The Art of Adjustments mini YTT
12-Hour Hands-On Training for Yoga & Movement Teachers
With ellie cooper
Saturday NOVEMBER 28th + SUNDAY 29th, 2026
11am-5pm each day
Our ethos
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Our ethos *
Hands-on assisting is more than technique alone. At its most meaningful, it becomes a quiet form of communication — an offering of support, presence and deeper connection within a student’s practice.
This training is designed to help movement teachers approach assisting with greater sensitivity, confidence and care. Together we’ll explore the art of observation, consent-led touch, body reading through an anatomical lens, and the subtle ways an assist can help a student feel more grounded, supported and at ease within themselves and within your class.
A weekend immersion for yoga teachers wanting to develop greater confidence, clarity and sensitivity when offering hands-on assists within a modern yoga space.
There is a quiet language within the body- one that speaks through breath, sensation, and subtle response.
To offer hands-on adjustments is to step into that conversation. Not to fix, but to listen. Not to impose, but to support.
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Lead by Ellie Cooper (500-RYT) with over 1000 Hours of training under her belt
Dates: Saturday November 28th + Sunday November 29th 2026
11am-5pm each dayDuration: 12 hours (in-person training)
Location: Kula Studio — 14/22 Welles Street, Christchurch Central
Format: In-person training for yoga + pilates teachers & dedicated students
Spots: Limited to 14 spaces to keep the training intimate & experiential
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This training is for teachers who want to elevate their classes- creating spaces where students not only move well, but feel met, supported, and more connected to their own bodies.
Suitable for yoga teachers and movement practitioners alike.
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12hr Certification Certificate- can be used towards Yoga Alliance CE hours)
daily practice + hands on practice labs
mentoring
tea/snacks
small group environment
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This is a immersive training designed for yoga and movement teachers who want to deepen their understanding of touch as both a skill and a practice.
Blending practical hands-on techniques with a more intuitive and embodied approach, this training is designed to help you build confidence while refining your ability to observe, read and respond to the bodies in front of you with greater sensitivity and care.
Throughout the weekend, we’ll explore:
The art and ethics of touch
Consent-led and trauma-aware approaches to assisting
Developing observation skills and body reading
Understanding when to assist — and when not to
Functional movement principles within adjustments
How to offer support without overriding a student’s experience
Verbal vs physical cueing
Assisting standing, seated and restorative postures
Nervous system awareness and student experience
Teacher presence, confidence and communication
How hands-on assists can help students feel more grounded, supported and connected within a group class
Expect a balance of hands-on practice, guided learning and shared exploration, all held within an intimate small-group environment.
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Saturday 11am-5pm
11am -12.30pm
Introduction, arrival, grounding practice & opening discussion
1pm-2.30pm
The foundations of hands-on assisting
Consent, ethics, observation & body reading + foundations of skillfull Touch2.30pm-5pm
Body reading + different types of adjustments and support within a group class + assisting labSunday | 11:00am – 6:00pm
11:00am – 12:15pm
Morning practice & group chats12:15pm – 1:45pm
Trauma-aware assisting & the language of touch1:45pm – 2:15pm
Lunch break2:15pm – 4:00pm
Assisting lab - restorative & intuitive support techniques4:00pm – 5:00pm
Teaching practice, group discussion & closing circle -
Investment:
Early Bird: $359(until Oct 15th)
Standard Rate: $449
Payment plans are available — please email ellie@kulastudionz.co.nz to set one up.
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Click Enrol Here to complete your registration or Email us at info@kulastudionz.co.nz
You’ll receive an email with instructions for payments and payment plan options.
Once your payment has been received you’ll receive a confirmation email with training details, what to bring, and how to prepare.
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Kula Studio is located in the heart of Christchurch at 14/22 Welles Street, with plenty of nearby cafés, parking options, and access to public transport.
Our light-filled studio has dedicated spaces for movement, rest, and connection, creating a supportive environment for immersive training.
WHY HANDS ON ASSITS STILL MATTER.
In a well-taught class, an assist isn't a correction — it's communication. This training returns to that idea, helping you build a hands-on practice rooted in consent, anatomical understanding and genuine presence, so every touch supports the student in front of you.
FAQs
What does this hands-on adjustments training cover?
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The training covers observation skills, consent-led touch, anatomical body reading, and the subtle craft of assisting so students feel grounded and supported in their practice.
Who should attend?
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Movement teachers — including yoga and Pilates instructors — who want to develop or refine their hands-on assisting skills.
Do I need prior hands-on assisting experience?
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No prior experience is required, though a current teaching practice or someone wanting to get back into teaching is recommended.
Does this count toward Yoga Alliance ?
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Yes, this course is eligible for 12hours of continuing education hours with Yoga Alliance.
Meet ELLIE - STUDIO FOUNDER + LEAD TEACHER
Ellie Cooper is the founder of Kula Studio and an experienced yoga teacher, educator and movement practitioner based in Christchurch, New Zealand.
With a teaching approach grounded in functional anatomy, embodied movement and a deep respect for individual bodies, Ellie is passionate about helping teachers move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to yoga. Her work explores the relationship between anatomy, sensation, touch and nervous system awareness — and how these can inform more intelligent, responsive and compassionate teaching.
Through Kula, Ellie teaches yoga and teacher trainings, creating spaces where practitioners are encouraged to become curious, develop their own voice and understand the why behind what they teach.
Her approach to hands-on assisting is rooted in the belief that touch should never be about forcing a body into a shape. Instead, it can become a powerful tool for communication, connection and helping students experience movement in a new way.
Ellie brings together over 7 years of teaching experience with ongoing study in anatomy, fascia, somatic movement, yoga philosophy and embodied practices to offer a modern, thoughtful approach to hands-on assisting.
This training is intentionally intimate to allow time for practice, questions, feedback and integration.
Our goal is not simply to teach “how” to assist, but to help you cultivate the discernment, sensitivity and confidence to offer touch in a way that feels deeply respectful, supportive and embodied.
NEED MORE INFO? Check out our blog post HERE on why we love hands on adjustments and how they can change the way you teach, help your students build awareness, and help you to create supportive containers.
Spaces are limited.Save $60 with our early bird ratebefore October 15th and reserve your place for November 28–29, 2026.