Black Boys OM School of Yoga

This is a very unique course. There is no other YTT that focuses on the Black experience in such a wholistic way. I am grateful for the way this structure supported my growth as a new yogi. My favorite part was the teachers who brought so much value with a wide range of experience.

Black Boys Om came at a time when I needed grounding, new purpose, and a new vision for how I wanted to move through the world. The program gave us structure and consistency, but also space to reflect, build, and connect. The full course took me five months to complete, and each stage brought something new to uncover and apply. The coursework was steady and self-paced, which gave me the flexibility to move through the material in a way that felt aligned with my life. I practiced regularly, received feedback on my teaching, and had consistent support to stay engaged. Team BBO crafted an exceptional program that integrates Black healing with a thousand-year-old philosophy, one that has evolved over time but has always been rooted in self-care, spiritual discipline, and embodied wisdom. The curriculum covered Hatha and Tantric yoga, breathwork, meditation, trauma-informed care, accessibility for all bodies, and the ethical roots of yoga. It included literature centered on Black wellness, rest, and community care, along with online course materials, daily practice assignments, and journaling prompts. (Side note: Get yourself both the Audible and physical versions of Roots of Yoga by Mallinson and Singleton. Combine them and thank me later.) We were encouraged to think critically about how these teachings live in our bodies and communities, and we received meaningful support around building our own teaching practice and brand. The experience was both deeply reflective and practical. The physical aspects of the practice were equally impactful. Through consistent asana work, I built strength, flexibility, and mobility. I learned how to engage my core, align my joints, and support my movements with breath. My balance improved. My awareness of how I sit, stand, and carry myself throughout the day deepened. I began to notice how certain emotions showed up in my body and how physical practice helped move them through. Our instructors showed up with clarity, compassion, and real dedication. They modeled what it means to hold space with integrity. They gave honest feedback, encouraged self-inquiry, and reminded us that our full selves were welcome here. This space honored our lived experiences. Yoga wasn’t separated from daily realities, and healing was approached with care and relevance. Everything we did was about returning to our breath, our truth, and our people. There were hard days, but I came to understand that showing up for yourself, no matter what, is part of the practice. The breathwork, movement, meditation, and literature offered steady tools I could return to again and again. By the end,  I was clearer, more rooted, and more equipped to guide others while staying connected to myself. I now move through life with more purpose, a steadier gait, greater awareness of my posture, muscles, and a deeper understanding of my emotional landscape. If you’re someone exploring teacher training or searching for a way to connect with your body through a lens of Black healing and trauma-informed care, this space offers a meaningful path. I recommend this training to anyone seeking a strong and grounded foundation. I’ll be back for the 300HR certification.

My journey through the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training with Black Boys Om has been nothing short of transformative. From the very first session, I was embraced by a community that understood the importance of healing, liberation, and empowerment through yoga—a space specifically designed for Black men to reclaim wellness and redefine what it means to thrive. The training went beyond the physical practice; it was a deep dive into mindfulness, self-discovery, and collective healing. Guided by compassionate instructors who poured their wisdom and cultural understanding into each session, I found myself growing not just as a practitioner, but as a person. The program challenged me, held me accountable, and reminded me that healing is a journey—one that I am honored to continue. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Danny, whose encouragement and belief in me started this entire process. We first met at Kripalu during the "Permission and Refuge" retreat, and that connection sparked a path toward freedom and self-liberation that I didn’t know I needed. His support, along with the unwavering solidarity of the Black Boys Om community, gave me the strength to complete this training while navigating the loss of my father in March. Completing this YTT was not easy, but it was necessary. I’m proud to be a part of a community that is actively dismantling stereotypes, creating space for Black men in wellness, and reminding us that we deserve peace, strength, and refuge. To anyone considering this journey—give yourself grace, embrace the process, and know that you are not alone. Thank you, Black Boys Om, for the healing, the community, and the love. - Amandi Brown