We believe in complete transparency, so all of our course materials are readily available for you to review. We also encourage you to meet Paddy, the director of Santosha Yoga, to personally discuss any aspect of the course—whether it’s the content, structure, or delivery.

As your benchmark for quality, we feel a professional training provider should be willing to openly present all course materials before you commit and also be ready to answer all of your questions.

Here are some key questions to help you assess the course:

• Is the number of students per course limited to maintain high-quality training? If so, what is the maximum number? Feel free to ask!
• Are all modules exclusive to the 200-hour trainees?
• Is the course led by an experienced Senior Yoga Teacher?
• Are the other tutors highly experienced teacher trainers?
• Is the course accredited by Yoga Alliance?
• Is sufficient time allocated for teaching practice?
• Will I receive a comprehensive course folder, handouts, and structured lesson plans?
• Is free trainee teacher insurance provided during training?
• Is the course held in a dedicated, fully equipped studio?

By asking these questions, you can ensure the course aligns with your goals and offers the highest standards of training, setting you up for success as a confident and competent yoga teacher.

Our course is offered in both Lisburn & Dundalk and we have a number of payment options, listed below, which will help spread the cost of the course. You can select which option best suits you.

You can secure your place on our Autumn 2024 course by making your deposit payment and submitting a completed application as soon as possible and these will secure your place.

Cost: The 200 hour teacher training diploma course fee is £2650 or €2950, if paid in instalments.

Plan 1 - A non - refundable deposit of £500 / €500 followed by 5 further payments of £430 / €490 on appointed days - see the list of course and payment dates below.

Plan 2 - By monthly direct debit. A non - refundable deposit of £500 / €500 with the remainder paid in 12 x monthly consecutive payments of £179.15 / €204. The first payment will be due on the 1st day of the month after your course has started.

Plan 3 - If ALL course fees are paid in full before on or by the end of the first training weekend you can avail of discount of £100 / €100 - making the total cost of the course £2550 / €2850.

If you would like to discuss this or any other aspect of the course please call on 028 92 63 44 64 and we'll be more than happy to answer any queries that you may have.

Course requirements: It is expected that students will have attended yoga classes for a minimum of two years.

Lisburn Spring 2025 dates:

March 22 / 23rd 

April 12 / 13th

May 17 / 18th

June 14 / 15th

September 13 / 14th

October 11 / 12th

November 15 / 16th

December 6 / 7th

2026:

January 10 / 11th

January 31st / February 1st

February 28th / March 1st

March 21 / 22nd

April 11 / 12th

April 25th

Next Course in Dundalk - Autumn 2025 - dates to follow.

Duration: 27 training days - 13 x weekends ( Sat & Sun ) plus 1 Completion day.

Paddy Hamill
Position: Director & Owner of Santosha Yoga

Paddy is the driving force behind the diverse array of courses offered at Santosha. With over 26 years of yoga practice under his belt and 22 years of training aspiring teachers, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as director of studies, lead tutor, and main contributor on the 200-hour Diploma Course, Level Two, and Yoga for Athletes teacher training courses.

Paddy has meticulously crafted a comprehensive range of courses designed to support students in achieving their short, medium, and long-term goals in yoga. His approach is rooted in a highly structured and integrated framework of learning, ensuring that students can access and realize their full potential.

As a Yoga Alliance UK registered Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT), Paddy holds the highest accreditation available to yoga teachers in Ireland and the UK. This prestigious designation reflects his unwavering commitment to maintaining an exceptional standard of teaching. When you train under Paddy's guidance, you can rest assured that you're learning from a seasoned professional who is dedicated to providing a top-tier educational experience.

Paddy's expertise extends beyond traditional yoga training. He has pursued an ongoing program of in-depth study, delving into areas such as Anatomy & Physiology, Pranayama, and Yoga Assessment. He continuously seeks to deepen his understanding of all aspects of yoga through personal practice and further study, ensuring that his knowledge remains current and comprehensive.

Despite his impressive credentials, Paddy approaches teaching with a down-to-earth and easy-going attitude. His relaxed and welcoming demeanor creates a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable and at ease throughout their training. With Paddy's guidance, you'll embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth, supported by a teacher who is not only highly experienced but also genuinely invested in your success.

Michael Mc Cann
Position: Senior tutor

Michael stands as a beacon of knowledge and reverence in the realm of yoga wisdom and philosophy throughout Ireland. His extensive dedication to study and introspection has endowed him with a profound reservoir of insight, which he generously shares with his students.

Having undergone rigorous training under the esteemed Swami Nishchalananda Saraswati of Mandala Yoga Ashram, Michael has honed his expertise in yoga philosophy, subtle anatomy, and meditation. His teachings have left an indelible mark on leading yoga schools across Ireland, where he has served as a pillar of wisdom and guidance.

At Santosha, Michael takes on the pivotal role of delivering the Yoga Philosophy module within the esteemed 200-hour course. As a seasoned tutor with years of teaching experience, he adeptly illuminates the intricacies of this captivating subject, leading students on a journey of profound exploration and understanding.

Michael's teaching approach is characterized by a blend of wisdom, compassion, and gentle humor. His ability to distill complex concepts into digestible insights fosters a deep sense of connection and engagement among his students. With Michael's guidance, learners not only gain a deeper understanding of yoga philosophy but also find inspiration to integrate its principles into their own lives and practices.

Paul Rutherford
Position: Course tutor

Paul is not just a qualified yoga instructor; he's a seasoned educator with a strong academic background. Armed with a degree in Health, Physical Activity, and Sport, along with a Master's in Education, Paul's expertise is unparalleled. He brings a wealth of experience to his role as the instructor for the Anatomy for Yoga module.

Paul's teaching philosophy is rooted in active learning. He believes that true understanding comes from putting theory into practice. In his module, students don't just learn about the human body; they experience it firsthand. With a focus on the breath-movement connection and the importance of mindful movement, Paul guides students through a journey of self-discovery on the mat.

Beyond his academic achievements, Paul is deeply passionate about yoga. With over two decades of teaching and coaching experience, he has dedicated himself to continuous learning and personal growth. Currently pursuing a Doctorate in Health Studies, Paul's research focuses on the benefits of yoga for children's physical and socio-emotional well-being, highlighting his commitment to using yoga as a tool for positive change.

Paul's dedication to his craft and his profound understanding of anatomy and movement make him an invaluable asset to the Santosha community. Through his teachings, students not only gain a deeper understanding of the human body but also develop a greater sense of mindfulness and self-awareness in their practice and in their lives beyond the mat.

Kay Scorah
Position: Guest tutor

Kay's journey is a fascinating tapestry of diverse experiences and unwavering passion for self-discovery. Graduating with honours in Biochemistry from the University of London in 1976, Kay's academic pursuits provided a solid foundation for her subsequent adventures.

Following a transformative stint at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysik in Frankfurt, Kay embarked on an unexpected detour into the world of advertising. Despite the unconventional shift, she excelled in the field, showcasing her innate creativity and strategic prowess.

In 1988/89, Kay's thirst for exploration led her to Los Angeles, where she delved into the world of acting at the renowned Beverly Hills Playhouse. It was during this time that her profound connection to yoga, ignited in 1968, deepened significantly.

Kay's journey with yoga has been a continuous evolution, marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and growth. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of yoga traditions, she has immersed herself in classes and workshops led by esteemed teachers, enriching her practice and understanding.

In addition to her dedication to yoga, Kay has honed her skills in dance and physical theater, culminating in the attainment of her yoga diploma from Yoga Therapy Ireland.

As an instructor, Kay brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. With a unique blend of creativity, focused awareness, and unwavering dedication, she empowers her students to unlock their full potential on their yoga journey. Under her guidance, students are not just practitioners; they are explorers, delving deep into the realms of self-awareness and transformation. Kay's presence is not just impactful; it's illuminating, nurturing, and profoundly inspiring.

• Yoga has been my passion for more than 10 years so I wanted to delve deeper and learn more about it.  For several years now I have had a dream of teaching yoga professionally – this dream has now been realised! The location is brilliant – easy to get to, free parking, plenty of shops & eating establishments nearby etc. I was glad not to have to travel into Belfast which can be very congested and parking difficult & expensive. I also thought the studio was perfect - bright, welcoming, warm, clean and comfortable - plus the advantage of two separate studios for group work etc.  

  I know it isn`t always possible to please everyone with regards to days/ times/ frequency etc but the course structure on the whole worked very well for me around my work and family life. Before I started the course one full year felt like a long time – but now I am so glad it lasted for this length of time. It offers time to process, reflect, assimilate, practice and study in-between each training weekend.

  There is an abundance of material which I revisit over and over again. Every time I read it I get more out of it – I guess this is the process of assimilation. The final few training weekends provided invaluable learning for me – the revision and group teaching practicals. Of course this was out of everyone’s comfort zone but it was definitely the best way to learn and we all learned from each other. Paddy’s facilitation of this was excellent – diplomatic, patient, challenging & insightful.  

  I thought that all of the course tutors were excellent – Paddy, Michael, Paul, Kay (hope I haven’t forgotten anyone)! They were all extremely helpful, approachable, pleasant, knowledgeable, articulate and focused.  I thought Paddy especially so and I thoroughly enjoyed being taught by Paddy. Michael’s gentle, calm & unassuming manner was very appropriate for his subject area – philosophy. I thought Kay was very impressive and engaging. Paul was very helpful, approachable, knowledgeable, accommodating and interesting to learn from. I personally really enjoy anatomy but I know that some students find it a bit ‘dry’ and complex. I thought Paul brought the content to life and made it accessible for all - thank you to all of the tutors – all of them excellent.

  This course is excellent and I would highly recommend it to anyone. It has both inspired me and comprehensively equipped me to ‘get out there’ and teach yoga.  The learning doesn’t stop after course completion – I revisit the course material time and time again to guide and assist me in my teaching. The course tutors are all superb, especially Paddy who is brilliant – he is truly the real deal.  

   

  Claire Byrne 200 Hour Graduate ( 2021 )