Yoga Teacher Training Fall 2024

Enrolling in Dou's Yoga Teacher Training was an "If not now, when?" kind of moment. Little did I know the life-changing, transformative journey I was about to embark on. I am now equipped with tools, skills, and knowledge that extend far beyond the physical practice of yoga into yoga philosophy and the mind-body connection. Most important to me, the inclusive and supportive environment allowed me to learn and grow at my own pace while also developing meaningful connections with my "yoga colleagues".  - Alix

Dou is a magical place. I have been a part of the community at Dou since August 2022 and took the leap to start the studio's 200-hr yoga teacher training in January 2023. I cannot overstate how much I appreciate the hours I spent in the studio with Shieri, Yuuki, and Kate (not to mention the friends I made in the other students). Although I have been practicing yoga for a decade, I had never considered becoming a yoga teacher until I joined Dou. After getting to know Shieri, Yuuki, and Kate (and all of the amazing teachers at Dou), I knew that this teacher training would enrich my life in ways that I couldn't yet verbalize. Although the time commitment seemed daunting, I treasured every hour I spent in the studio with my class, and every hour I spent studying and practicing outside of the formal training. This training not only prepared me to become a confident yoga teacher, but also deepened my own yoga practice in ways that I had not expected. It changed how I viewed yoga as a practice and as a mindset. - Aisha

The Dou yoga teacher training course was a transformative experience that deeply enriched my understanding of yoga, it's foundation and history. Prior to the course, I was particularly keen on exploring breathwork and meditation, and this training not only met but exceeded my expectations, helping me connect with myself on a much deeper level. Yuuki, Kate and Shieri were notably compassionate and attentive, fostering a gentle and open learning environment that made it easy for everyone to feel welcomed and valued. The unassuming and supportive atmosphere of the training encouraged personal growth and confidence to be successful teachers, making it an invaluable experience for anyone looking to deepen their yoga practice and teaching skills. - Marta

I've been a work-study with Dou for over 2 years. When I started, the possibility of teaching yoga was nowhere near my radar--I was just looking for a cost-effective (read: free) and fun way to exercise in my neighborhood. But, as time went on, with unlimited access to classes, my practice gradually deepened to the point that yoga began to feel like an integral part of my life. More importantly, I realized how grateful I am for the community that Dou provides and the opportunities that they offer for work-studies in particular--not everyone takes care of people the way I feel taken care of by Dou. It's that gratitude that ultimately pushed me to enroll in the teacher training and I'm so glad I did. Though I'm still unsure what my future holds with regard to teaching, my mind has opened to a whole host of possibilities, yoga-related and otherwise. Most importantly, I feel closer to my practice, physically and energetically, and affirmed in my sense of intuition.

If you feel drawn to the values Dou emodies and are considering enrolling but are unsure whether you're ready to commit, let this testimony be a sign: listen to your curiosity and take the chance! - Lindsay

Yuuki Hirano

Yuuki is the proud owner of Dou Yoga as well as the co-founder of Suryaside Yoga. He is the Co-Director and Co-Lead teacher of the 200 hour teacher training program at Dou Yoga.

In addition to a decade of practice, Yuuki has been teaching since 2008. He completed his 500 hour training with ISHTA Yoga but his thirst for knowledge and passion for the subtle body and energetics has brought him to the Tri-State  College of Acupuncture where he received a Masters in Acupuncture and is now a practicing, Licensed Acupuncturist.

Yuuki believes in the importance of functional movement and using the breath as a foundation and progression of one’s yoga practice. With his understanding of anatomy, body mechanics, meditation, the breath and the energy that weaves all it together, Yuuki wishes to educate and create an environment of inquiry, healing and growth for his students.

Kate Lieberman

Kate’s aim while guiding a yoga practice is to create an environment of exploration for each person to discover doorways within themselves where there were once walls. 

Based in Brooklyn, Kate has been practicing yoga for the past 20 years and teaching yoga classes for the past 10 years. She serves a spectrum of ages as a yoga and mindfulness facilitator to children in public schools throughout NYC , to adults in studios and organizations across the country. She earned her first 200 hour training with HOSH Yoga in 2013 and has taken numerous specialized trainings and certifications to stay current with somatic education. 

Most recently, Kate completed a 200 hour yoga therapy training focused on somatic grief and trauma processing through The Grief Support Network and The Center For Somatic Grieving. The immersion into this work has inspired Kate to work toward her full yoga therapy accreditation through the IAYT. In her personal life, Kate is also a musician and has a rich background in performing arts.

Kate is thrilled to be a co-lead of the Dou 200 hour teacher training and has been teaching at Dou, her “home studio” since 2014.

IG: @katchee22

Shieri Shelly Yamafuji

“I teach methods that create sustainable well-being, also help people to increase self esteem, and realize their potential.”

Passionate about unlocking the transformative power of Pilates, I earned certification at the prestigious Kane School of Core Integration and Polestar Comprehensive in 2011. My yoga journey began at Dou Yoga, achieving my 200-hour RYT in 2014, expanding into Restorative and Yoga Nidra / Restorative at Ishta Yoga, and deepening with a 500-hour RYT under Guta Hedewig at The Yoga School NY. Seeking a profound connection to tradition, I furthered my training at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram and Yoga Vahini in Chennai, India, delving into Subtle Anatomy, Pranayama, and Yoga Therapy in the Krishnamacharya tradition.

Beyond physical movement, my commitment to holistic wellness led me to embrace the role of a self-esteem mentor. Today, I offer an integrated approach, harmonizing the strengths of Yoga, Pilates, and self-esteem/self-branding coaching.

Dedicated to the holistic well-being of every individual I guide, I craft tailored programs to empower others, helping them tap into their potential, rebuild self-worth, and sculpt a life imbued with vitality and purpose.

IG: @shieri_shelly_yamafuji

www.shierishellyyamafuji.com