TEACHER TRAINING
Spring
2026
The Chi Kri Gold Standard
Yoga Teacher Training Course 2026
Chi Kri Yoga are pleased to announce a new version of The Gold Standard for 2026! As well as the all the yoga training, to qualify as a teacher, the emphasis next year will be on progressive meditation training and yogic character development.
Every single module will have a meditation section, where practise will be perfected and developed over the entire length of the training. And every module will have a yogic character trait we will develop too, with guidance, techniques and feedback.
When you finish your yoga teacher training, not only will you be a qualified instructor, but also a regular meditator, and a yogi by nature!
- 300 hours
- 32 Modules
- 2 year training
- London based
- Face to face training
- International Qualification (CKYG)
- Insurance provided
- Sundays only (approx. 15 p/year)
- Holidays off
- 13+ Welcome
“You have been truly inspirational in everything you do and show great strength in unifying everyone in the group. I feel yoga has transformed my life and I will always be indebted to you for being there, and supporting me through.”
– Mina Changela, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2012)
“The journey with Chi Kri Yoga and Neil has transformed my personality and character, helping me to move forward in life with happiness and understand my true life purpose. I feel that I have finally found a place where I belong. I can say that Neil is "living" yoga – and the best yoga, and life, teacher I have ever had.”
– Daniel Truffa, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“I just wanted to say that what I experienced from you at the module, today, was the purest form of unconditional love I have seen anyone give to another human being. To trust and have faith and belief in us, as your trainees. is beyond what words can describe.”
– Anjna Vekaria, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2012)
“For two years, I hounded Neil Patel to let me onto the Chi Kri Yoga Teacher Training Course. Two years! And let me tell you—every moment of that wait was worth it! Chi Kri isn’t your typical yoga course. It’s deep, intuitive, and intense. Over 18 months, on sacred Sundays, I immersed myself in a world where yoga wasn’t just physical—it was metaphysical. We explored the mind, body, heart, and soul in ways I never imagined. Every session began with satsang, setting the tone for wisdom, reflection, and connection.
There were my deep discussions, with Neil, about karma. The beauty of Chi Kri is that it challenges you, stretches you, and transforms you in ways you never see coming.
If you’re considering the next Chi Kri Yoga Teacher Training, don’t hesitate. It’s more than a course—it’s a journey that will shape your soul.”
– Yogesh Patel, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“Neil Patel is easily the best teacher you will find in the UK today. And you will probably have to search very hard, and for a very long time, to find a better teacher anywhere else in the world. He is head and shoulders above any of the hundreds of teachers that I have met so far.”
- Mehul Shah, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2012)
“I have no words on how amazing this course has been for me, and how much I have learnt and evolved. I know that this has really changed how I see life. Thank you for accepting me. I had always wanted to learn from an inspirational teacher, you came along, and everything fell into place at the right time. I’m glad I found Chi Kri, and it will definitely always be home. I will always be indebted to how much support you have given me. Thank you so much for this.”
– Sheetal Patel, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“People must learn how to be a yogi, before they become a yoga teacher.” - Neil Patel
Examples of Modules
Q: What is Yoga?
This subject will cover several modules! You will learn the history, purpose and structure of yoga, from both a spiritual, metaphysical, practical and psychological point of view. You will see how yoga fits into the Vedic scriptures of India, and how yoga was recalibrated into the common ashtanga yoga system of Patanjali. This system led to eight limbs of yoga, like meditation, asana and pranayama, but also the yamas and niyamas, which are the eight codes of conduct within yoga (for example, ahimsa, or non-violence). Studying these codes is an incredible experience as they give you the spiritual codes to a successful life.
You will also get to understand all the various types of yoga there are (for example, gyana yoga, the yoga of wisdom) and how to use those paths. You will also be taught the principles and characteristics which make you a yogi, and be given the format for how you will train yourself during the course, to come out as a good example of one.
These modules will give you all the understanding you need to know the subject inside out – and you will be surprised as to just how vast, deep and interesting it all becomes.
The Art and Science of Yoga Poses
In these modules you will get to learn the art and science of physical postures. Throughout the series, you will be taken through around 25 Chi Kri Yoga postures in exacting detail. You will be given suitable variations of each pose and their accompanying adjustments. Chi Kri takes a technical approach to postures and has a hawk-eye view of adjustments; yet, at the same time, there is a feel, energy and state of mind behind each yoga posture which we also want you to appreciate. These postures are designed to work right into the nervous, circulatory, endocrine, skeletal, and digestive systems, as well as the muscles, bones and joints.
The Philosophy of Teaching Others
A very intense and often ground-breaking module for some: How to express yourself, get the right volume, be friendly, hold command and discipline, and many other subtle skills which make a teacher respectable, likable and, most of all, effective. If you’ve never done anything in the public before, this will be the most important set of modules for you. We will cover the “27 Points of an Excellent Teacher”, addressing such things as warmth, volume, leadership and eye-contact. As well as being good for teaching, this will be a big lesson in public speaking, your voice and confidence in general.
Pranayama
Popularised by breathing exercises like “alternate nostril breathing”, pranayama is an accessible yet deeply powerful subject that deals with concepts such as consciousness, the nervous system and spiritual awakening. The general, practical benefits to pranayama fight against stress, whilst improving the general health of the entire body.
There are eight breathing exercises common to yoga which will be taught, including ujjayi, surya bhedan, shitali, kapal bhati and brahmari. Some basics of Chi Kri breathing techniques will also be covered, including square breathing, trinity breath and rectangle breath.
Anatomy and Physiology
This will be an introduction to the areas of anatomy and physiology you should be aware of whilst teaching yoga. We will cover the basics of the following systems to allow you to understand the workings of the physical body:
- The Nervous System
- The Skeletal System
- The Muscular System
- The Cardio-Vascular System
- The Respiratory System
- The Digestive System
- The Endocrine System
“I found Neil to be a spiritual warrior who has yogic principles indelibly fused into his being. I was nourished by his knowledge and guidance and will always be grateful for the invaluable experience I received during the course.”
- Meera Patel, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2008)
Relaxation and Concentration
Relaxation is the most underestimated function of yoga. Without the ability to relax you will not access the power of meditation, let alone God or the universe. Aside from that, the ability to relax will provide stress-management and effective sleep. Chi Kri Yoga has methods to put the body to sleep in 7 seconds and we will show you that. There are dozens of relaxation methods, and many will be shown to you on this course. As with relaxation, the power of concentration is hugely taken for granted. Concentration is undiluted consciousness focused in one spot. To be able to do this harnesses the entire mind, breath, nervous system, muscles and will into one task, action or thought. From there, meditation and anything else is possible. Without it, barely anything can happen. We will discuss this idea and provide some methods to help you understand its power.
Meditation
Possibly the most vital aspect of yoga is meditation. This is the practice that the posture work of yoga was built for – to support the bodily structure for hours of long meditation. However, as well as being crucial to development, it is also shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Chi Kri has a fifteen-level system of meditation – and whilst it is not necessary, or possible, to learn all levels in your training, you will be taught the major ones. They are effective, yet simple, just as meditation is supposed to be. Some of the techniques you may be taught include the Lake Technique, the Thought Observation Technique and the Soul Feeling Technique. You will also be taught the technicalities for correct posture for meditation and all the secrets and skills to meditation you will need to build a successful practise and teaching set.
Meditation and Chakras
The Chakras are central to yoga. They are the keys to reversing the process of entering the body at birth and lifting your being back to its rightful home in Spirit – or the state of being known as “heaven”, samadhi, or nirvana. These seven cerebrospinal centres are the stations for the soul, and unlocking them through meditation sets many powers and levels of consciousness free. You will be taken through each of the seven chakras as we explore their sounds, colours, effects, benefits and associated attributes, including the third eye, the root chakra and the heart centre. A truly enlightening subject full of colour, sound and structure.
The Sound of Aum
The sound vibration of Aum emanates from the Shakti of God at the inception of Creation. Within it is carried time, space and the origin of all sub-atomic particles. Upon Aum the entirety of physical creation is born. This vibration whirrs at the base of all cells in the body and is also a living link to God. By chanting Aum correctly, through all the chakras, in the right way, this holy vibration tunes every being back to their default and perfect state, straightening out all kinks in the human armour and leaving one breathlessly happy. However, the technique for chanting this holy syllable is very specific, engaged and requires special training. It is not something which is taught elsewhere, but is taught at Chi Kri Yoga, and to incredible effect. You will learn this on the course, and it will forever change the way you utter this vibration.
“There is a tight support network throughout the course, and I’ve received love, encouragement, guidance, knowledge and sometimes sheer hand holding from the tutors to make sure I understood what I had learnt, and applied it. Through their teaching, I have gained confidence in myself, which is immeasurable.”
- Smirti Kotecha, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2015)
“Every aspect of this course has been designed to ensure you become stronger, mentally and physically. You’ll be challenged in ways you never knew but will find this only makes you more resolute. You’ll break mental barriers and face more than your fair share of fears, but feel safe in the knowledge that it is your time to evolve.”
- Anjali Oza, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2015)
“I loved the course right from the start. I loved learning again and meeting new people. Nothing could have prepared me for the depth of learning that occurred over the 18 months. At times it was incredibly challenging balancing work, family and study, but I was able to apply lots of the yogic principles which we were taught on the course, like determination and patience. At the end of the course there was such a great sense of achievement.”
– Wendy Parks, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2015)
New Modules for 2026!
Karma, Reincarnation, Death and the Heavens. [NEW]
Yoga comes from a series of scriptures known as the Vedas. In these texts is explained a process of life which encompasses a system of understanding based around an ongoing divine evaluation of your actions and reactions, and a relocation of your soul to one of several universal dimensions after your earthly exit. This incredible, broad and fascinating process will be explained in this module. Once this module is over, you will understand a lot more about the methodology of the system of life we are in, and it should bring you peace and comfort.
Vipassana, Mauna and Silence [NEW]
In this new module, you will be shown the power of silence for introspection, reflection, contemplation, spiritual enquiry, writing and having a good soul connection. Together with meditations, mental exercises and guidance you will be invited to spend a whole module in complete silence, to experience and appreciate the incredible benefits of mauna and vipassana, two great spiritual tools.
Meet the Teachers! [NEW]
Chi Kri Yoga is a family lineage of yoga, which extends to all our past graduates. On this day, we will invite several back to visit the trainees. Trainees will have a chance to hear their stories about their yoga journeys, experiences of the course and how they are finding teaching yoga, as well as exploring the general benefits they find, having yoga in their lives. The teachers will give tips on passing the course as well as fielding questions from all the trainees.
Explore the Mahabharata [NEW]
Beginning with Brahman, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, the Sun God (Lord Surya) and the Moon (Chandra), and several other great souls, the Mahabharata is the story of India’s kings and gods, and how the land of yoga came into being. The story takes into consideration all twenty of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Krishna, and has threads in people who are still alive today. We will give you a full overview of this great scripture, encompassing never-heard-before chapters from Neil Patel’s new Mahabharata book into the module.
God and the Guru [NEW]
What is a guru? When do you need one? What is their job? What is so special about one? How do you tell a guru from any other type of teacher? Can you master yoga without a guru? Can you get to God on your own? Who, or what, is God? What is He like? Is God a He or a She? Why did He make us? Where is He now? What is He like, to meet? Why does he “allow” suffering? These are just some of the lessons we will cover in this module. Being a yogi will require you to have an understanding of all these answers. Make sure you come with all your deepest questions!
Introduction to Vedic Astrology and Ayurveda [NEW]
Ideally, a yogi should be a master of both of these subjects too. Between yoga, ayurveda and jyotisha (Vedic astrology) most events in life are covered. In this module, trainees will be given a key explanation of both Vedic subjects. Chi Kri works with Vedic astrology and ayurveda – but may bring external practioners in for this module as well.
The Abdomen Module [NEW]
Chi Kri Yoga classes, for 35 years, have always contained a gym level of focus on the abdomen. We take abdominal work very seriously indeed. Not only is that section of the body responsible for protecting the organs, but it also reduces the chances of having a “bad back” to almost zero, improves posture, organ space and breathing, fires up the digestion and improves the strength of the three lower chakras. It doesn’t hurt that abdominal work helps you look, feel and perform better physically either! As there are so many abdomen parts and exercises to speak about, and try, we have decided to dedicate a whole day to this part of the body, so you have an excellent understanding of it all.
The 30 Characteristics of a Yogi [NEW]
Taught over the entirety of the course, the 30 characteristics of a yogi will underpin the entire journey. These will be given at a rate of 1 or 2 per module, with readings, exercises, affirmations and discussions. Lord Krishna taught the 26 characteristics of a yogi to his disciple, Arjuna, as recorded in the Bhagavad Gita, one of the holiest scriptures of India. All of Krishna’s traits will be subsumed into the 30. Such characteristics as patience, courage, humility, strength and fearlessness will all be taught, with an expectation on trainees to immediately begin practising these qualities – with our expert guidance supporting them.
Overseas, Long-Distance, Pregnant, or Absent Trainees
The Gold Standard has trained and graduated teachers on the east and west coasts of America, all the way to Dubai, India, Singapore and Japan. We have also done the same for people in England and Wales who were too far to attend each and every session. We have also taken expectant mothers onto the course, and managed their progress successfully to graduation (some have given birth whilst being a part of the course). And for those who are simply absent once or twice, we can also manage those infrequent moments. For overseas, long-distance or expectant trainees, the 85% attendance rule is either completely removed or adjusted. This means they can take advantage of several factors:
- Live-streaming into modules via a phone. (For this, you need to have made a friend on the course, who will set up a phone link for you.
- This is something that generally happens on a course. And often one phone is used, and several people are on, for example, a Whatsapp video call.)
- The course manual and handouts. Relevant chapters are sent out two days in advance of the module.
- Full audio and relevant video recordings, which are sent out around 48 hours after the module.
- Notes and handouts from the module sent over email.
- Communications with any designated “study-buddies” (overseas trainees only)
In the event the above is not enough, the Chi Kri office will be open to email, phone, Zoom or even in-person support, if needed, until enough is done to help the trainee be acquainted with what they need to know. To date, all overseas trainees have passed. In fact, in the last course, the two overseas trainees scored some of the highest marks we saw, which was testament to both themselves, and the Gold Standard’s attention to overseas trainees.
“I am Arisa, from Tokyo. I first met Neil about 20 years ago, in London.
But in May 2023, I had a sudden realization—almost like being struck by lightning—that I needed to deepen my understanding of yoga and meditation, and that I must reach out to Neil again. By great fortune, I was able to join the Chi Kri Yoga course. Even with the eight-hour time difference from Japan, I never hesitated.
Neil and the Chi Kri community supported not only my learning, but my whole being. I was able to keep up with the course through recordings and videos, and whenever I had questions, the team and the wonderful member, assigned as my supporter, always offered guidance and a chance to practise together. Neil also provided multiple one-to-one sessions, helping me deepen my learning across both time and space.
I also had the opportunity to visit the UK once and join the group sessions in person. Meeting everyone face-to-face, and practicing together, was a truly special experience. This past year and a half have been a series of surprises, reassurance, learning, rediscovery, and love. My perspective on life has changed dramatically. I found the words, environment and companions to express the spiritual inclinations I had always felt within.
I am still on a journey to further explore and practice yoga, and teach meditation for children. As a child and adolescent psychiatrist, I work at local child guidance centres, research institutes, and national government agencies. Thanks to the Chi Kri Yoga training, the weekly yoga sessions I have facilitated, at a temporary shelter for children, have become much more meaningful.
One child, who had been struggling with severe depression, gradually began to regain his well-being through various forms of social support, and eventually started to join our yoga sessions. Watching him quietly participate each week, I felt as though he was slowly reconnecting with his own resilience and inner strength through his own little yoga practise.
I am truly grateful to have yoga in my life, and hope to keep sharing the message, energy and benefits of Chi Kri Yoga to all children in need.”
– Arisa Yamaguchi, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“My name is Vibha. I’m from Philadelphia, USA.
When I received the email regarding the upcoming teacher training, my first instinct was, ‘Yes! This is what I’ve been looking for!’ My original aim was to spend many months in India, learning and getting myself to that next level of understanding. After reading Neil’s course description, I realized I didn’t need to go to India and spend months in an Ashram—he was making this experience easily accessible to all of us through his training. So exciting and unique!
I had a lengthy conversation with Neil—I had so many questions! I went ahead and signed up; my sister did too! One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. Although I wasn't physically in class most of the time, I was able to fly in for a couple of sessions. I still felt part of the community. We were put into work groups, and I was happy to feel a real, genuine connection. So much of the information shared has been transformative. To me, it felt more like a self-development training rather than just a teacher training!
I have felt shifts within myself—the way I interact with life, my relationships with people, and myself. I am so much more aware. The course content is deep and soul-stirring, so be prepared to keep your mind sharp and your heart open. The meditations and metaphysical aspects—including the intricacies of our existence—were what I enjoyed learning about the most. It wasn’t just eye-opening; it was third eye opening!
Spreading this knowledge is Neil’s goal, and through his training, we are charged with continuing to use and share this information to wake ourselves up – and help wake up everyone else too. It’s important work, and if you happen to take this training, it’s for a reason. Your soul is ready. I would highly recommend taking this training—don’t let where you live in the world hold you back.
If you need to have a conversation with Neil to discuss how this training will work for you, he will be happy to talk, just as he did with so many of us. I cherished every part of this training, and I miss the uplifting spiritual energy boost I felt after taking each class. I feel blessed to have been part of this experience—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”
– Vibha Mistry, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
Teenagers
Chi Kri Yoga has a long history of teaching yoga to children, teenagers and young adults. And Neil Patel was just 18 years of age when he began teaching. For that reason, much of the processing of yoga’s ancient history, methods and applications are naturally driven towards appealing to a young, modern and contemporary mindset, whilst retaining precise alignment to the scientific and spiritual depths of the subject. This eventually led to four teenagers joining the course in 2023. Ranging from 13 to 19, all four passed the course comfortably. Three, including the two 13 year olds, are currently involved in teaching yoga.
The benefits of learning yoga at this young age are:
- During a precarious time, when they are developing emotionally and mentally, and being subject to constant change around and within themselves, a spiritual, philosophical and psychological structure being built around them is incredibly supportive, empowering and dependable.
- Teenagers benefit from discipline and order during change. With yoga and meditation in their lives, at an early stage, both physical and spiritual fitness will be a part of their daily routine, holding them upright when the winds of influence and pressure begin to blow.
- Mixing with other, older, trainees on the course gives them access to new people with a similar, curious mindset to theirs, but of more advanced years. This will give them many people to talk to, to look up to, and to learn from, whose thoughts, questions and ideas may trigger their own developing minds to grow more expansively and, hopefully, fruitfully.
- Teenagers will go through periods of exams, revision and tests if they take an ambitious or educational path in life. Learning proper breathing regulation, meditation, concentration and relaxation exercises will be of utmost benefit in giving them access to stress-busting tools. These can help them move through their school or extra-curricular examination processes with less anxiety, and more ease, wisdom and perspective.
- Going forward in life, being a qualified yoga teacher, and having that on a CV, not only demonstrates a capacity to pass a course, and be varied in their interests, but yoga itself immediately speaks of a calm, accommodating and considerate nature, amongst many other things. Something every team, school, university or workplace would be interested in inviting into its population.
- Once learnt and experienced, yoga becomes retained in a teenager’s mind forever. This means that, although they may not use these tools immediately after the course, they will almost certainly find that when life does throw curve-balls at them they will not crash, but instead will turn to what they learnt on the course to help them through any tricky moments. (We have certainly seen this very scenario playout at Chi Kri Yoga, having taught many children and teenagers, who have turned to the teachings when they needed them.)
- Studying yoga at this level keeps modern, western teenagers in alignment with the traditional Vedic system of learning yoga and Vedic studies in the early years of life, before marriage. This system was often conducted in an ashram (place of spiritual study) or gurukul (spiritual study group under a guru).
For the reasons above, and many more, these study systems prepare the soul for the journey of life and gives them spiritual purpose, meaning and direction.
“I was on the Chi Kri Gold Standard, starting in 2023, as one of the youngest to have ever started this yoga teacher training course, And I successfully graduated, in 2024, at just 14 years old!
The course was extremely interesting, and it stimulated my mind to think in new and improved ways. Learning yoga has been one of the best things I could've done. It not only really developed my personality, but also my perception of the world!
I feel as though I've grown up alongside all of the other graduates throughout the one and a half years we spent doing the course. This training has matured me past others my age, and has given me insights and opportunities I would not have found anywhere else. Through this course, I have been able to start teaching and giving lessons to children (and hopefully others my age) using Chi Kri Yoga resources and other contacts… I now work voluntarily with Neil and the other Chi Kri Yoga teachers in the Chi Kri teaching community.”
– YG, Teenage Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“I want to express my deepest appreciation for your wisdom, inspiration and support you gave me in this teacher training course. It has been a life changing opportunity, and in 18 months I gained the most valuable knowledge, with which my perspective on many aspects of this world has changed.
Studying yogic ideas and practising techniques informed what I can actively do to lead a stronger life in both actions and thoughts.”
– HF, Teenage Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“Thank you so much for everything you’ve taught me and done for me. I don’t think everyone gets lucky enough to have an amazing teacher like you, teach them yoga at 13 years old! Thank you for making the best of every single module, right from our module in yoga philosophy to our module on Chakras. I love your satsangs and the wisdom in which you teach the most brain crumpling and crushing subjects, and actually make them understandable (and that was basically the whole course).
Finally, thank you for all the belief that you have held in me all through this course, and no matter what becomes of my exams, these weekends will forever have an impact on the way I live my life.
Thank you for not holding the torch for me, but guiding and helping me find the light within me. I hope your light and love continues to inspire countless others ”
– AJ, Teenage Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“I want to express my deepest appreciation for your wisdom, inspiration and support you gave me in this teacher training course. It has been a life changing opportunity, and in 18 months I gained the most valuable knowledge, with which my perspective on many aspects of this world has changed.
Studying yogic ideas and practising techniques informed what I can actively do to lead a stronger life in both actions and thoughts.”
– HF, Teenage Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
How to Join
Step 1:
Click here to email us: gold@chikri.com
You will get to speak to Neil, or a member of his team, about your desire to learn yoga at this level. You will get a chance to talk about how the course works, learn more about the content, and ask plenty of questions.
Step 2:
If your conversations and communications go well enough, you can get an Application Form, and fill it in.
This form helps us both understand what we’re looking for, and helps qualify you for the training. There will be a few questions on your current practise, spiritual beliefs and space for you to write down things you want us to know about you.
At this stage, we will also prepare a quote for you, based on current prices, and send that to you.
Step 3:
If your application is accepted, and you are happy with your quotation, you will be sent a Registration Form (with a course agreement).
Once that is signed and your first instalment, payment or deposit is received, you are on your way to becoming a Chi Kri Gold Standard graduate!
Note that we can accept full investments, instalments, scheduled lump sum payments and even accommodate for some bespoke payment schemes. The most important thing is finding you the course you need.
More Graduate Testimonials
“Having practiced Chi Kri Yoga with Neil and other Chi Kri Yoga teachers for over 20 years, I had already experienced the deep spiritual, mental, and physical transformation that yoga brings. However, immersing myself in my teacher training took my understanding to a whole new level. It awakened something within me—strength, clarity, and an even deeper reverence for the practice. Yoga has always been my sanctuary, but now it has become my purpose. It’s become my way of living. Now, yoga teaching allows me to share this gift with others, guiding them toward healing, balance, and self-discovery. This training has transformed me from a lifelong student into a teacher, but more importantly, it has deepened my spiritual path in ways I never expected. I am forever grateful for this journey and Neil. If this sounds like something you might want to consider or it has sparked some kind of connection to you, then all I can say is, “do it”, because, honestly, it will fill your cup. ”
- Jaymie Patel, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“I completed my yoga teacher training with Neil in 2024. I did it primarily for self-development – and the experience has been truly life changing! The depth of knowledge I gained on this course is incredibly powerful – far beyond what you’d find in most other yoga teacher training programs.
Neil has so much wisdom to share, and it was evident throughout the course. This training came into my life at the perfect time (even though I didn’t realize it then). It felt like the course chose me, rather than the other way around.
Last year, I lost my mother-in-law, and without the knowledge and tools I gained from this training, I don’t think I would have been able to support my husband, or handle the situation, as I did. It also brought back unresolved trauma from losing my father; but Neil’s guidance and everything we learned in the course, helped me navigate these emotions.
This experience has completely changed how I view life, and I am so grateful to Neil for his support and wisdom. Neil, Vicky, and all the other teachers were always there to guide and assist us whenever we needed help.
I highly recommend this teacher training with Neil. If you’re considering it, go for it – it will transform you for the better. And the knowledge you gain will be incredible. I initially didn’t plan to teach yoga, but now I feel inspired to share what I’ve learned with others. Just as it helped me; I want to help others. Thank you so much, Neil, for your guidance throughout this journey. And thank you very much for all the support… ”
- Payal Shah, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2023)
“Neil gives above and beyond in all he does. I have been very fortunate to have been in the presence of Neil's company for many years … Not only did the Chi Kri Teacher Training program educate me about yoga it also gave me invaluable lessons for my self-development and self-realization.
Chi Kri has an abundance of knowledge. This enabled me to build a great basis and foundation upon which I could teach and continue learning. Seeds were being planted along the way having come into fruition in their own time.
The high standard of training was delivered in a comprehensive, manageable fashion with the time taken to break each subject down – I could not have asked for anything more.”
- Karupa Patel, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2008)
“You also have to place your complete trust in Neil because he will tell you things you quite often don’t want to hear, and he will take you right away from your cosy little comfort zone! Neil will discipline you with the strictness of a father (and then give you the love of a mother when it is least expected).
Be prepared for your ego to get a hammering, but to know that is necessary if you want to grow spiritually, although sometimes this will be hard! But always remind yourself why you wanted to do the course, and that you have placed yourself under Neil’s guidance for a reason. I can promise you that you will finish the course a completely different person to the one who started it.
I have no idea how Neil does what he does. He gets to know each one of us inside and out; and he knows our weaknesses and our strengths better than we do ourselves!!
I still can’t quite comprehend how blessed I have been to have had the chance to do this course. If you are thinking about doing the course, and are prepared to work hard and to be completely guided by Neil, I would say go ahead and do it. As Neil says, “when opportunity knocks, rip the flippin’ door off!”
- Shirley Jordan, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2012)
“If you're looking to make a quick buck, and just be taught textbook yoga this is not the course for you. However, if you want to evolve as a human being, understand the deep responsibility that comes with being a yoga teacher and have a lot of fun along the way, this is the perfect opportunity … A lot of time and energy was invested in my development - an incredible amount of thought and detail went in to assessing my progress and yet, all along the way, I still felt supported and part of a wonderful family…”
- Rakhee Vithlani, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2012)
“This will be the journey of a lifetime: Experience it, enjoy it and go without any fear. Also have lots of fun with your fellow trainees who may become your lifelong friends. Not only will you gain the obvious physical strength, but you will become stronger mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You will feel empowered. Most importantly you will evolve and become a better person.”
- Miti Shah, Chi Kri Yoga Graduate Teacher (2012)
“To be honest, when Neil first mentioned The Chi Kri Gold Standard Teacher Training Course to me a couple of years ago - I remember politely expressing to him that I wasn’t really interested and had no intention of ever teaching yoga!
Yet today, I can tell you that doing the Chi Kri Gold Standard Course has been, without a doubt, THE best decision I have made in my whole life. Every moment was so special, and what Chi Kri has taught me, I will carry with me forever.
I am so blessed that Neil took the time to explain to me then that the course would be so much deeper than only learning about asanas (physical poses) - and that we would unravel all the spiritual secrets of the universe – from God to the purpose of life; to death, to love, to karma, to meditation, to peace and so much more.
We were taught yoga philosophy to a level beyond what I could have ever dreamt (and believe me, my expectations are out of this world!). As the course imparted unsurpassable wisdom to us, I felt like I’d finally found the missing pieces to my jigsaw puzzle – all the questions I had about my place in this world and the drama of life was finally making sense. And not only that, the tutor diligently made sure that every single one of us applied what
we learnt in our daily lives so that we evolved into yoga teachers who actually lived what they taught, even outside the classroom. He intuitively knew our internal spiritual battles, and compassionately showed us how to conquer our darkness and find the light of our souls.
This process of character development was not always easy. Often our egos had to be chiselled and we really had to question ourselves – but my God it was worth it! For only through heat and pressure can a piece of coal turn into a diamond!
Chi Kri genuinely puts its heart and soul into bringing out the best in every single one of us – they worked selflessly and humbly night and day to help us grow into the people we wanted to be.
As a result, the bond between us teachers who took this journey together has developed into something unshakeable and so precious - we are now a close family. Never did I imagine 2 years ago that I would fall in love with yoga and meditation as deeply as I did through this course. So much so that I have dedicated my life to teaching everything I’m learning.
Even if, like me, you don’t know if you want to teach, if there’s even the tiniest spark in your heart to do the Chi Kri Gold Standard Course –- then trust it and follow it. I promise you Chi Kri will not let you down - you will never find what Chi Kri has to offer anywhere else in the world.
With deepest reverence - thank you Neil for allowing me to train under you – my soul is eternally grateful.”