ISHTA Yoga 300-Hour Teacher Training

Finland 2027

An internationally recognized advanced yoga teacher training—held in Helsinki, with direct connection to ISHTA Yoga New York.

For only the second time in Finland, this internationally respected 300-hour training is offered primarily in person, allowing Finnish yoga teachers and dedicated practitioners to deepen their studies without traveling abroad.

Application

”My yoga journey has begun 30 years ago, however as a plus size yogi I have never had the courage to join any teacher training until I attended wonderful ISHTA classes in Helsinki. I really felt included and the message that yoga is for everyone truly resonated with me, so I joined the training in summer 2018. This was one of the best things that happened to me in a long time, a life changing experience. Our amazing teachers Aino, Mikaela, Peter and Wendy gave me the tools not only to teach and share yoga but to live yoga every day.”

– Malgorzata, Espoo – ISHTA Graduate 2018

”Ishta 200-hour teacher training was a once in a lifetime experience. You get to deepen your own practice in a very special way and also prepare yourself to teach others. Training is well organized, inspiring and intensive learning opportunity by professionals and highly trained yoga teachers from NYC. If you’ve ever felt that this is your thing and you get a chance to participate in the ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training I would say this is the one and you should go for it!”

– Iiris, Helsinki – ISHTA Graduate 2017

The program left me inspired to study and learn more. I miss the warm atmosphere of our course days filled with respect, humor and love. The trainers (Aino, Mikaela, Peter) gave us an ISHTA family where you felt at home immediately. Come join us – we’re waiting for you.”

– Maria, Vantaa – Bridge Program Graduate 2017

Over seven in-person weekends in Helsinki starting February 2027, three online weekends with ISHTA Yoga New York, a guided in person apprenticeship and a graduation retreat weekend, you'll immerse yourself in the practices, philosophy and teaching methodology that have shaped generations of ISHTA teachers around the world.

Applications are open.
Maximum 8 participants.

Your 200-hour training was the beginning.

Perhaps you've been teaching for several years. Perhaps you've continued practicing, attending workshops and searching for deeper understanding.

You know there is another level—not simply learning more postures or sequences, but becoming the kind of teacher whose knowledge comes from embodied experience.

Many teachers reach a point where they want more.

More practices, tools and techniques to diversify their teaching.

Increased confidence.

Deeper understanding.

More clarity.

More mentorship.

For Finnish yoga teachers, finding that next step has usually meant traveling abroad.

In 2027, it doesn't have to, because after 6 years, the ISHTA Yoga's internationally recognized 300-hour Teacher Training returns to Finland, creating a rare opportunity to study within an intimate local community while becoming part of a worldwide lineage that has inspired yoga teachers for decades.

A global lineage, a personal approach.

ISHTA stands for the Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda: a system that honors the uniqueness of every practitioner while offering a comprehensive understanding of yoga as a lifelong path.

Rather than teaching a single style or rigid method, ISHTA equips teachers with the discernment to meet each student where they are.

Throughout the training you'll deepen your understanding of:

intelligent sequencing
advanced asana
pranayama
meditation
yoga philosophy
subtle anatomy
Ayurveda
trauma-aware teaching principles
hands-on assists
observation and mentorship
the art of teaching from experience rather than memorisation

Many advanced trainings require months of international travel or are completed entirely online.

This program combines the best of both worlds.

You'll learn in person with a committed Finnish cohort, receive close mentorship throughout the training, and also study directly with senior ISHTA faculty in New York through dedicated online modules.

The result is an education that is both deeply personal and internationally connected.

Apply now

What makes this training unique?

✓ Internationally recognized ISHTA curriculum

✓ Yoga Alliance certified 300-hour training

✓ Certificate issued by ISHTA Yoga

✓ Mostly in-person in Helsinki

✓ Two online modules with ISHTA Yoga New York

✓ Small cohort (maximum 8 participants)

✓ Personal mentorship

✓ Apprenticeship teaching module

✓ Hands-on assisting training

✓ Personal Svādhyāya study project

✓ Supportive learning community and graduation weekend retreat

This training is open to graduates of any Yoga Alliance–recognized* 200-hour teacher training.

Whether your goal is to teach professionally, refine your existing teaching, or immerse yourself more deeply in the study of yoga, the program is designed for practitioners who are ready for the next stage of their journey.

If your previous teacher training was completed outside ISHTA, you'll begin with a 30-hour online ISHTA Bridge Program. Included in your tuition, this self-paced course introduces the foundational ISHTA philosophy and methodology, ensuring everyone begins the training with a shared understanding.

Graduates of ISHTA Yoga Finland's 200-hour Teacher Training receive a €150 alumni discount.

*If your training is not YA certified, please contact us at [email protected] to discuss options.

Application

The training combines immersive weekends, online study, mentorship and independent practice.

In-person modules | Helsinki

Eight weekends across February, March, May and June and December 2027.

These weekends focus on experiential learning, practice, teaching methodology, anatomy, hands-on assists and community learning.

Online modules | ISHTA Yoga New York

Two online weekends dedicated to Philosophy and the Subtle Body, and one dedicated to Physical Body taught directly by ISHTA Yoga's senior faculty.

You can join Philosophy and the Subtle Body module with ISHTA Yoga New York already in 2026, or start in 2027.

Nov 9, 13-15: Philosophy & Subtle Body - Tantra | Meditation | Yoga Nidra
April 12 + 16-18: Philosophy & Subtle Body - Ayurveda | Advanced Pranayama | Bhagavad Gita
Nov 2027 exact dates TBD Philosophy & Subtle Body - Tantra | Meditation | Yoga Nidra

Apprenticeship

Learning to teach doesn't happen only from the front of the room.

Throughout the training you'll complete an apprenticeship by assisting Mikaela during live classes or supporting ISHTA teachers online. This experience develops the often-overlooked skills of observation, presence and holding space.

Svādhyāya Project

Yoga is ultimately a path of self-study.

Each participant completes an individual research and practice project, exploring a topic that resonates personally while integrating the teachings of the training into their own life and teaching.

Meet your trainer, Mikaela Soldan

When I completed my first teacher training in 2013, I knew I wasn't finished learning. I had done the 200-hour training just to learn more about yoga for myself, but once I had the toolkit to teach an actual class and was hired to teach at a local yoga studio in Helsinki, a spark for teaching others what I had learned was ignited.

Two years into teaching I was hungry for more knowledge. I wanted more techniques and practices to introduce my students, and I was also in need of them myself; I suffered from anxiety and felt the lack of support which led me to the next training.

My 300-hour training became one of the most meaningful experiences of my yoga journey. It gave me practical tools I still use every week, introduced me to techniques that completely changed the way I teach, and deepened my understanding of yoga far beyond the physical practice. It also deepened my relationship with myself through the svadhyaya project; I had to apply what I had learned to my own life. The level of mentorship was also profound – a teacher and a helper needs support and guidance for themself, too.

I ended up staying in New York, but always felt the longing to bring these teachings to Finland. With the help of my Finnish ISHTA colleague Aino Siren and other senior teachers in the lineage (huge thanks to Peter Ferko + Wendy Newton for coming all the way to Finland to teach!), I started bringing ISHTA classes, workshops, retreats and eventually the 200-hour training to Finland. First training took place in Lauttasaari in 2017, next one in Punavuori 2018 and finally we were able to bring a 200-hour and the first ever 300-hour training to Helsinki in 2021 (after postponing it due to the pandemic).

I know what it feels like to travel across the world in search of teachers and community. While those experiences were invaluable, I've often wished this level of education existed closer to home.

After a few years break, I said yes to my mentor Mona Anand's invitation to reignite the teacher trainings in Finland. Summer 2025's hot and humid 200-hour training started a new era for ISHTA in Finland and I am beyond excited to offer an advanced training to anyone, who wants to continue their studies under this wonderful lineage.

My hope is not only to educate exceptional teachers, but also to strengthen the Finnish yoga community by connecting it with the wider international ISHTA family.

I'd be honored to share this journey with you. - Mikaela

A small group allows for individual guidance, meaningful mentorship and the supportive learning environment that advanced teacher training deserves.

If you feel ready to deepen your understanding of yoga, refine your teaching and become part of the global ISHTA community, I warmly invite you to apply.

Apply for training

Olin jo jonkin aikaa harkinnut joogaopettajaksi kouluttautumista, mutta sopivaa koulua ei ollut löytynyt. Etsin tapaa opettaa joogaa jokaiselle, omaa kehoa kuunnellen. Olin käynyt edellisenä kesänä ISHTA pop-up -studiolla tunneilla ja tunsin heti, että juuri näin haluan itse joogata ja opettaa.

Etukäteen jännitin vain opetuskieltä, sillä koulutus oli englanniksi. Huoli osoittautui turhaksi – esimerkiksi opetusharjoittelun sai tehdä suomeksi.

Koulutus oli sisällöltään ja toteutukseltaan todella laadukas. Asiantuntevat opettajat osasivat tuoda asiat konkreettisesti osaksi harjoitusta ja loivat ilmapiirin, joka antoi tilaa myös omalle oivaltamiselle.

ISHTA Yoga -koulutus kesällä 2018 oli upea matka, jonka aikana syvensin omaa joogaharjoitustani ja joogafilosofian ymmärrystäni. Sain eväät opettaa joogaa tavalla, joka tukee niin kehon kuin mielen hyvinvointia.

Koulutuksesta sain myös ympärilleni upean joukon kollegoita ja ystäviä, joiden kanssa uskalsimme ottaa ensimmäisen askeleen tällä tiellä – opettamisen. Jooga yhdistää; meitä, kehoa ja mieltä ❤️

– Eliisa, Espoo – ISHTA Graduate 2018

Where it all began

The History of ISHTA Yoga

Kavi Yogi Swarananda Mani Finger and his son, Kavi Yogiraj Alan Finger, created ISHTA Yoga in the late 1960’s in South Africa. Mani was first initiated into Kriya Yoga by Paramhansa Yogananda in Los Angeles, and later as a Kavi yogi by Sivananda in India.

Mani subsequently went back to South Africa where he transformed his home into an ashram.

Over many years, Mani and Alan hosted many gurus at their house including Swami Venkatesananda (friend of T. Krishnamacharya and Sivananda’s ‘jewel student’), Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Nishraisananda, and Tantric master Shuddhand Bharati, who initiated both Alan and Mani into Tantra.

Seeking to integrate and celebrate the different teachings and lineages that passed through their ashram, Mani and Alan created ISHTA Yoga.

ISHTA aims to give each student an understanding of how to incorporate aspects from various yoga styles and practices in a way that best suits their individual paths.

In 1975, after teaching in South Africa for thirteen years, Alan moved to the United States. He settled in Los Angeles and founded the Yoga Tantra Institute. Soon after, he co-founded Yoga Works. In 1993, Alan relocated to New York City and formed the Yoga Zone studios. Yoga Zone became Be Yoga and expanded Alan’s teachings into one of the most successful regional yoga teacher training programs in the country. Coming full circle, in 2004 Be Yoga rejoined the Yoga Works family of studios.

As the culmination of his life-long development of ISHTA, Alan and his partners, Julie Wilcox, Sarah Platt-Finger, and Bruce Wilcox, opened the first ISHTA Yoga studio in Manhattan on May 1st, 2008, at 56 East 11th Street in Manhattan.

The Modules

Art of Touch

Our Art of Touch Module can be only done in person and consists of four weekends with a focus on "hands on adjustments." From an energetic perspective, our hands are the transmitters of shakti, the mother-nature force that governs us. Our hands also relate to the heart and throat chakras, so how we touch relates to both how we feel and how we communicate. In this module you will learn how to facilitate the experience of yoga through "hands on adjustments." You will learn how to individualize spots and enhance the free flow of breath and life force energy.

This module can be taken as part of the ISHTA 300-hour trained teacher. If you are a 200 Hour Teacher who simply wants to learn the "Art of Touch" but are unable to commit to the full 300 Hour training, this program is also open to you.

Dates:

Weekend 1: Feb 5-7

Weekend 2: Mar 12-14

Weekend 3: Apr 2-4

Weekend 4: Apr 23-25

Training hours will be announced closer to training start. Typical training weekend is Friday 18-21, Saturday 10-18, Sunday 8-14.30.

The Physical Body

Course 1 - Sequencing, Standing postures, Surya Namaskar, & Inversions

Course 2 - Arm balances, backbends, lateral flexion, resting poses & more

This training is offered in a hybrid format; 2/3 of the training in person in Helsinki with Mikaela Soldan, and 1/3 with ISHTA trainers in New York (online).

Our Physical Body courses teach you how to master yoga postures as a form of mastering your consciousness. Our approach to the physical body is a reflection of the Tantric perspective that all matter is different densities of energy, and that our bodies are the vehicles that carry us through this life. In addition to learning more advanced and complex asana, we also offer Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Therapeutics, Injury Management, a subtle body approach to asana, sequencing, prenatal yoga, and so much more.

Each part of this module is approximately 30 hours - including pre-recorded content, live zoom sessions, and in studio sessions. Senior Trainers have over 20 years of teaching experience and include: Mona Anand, Peter Ferko, Kelly Eudailey and Douglass Stewart.

Part 1 - The asana component focuses primarily on sequencing, standing poses, sun salutes, & inversions

Part 2 - The asana component focuses primarily on arm balances, backbends, seated poses and resting poses

Dates:

Weekend 1: May 14-16

Weekend 2: May 21-23

Weekend 3: June 4-6th

Week 4: June 7 + 11-13 with ISHTA New York

Training hours will be announced closer to training start. Typical training weekend is Friday 18-21, Saturday 10-18, Sunday 8-14.30. Online sessions with ISHTA New York will happen during evening time in Finland.

Philosophy and the Subtle Body

Pranayama and Ayurveda (Part 1)

Tantra and Meditation (Part 2)

This training is offered in a hybrid format - mornings are generally online and afternoons are in studio. This training can also be taken exclusively online

ISHTA is an acronym for the Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda. Our Philosophy & the Subtle Body Module brings a uniquely ISHTA perspective to yoga philosophy and the science of yoga and spirituality.

We will delve more deeply into tantra, the chakras and kriya yoga and study the sutras from a tantric perspective. This course will help expand your tool box with more advanced pranayama and meditation techniques including yoga nidra. You will learn how to integrate the subtle body and Ayurveda into your asana practice to find balance.

Curriculum includes:

Advanced ISHTA Meditation and Pranayama techniques,
Teaching to Chakra Imbalances
Ayurveda and Asana,
Yoga Nidra
Tantra of the Sutras
The Bhagavad Gita
Ayurveda for self-care
And more!

Trainers: Alan Finger, Mona Anand, Peter Ferko, Sarah Finger and Wendy Newton.

This module will be taken online with ISHTA Senior teachers from New York. See module dates through ishtayoga.com website.

Apprenticeship (90 hours)

Our apprenticeship program is a truly unique part of our curriculum. If you are enrolled in our 300 Hour, you are assigned a mentor to guide you through the training. Yoga was traditionally taught one on one, teacher to student. Our apprenticeship program helps you integrate the teachings into your life and into your teaching under the guidance of your mentor. Mentor meetings, a svadhyaya or self study project, In Class Privates, One on Ones, Class Assisting, Class Observations and much more are a part of this program that helps you integrate the teachings into your life.

This is automatically included for anyone who joins the full program. If you are doing the training module by module, you can enroll in this module for 790€ (including VAT).

In Finland teacher training, apprenticeship module includes final weekend where trainees present their self study projects and give a teaching sample. There will be an added cost of lodgings (about 300€ for a weekend in a retreat venue) that is paid directly to the retreat venue. Graduation weekend is required for everyone who wishes to obtain their 300 hour certificate.

You can mostly design the assisting hour schedule yourself, and mentor meetings with be arranged together with the group. Mentor meetings can be attended online if you are unable to travel to Helsinki for in person meetings.

Training pricing:

The training consists of four modules that can be taken altogether or individually.

Full training tuition:

Regular tuition: 5450 € (inclusive of 25,5% VAT)

Early bird pricing until January 5th, 2027: 4950 € (inclusive of 25,5% VAT)

Alumni discount for ISHTA 200-hour graduates 4800 € (inclusive of 25,5% VAT)

Alumni discount Super early bird: 4750 € (inclusive of 25,5% VAT) through October 31st, 2026.

Not included: final graduation weekend accommodations and meals that are confirmed and paid directly to the retreat facility. We will look for a space that is around 300€ / 2 nights, all inclusive.

A non-refundable deposit of 500 € is paid upon acceptance to training. The remaining payment is due February 1st, 2027. Payment plans are available, please contact [email protected] to arrange a payment plan.

Full training tuition includes access to online training modules from ISHTA New York, in person modules in Helsinki, apprenticeship program and 3 months of online classes through ISHTA Yoga (can be taken as individual months throughout the year). Helsinki group will also receive access to Mikaela's online yoga classes.