Awaken Your Inner Teacher, Healer, and Leader
Holistic Joy Yoga School
at Purusha Studio
Season of Rebirth | Spring 2026
200 HR Yoga Teacher Training Certification
Program begins February 20, 2026
Are you craving rejuvenation and yearning for an opportunity to explore something new?
Embrace a journey of self-discovery and join a vibrant community enriched by over 25 years of holistic training in San Francisco!
Training Dates & Schedule
Four Weekends • Spring 2025
Our in-person training occurs over just four weekends this spring, allowing you to balance your life while immersing yourself in yoga practice and connection
Weekend Dates
- Friday 2/20 – Sunday 2/22
- Friday 2/27 – Sunday 3/1
- Friday 3/6 – Sunday 3/8
- Friday 3/13 – Sunday 3/15
Session Times
In Person:
- Fridays: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Saturdays: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sundays: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Online:
Weekly Zoom meetings with Joy from February 24th – March 24th.
- Tuesdays: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Recordings of all training sessions will be available to registered students for 6 months following the end of the program.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Program and What We Offer
When selecting a yoga training program, it’s vital to consider flexibility, a supportive community, and the chance to learn at your own pace. At the Holistic Joy Yoga School, we offer a thoughtfully designed experience that balances in-person engagement with asynchronous learning. Dive into a diverse curriculum covering multiple disciplines, including Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Therapeutic, 5 Element, and Somatic yoga.
The Holistic Joy Yoga School’s 200-hour program is Yoga Alliance-accredited, offering you an accessible path to teaching while deepening your practice, enhancing self-awareness, and leading with compassion.
In-Person or Hybrid Learning
- 60 hours In-Person: Experience hands-on learning at Purusha Studio with Joy or another designated primary teacher.
- 5 hours of Weekly Meet-Ups: Engage in group mentoring, support, and instruction from 2/3-3/3.
- 20 Online Live Classes: Participate in online or in-person sessions with Joy or another primary teacher (must be completed within 6 months of the start date).
Practice Hours
20 Classes with Graduate Teachers: Explore classes taught by graduates of Joy Ravelli or current instructors at Purusha Studio (must be completed within 4 months of the start date).
Asynchronous Online Learning
(Must be completed within 12 months of start date)
Anatomy
20 hours
Lifestyle
20 hours
Methodology
20 hours
Philosophy
20 hours
Expert Guidance
Gain insights from over 25 years of experience and a nurturing legacy that inspires your growth.
Supportive Community
Connect with a diverse group that fosters lasting friendships and embraces a variety of practices.
Inspiring Spaces
Train in beautiful indoor and outdoor studios, just steps from Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park, where nature enhances your experience.
Holistic Experience
Enjoy San Francisco’s most accessible yoga training, welcoming all backgrounds and abilities while fitting seamlessly into your life.
Transformative Learning
Discover yoga through teaching, deepen your understanding, and inspire others. Experience a diverse program that includes Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Therapeutic, 5 Element, and Somatic yoga.
Pricing
| Credit Card | Cash / Check / Zelle |
|---|---|
| $3,699 | $3,499 Save $200 |
- Discount for payment by cash, Zelle or check! Check the “Payment Plan” box during check out. If the box is not checked, full amount will be charged.
- The Purusha team can also register you. Please email: hello@purushayoga.org
- Payment plan options available with $150 non-refundable deposit due at registration. Three installments following.
- 20 regular classes at Purusha Yoga & Pilates are included in all pricing.
Meet the Team
Joy Ravelli
Founder & Lead Teacher
Joy brings her dynamic, authentic true self to her practice as a world traveler, community leader, internationally known master yoga teacher, yoga therapist, mentor, personal trainer, and coach.
A dedicated yogi, Joy has been honored to study personally with many profound yet simple teachers, including Thich Nhat Hanh, Pema Chodron, John Featherstone, Anodea Judith, and Anna Halprin. Joy’s practice has been a lifelong journey of realizing and enjoying the common ground of practices and people worldwide, including indigenous wisdom from America, Tibet, Thailand, Hawaii, and Nepal.
For over 30 years, Joy has led workshops, retreats, and yoga teacher trainings worldwide guiding thousands of clients individually and in groups to discover their true self and explore all aspects of wellness. Joy’s 5-star rated YTT is recognized worldwide providing specialized certifications for self-growth and career enhancement. Joy’s compassionate leadership supports growth for rewarding careers as professional holistic yoga teachers and yoga therapists.
About Purusha Studio
Purusha is a proudly women-owned business in the Outer Richmond district of San Francisco. Founded by Joy Ravelli, Purusha Yoga Studio has been serving the community since 2010. In November 2024, Joy handed over leadership for the next phase of Purusha Studio’s evolution to co-owners Jen Betti and Kopal Maheshwari who have continued to foster Purusha’s values. With community at its core, Purusha has a deep commitment to creating a safe environment where everyone belongs and feels safe to bring their whole self to practice. You will enjoy a welcoming and warm environment that celebrates diversity of all ages, stages, and abilities and fosters community connection.
Purusha Studio is proud to be the home studio for Holistic Joy Yoga School.
Alumni stay connected through Purusha’s inclusive community.
Holistic Yoga Teacher Training for Professional & Personal Growth
In the Holistic Joy Yoga School, we believe this journey is vital for every practitioner looking to enhance their practice. With over 25 years of experience, we are proud to have inspired and mentored countless teachers who initially sought only to deepen their understanding of yoga.
Our holistic approach resets and rejuvenates your practice through movement, breathing, mindset, and subtle techniques for mind, body, and spirit. We help you tap into your unique goals for optimal health, recognizing that yoga is much more than physical movement; it is a versatile system tailored to each of our individual needs. Learning through teaching reveals transformative insights that enrich your practice and inspire those around you. Our training fosters creativity and authentic movement in inclusive indoor and outdoor environments, welcoming all ages and learning styles.
Whether you aim to deepen your own journey or explore the art of teaching, the Holistic Joy Yoga School 200 HR YTT is the perfect retreat for your path of self-discovery and holistic wellness.
Begin your journey today with the Holistic Joy Yoga School!
Thrilled to be named one of “The Best Yoga Teacher Trainings in The SF Bay” by East+West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Holistic Yoga Training?
The difference in our Holistic Yoga Training is Joy herself. Joy’s superpower is connection, and she intentionally creates and nourishes a community where everyone is seen, respected, and celebrated. Her deep commitment and care to the journey of each student throughout and beyond graduation are unmatched. In this training, diversity in learning styles and perspectives is celebrated, fostering authenticity and creative expression. All are welcome—no experience or expertise is required. Purusha is the home and birthplace of the training and has a very special and supportive community.
The difference in our Holistic Yoga Training is Joy herself. Joy’s superpower is connection, and she intentionally creates and nourishes a community where everyone is seen, respected, and celebrated. Her deep commitment and care to the journey of each student throughout and beyond graduation are unmatched. In this training, diversity in learning styles and perspectives is celebrated, fostering authenticity and creative expression. All are welcome—no experience or expertise is required. Purusha is the home and birthplace of the training and has a very special and supportive community.
The ancient art of teaching yoga was traditionally in a circle, under a tree. Student and teacher come together with the intention of enthusiasm and strong regard for each other and the practices. Every day is like the best summer camp you ever dreamed of! Seriously, it is a legitimately life-changing experience. The curriculum fascinates me even though I have taught it to thousands of students for over 25 years. I learn something new every time because I am changing, and the students that gather form a unique cohort, and the world is constantly transforming. Yoga changes with all of these influences. This is why it has lived for so long and continues to attract new students. I have traveled the world and have had the honor of being in the presence of many master teachers. One becomes a master by recognizing the beauty and magnificence in unexpected places. I aim to gently guide you to find that magnificence alive within yourself.
Our Students
Absolutely not! In fact, this is our #1 question.
Am I good enough, flexible enough, strong enough, yogi enough?”. The answer is to relax and come as you are! You will learn to meet yourself where you are with kindness, compassion, and patience. Eventually, you may even experience gratitude and celebration for yourself if you practice enough. This is the true gift of holistic yoga. To learn how to accept yourself “as is.”
This training will teach you what works and what doesn’t regarding your lifestyle, choices, movement patterns, thoughts, desires, goals, and daily rhythm. You will learn how to be comfortable in your body while discovering inspiration to practice more intently and with more curiosity and enthusiasm.
The most excellent teachers start by saying they don’t want to teach. It is the best way to begin anything; learning it for yourself first is essential. The best things you will have to teach are those you have adopted into your lifestyle. That truth becomes you, and it is from that authentic place that your voice will resonate most clearly. So do it for yourself; naturally, it will flow from you and encourage change around you. This is the evolution of Dharma and Karma.
Absolutely not! In fact, this is our #1 question.
“Am I good enough, flexible enough, strong enough, yogi enough?”. The answer is to relax and come as you are! You will learn to meet yourself where you are with kindness, compassion, and patience. Eventually, you may even experience gratitude and celebration for yourself if you practice enough. This is the true gift of holistic yoga. To learn how to accept yourself “as is.”
This training will teach you what works and what doesn’t regarding your lifestyle, choices, movement patterns, thoughts, desires, goals, and daily rhythm. You will learn how to be comfortable in your body while discovering inspiration to practice more intently and with more curiosity and enthusiasm.
The most excellent teachers start by saying they don’t want to teach. It is the best way to begin anything; learning it for yourself first is essential. The best things you will have to teach are those you have adopted into your lifestyle. That truth becomes you, and it is from that authentic place that your voice will resonate most clearly. So do it for yourself; naturally, it will flow from you and encourage change around you. This is the evolution of Dharma and Karma.
No experience or expertise is required. All are welcome regardless of fitness level, age, or stage of life. Our community thrives on each person bringing their unique ways of wisdom to the cohort. Ultimately, if you decide to teach you will learn how to meet your students where they are, so you should come as you are and celebrate precisely how you are today.
Yes, the curriculum, quizzes, homework, and assignments may be turned in or shared with the teacher in various ways. You can write, video, or demonstrate your knowledge in the way that best suits you.
Certification
Once you complete all of the course requirements, you may register with the Yoga Alliance. Joy Ravelli’s Holistic Yoga School has been accredited with the Yoga Alliance since 2002 at the 200, 300, and 500-hour levels.
Once you complete all of the course requirements, you may register with the Yoga Alliance. Joy Ravelli’s Holistic Yoga School has been accredited with the Yoga Alliance since 2002 at the 200, 300, and 500-hour levels.
Breakdown of Hours
Synchronous/ live in person or online with a teacher:
- 60 hours In-Person at Purusha Studio with Joy or another designated primary teacher
- 5 hours of weekly meet-ups that include: group mentoring, support, and instruction. See Schedule.
- 20 Online Live Classes or in-person with Joy or another designated primary Teacher (must be completed within 6 months of start date)
- 20 classes taught by graduates of Joy Ravelli &/or currently teaching at Purusha Studio (must be completed within 4 months of start date)
Asynchronous/ online self-paced: (must be completed within 12 months of start date)
- 20 hours of Anatomy Online
- 20 hours of Philosophy Online
- 20 hours of Lifestyle/ personal growth/ business/ ayurveda/ Online
- 20 hours of Methodology online
Personal Practice, Self-Study: (must be completed within 12 months of start date)
- 20 hours
Graduation Requirements:
- All hours must be fulfilled and recorded properly
- All homework must be completed as specified by the teacher
- Self-test must be completed and scored with an 80% or higher
- You must be paid in full
Considerations:
Completion Requirements may be altered to accommodate the needs of a student by special request.
Joy Ravelli’s Holistic Yoga School graduates have a very high success rate in being hired by yoga studios, gyms, corporations, and private clients. Purusha Yoga Studio prioritizes hiring graduates of this program, and our rich community of graduates is here to provide you with resources and networking opportunities.
Yes. This course includes business skills, next steps, and individualized guidance toward manifesting your dreams. We also offer a Holistic Yoga Therapy Certificate, the next step in your education, and multiple specialized certifications, all part of the 300-hour training.
What to Expect
Each day has a consistent rhythm and schedule, starting with meditation, breathing, chanting, and moving into a more physical practice with a breakdown of methods experienced, followed by lunch and an afternoon of asana, anatomy, and teaching skills/ practice teaching. The day ends with a guided meditation. Breaks are given throughout the day.
Each day has a consistent rhythm and schedule, starting with meditation, breathing, chanting, and moving into a more physical practice with a breakdown of methods experienced, followed by lunch and an afternoon of asana, anatomy, and teaching skills/ practice teaching. The day ends with a guided meditation. Breaks are given throughout the day.
Yes, you do need to purchase two books: The Anatomy Coloring Book and Yoga Anatomy. We will send you the link to these books once you register. You will also receive four workbooks at no extra charge with the course registration, including the 200-hour workbook, the Asana workbook, the Foundation workbook, and Joy’s book “Threads,” Yoga Sutras in Everyday Life.
Yes. Once you have completed registration, you can access the online course materials immediately. You will be given a sign-in, and you may begin looking at the books, watching the anatomy videos, and starting your daily practices.
We suggest you bring lunch or plan on buying lunch at one of the fabulous restaurants on Balboa Street.
Bring your yoga mat, snacks, water bottle, pen, and notebook.
Wear layers; the Outer Richmond weather may get cool.
We love to get outside and enjoy our redwood garden and the surrounding beauty of Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach, all within walking distance.
Yes. There is ample free street parking. We will provide more tips in our welcome packet.
We have many students who visit us in San Francisco for our training. We can provide guidance on areas to stay that are proximity and will help in any way that we can to ensure you have a great experience.
Hear From Former Students
“It’s deepened my practice so much, and in all aspects of my life from what I eat to how I treat others to how I look at the world.”
– Alison M.
“Joy has a vast understanding and wealth of knowledge and experience in yoga, the body, health, fitness, yoga philosophy, teaching yoga, nutrition, and more.”
– Kari G.
“Yoga teacher training (YTT) at Purusha has made a big difference in my yoga practice and my everyday life.”
– Apoorva M.