Discover the Heart of Yoga

The BWY Foundation Course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and experience of yoga.
It’s a 60-hour journey into the heart of yogic philosophy and practice — helping you build a confident home practice and explore yoga as a way of life.

Whether you want to prepare for teacher training or simply dive deeper into your personal journey, this course provides the perfect foundation.

A Personal Invitation from Emma Turnbull

“I attended my own Foundation Course in 2003 when I was seeking something more than a weekly class.
It was the beginning of a truly yogic lifestyle — learning to take yoga off the mat and into every part of my life.
I loved meeting like-minded people all on their own yogic journeys, and I’m delighted to now offer this same experience to others.”

What You’ll Explore

This 60-hour course goes beyond asana, offering a rich blend of practical and theoretical learning:

• The eight limbs of yoga from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

• Asana (posture), Pranayama (breathwork), Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation)

• The history and philosophy of yoga

• The main schools and paths of yoga practice

You’ll build self-awareness, strengthen your connection to yoga philosophy, and develop a steady personal practice.

Please note: this course is not a teaching qualification. It forms the standard entry requirement for the BWY Teacher Training Diploma.

Who the Course Is For

This course is ideal if you:
Have practiced yoga for at least two consecutive years
Wish to deepen your knowledge and experience of yoga
Are considering teacher training in the future
Feel ready to integrate yoga into your daily life

Course Structure

Duration: 60 contact hours
Schedule: 10 full Saturdays (February – November 2026)
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Venue: Yoga Wise Studio, Steeple Road, Mayland, Essex CM3 6AX

Our beautiful, fully equipped studio provides everything you need — mats, props, and a welcoming tearoom area for lunch and tea breaks.
Free parking is available. Please note: the studio is located on the second floor and is accessed by stairs.

2026 Course Dates

Students must attend at least 80% of sessions to receive certification.

Course Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years consistent yoga practice with a reputable teacher

• Attendance at a regular weekly class

• Maintaining a personal practice journal during the course

• A short interview with Emma before acceptance

There is no formal written assessment — the emphasis is on personal experience, exploration and self-development.

Reading List

You’ll need copies of the following books:

• The Heart of Yoga — T.K.V. Desikachar

• Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha — Swami Satyananda Saraswati

• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — translation by Swami Satchidananda

Download Full Syllabus

Course Fees

£695 tuition fees

• £195 non-refundable deposit on acceptance

• Remaining £500 payable in full or by monthly instalments of £50

Additional costs:

• BWY Membership: £37 (pay directly to BWY)

• BWY Registration Fee: £60 (paid via Emma to the BWY for certification)

Fees are non-refundable once paid. In exceptional cases, credit toward a future course may be offered at Emma’s discretion.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Read the Course Syllabus

2. Download the Application Form

3. Return both completed forms to:
   Emma Turnbull emma@yoga-wise.co.uk

4. Attend your interview (informal chat)

5. Join the BWY

6. Pay your registration fee (£60) and course deposit to secure your place

Submitting an application does not guarantee a place. Acceptance follows a successful interview and receipt of deposit.

Begin Your Journey

If you’re ready to explore yoga as a way of life — not just a weekly practice — this course will guide and inspire your growth.
Join a small, supportive group of like-minded practitioners and step deeper into your yoga journey.

WhatsApp us with any questions