Trainings

40-hr Aerial Level 1 Teacher Training

300 HOUR TEACHER TRAINING

A 300-hr Yoga Teacher Training with Kellie Livingstone and Nam Chanterrwyn. This extraordinary training will focus on anatomy, biomechanics, and the nervous system with a secondary emphasis on yoga philosophy, social justice, and teaching accessible yoga.

OM Pilates Mat & Fascia Release Practitioner Training L1

Therapuetic Myofascial Release Training

O.P.A.K.A Programming
Optimal Performance, Alignment, & Kinesthetic Awareness

8 Week Course for a total of 120 hours
Instruction & Movement Lab 36 hours
Self Practice 30 hours
Observation 24 hours
Co-Teaching 20 hours
Solo Teaching 10 hours

3 hours of hands on training with Jennifer Opaka. Learn to assist your clients, yourself, or both to release muscle tightness, tension and pain. Using the R & R balls designed specifically for the human body. You will learn a tailored sequence of rolling movement, the science of fascia, how to teach this technique in a classroom setting and with private clients

Roll & Release helps you to release your fascia the connective tissue that has an intimate relationship with every cell and system in your body. Your fascia integrates with your muscle, blood, nerves, organs, and yes bone. It is the only tissue that has this unique relationship and the only way to heal the fascia is manual manipulation/massage. Roll & Release allows you to heal your own body on a deep level.

Training Includes

Opaka Method Practitioner Instructional Manual Your very own set of Total Body Massage Balls Opaka Method Self Practice Journal

The Fascial Release training is led by Jennifer Opaka owner of Opaka Method Studio and creator of R & R Self Massage Body Training System. Jennifer brings 32 years of teaching and training experience to assist you to become a practitioner who will lead a safe and effective Rolling class.

A template is provided for a multi level Pilates Mat & Fascial Release Class that is safe, efficient, effective and fun to teach. Infused throughout each movement are auditory, visual, and hands on techniques. You will learn to teach with emphasis on neutral alignment, breath work, and core control.

Self massage movement to restore and re align your body will be included in this course. With the R & R balls that Jennifer designed specifically for the human body you can assist your clients to realize their full potential to heal and build strength simultaneously. With this knowledge you will have the tools to work with a diverse client base. Increasing your business potential.

A template is provided for a multi level Fascial Release Class that is safe, efficient, effective and fun to teach. Infused throughout each movement are auditory, visual, and hands on techniques. You will learn to teach with emphasis on neutral alignment, breath work, and core control.

The fascial release you will learn to teach goes beyond the traditional fitness class. Bridging the gap between fitness and therapeutic movement we will cover:

Alignment & Technique for Core Training
Anatomy of Core Muscles (deep & superficial)
Core Power Breathing
Fascial Release Breathing
Anatomy & Flow of an effective class
Teaching a multi level class

200 Hour Teacher Training

An extraordinary deep dive into the fundamentals of teaching yoga.

100-Hr Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

Pregnancy is a unique and meaningful period in a person’s life where they experience a range of changes and emotions in a relatively short period of time. Yoga is often recommended for pregnancy because it can help with relaxation as well as aches and pains. Yoga class is also a space where a student finds support and community during this new phase in life. The mindfulness encouraged in yoga allows pregnant students to tune-in to their bodies and embrace the changes they experience throughout pregnancy and motherhood.

40 Hour Aerial Yoga Teacher Training

This small, intimate, one-of-a-kind training is taught on our beautiful outdoor deck by some of San Diego’s best aerial yoga instructors.

Fascial Release Exercises

Lumbar Spine/Low Back
Thoracic Spine/Mid Back
Upper Erector Spinae/Entire Spine
Latissimus Dorsi/Back
Seratus/Upper Spine & Shoulder, Lower Spine & Ribs
Cervical Spine/Neck
Pectoralis Major & Minor/Chest

You will receive 36 hours of time in Instruction & Movement Labs with a master OM trainer to help you fully understand each move so you can teach at your highest potential. Through Observation of our regularly scheduled classes you will be able to see the material you are learning applied in a class setting with students of all levels from athletic students to rehabilitative students. This will help prepare you to deliver a positive class experience to any students who walks into your class.
A Self Practice is essential to integrate the work into your own body. OM’s Self Practice Journal will guide you, helping you to understand the principles of alignment, rolling, and how you use your own exploration to become a stronger practitioner.

One of our main goals is to support you in taking the moves you are learning and teach them confidently in a class setting. Through Co Teaching you can choose a move or a sequence of movements from the Pilates Mat & Fascial Release template and teach them in a class with an OM Instructor present to support and if needed guide you. Our clients at Opaka Method are well aware that we are a learning studio and provide positive support and feedback to all our trainee’s.

The final step is when you are ready to Solo Teach an entire class. We recommend teaching 2-3 classes per week during your Solo Teaching hours. You can choose the classes from our regularly scheduled classes at either the Ocean Beach or Point Loma location. During your Solo Teaching we will have the regularly scheduled instructor present to assist you if needed at any time during your class.

The training will be held on October 22nd from 9am to 1pm

Instruction & Movement Labs will be held on the following dates

June 10, 11, 24, 25, and July 9, from 10:00AM-4:00PM
June 16 and June 30, from 10:00AM-1:00PM

Observation & Co Teaching available June 1, through July 31st

The following times are available during regularly scheduled classes:

Opaka Method Ocean Beach Studio

Monday’s & Wednesday’s 9:00AM
Tuesday’s & Thursday’s 9:00AM

Pier to Point Studio Point Loma Studio

Tuesday’s & Thursday’s 12:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM

Cost $450

Presented by Happie Elements

Emily Artalejo Frailey

&

Amy Thai

Looking to take your practice to the next level?

Join us for a transformative, immersive aerial weekend at Pier to Point Wellness and Spa’s outdoor aerial deck in Point Loma. This intimate experience promises a blend of learning, practice, laughter, and community.

Spanning from Friday to Monday, this extended weekend will feel like a refreshing retreat, offering both inspiration and a vibrant space for creative expression.

Whether you’re a student seeking deeper engagement or considering the next step to become an aerial instructor, this training is designed to nurture your growth and equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to take the next step. This training is not your average cookie cutter aerial training, we’ll help you dive deep into your passions and background so we can help curate a class style that speaks to you.

Location

Pier to Point Wellness and Spa (Outdoor Aerial Deck) Located in the Point Loma neighborhood of San Diego!

Schedule

Friday, October 11: 5pm-9pm
Saturday, October 12: 9am-6pm
Sunday, October 13: 9am-6pm
Monday, October 14: 9am-6pm

Curriculum

The Ins and Outs of Aerial Yoga
Safety: Rigging, Knot-Tying, and Equipment
Building Trust with Students
Creating Beginner, Intermediate, and Low-Hammock Classes
Spotting Safety
Cueing with Confidence
Low Hammock Principles
Finding Your Aerial Voice
Intuitive Sequencing
Advanced Poses Workshop
Practice Teaching
Putting the Yoga in Aerial Yoga
Kids’ Aerial Yoga and the Benefits of Play
The Business of Aerial Yoga
Wisdom from the Community
Savasana Seminar

What's Included?

Immersive course led by Emily Artalejo Frailey and Amy Thai
Printed Aerial Yoga Instruction Manual with a Step-by-Step Pose Directory Featuring 65+ Aerial Poses
Galaxy Lifestyle Empowerment Affirmation Deck
Welcome Goodie Bag
Opportunity to teach 3 Community Classes at Pier to Point Wellness
Level 1 Aerial Yoga Teacher Certification (upon satisfactory completion of all requirements)
4 Free Classes at Pier to Point Wellness and Spa

Curriculum Highlights

The Ins and Outs of Aerial Yoga

Explore the origins and current trends of aerial yoga. Discover your unique teaching style while acquiring the skills to design and develop your own aerial yoga classes.

Safety, Rigging, Knots, and Equipment

Acquire expertise in safely setting up your class by exploring various aerial equipment options and determining what best suits your needs. Gain hands-on experience in tying different silk knots and adjusting equipment to accommodate various class types.

Building Trust with Students

Develop skills in cueing breath, instructing Level 1 poses, and providing effective spotting techniques. Gain expertise in conducting one-on-one interviews with students to ensure their safety and empowerment.

Practice Teaching

We go beyond theoretical instruction by offering daily opportunities to practice teaching in front of your peers. Additionally, you will have the chance to lead three Community Classes at Pier to Point Wellness.

Intuitive Sequencing

Master the art of designing classes guided by your intuition. We provide foundational principles and guidelines to help you curate sequences that naturally align with the flow of your class.

Specialized Workshops

Putting the “Yoga” in Aerial Yoga Kids Aerial & The Benefits of Aerial Play Savasana Seminar Anatomical Cueing for Aerial Yoga Advanced Poses/Sequencing Workshop

Meet Your Instructors

Amy Thai (Co-Facilitator)

Amy started her aerial yoga journey in 2018, she fell in love and started taking many classes. She got certified as an aerial instructor in 2019 by Galaxy Lifestyle and a sound healing facilitator in 2023 by Peace, Love and Yoga. She specializes in combining creative sequencing, playfulness and a dose of strengthening in all her classes. Her goal is to get you to build up the foundational poses and technique required to be successful in sequencing and aerial dance. On top of teaching weekly classes, Amy hosts specialized aerial workshops including: aerial burlesque, floating sound baths, acro-aerial, aerial skills, and aerial dance. In her free time, Amy loves going camping, photography, building charcuterie/pupcuterie boards, hosting elaborate dinners and cuddling with her pup Tsuki.

Emily Artalejo Frailey (Co-Facilitator)

Flying, Floating, Freedom — these are the feelings Emily strives to evoke in any client who works with her. Emily moved to San Diego in 2019 and found community through aerial yoga. She earned her certifications in aerial, mat, and paddleboard yoga— all in an 18-month span! Her goal is to empower people to release their self-doubt and connect to their most authentic selves; that’s why she created Elevated Elements Yoga: Land, Sea, and Air Yoga. Emily is a proud mama who credits aerial yoga with keeping her active and comfortable throughout her pregnancy. In her free time, Emily loves to dance and spend time with her loved ones near the ocean.

Kristina Zion (Guest Teacher)

Kristina began her aerial journey when a good friend asked if she would like to try hanging upside down and the rest is history! Kristina took her first aerial yoga class in 2016 and fell in love with the dynamic movement, inversions, and the ability to challenge her body in such a unique way. In 2019 Kristina received her Kids Aerial Yoga Teacher Training certificate through Playful Peace Yoga and currently teaches two weekly kids aerial classes at Pier To Point Yoga and Wellness Center. In 2021 Kristina completed her Aerial Yoga Teacher Training with Galaxy Lifestyle. Gravitating towards flips and tricks and dance styles of aerial, Kristina is passionate about creative expression and helping others find organic play and confidence in their movement. On top of her weekly kids classes Kristina co-hosts Aerial Burlesque and Aerial Playtime for Adults workshops.

Tam Leeper (Guest Teacher)

Practicing yoga for many years Tam found her passion for aerial yoga in 2015. Earning her teacher’s certificate in 2018 she has continued to grow in her practice. Tam’s classes allow students to be creative and silly while building the strength and flexibility needed for aerial yoga.

Debbie Leung (Guest Teacher)

Debbie is a certified RYT-200 vinyasa teacher and has additional certifications in stand up paddleboard (SUP), yin, aerial yoga, and Thai massage. She has been teaching at studios in San Diego since 2015. She is attracted to yoga by the subtleties of alignment in the body and the immense benefits it brings to our minds, bodies, and ability to function better on a daily basis. She originally sought out yoga as a way to calm her anxious mind and from that place seeks to help others find THEIR rhythm and beat within their own practice and lives. Debbie’s classes combine her enthusiasm for creative sequencing with precise alignment and safety cues (and the occasional bad joke).

Aerial Yoga Instructors

Mat Yoga Instructors

PierToPoint Wellness Team

Mat Yoga & Fitness

Aerial Yoga & Fitness

Private Sessions

Workshops & Events

Online Classes

Kids Yoga Classes

Aerial Parties

Class Schedule

Workshops & Events Schedule

Community Acupuncture

Corporate Wellness (Coming Soon!)