In-person Instructor School is $1750 or 3 payments of $642. First Responders receive 10% off their ticket with code FIRSTRESPONDER. This is the honor system, please honor it! *Discount not valid on payment plan.

Foundations Training is currently only being offered as a part of Instructor School:

This 8-hour online course educates participants on:

• History of YogaShield Yoga For First Responders

• The original intention of yoga and what yoga is not

• Functions of the nervous system

• Neurobiology of stress and trauma

• Ingredients to Mindfulness

• The 3 Principles of Resilience

• What makes YFFR unique - Culture and Methodology

• Introduction to YFFR Methodology (Yoga Class)

• Specific techniques to practice immediately

• Next steps for bringing YFFR to more people and departments

After this training, participants will understand the why and how of yoga and its benefit for public safety and military. Participants will be able to practice the principles of YFFR for themselves, as well as properly educate others in an informal setting on YFFR culture and methodology and why it is a distinct and unique program.

Foundations Training is not intended to train someone to be an Instructor, and participants are not certified to teach YFFR Protocol.

Foundations is perfect for:

• Clinicians

• Social workers

• Command staff

• Administrators

• Wellness Coordinator

• Peer Fitness and Peer Support Trainers

• First responders

• Military

• Family of first responders and military

Anyone who is looking for additional tools in their toolbox, further education and understanding of stress management and resilience, or to arm themselves with language and logistics for buy-in from their department, but may not be ready or desiring to become an Instructor themself.

Prerequisites:

• None

This five day Instructor School certifies you to:

• Instruct YFFR Protocol for departments and programs on a drop-in basis

• Use YFFR’s official and structured curriculum for:

  • Academy Programs

  • Training Demo Workshops

  • In-service Trainings

  • Conference presentations

• Become a member of the YFFR Training Cadre (upon request)

In Basic and Advanced Training trainees will receive:

• A breakdown of the YFFR protocol

• Three standardized YFFR classes

• Best practices and smart teaching tools for yoga instruction

• A deeper look at the science of yoga as it relates to trauma

• The Western and Eastern science behind YFFR protocol

• 12 YFFR Mat Class Workshops

• Squad (small group) Breakout Sessions and Practice Teaching

• An overview of trauma-specific yoga and cognitive training techniques

• Introduction to Tactical Skills for Law Enforcement and Fire Service

• Techniques for Optimizing Human Performance

• Breaking Down YFFR Training Curriculum for Recruit Academies and In-Service Training

• Fascia Release Techniques for Optimal Mobility

• Peak Performance Drills

• Breakout Sessions and Discussion

• Practice Teaching

• Standard Neurological Reset practices (similar to Yoga Nidra)

• YFFR Instructor Manual with extensive reference materials

After this training attendees will know how to teach the YFFR Protocol to first responders in department settings. By the end of Instructor School attendees will have the tools to practice the techniques of YFFR Protocol themselves, speak authentically about yoga and the YFFR mission, and teach the YFFR Protocol with a high level of effectiveness and professionalism.

Instructors will be expected to uphold YFFR’s Personal and Professional Areas of Excellence including:

• Code of conduct

• Internal and external communication protocols

• Demonstrate tactical and cultural competency

• Effectively explain the science and methodology behind the YFFR Protocol

*Note:

• Post training requirements must be completed before certification

• Instructors will sign a licensing agreement to use YFFR’s name, logo, and material upon completion of training requirements

Prerequisites:

• Foundations Training

Post Training Requirements:

• Cultural competency classes for Law Enforcement and Fire Service

• Online, open book written test

• Documentation of 5 classes taught

• Ride-along (for civilians)

• Written essay

Post certification requirements to teach YFFR:

• Sign licensing agreement to use YFFR’s trademarked name and material (must sign to receive additional benefits listed below)

• Subscribe to YFFR Instructor Network which gives you the below benefits (fee waived first year, $120* every year after) *YFFR reserves the right to change this fee at any time.

  • Access to the YFFR Instructor Portal where all your member benefits live

  • Access to 1 year of YFFR On Demand (short yoga classes, workshops, and instructors-only information)

  • Access to 1 year of YFFR University (continuing education classes)

  • Digital Instructor Toolkit to support you after training

  • 20% Discount on YFFR Merchandise

  • Affiliate code for YFFR On Demand to share and earn 15% commission on every sign up using your code

  • Access to the Instructor Success Team

  • Listed on YFFR’s public-facing database of Certified Instructors as long as Instructor is in good standing

• Good standing requirements:

  • Must teach at least 10 YFFR Classes per year

    • 1 must be recorded and submitted via CEU platform

  • Document each class taught via Class Participation Report (including department P.O.C. and dates of classes)

  • Program evaluations will be sent to P.O.C. by YFFR HQ

  • A Regional YFFR HQ Representative may audit classes on a random drop-in basis based on the schedule of classes provided.

The Virtual Instructor School is now available! This completely online course certifies you in our protocol and is a great option for 200hr yoga teachers or those with a vast knowledge of yoga and can't make it to in-person training. To learn more, click HERE!