This module can be taken as a standalone immersion or as credit toward BYDC’s 300HR certification. RYS300 - 25 Hours.

21 Hours Training + 4 Hours Homework (Assist 3 Classes + Reflection)

The Art of Empowered Touch

Hands-on assists are one of the most powerful tools in a yoga teacher’s toolkit—and often, one of the most feared. But when offered with clarity, consent, and care, an assist can awaken a student’s awareness, transform their posture, and create an experience that words alone cannot deliver.

This module is designed to help teachers move from hesitation to confidence, learning how to offer skillful, intentional touch across a wide range of postures and bodies. You’ll explore the foundations of safe and effective assists, refine your anatomical understanding, and gain hands-on experience assisting in live classes.

You’ll also be trained in how to read subtle cues, practice verbal & non-verbal communication, and offer your presence in a way that is both empowering and sensitive—especially for students who may be touch-averse, trauma-informed, or simply needing a softer approach.

In this module, you’ll:

• Learn foundational and advanced assists for a variety of poses and class styles

• Practice verbal and non-verbal consent strategies

• Develop intuitive presence and safe energetic boundaries

• Explore the ethics of touch and cultural sensitivity in assistive teaching

• Practice in real-time during three assisted classes

• Cultivate confidence through repetition, mentorship, and embodied learning

• Learn when not to assist—and when an assist is a moment of transformation waiting to happen

Whether you're brand new to assisting or looking to refine your skills, this training will help you step into the role of teacher with greater confidence, sensitivity, and mastery. The difference between a good teacher and a great one often comes down to presence—and presence, when paired with intentional touch, becomes a profound act of service.