Testimonials

From Our Graduates

In 2018, I enrolled in the inaugural RYA postgraduate training program with certain expectations based on my previous continuing education experience with Craig Villani in 2015. What I received blew my mind.

Teach to Heal and Leadership Training revolutionized my teaching. Beyond the game-changing anatomical and physiological information, I discovered access to higher frequencies of energy and authenticity made possible only by heart centered self-realization. 

Craig taught me how to develop a more intuitive approach, trust my own strengths, and consciously connect with the students in front of me. I learned how to hold space for them to transform, and to teach a more effective, therapeutic class with power and compassion. 

While maintaining respect for the Teaching Dialogue, Craig helped me see beyond my self-imposed limitations and trust my authentic voice. Since returning home, my classes have been full, and teaching yoga has been fantastic. With my whole heart, I recommend this course.

Isolde Verbrugge

Victoria, BC, Canada

*****

After completing my Level 1 TT in 2017, I was absolutely excited to attend the RYA postgraduate training in Holland, Summer 2018 

My initial thoughts were that it may be to soon, and that I didn’t have enough experience for this training. I was completely wrong. 

Attending this training was the catalyst I needed to dive deeper into the postures, comprehend and apply anatomy and physiology education more thoroughly, and really begin to understand the importance and benefits of connecting with my students, peers, and Self. 

The content was brilliant; the course was lead to empower the attendees, and was completely flexible to the needs and questions the group were facing during each session. The inclusion of yoga teachers from different trainings with many years experience between them was a fantastic balance, and also proved to be an excellent learning tool for everyone involved.

My experience and the knowledge gained from attending the L2/L3 training has been invaluable to my teaching. I highly recommend it to any teacher wanting to expand their mind and open their heart.

Lisa Murphy

Queenstown, NZ

*****

 "I could not imagine a more viscerally
exciting or fulfilling training ground
than this one"

Since 2001, Craig Villani has been an inspiring and incredible mentor to me, as well as a dear and trusting friend. After my first interaction with him as leader of my yoga training, I thought, "I want to have what he has!" His ball-point intuition and positive encouragement led me to be the teacher I always aspired to be- always continuing to grow and evolve, and hopefully inspiring others to do the same. Craig finds the gift that each individual innately has and brings it to the surface, allowing each of us to gain a sense of strength and confidence, while remaining humble and teachable. I could not imagine a more viscerally exciting or fulfilling training ground than this one.

John Salvatore

Las Vegas, NV

*****

Unifying the yoga community

There are few among us who have studied with or had more exposure to the great yoga teachers of our age than Craig Villani. Craig designed the world's first and most successful high capacity yoga teacher training program with Bikram Choudhury, and has inspired thousands throughout the years with his unparalleled subject knowledge and highly engaging teaching technique. As a teacher, he has the unique ability to inspire awe while relating complex ideas with clarity and understanding. 

After 10 years of directing the Bikram Yoga Teacher Training, he’s been traveling the world offering the best seminars, master classes, and teacher development programs available. The news that he is bringing all his experience, knowledge, and wealth of connections into a single teacher training means that there will finally be one in-depth, robust, and universal program to maintain the integrity of our lineage and support the growth of our yoga. The Raja Yoga Academy Teacher Training will stand head and shoulders above the rest by inspiring, educating, and unifying the yoga community.

Dominic Emley 

London, UK

*****

Training with Craig changed my life

Training with Craig Villani in 2006 changed my life's purpose. He turned me toward the direction of healing, with yoga as the medium to serve. 

His vast knowledge of yoga history, alignment and physical expression combined with the kindness and determination of a great leader makes this the training that will prepare you to achieve your dreams. Craig taught me how to teach from my heart.

Jill Ippolito

Founder/Director, UpRising Yoga

*****

A true mentor with a magical gift

I’ve known Craig Villani since 2010. Since then, I’ve attended many of his retreats, seminars, and master classes. In all honesty, I’ve learned much more from him than from the entire nine weeks spent in Bikram Choudhury’s teacher training program. 

As a Medical Doctor and Emergency Physician, I knew from my first interaction with Craig that he’s more than just a Yoga teacher - he’s a true mentor with a magical gift that can transform you as human being. From my medical perspective, Craig teaches with a vast knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and understands how to effectively integrate the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. 

He can make a comprehensive diagnosis by realizing your limitations and locating imbalances, and then offers you the proper tools to practice safely and correctly. He focuses on therapeutic integration to help heal the different components of the human body. This makes enormous sense to me as a doctor of western medicine. 

I’m honored and excited to be a member of the Academy Faculty and work with this intelligent and incredible teacher.  Congratulations Craig, and long life to the Raja Yoga Academy.

Dr. Bouchra Reggad

MD, CCMF, MU, Montreal, Canada 

*****

I feel privileged to be part of Raja Yoga Academy

I had the great fortune of attending Bikram Yoga teacher training whilst Craig Villani was Director of Education in Fall, 2003. I was immediately struck by his incredible leadership skills and unique ability to motivate, challenge, and inspire the people around him.  

Since then, I have worked closely with Craig and opened three yoga studios in London. I now own and operate Hot Yoga Society (formerly Hot Bikram Yoga) in London Bridge. Together, we have organized posture clinics, master classes, and teacher training workshops for students and instructors throughout the UK and Europe, all led by Craig.  

Craig is a true professional and a pleasure to work with. He has a huge depth of knowledge from decades of teaching, and has guided thousands of people towards lasting positive change. However, what I find most compelling is his passion for teaching and expert ability to impart his rather formidable knowledge with both clarity and authenticity.  

Craig's strength goes beyond explaining the yoga and its benefits - he understands what it takes to be a great teacher and leads you to discover the same. I feel privileged to be part of Raja Yoga Academy, and excited to bring our first training to London in the very near future.

Olga Allon

London, UK