The Universal Path
What is Universal Yoga?
Universal Yoga is a comprehensive system of yoga developed by Andrey Lappa after decades of study, research, and practice across the world’s major yogic traditions. Rather than being a single style, it is a complete methodology that brings together the physical, energetic, mental, and meditative aspects of yoga into one integrated practice.
Who is Universal Yoga for?
Universal Yoga is for practitioners of all backgrounds, from beginners to advanced students. It is designed for anyone seeking better movement, greater vitality, stress reduction, personal growth, or a deeper understanding of yoga.
Why do people choose Universal Yoga?
People are drawn to Universal Yoga because it offers more than a workout or a sequence of poses. It provides a clear, lifelong path of self-development that supports physical health, energetic balance, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.
The Sanctuary
Experience the serenity of Delphi Gardens in Marietta, where our Universal Yoga methodology meets the natural beauty of the landscape.
Please see FAQ for details on housing. Photos captured by Live Slow Productions.
Andrey Lappa
A mystic scientist of yoga and founder of Universal Yoga, Andrey Lappa is one of the most qualified and influential masters of yoga of the modern times. His entire life has been a journey into the depths of Tantrik Yoga.
Our Teachers
Discover the teachers behind the Universal Yoga methodology. Our founder and lead teacher bring decades of experience and a deep commitment to the art of yoga.
Tommasina Marlow
A dedicated teacher and practitioner, Tommasina Marlow brings a deep understanding of the Universal Yoga system. Her approach blends ancient wisdom with a modern, accessible teaching style.
Daily Schedule
A structured progression designed to cultivate mastery and sangha.
07:30 — 08:00 am
Arrival and Space Preparation
The room opens for student setup and practice begins at 8:00 AM.
08:00 — 11:00 am
Practice and Lecture Series
Morning practice may last up to 3 hours.
11:00 am— 12:00 pm
Lunch Break
Following practice, there will be a lunch break and time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Delphi Gardens.
12:00 — 5:00 pm
Preparation & Arrival
Lecture sessions begin after lunch. Because practice lengths may vary from day to day, lecture start times will adjust accordingly.
5:00 - 6:00 pm
Lecture & Integration
Study groups and review sessions may be scheduled after lecture to help reinforce the material and prepare for testing.
How Do I Pay?
Please review the payment details below. All tuition is paid directly to Universal Yoga USA. Registration and payment are not processed through this website.
Tuition & Payment Schedule
Early Bird Tuition: $2,600 (available through October 10)
Full Price: $2,800 (after October 10)
To secure Early Bird pricing, a $900 deposit (one-third of the total tuition) must be received by October 10.
The remaining balance may be paid in two installments:
• December 1
• February 1
All tuition must be paid in full by February 1.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
The initial $900 deposit is partially refundable according to the following schedule:
• On or before October 10: 100% refund of the deposit
• October 12 – November 1: 75% refund of the deposit
• November 2 – January 1: 50% refund of the deposit
• January 2 – February 1: 25% refund of the deposit
After February 1, all tuition payments are non-refundable.
If the training is canceled by Universal Yoga USA, all tuition payments received will be refunded in full. Universal Yoga USA is not responsible for airfare, lodging, meals, or other travel-related expenses incurred by participants.
Because participants may be traveling from across the United States and internationally, we strongly recommend purchasing refundable travel arrangements or travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Inquiries
For specific payment instructions, CashApp/Venmo/Zelle details, or to discuss payment plans, please contact our team at universalyogausa@gmail.com.
FAQs
Where can I stay during the training?
Lodging is available at Delphi Gardens for an additional cost. Room reservations are arranged directly through Delphi Gardens. Roommates recommended to keep your cost more affordable.
Contact Delphi Gardens (evan@delphigardens.org).
Participants are also welcome to stay off-site at a local hotel or Airbnb. A list of local Universal Yoga practitioners willing to host visiting trainees may be available upon request. Please reach out to <universalyogausa@gmail.com>.
Is food available?
Meals may be purchased through Delphi Gardens for an additional cost. Details regarding meal plans and pricing will be provided closer to the training dates.
What is included in the tuition?
Tuition includes all 10 days of training with Andrey Lappa, as well as the Delphi Gardens stewardship fee.
This year, additional training days have been added to allow for greater integration of the material and more direct learning time with Andrey.
Is testing required?
Testing is required only for those seeking Universal Yoga teacher certification.
Participants may attend the training as auditors without taking the exams.
The practical examination is typically offered on the final day of training. The written examination is administered several weeks later. Testing fees are separate from tuition.
Where is the retreat located?
Our retreat is held at Delphi Gardens in Marietta, GA. This serene environment is specifically designed to provide the tranquil space necessary for deep practice and learning.
Are there any prerequisites?
While open to all serious practitioners, a minimum of two years of consistent yoga practice is highly recommended for the teacher training. A basic understanding of yogic philosophy and anatomy is beneficial.
What should I bring?
Please bring a dual-sided yoga mat (highly recommended for Universal Yoga), comfortable practice clothing, a notebook, and an open heart.
A detailed packing list will be sent to all registered participants prior to the retreat.
Is this training Yoga Alliance approved?
Yes.
Completion of Universal Yoga Levels 1 and 2 qualifies graduates to register as a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200) with Yoga Alliance.
Completion of all three levels qualifies graduates to register as a 300-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 300). Those who already hold a 200-hour certification may combine both credentials to achieve RYT 500 status.
May I attend individual classes or lectures?
Possibly.
Drop-in attendance is not guaranteed, as training enrollment takes priority and space is limited. If space remains available, select classes or lectures may be opened to the public. Certain portions of the training will be reserved exclusively for registered trainees.
Reach out to universalyogausa@gmail.com to inquire about drop-in classes.
Why should I repeat a level I have already completed?
Universal Yoga training is designed to be studied repeatedly.
The material covered in each level is extensive, and students often discover entirely new layers of understanding when revisiting the same curriculum. In the traditional teacher-student model, ongoing study allows the teacher to better understand the student and provide increasingly personalized guidance.
Most certified Universal Yoga teachers have repeated one or more levels and continue to find value in doing so. In addition, Universal Yoga continues to evolve, with methods and teaching approaches being refined over time. Repeating a level helps ensure that teachers remain current with the most up-to-date methodology and teachings.
Is there a discount for repeating a level?
Yes.
Students repeating a full level receive a 25% discount on tuition.
To verify eligibility, please provide a copy of your previous Universal Yoga certificate or ask the organizer of your previous training to confirm your attendance.
Why is this training more expensive than other local yoga teacher trainings?
Most local teacher trainings are led by senior teachers who have themselves studied under other instructors.
In Universal Yoga, you are studying directly with Andrey Lappa, the creator of the Universal Yoga system. This provides a rare opportunity to learn the methodology from its source while receiving instruction from a teacher with decades of experience in yoga practice, research, and education.
For many students, access to this level of expertise and direct lineage transmission is one of the most valuable aspects of the program.
Can I attend if I have never completed a yoga teacher training?
Yes.
While previous teacher training experience is not required, participants should have a consistent yoga practice and a genuine interest in deepening their understanding of yoga.
Pre-training preparation sessions with Tommasina Marlow and/or Carolyn Petramale are strongly recommended. Several preparation sessions will be offered online for students traveling from outside the Atlanta area.
When are payments due?
Early Bird Tuition: $2,600 (available through October 10)
Full Price: $2800 (after October 10)
To secure Early Bird pricing, a $900 deposit (one-third of the total tuition) must be received by October 10.
The remaining balance may be paid in two installments:
-
December 1
-
February 1
All tuition must be paid in full by February 1.
Please see "How Do I Pay?" section above for more details.
What is the Cancellation & Refund Policy?
The initial $900 deposit is partially refundable according to the following schedule:
-
On or before October 10: 100% refund of the deposit
-
October 12 – November 1: 75% refund of the deposit
-
November 2 – January 1: 50% refund of the deposit
-
January 2 – February 1: 25% refund of the deposit
After February 1, all tuition payments are non-refundable.
If the training is canceled by Universal Yoga USA, all tuition payments received will be refunded in full. Universal Yoga USA is not responsible for airfare, lodging, meals, or other travel-related expenses incurred by participants.
Because participants may be traveling from across the United States and internationally, we strongly recommend purchasing refundable travel arrangements or travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Is work-trade available?
Yes, although opportunities are limited.
Work-trade positions are few until minimum enrollment requirements are met. Additional opportunities may become available as the training approaches.
Participants approved for work-trade should carefully track all volunteer hours. Work-trade funds generated through merchandise sales and other designated fundraising efforts will be distributed among participating volunteers according to the established program guidelines.
How can I help support and grow Universal Yoga in the USA?
Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most effective ways to support the growth of Universal Yoga.
You can help by:
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Sharing training information with your yoga community
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Liking, commenting on, and sharing social media posts
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Inviting friends and colleagues to attend information sessions
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Asking your local studio to host a Universal Yoga introduction class or information event
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Sharing your own experiences from previous trainings
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Tagging or inviting @universalyogausa as a collaborator on social media posts
When will Levels 2 and 3 be offered?
Future training dates will be announced as they become available.
Our goal is to offer each level regularly as awareness and participation continue to grow throughout the United States.
To receive announcements and registration updates, please join our mailing list.
Is Delphi Gardens affiliated with Universal Yoga?
No.
Universal Yoga is an independent organization and rents venues for its trainings.
While some host venues may also offer Universal Yoga classes, the training itself is operated independently by Universal Yoga.
For this training, Delphi Gardens was selected to create an immersive retreat-style environment. Participants may choose to stay on-site for the full experience or commute daily if they are local to the Atlanta area.
What is the daily schedule?
The training room opens each morning at 7:30 AM to allow time for setup and preparation. Practice begins promptly at 8:00 AM and may last up to three hours.
To preserve the focus and energetic integrity of the practice, late arrivals cannot be admitted once practice has begun.
Following practice, there will be a lunch break and time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Delphi Gardens.
Lecture sessions begin after lunch. Because practice lengths may vary from day to day, lecture start times will adjust accordingly. Training concludes at 5:00 PM each day.
Study groups and review sessions may be scheduled after lecture or in the evenings to help reinforce the material and prepare for testing.
Will I be ready to teach after Level 1?
If you already hold a 200-hour Yoga Alliance certification (RYT 200) and successfully pass the Universal Yoga Level 1 written examination, you may teach the approved Universal Yoga Level 1 sequences.
If this is your first yoga teacher training, you will need to complete both Levels 1 and 2 before teaching formal Universal Yoga classes.
Universal Yoga is taught as a progressive system. Each level builds upon the previous one, ensuring teachers develop the technical knowledge, practical experience, and depth of understanding needed to teach with confidence while preserving the integrity of the system.
As your training progresses through subsequent levels, you will gain the knowledge and authorization to teach increasingly advanced material.
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