We Have a New Name!

Formerly known as Anatomy Studies for Yoga Teachers (ASFYT), we have recently changed our name to Functional Anatomy Academy to reflect our expanded and reorganized course offerings for yoga teachers, Pilates instructors, personal trainers and other movement professionals seeking to deepen their knowledge of functional anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, kinesiology, assessment, sequencing strategies, corrective exercise and cross-training. If you are interested in reading more about the logistics of this change, please scroll down to the Q&A section below.

Introducing the FABI & KiYA Series!

We are now offering two main course sequences, each consisting of four 4-day workshop intensives totaling 192 contact hours of instruction!
​
  • The FABI Series: "FABI" refers to Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics and Injuries. This series consists of four 4-day intensives totaling 96 contact hours of instruction. The series is open to yoga teachers, fitness instructors and other movement professionals. No previous background in anatomy is required as we begin with the basics and then slowly build. Students who complete the entire sequence, including the online quizzes, will receive certification as a Functional Anatomy Specialist.

  • The KiYA Series: "KiYA" refers to Kinesiology of Yoga Asana. This series consists of four 4-day intensives totaling 96 contact hours of instruction, and is geared toward graduates of the FABI Series and/or students who already have a strong background in functional anatomy for movement (including injury awareness/prevention). Students who complete the entire sequence will receive certification as a Yoga Kinesiology Specialist.

The FABI Series: 
Functional Anatomy, Biomechanics & Injuries
For Yoga Teachers, Pilates Instructors & Fitness Professionals

The FABI Series consists of the following four workshop intensives, which are offered twice year in New York City and occasionally via residential retreat in the US and abroad. For those unable to attend in person, the entire series will also soon be available via online study. Be sure to join our mailing list to stay in the loop! 
FABI-101: Introduction to functional anatomy for human movement
This foundational course provides an introduction to functional anatomy as it pertains to human movement, including planes and axes of movement, terms of direction and position, joint action terminology pairs, an overview of skeletal and myofascial anatomy, joint classifications, the various factors that determine stability and range of motion at joints, the various roles that muscles play, reciprocal inhibition and the science of flexibility. It serves as a foundation and pre-requisite for the other courses in the FABI Series.

Contact Hours: 24
Recommended Books:Prerequisites: None
FABI-201: Functional anatomy, biomechanics & injuries of the lower body
Functional anatomy, biomechanics, and common injuries and imbalances of the lower extremities, including the hips, thighs, knees, legs, ankles and feet. 

Contact Hours: 24
Recommended Books: Prerequisites: FABI-101 (Intro to Functional Anatomy for Human Movement) is recommended but not required
FABI-202: FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY, BIOMECHANICS & INJURIES OF THE UPPER BODY
Functional anatomy, biomechanics, and common injuries and imbalances of the upper extremities, including the shoulder girdle, shoulder joint, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand.

​​Contact Hours: 24
Recommended Books: Prerequisites: FABI-101 (Intro to Functional Anatomy for Human Movement) is recommended but not required
FABI-203: FUNCTIONAL ANATOMY, BIOMECHANICS & INJURIES OF THE AXIAL BODY & Pelvis
​Functional anatomy, biomechanics, and common injuries and imbalances found in the axial body and pelvis, including the neck, trunk, pelvic girdle, sacrum, spinal joints, lumbosacral joints and sacroiliac joints. 

​Contact Hours: 24
Recommended Books:Prerequisites: FABI-101 (Intro to Functional Anatomy for Human Movement) is recommended but not required
PLEASE NOTE: If possible we recommend that you take FABI-101: Intro to Functional Anatomy before enrolling in the remaining courses in the FABI Series, either in person or online via home-study. However, each course stands well on its own and the sequence can be taken in any order.

​The KiYA Series: 

Kinesiology of Yoga Asana
The KiYA Series consists of the following four workshop intensives, which are offered twice per year in New York City and occasionally via residential retreat in the US and abroad. Be sure to join our mailing list to stay in the loop! 
KIYA-301: KINESIOLOGY OF YOGA ASANA (PART ONE)
​Alignment, technique, working muscles, common imbalances, modifications and hands-on assists for sun salutation postures and standing poses - all through the lens of functional anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology. Classes will include discussion, observation, asana practice/exploration, and anatomically-informed hands-on assists.

Contact Hours: 24
Pre-requisite: The FABI Series (formerly ASFYT-1 and -2) or prior permission from the instructor
KIYA-302: KINESIOLOGY OF Yoga Asana (Part TWO)
​​Alignment, technique, working muscles, common imbalances, modifications and hands-on assists for core strengthening postures, prone and supine backward bends and preparatory postures, inversions, seated and supine twists, hip openers, arm balances, and seated forward bending postures - all through the lens of functional anatomy, biomechanics and kinesiology. Classes will include discussion, observation, asana practice/exploration, and anatomically-informed hands-on assists.

​Contact Hours: 24
Pre-requisite: The FABI Series (formerly ASFYT-1 and -2) or prior permission from the instructor
KIYA-401: ANATOMICALLY-INFORMED SEQUENCING AND VERBAL CUES
​Anatomically-informed sequencing strategies and verbal cues for group yoga classes. Sequencing strategies will cover how to sequence i) a functionally balanced class, ii) a variety of peak postures, and iii) with an intention to strengthen/release/stretch specific muscle groups. Throughout the week we'll also explore how to refine and clarify the verbal cues that we offer when teaching in light of the knowledge we've acquired in previous courses.  Morning sessions will primarily be focused on an exploration and discussion of concepts, while afternoon sessions focus on practice teaching and feedback.

Contact Hours: 24
​Prerequisites: The FABI Series; and while not required, ideally you would also have completed KiYA-301 and -302 (formerly ASFYT-3) 
KIYA-402: ASSESSMENT, CORRECTIVE EXERCISE & CROSS-TRAINING STRATEGIES
Anatomically-informed strategies and protocols for working with private clients. We'll learn and practice conducting postural assessment, functional movement screens and range-of-motion tests on each other, and discuss how to interpret the results of those tests in order to develop a personalized yoga asana routine that will help bring about more musculoskeletal balance, strength, coordination and functional flexibility. We'll also explore the important role of cross-training for yoga asana, and how to incorporate it into private sessions using resistance bands, towels, blankets and free weights. In addition, we'll learn and practice muscle release and neuromuscular stretching techniques that will add unique value to our work with private clients. Toward the end of the week we'll also discuss strategies for attracting and retaining private clients.

Contact Hours: 24
​Prerequisites: The FABI Series; and while not required, ideally you would also have completed KiYA-301 and -302 (formerly ASFYT-3) 
PLEASE NOTE: Completion of the FABI Series (or ASFYT-1 and ASFYT-2) or a strong background in functional anatomy, biomechanics and common injuries is a prerequisite for enrollment in the KiYA Series. If possible, we then recommend that you take KiYA-301 and -302 (in either order), followed by KiYA-401 and -402 (in either order). However, all of the courses in the KiYA Series stand well on their own and can be completed in any order.
"This course gave me so many tools for my yoga teacher tool-kit that I could immediately use in my group classes and private sessions.  I was thrilled that I could look at a body and have more information about how a particular student may need to modify or amplify a pose to make it more beneficial to their particular body.  Jason is skilled at teaching teachers how to step back, pause, and ask why.  I feel like my sequences are more thoughtful, mindful and educational than ever before.  Even my students have commented about a marked change in my teaching since enrolling in the course- they are the ones who are truly benefiting!"
Jess Blake,
Yoga Teacher
"If you want to have a greater respect for yourself as a movement professional, Jason’s functional anatomy series is a must!  I have been a Pilates instructor for 10 years and a student of Pilates for 20 years, and this course gave me a greater understanding of the anatomical structure and engagement of the body than any course I have ever taken.  Anyone who has chosen the path of helping others in the field of physical movement will honor one’s self and clients tremendously by committing to this course."
Jeff Elsass,
Owner, Core Strength Pilates
"Being in a room with like-minded teachers and learning about anatomy and kinesiology as it relates to yoga has completely changed my teaching and my own practice for the better. I had so many ‘ah ha’ moments and enjoyed taking what I learned in each class and applying it to my teaching or my own practice. The class has also helped me create a safer space in which to teach and practice as well as making me a more confident teacher. I highly, highly recommend this class to any movement professional as it raises the bar in terms of education."
Kendra Coppey,
Owner, Barefoot Yoga
"I was thrilled to come across the ASFYT home-study program. It allowed me to access all of the material online, including lecture notes, presentation slides, and audio/video presentations of the classes taking place in NYC. Jason was always available for questions and the format allowed for plenty of flexibility to complete quizzes and exams even with my unpredictable work schedule.  Jason is one of the most knowledgeable, friendly, down to earth and patient teachers I’ve ever studied with. It was truly a gift to find him and participate in the program." 
Andrea Scarborough,
Yoga Teacher
Caribbean Islands
"This has been the most beneficial course I have ever done. I now feel confident in working with clients who have injuries, and have a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the body as a whole. Jason provides ongoing support during and after graduation in discussion forums, answering questions quickly and throughly. I highly recommend this course for anyone in the movement industry; it will be a game changer for your teaching and your skill set." 
Sarah Treadwell
Yoga and PIlates Teacher Melbourne, Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions seem to come up frequently, so we've created this little FAQ. If you have a question that’s not listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
I HAVE VERY LITTLE BACKGROUND IN ANATOMY AND AM CONCERNED THAT These courses MIGHT BE OVER MY HEAD.  SHOULD I TAKE MORE BASIC ANATOMY COURSE FIRST?
You’re in the same boat as most yoga teachers who have come out of their first teacher training. The FABI Series was created to offer a strong foundation in functional anatomy, biomechanics and injury awareness/prevention for teachers with little to no prior education in anatomy, as well as fill in educational gaps for those who have previously studied anatomy. There are no prerequisites required for the first course in the FABI Series.
I’ve already spent a fair amount of time studying anatomy over the years and am concerned that the fabi series might be too basic for me.  CAN I skip it and jump RIGHT INTO THE KiYA SERIES?
One of the major differences between the FABI Series and KiYA Series is that in the former the emphasis is on learning functional anatomy and injury awareness/prevention, through both lecture and experiential application, while in the latter the emphasis is on the development of deductive reasoning skills and the application of functional anatomy to yoga asana, hands-on assists, group class sequencing, verbal cues, assessment, and program design for private clients. In the FABI Series, you aren't expected to have a strong functional anatomy background as we're giving that to you, whereas in the KiYA Series you'll likely feel a bit lost if you don't already have a strong functional anatomy background. If you are a physical therapist or athletic trainer, or have spent a lot of time studying musculoskeletal anatomy and sports-related injuries within your existing profession, and have also been able to spend time applying this knowledge to the practice of yoga asana, Pilates and/or some other movement/fitness modality, then you might be able to bypass the FABI Series. You could certainly choose to skip the FABI-101: Intro to Functional Anatomy intensive. It has been our experience, however, that most folks that have come through the course already having some anatomy background have reported that they are very happy they enrolled in the series as they really appreciated the emphasis on joint injury awareness/prevention, the depth of the discussions, the deductive process when figuring out muscle actions, and the direct and frequent application of the material to yoga asana and functional exercise.  But if you're unsure whether you should enroll, shoot us an email and tell us about your background so that we can let you know our thoughts.
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ASFYT SERIES? WHY THE CHANGE?
Anatomy Studies for Yoga Teachers (ASFYT) was developed in 2006 and consisted of three, 36-hour courses:
  • ASFYT-1: Skeletal Anatomy and Common Injuries
  • ASFYT-2: Muscle Anatomy, and
  • ASFYT-3: Kinesiology of Yoga Asana
The series was offered over a 10-months in NYC, as well as via independent home-study. Over the years, a lot of content has been added to the series and the classes were starting to feel a bit bloated and rushed. In addition, because of the format of the series (weekly classes over 10 months), if you didn't live in NYC then you couldn't really attend the classes in person. Finally, because of the way the courses were structured you had to attend the series in order... which meant that there were really only two times per year when you could begin your studies.

With the latest incarnation of our course offerings, we've made several changes to address these issues as well as expand our offerings:

  1. The newly created Functional Anatomy Academy now offers two series: the FABI Series (96 contact hours) and the KiYA Series (96 contact hours).  The FABI Series is geared toward yoga teachers AND other movement professionals seeking an in-depth eduction in functional anatomy, biomechanics and injury awareness/prevention; the KiYA Series is geared more specifically to yoga teachers that want to explore the kinesiology of yoga asana for their personal practice as well as application within group classes and/or private settings

  2. All courses are now offered in a 4-day intensive format, so that people from outside NYC can arrange to study with us in person and so that we can eventually bring the course to locations outside of NYC

  3. We've decided to structure each intensive within the FABI Series by region of the body (lower body, upper body and axial body) and combine the skeletal and muscular anatomy for that region within each 4-day intensive; this new arrangement means that you can attend these "stand-alone" intensives in any order you like, which provides much more flexibility around when you begin your studies

  4. The duration of ASFYT-1 & ASFYT-2 was 72 contact hours combined; the FABI Series, which covers the same material but in a different format, totals 96 contact hours, which will give us a lot more time to get through the material and include a much stronger experiential component

  5. The duration of ASFYT-3  was 36-hours; the first two modules of the KiYA Series (KiYA-301 and -302) covers the same material but has been expanded to 48 hours spread across two 4-day intensives in order to cover more postures and include anatomically-informed hands-on assists for many of the postures

  6. We've also added two entirely new modules with KiYA-401 and KiYA-402, where we explore the anatomy of sequencing and verbal cues; posture and range-of-motion assessment; cross-training for yoga using therabands and free weights; muscle release work; PNF stretching techniques; and individually-designed program planning tailored to private clients
what does this change mean for people currently enrolled in the asfyt series via home-study?
We plan to continue supporting the online version of the ASFYT Series, so if you don't live in NYC and/or would have difficulty attending the 4-day intensives with us you can still study with us online! We do have plans to eventually offer the FABI and KiYA Series online as well, and if you'd like to get access to those new materials down the road we'll give you a credit equal to the full dollar amount that you paid for the ASFYT Online Series in order to significantly offset the tuition of any new online courses.
If i have previously completed the asfyt series and want to continue my studies through functional anatomy academy, which courses should I take?
If you have previously completed the ASFYT Series and want a great refresher in a new format with a bigger experiential component, and/or you want to become a certified Functional Anatomy Specialist, we invite you to enroll in any of the new FABI-Series intensives and the first two KiYA Series intensives for a 50% tuition concession! If you completed the entire ASFYT Series and aren't interested in a refresher but do want to continue your studies and/or become a certified Yoga Kinesiology Specialist you can jump right into KiYA-401 and/or KiYA-402, but please note that there will not be a tuition concession as these are new courses.
DOES THE COURSE COUNT TOWARD THE YOGA ALLIANCE CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENT?
Yes! You'll will receive a certificate for each course that you successfully complete that you can submit for continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance. ​
"I am a yoga instructor at Pure Yoga and was ecstatic when Jason announced that he was teaching an anatomy course. I have always been fascinated with the human body and wanted to learn how this extraordinary machine works. As an instructor, I feel it is important to have a deeper understanding of the skeletal and muscular structure and how and why bodies differ from person to person. No two bodies are alike in terms of movement, flexibility, strength, range of motion, and injury.  I see the human body in whole new light. I highly recommend it."
Lauren Bassett
Yoga Teacher & Founder of Pure PXT
"The ASFYT course had been recommended to me by several excellent yoga teachers, but there’s no way anyone could’ve conveyed to me what turned out to be one of the best training courses that I’ve ever attended.  I loved it, and learned more than I could have ever imagined.  While the course of study is extensive and comprehensive, Jason has put it together and presents it in such a way as to make the material accessible, inspiring and fun. I’m also excited that he offers the opportunity for previous graduates to attend any course in the series again for 50% tuition reduction!
Freddie Wyndham, Yoga Teacher
HAVE A QUESTION NOT ANSWERED ABOVE?
Feel free to contact us! Jason has also been interviewed in a few different places about his functional anatomy courses. We especially recommend that you check out:
"This course raises the standard of excellence for yoga and movement educators! From start to completion the information was presented in a logical and layered fashion. I have never before taken a class where the instructor had invested so much of himself in our continued success. Jason R. Brown is a model of integrity and professionalism and his influence pours into his students, which establishes a strong community of highly educated and compassionate instructors. It was so good I would take it again!"
Chris Loebsack,
Owner, Boundless Yoga
"I have taught yoga and Pilates for 13 years and have taken many anatomy classes.  While anatomy can be incredibly confusing and difficult to memorize, Jason’s approach was the most thoughtful and straight forward I have ever experienced in a class room setting.  Aside from the basic anatomy, we digested a ton of new information about injury prevention and how yoga poses can be so incredibly different from one body to the next. I suppose the real reason I liked the class so much was because it wasn’t only text books and tests, it was a conversation." 
​Jessie Zalla
​Owner, Zalla Pilates
"Taking this training has made us so much more confident, both as yoga teachers and practitioners. We work with nontraditional populations (older students, hospital patients, incarcerated youth, injured students), so it's imperative that we avoid aggravating pre-existing conditions or creating new ones. Jason used clear, down-to-earth language and creative presentations to make anatomy come alive. He challenged us to deepen our own individual understanding of anatomy in a congenial setting, without stress!  We highly recommend it for anyone working with the human body."
Ingrid Marcroft and
Stephan Kolbert,
UWS Yoga  Studio (Owners)

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