One of the best decisions I ever made was to do the RYT200 at the Yoga Academy. Doing a four day a week practice transformed me physically and emotionally in such a positive way because it helped to ingrain the practice into me. Now it is part of my life and such a wonderful way to live! The detailed feedback Jude and Peter gave me while I was training REALLY helped me to improve my practice and teaching skills.

The program’s format seamlessly fits around work and personal life. A major highlight is the Monday night adjustment sessions; watching Jude work is like seeing an artist in action.

Six months go by quicker than you think. I loved the experience so much that I’m continuing into the 12-month Intermediate Training. Jude, Peter, and the team give you all the keys to succeed, so you never feel out of your depth. The heavy focus on practical experience builds genuine confidence to teach, and even if you do not plan to teach, it is an incredible way to deepen your personal practice. If you are on the fence, give it a try!

I was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga at 48 years old. My preconceived notion about Yoga was that it was not very physically demanding and as I was from a Rugby, Martial Arts and Gym background I didn’t think it would be of any benefit to me as it was dominated by female exponents. From the moment I got on my mat I realised how wrong I was and the rest is history!

I was fortunate to be accepted by Jude Hynes to do the YA200 Teacher Training course. I was the only male in the class which worked as I brought a different energy to the group. The knowledge, expertise and energy that was passed on to me by Jude and Peter during the training has made me a confident and very able teacher and I recommend the training especially to any guy who either wishes to teach or enhance their health and wellbeing in a fantastic environment taught by in my opinion the best there is!

Every student who walks through the Academy’s doors leaves with more than just improved physical skills—they leave with a heart full of gratitude, a spirit uplifted, and a connection that lasts a lifetime. Jude’s legacy is not just in the knowledge she imparts, but in the warmth and kindness that define every moment spent in her presence.

Here, under Jude’s loving watch, students are not just learning yoga; they are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her deep understanding of yoga’s ancient traditions, combined with her modern insights, creates an environment where growth happens naturally, with love as the guiding force.

One of the best decisions I ever made was to do the RYT200 at the Yoga Academy. Doing a four day a week practice transformed me physically and emotionally in such a positive way because it helped to ingrain the practice into me. Now it is part of my life and such a wonderful way to live! The detailed feedback Jude and Peter gave me while I was training REALLY helped me to improve my practice and teaching skills.

Deciding to start yoga, and eventually commit to Teacher Training, was a big decision for me. I tend to think and prepare a lot before starting something new, but yoga taught me something different: rather than trying to understand everything first, I needed to trust the practice and simply begin.

The discipline and consistency of Ashtanga suited me, and although the journey hasn’t always been easy, I noticed that practice helped me feel more settled mentally and brought greater calm into my relationships with my family.

The biggest change has been the way I see myself. Yoga hasn’t made me a completely different person, but it has helped me become more aware of what is happening within me. I can pause a little more, appreciate what I have in the present moment, and choose more consciously how I respond.

For me, the Foundation Teacher Training has been much more than learning how to teach yoga. It has been a process of understanding myself through practice and learning how to stay present. And I’m still learning.

When I first joined the Foundation Teacher Training, I wasn’t planning to become a yoga teacher. I’d started practising Ashtanga yoga a few months before to improve my flexibility after years of sport, and I also found it was a great way to manage the stress that comes with a busy job. I was already noticing the benefits of practising regularly, and I wanted to see what was possible by committing to a much deeper and more consistent practice.

Attending classes at Auckland Yoga Academy inspired me to pursue teacher training. I was drawn to the thoughtful, supportive way the teachers guided students and knew this was where I wanted to learn.

The six-month programme was structured so I could balance training with work while still feeling fully immersed. What I valued most was the practical experience — observing classes, teaching real students, practising adjustments and receiving feedback — alongside anatomy, philosophy, yoga history and teaching methodology.

The training gave me much more than I expected. I feel stronger mentally and physically, more confident in myself, and I’ve learned that teaching yoga is about much more than knowing the postures — it’s about meeting people where they are and helping them develop their own practice.

I felt genuinely supported by Jude and the wider teaching team, and one of the unexpected gifts was the friendships and community I found along the way.

I would absolutely recommend the Foundation Teacher Training. It deepened my practice, gave me the confidence and skills to teach, and has genuinely been a life-changing experience.