: At least 6 months of yoga practice and 6 months of breathwork and meditation are required.

Q: What is the required and recommended material for the program? And, is the required material included in the tuition?

A: Yes, the required materials are included in the tuition cost of the program, to include: a mat, blocks, strap, bag and a t-shirt.

The materials are:

Required Reading:

Mindful Yoga Teacher Training manual
Mindful Resilience for Trauma for Recovery manual
The Bhagavada Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley
Inside the Yoga Sutras by Reverend Jagnath Carrera
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff & Amy Matthews
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar

Supplemental Reading:

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
Light on Life by B.K.S. Iyengar
The Key Muscles by Ray Long
Yoga Therapy for the Military Community by Melissa Aguirre

Q: Does this program qualify for YA, IAYT, or NBCC credits? Will I be able to register as a yoga teacher?

A: Veterans Yoga Project is a 200h Registered Yoga School with Yoga Alliance. Upon completion of this program you will be able to register as a Registered Yoga Teacher 200h, RYT 200, with Yoga Alliance.

This program does not qualify for NBCC CE hrs or IAYT CE hrs.