This is the largest portion of the curriculum, including sunrise Satsang, followed by daily Asana practice. Early morning Satsang will always include a form of meditation, and will also often include various traditional yoga techniques, such as Mantra, Kriya (cleansing techniques) and Pranayama (breathwork) drawing inspiration from <a href="https://www.katonahyoga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Katonah Yoga®</a>. The daily Asana practice is 90 minutes of rigorous, intentional, breath-based vinyasa.

Yoga Technique, Training & Practice

The Sacred Fig Teaching Methodology is unique in it's approach. Yes, demonstrating, assisting, and adjusting students is certainly covered. But we also weave in personal development, confidence building, &amp; group dynamics. Finally, we'll cover voice, rhythm, tone, and pace. The Sacred Fig Education is specifically geared to direct trainees to discover their authentic voice.

Teaching Methodology

The Sacred Fig approach to the human body is that of Movement Optimism. Our anatomical curriculum is far from a traditional anatomy snooze-fest. You'll learn about exercise science and ground-breaking anatomical theories in a real-life setting. We cover both the human physical anatomy (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, &amp; cardiovascular systems) as well as energetic anatomy (prana, chakras, nadis, bandhas). You'll also leave with an understanding of fascia &amp; it's role in shaping our bodies. All the anatomical principles learned in the training are applicable to movement practice in a real-life setting, in terms of optimal load.

Anatomy & Physiology

The Sacred Fig has a non-traditional approach to Yoga Philosophy. Expect a robust dialogue on key concepts from The Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita, but that's just the start. As one could dedicate years to yoga philosophy, we hone-in on key traditional philosophical concepts. We also explore the crossover of present-moment awareness techniques, mindfulness practice, and current science as it relates to a yoga teacher.&nbsp;

Yoga Philosophy & Ethics

Using accelerated learning techniques that we have developed over the past decade, trainees will practice teaching in a variety of settings &amp; scenarios (including small &amp; large groups, and plenty of surprise scenarios). We utilize technology, for example, via video feedback, as another layer to the learning process. The Sacred Fig Practicum is regarded at the forefront of Yoga education, using a thoroughly considered approach to teaching that greatly expands the potential and speed in which one learns.

Practicum

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You’ll leave as a confident, articulate teacher with your own voice. No scripts, no mimicry. Expect an evidence-informed understanding of anatomy and alignment, real teaching practice with feedback from day one, and a Yoga Alliance credential to teach anywhere in the world.

Cocoon Portugal Sunrise

This rigorous 200 hour teacher training program takes place over 22 days. Over the course of the training, expect one rest day, as well as one afternoon off. Below is a typical schedule, which tends to vary slightly each training, according to the specific needs &amp; pace of each individual group. The days will naturally vary, as each day builds upon the next. Check in at Cocoon starts at 3pm on October 3rd, and check out on October 24th is 10am. Plan to land in Lisbon before 12pm on October 3rd, and depart Lisbon no earlier than 4pm on October 24th.

Sunrise Satsang.
Satsanga Sādhanā is a transformative 45-minute seated practice that intricately weaves together meditation, mantra, prānāyāma, and kriyā techniques. This music forward practice integrates various lineages, including Katonah Yoga®, and has been synthesized by Tony Lupinacci. Each class is framed by a Sankalpā or intention. By tailoring the rhythm of the breath to the beat of the music students are invited on an immersive exploration of the self.

Asana.
Rigorous, intentional, breath-based vinyasa, led by The Sacred Fig senior faculty. After practice, there's just enough time to enjoy dip in the freshwater lake before breakfast. 

Nourish.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast of living foods. Expect local eggs, avocados, local fruit, Greek yogurt, homemade granola, homemade jam, freshly baked bread. Meals are veggie forward and there's options for everyone. Food is often organic & local. Cocoon's roasts their own coffee & sources quality herbal teas.

Morning Session.
In our morning sessions, we often start by critically discussing broader concepts like 'alignment, stretching, or balance', in the context of our physical yoga practice. We'll look at real bodies in the asanas, and dive deep into whats happening both physiologically & energetically. In these sessions, our senior faculty artfully distill complex anatomical, bio-mechanical, and philosophical ideas into lively discourse on what it means to do Yoga. 

Integrate.
Use this time to study, or enjoy a nap by the lake. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a massage, or take some quiet time to yourself. 

Afternoon Session.
The afternoon session include teacher breakout sessions, energetics of the body & movement, alignment of key poses, and physical adjustments.

Evening Session.
Evening sessions are specifically geared to be more experiential, spontaneous & appropriate for the hour. We will not have evening sessions each night. Expect anything from film screenings, to dance parties, and embodied leadership night sessions. Some evenings will not have required sessions, while others may run slightly longer than the scheduled time.

Daily Schedule

We believe the strongest thing any yoga teacher brings into the room is themselves. So alongside a rigorous, Yoga Alliance–certified curriculum, we put real weight on personal development, confidence, and how you speak. We also take a critical look at alignment, separating what’s useful and evidence-based, from what’s simply inherited from past lineages.We don’t hand out answers, and we’re wary of any school that claims to. Instead we bring in different viewpoints, stir lively discussion, and challenge assumptions about what yoga is, what it looks like, and why we practice. In an accelerated learning environment, you’ll discover your own understanding of yoga, your body and your practice. and learn to share it naturally.Trainees come from all levels, and from all over the world. They leave as confident, knowledgeable, articulate teachers.<a href=" https://youtu.be/79sYms0Wk_0 " target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Here's a 40 second video</a> we filmed at our Bali 200hr, which articulates our approach and culture. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1DwPFk6l4M">This 2 minute video </a>was filmed during a Bali 200hr and its more of a general overview of trainings.★★★★★ 5.0 from 138 Google Reviews · <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Sacred+Fig/@46.423669,-129.9427085,3z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89c25a29e65fa60b:0x343c9ad0ed3a132b!8m2!3d46.423669!4d-129.9427086!16s%2Fg%2F11cs4g6c96?entry=ttu&amp;g_ep=EgoyMDI2MTAyMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Read them here</a>&nbsp;

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This rate is for a small single bed in a shared triple room, with two other people. En-suite bath.

Triple Room

This rate is for a small single bed in a shared double room, with one other person.  The bathroom is shared by two rooms, and is located in the hallway.

Double Room

This rate is for a small single bed in a shared double room, with one other person. En-suite bath. 

This rate is for a king bed in a private room. The bathroom is shared by two rooms, and is located in the hallway.

Private Room

This rate is for a king bed in a private room. En-suite bath. 

A room for the duration of the course at Cocoon Portugal. Cocoon is a celebrated 275 acre farm &amp; retreat, as featured in CN Traveller, Harper's Bazaar, Lonely Planet and more. It has running trails, bicycles to explore, a wood-burning sauna, freshwater lake, goats, chickens, peacocks, cats, and so much more.

Accommodations

3 farm-to-table vegetarian meals per day, for the duration of the course, including spring water, our very own farm-roasted coffee, and herbal teas

Food

Access to the entire 275 acre property, including freshwater lake, bicycles, sauna, animals, and wifi.

Amenities

200 hours of Yoga Alliance credentialed educationThe Sacred Fig Reader, covering a rigorous + thoughtful curriculum based on accelerated learning principles.Access to online training materialsPost training guidance

Tuition

World renowned faculty - all experts in their fields Access to The Sacred Fig global community of yogis Support &amp; mentorship from The Sacred Fig faculty, including post-training guidance Recognition as a graduate from The Sacred Fig Yoga Education Program

Additional

<h2>About Portugal</h2>Portugal’s beauty is subtle and understated - the magic here is witnessed only when you slow down. Portugal's beauty is lived + experienced.The area were heading to is called Coastal Alentejo, and you probably haven't heard of it (that's a good thing). It's far removed from the coastal tourist culture of the rest of Europe. The beaches are windswept and untouched. As you move inland, golden rolling hillsides give way to a rugged coastline, traditional whitewashed villages, and enchanting medieval towns.Traditional farming here is a way of life. Cork production still continues. Even at our property, the eggs come from our chickens, the cheese from our neighbors sheep, and olives from an olive grower down the road. The birds here are magnificent, and the walking paths, like the Costa Vicentina, are world renowned.The world is (finally) catching on to Alentejo. Get there before it does.

Lauren Smiling

Portugal’s beauty is subtle and understated - the magic here is witnessed only when you slow down. Portugal's essence is lived + experienced.

Cocoon Portugal Beach

<h2>Prerequisites</h2>A positive attitude. We’re serious! A sense of openness &amp; a desire to learn are truly the most important things you can bring to this training. At least one year of consistent yoga asana practice (2-3 times per week), and a basic understanding of vinyasa yoga.Ability to communicate in English.Trainees are required to take 3 vinyasa classes (from 3 different teachers), and 3 non- vinyasa classes (such as Kundalini, Iyengar, Katonah, Yin, etc) prior to the training, and take notes on these classes. Include in your notes what you loved about the class &amp; teacher, what you didn’t like, their musical choices, how the teacher entered the room &amp; engaged students prior to class, sequencing, adjustments, language, how the teacher moved about the room, did they demo, how your body felt during &amp; after, and anything else that struck you. Please bring these notes with you to training.Watch the <a href="https://www.figflix.com/products/ayurveda-snax" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ayurveda Snax</a> series on FigFlix. This series is included in your program payment. Once we receive your program deposit, we'll send you a link to access this series.&nbsp;Watch the &nbsp;<a href="https://www.figflix.com/products/anatomy-snax" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anatomy Snax</a> series on FigFlix. &nbsp;This series is included in your program payment. Once we receive your program deposit, we'll send you a link to access this series.&nbsp; Like all great things in life, the more you put into this training, the more you’ll get from it. That starts before you arrive. Below is a list of required reading, as well as a list of optional recommended reading. Read the following books prior to training, and write a short personal commentary on each. This is not “traditional” reading material for most people, and some of the books might take quite some time to digest. Books are purchased at the trainee’s expense.&nbsp; A New Earth. Eckhart Tolle&nbsp; Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice. T.K.V. Desikachar&nbsp; Daring Greatly. Brené Brown&nbsp; The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom Upon arrival, students will receive The Sacred Fig Reader, which will serve as the master course curriculum &amp; guide. If you didn't have time to finish The Four Agreements prior to training, please simply bring it with you to Portugal (it's a tiny book), and you'll have time to read it at the start of training.&nbsp;

Handstand

Like all great things in life, the more you put into this training, the more you’ll get from it. That starts before you arrive. Below is a list of required reading, as well as a list of optional recommended reading.

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<h2>The retreat center</h2>Cocoon is a 275 acre farm and dedicated retreat center on the Atlantic Coast of Portugal, offering inspiration + community for the modern traveller. It's also pure magic, where between the oversized hammocks and the freshwater lake, you'll start to lose track of time. The kind of place where each morning is a celebration, practicing under the canopy of old growth pines, but so is each evening, with incredible farm-to-table meals and elevated dinner conversation.Cocoon is situated on the breathtaking Atlantic coast of Portugal, near the charming fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes, in the Alentejo region, which is known for its long stretches of untouched coastline and charming white-washed villages. From Lisbon, its roughly two hours drive south, entirely dependent on how many espressos you’ve had. (from Faro, we’re slightly closer) The ocean, with bluffs, trails, and sandy coves, is a 10 minute drive away.Cocoon has 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. The maximum capacity for this program is 24 students.There are two yoga shalas at Cocoon. The pine shala is nestled under the canopy of old growth pines, with the occasional sheep or goat roaming around nearby. The pine shala is especially dreamy in the later afternoons, as the sunlight sifts through the trees. The indoor shala is lightfilled and fresh, with high ceilings and traditional hand-made Santa Catarina tiles, which are a joy to practice on. We most often practice in the indoor shala.&nbsp;Expect three healthy, lovingly-prepared meals each day. Strong coffee and herbal teas are available throughout the day. For breakfast, expect homemade granola, greek yogurt, local honey, homemade jam, frittata, oats, fresh local fruit, and slow-rise bread. Lunch is typically lighter, like a bowl of ancient grains. Dinner is served family style, expect things like curry, beetroot hummus ancient grains, salads, and soups. Our menu is always changing, depending on what's available.The rooms are clean, bright, and simple. There's different options for different budgets. You'll have your own bed in either a shared double or triple room, your preference. You can have a room with an en-suite bathroom, or share a bathroom between two rooms.Check out <a href="https://youtu.be/D3uzU8-nBB8">this gorgeous 90 second video of Cocoon</a>, which was filmed during one of our past trainings!

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Cocoon Portugal Meditation

Cocoon Portugal Lake Dive

Cocoon Portugal Breakfast

Portugal Asana Breakdowns

Cocoon Portugal Dinner

Cocoon Portugal Graduation

Cocoon Portugal Shala

Cocoon Breakfast

Cocoon Portugal Yoga

Cocoon Portugal Tablescape

Portugal Beach Picnic

Portugal Adjust

Cocoon Portugal Fig Tree

Cocoon Portugal Altar

Cocoon Portugal Lake

Cocoon Portugal Yoga Backbend

Portugal Beach Day

Rated one of the Best Farmstays in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler, Cocoon is a 275-acre farm and retreat center on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, also featured in Lonely Planet and The Guardian.

22 immersive days, designed so that each day builds on the last. The schedule includes a full rest day and a free afternoon to swim, explore the coast or simply integrate.

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22 days on a 275 acre farm on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. No scripts, no memorization and no mimicry. A training that guides you to find your own voice. Oct 3-24, 2027.

Anton Headshot

Anton Brandt

Anton is the founder of The Sacred Fig and co-founder of Leela Lisboa & Cocoon Portugal.

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Grace Dubery

Grace brings decades of alignment-driven teaching, trained by Geeta Iyengar and Maty Ezraty.

Tony Lupinacci

Tony’s asana style fuses Ghosh, Ashtanga and Dharma yoga. He is the creator of Satsanga Sādhanā. 

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Portugal

Portugal -

The Retreat Center

Our Curriculum

Daily Schedule

Prerequisites