Become an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, Trained in a 30+ Year Lineage

A three-year program in Brisbane, recognised by the Yoga Association of Australia and open only to students with an established practice at the Shala.

Recognised by the Yoga Association of Australia, so your training is assessed against national standards
Over 3000 hours across three years, not a three-week certificate
Taught in the direct lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, by a teacher with more than 30 years of practice and teaching
Trained the traditional way, through years of your own daily practice rather than a compressed intensive

This program is open only to students with at least two years of daily practice and regular class attendance at Ashtanga Yoga Shala. Full prerequisites are set out below.

Not yet practising with us? Start with the Step 1 Class Series

Assessed and recognised by the Yoga Association of Australia. Rated 5.0 on Google across both studios, from more than 60 reviews.

Request Teacher Training Details

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Yoga Teacher Training at Ashtanga Yoga Shala

Built on Consistent Attendance in Our Ashtanga Yoga Classes

Ashtanga Yoga Shala periodically offers placements in a 3 year long yoga teacher training program. This program has been assessed and its standards have been recognised by the Yoga Association of Australia (YA). This yoga teacher training Brisbane pathway builds on years of regular attendance at our Ashtanga yoga classes, so the program suits committed, long-term students only.

This ashtanga yoga teacher training is offered to individuals who have displayed a long-term commitment to the practice at Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Brisbane, demonstrated by regular attendance at weekly Ashtanga Yoga Shala classes. Every teacher trainee first completes our Step 1 yoga classes and the Primary Series before applying. Each of the following prerequisites must be met, without exception:

Daily practice (min 2 hours) of Ashtanga Yoga for a minimum period of two years, comprised of (a consistent minimum of) two, weekly class attendances at Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Brisbane with remaining daily practices as home practice.
Assessed competency, in Primary Series Yoga Cikitsa practice, through Ashtanga Yoga Shala, Brisbane
Demonstrated ability to work with the teacher at class, apply instructions, be able to maintain practice during life’s ups and downs, show consideration and concern for others in class and sincere interest in and application of Yoga philosophy.
No interest whatsoever in alcohol and drugs.

This three-year Yoga Teacher training program is designed to provide a strong foundation for students in the practice and teaching of Yoga. Trainees maintain a daily practice and attend Mysore style classes regularly throughout the three years. This three-year course will require much dedication. It is progressively paced, yet totals over 3000 hours of theory, practice, and in-class application of teaching skills.

Teacher training sits above our standard yoga class levels, from Step 1 through to Mysore, as the most advanced pathway at the Shala. If you truly wish to become an Ashtanga Yoga Teacher, please consider the above pre-requisites. Whether your training occurs in India or Australia you will need to consider devoting several years to the practice before becoming a teacher in this or any other tradition of yoga (regardless of what the advertising suggests)

Please make sure you meet every prerequisite above before requesting more information.

Announcements & Upcoming Programs

Step 1 Yoga Class Series

Secure Your Spot Now! You will thank yourself later. If not now, when?

The Next Step 1 Class Series at Sunnybank is starting on – Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 6:30 pm.

The Next Step 1 Class Series at Paddington is starting on – Friday 28 August 2026 at 6:00 pm.

Book in Now – by requesting class information today.

You can receive a great deal from this yoga—but first, you’ll need to take a step in, build a connection, and offer what you genuinely have to give.

This is not simply an exercise class.

It is an entry point into the deeper practice of yoga—one that invites sincerity, attention, and the willingness to explore more than just the body.

“I tried one other class before AYS when starting, and I felt like I’d accidentally turned up at an Instagram photo shoot. The moment I walked through the door at AYS I knew I’d found the right place. Straight away. The difference was immediate and palpable.” – B.T 2023

“Richards words of encouragement to bring yoga back into my daily life has seriously helped me mentally and physically. I let go of 6kgs of unwanted weight just in the 5 weeks step one classes. While I might have a way to go, I’m on the path with a teacher that cares and promotes my daily growth. Thanks Ashtanga Yoga Shala.” – B.I 2024

Areas We Serve

Sunnybank Studio

📍 44 Gager St, Sunnybank QLD 4109

Monday – Saturday : 9am – 9pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Paddington Studio

📍 10 Moreton St, Paddington QLD 4064

Monday – Saturday : 9am – 9pm
Sunday: CLOSED

FAQ's Ashtanga Yoga, Brisbane

What makes Ashtanga Unique?

Because the Ashtanga Yoga Shala is something of an exception in the world of yoga, people travel from all over to attend classes. There are students who drive from Burpengary, Redcliffe, Tamborine Mountain, Ipswich, The Bayside and Brookfield to come to class. Ashtanga Yoga Shala warmly welcomes people from all areas and walks of life to join the Shala for an authentic yoga practice, especially those living in nearby and neighbouring suburbs such as Carindale, Eight Mile Plains, Upper Mount Gravatt, Runcorn, Sunnybank Hills, Mount Gravatt, and Rochedale.

How do I book in for the ashtanga yoga classes?

Send an email requesting the latest class times and information

I am pregnant. Is it ok for me to start yoga class?

What is the Step 1 Class Series?

Blogs

Why Practise Ashtanga Yoga? – Because a Practice needs a Container!

Recently, we had a short break from classes. There’s something familiar and supportive about returning and re-entering the rhythm of class practice. Mind you, some

Holding Labels Lightly: A Yogic Approach to Identity

For some time now, I’ve been observing a growing trend: people referring to themselves by generational labels – Gen Z, Millennial, and so on. It

The Bamboo Story and Why We Don’t Skip Steps

There’s a need to remind everyone in class to remain attentive to the method, and to value it. I often notice elements creeping into some

I really appreciate all your time and effort over the years. It’s wonderful that you provide a whole yoga practice which challenges and inspires self-awareness, growth and healing. Thank you

I just wanted to send a quick note to say that having made the move to XXXXXXX, the thing I miss most about Brisbane, is yoga with you. I have recently started attending class here, but it is a big mess. Thank you for giving me the knowledge and learning to develop a strong sense of what yoga practice is. My commitment to yoga (as opposed to stretching) was immeasurably strengthened by everything you taught me…but gosh I would love to be able to walk in to the hall in Paddington and roll out my mat!

Firstly, I’d like to really thank you for the instructions you provided through the Step 1 series that I just completed. In such a short period of time, I better understand how to work towards overcoming some long-held limitations/alignment issues I have with forward bends. In ~2 years of XXXXXXXXXX practice, it didn’t quite click as to how I needed to proceed. Not only that, but the introduction to the world of yoga beyond asana is rather interesting!

Your wisdom and care in which you teach yoga has had such a positive influence on me and has certainly made me more self-aware and mindful. I don’t think any amount of words can express how grateful I am…

Thank you for another beautiful year of yoga! Thank you for sharing your wisdom and giving so much of yourself! I have loved every word, every adjustment and every nudge in the right direction!

Could I use your article on ‘Ama’ at your website www.ashtangayogashala.com.au to post on Facebook. Of course, I will give you the credit for the article. I think it’s a great article and wanted to share it with others

I was very sceptical about finding a good teacher, but everything worked out even better than I could have imagined and on a personal level the transformation has been enormous. Even though my ego was a bit bruised when I first started attending your classes, …. it …. helped me to understand the construction of the postures (how they are supposed to feel and why something is done a certain way). I really feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be when it comes to yoga practice

What strikes me the most is that now I see your teaching method as very disciplined but with an enormous amount of freedom. I feel very lucky to have been taught by you

We both really enjoyed the classes and are disappointed we couldn’t do more. I am especially grateful as previously (my wife) has been extremely reluctant to do any sort of Yoga due to her current level of flexibility. However, Richard does such a good job of making Ashtanga accessible to all, she is now inspired and practicing with me almost every day

I don’t know if you remember me, but I hear about you, Iain and the Yoga Shala from my friend …. My thoughts often turn to the good times that I spent in Brisbane. I don’t know if or when I will see you again, but I just wanted to reach out across the miles and say thanks from one who has grown from knowing you. Love and Peace

I had been practicing Yoga for some time before arriving to Australia and starting classes at Ashtanga Yoga Shala (AYS) in Brisbane. Since my first class, I was impressed by the knowledge and experience of Richard Clark as a teacher. His dedication and invitation to embrace Yoga not as a physical exercise, but as a philosophy and a means to enhance self-awareness in daily life were both evident and inspiring

I wanted to tell you in person how much your steady support, inspiration, and guidance has meant to me. Thank you for being my teacher. Your consistent and thorough approach has inspired and encouraged me to practice and discover the treasures of yoga. Not to mention to heal (in many different ways) from the most terrible injury of my life

We were here for the Yoga Hike weekend which was facilitated by well-known Yoga Teacher Richard Clark. His depth of knowledge was both eye opening and inspiring

I really enjoy coming to yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga Shala and learning about the practice and history of Ashtanga. Your knowledge of all things yoga and the culture associated with it continues to astound me. I only wish I could remember half the things you’ve said after class ……. Your personal attention to each student in the class is one of the things that I find most important and something that has helped me grow in my yoga practice, physically and spiritually. With much gratitude

Dear Richard, I feel so lucky to have found your School because you strive for excellence, which is a rare enough thing. And because you foster an environment where there is not just an absence of negativity, but a real, unspoken sense of respect shared by everyone in the classes

I wanted to take a moment to thank you, for so many things. I am so fortunate to have found your class, it is very rare in this world to find something that is so real and meaningful. Thank you for your relentless ongoing commitment to us all as students. I’m happy to say that you’ve shown me that yoga is not just exercise and it is now a part of my life

I would like you to know that I am in full gratitude and feel blessed to have found your school. It’s wonderful to feel that I am in the presence of people whom have walked through the fire; rare indeed and I look forward to the further unfoldment of being, through yogashala. Thank you

Just a quick note of thanks for your extraordinary commitment and consistency with the running Ashtanga classes. I am very much enjoying my class and personal practice

I can’t make it to any yoga classes this week. I would never have imagined that yoga would have become soooo important in my life. I feel totally deprived from not being able to be a part of that magical time in the Yoga Hall. I miss it and your wonderful teaching

A huge big thank you to Richard for all his inspiration, patience, motivation, expertise and just the best energy!! We are so lucky to have you. Dankeshon

I feel so grateful for the difference Ashtanga Yoga has brought to areas of my life. It’s like being given a gift! I thank you for that gift that you pass on to others through Yoga. It has given me clarity, a sense of peace and this amazing type of happiness that comes from within and it is an incredible feeling because it is not created by any outside factors like money etc

Thank you for teaching me Ashtanga the for past few months. I really enjoy the energy you create in class and your focus on perfection. The direction you have given me in my Yoga practise has been invaluable. I really enjoyed listening to your discussions at the end of class and participating in the chants

Thank you so much for encouraging me to take the first step

I’m leaving Brisbane tonight, so just wanted to say thanks for all the teachings, practices and knowledge that you’ve shared with me during these two and a half years. I think having practiced Ashtanga Yoga for all this time has had a tremendously positive in my life overall. Improved health, strength of body and mind, better concentration and a more peaceful self in general, even improved reflexes!

Hi Richard. Can I just thank you for thoroughly teaching me the foundations of Ashtanga Yoga! With all due respect, you would have a ‘cow’ if you saw the yoga class I participated in last night up here in XXXXXXX Hope all is well