Beginning Hatha Yoga KNAC 150A Syllabus

Course Syllabus: 

Meet Your Instructor:  Joseph Celis M.S. C.S.C.S.

Joseph Celis, MS, CSCS, has had the privilege of serving his community for over 25 years in many capacities and the honor of being a professor and educator in the field of Kinesiology for several ethnically and socio-economically diverse colleges in Los Angeles and Orange County.  Joseph has taught numerous courses in Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Nutrition and Fitness, Introduction to Kinesiology, Older Adult Health and Wellness, Balance and Mobility, Yoga, Kickboxing (Muay Thai), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Self Defense.

Joseph earned both a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Strength & Conditioning and Periodized Program Design and his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Sport Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.
 

Joseph holds Certifications/Ranks in the following: Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA), Olympic Archery Instructor (National Field Archery Association), Certified Wilderness Survivalist & Tracker (Tom Brown Tracker School), Certified Wilderness First Aid, Muay Thai, Jeet Kun Do, Tae Kwan Do, Brazilian Jujitsu, Gold and Silver medals in United States National Archery Championships.

Joseph also had the privilege of proudly serving his community as a Police Officer for the Los Angeles Police Department and the Anaheim Police Department. His experience with Law Enforcement sharpened his skills in leadership, critical thinking, and his already well-honed ability to communicate with individuals from all walks of life.
 

Joseph is the Director & Co-Founder of S.A.G.E. Holistic Health and Wellness Center and is passionate about instructing classes in Self Defense, Holistic Health, Nutrition, and Spiritual Development. Additionally, he has extensive knowledgeable and experience in Physical Training where he has made in a difference in hundreds of individuals’ lives and for a wide range of clientele. Joseph specializes in post rehabilitation, Strength and Conditioning for athletes, Martial Arts coaching (Muay Thai, Jeet Kun Do, Knife Defense, Archery etc.) and weight loss for obese individuals. 

In addition to these areas of focus, Joseph has also studied world religions and participated in several cultural and spiritual practices throughout most of his life where he has sharpened his ability to utilize this knowledge and his spiritual practice to help others find their own path in life through Life Coaching with an emphasis on spiritual direction. 

Course Description: 

Hatha comes from the Sanskrit words “ha” (Sun) and “tha” (Moon). Hatha Yoga seeks to unify the mind and body. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means to “join”. Yoga is not a religion, rather it is an ancient art form developed to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit. Today’s fast pace lifestyle often accounts for high stress levels, physical ailments, and an overall imbalance in one’s life. Yoga provides a practice to help clear the mind, strengthen and increase the flexibility of the body, and eventually facilitate a sense of peace and well being. Through various stretching postures, core exercises, and mental focus, students of all fitness levels will be able to improve their fitness level with this course.

Textbook Information:  None

Course Learning Objectives: 

1. Demonstrate competence in the 12 basic poses in yoga.
2. Describe and demonstrate selected hatha yoga breath regulation techniques.
3.  List the benefits of yoga.
4.  Exhibit the proper etiquette for yoga.
5.  Express the relationship between yoga and the components of health-related fitness.
6.  Develop strategies to maintain lifelong health habits/behaviors.
7.  Understand the history and evolution of hatha yoga and its relevance in modern society.

Student Learning Objectives: 

1. Students will become competent in the fundamental principles and terminology of yoga.
2. Students will recall the relationship between yoga and the components of health-related fitness.