The Ignite Impact
10,000+ students trained • 15+ years of experience • Global faculty • 3X Award Winning
Ignite Institute is a decolonial liberation school. Here, we say
"Yoga school, not school school."
Where your authentic practice unites with equity and impact.
You Are Joining a Legacy of Yoga for Personal and Social Change
When you study with Ignite, you enter a lineage of yoga leaders and visionaries. From yogic freedom fighters and Sri Aurobindo to modern changemakers like A.T. Ariyaratne, Vandana Shiva, and Arundhati Roy. Devoted to reuniting the sacred and the universe, the human and more-than-human, diversity in unity and unity in diversity.
Founded by Susanna Barkataki, PhD scholar in Yoga Psychology, rooted in socially engaged, radical Advaita Vedanta teachings of Shankarji, our programs transform students into confident agents of leadership and change: YTT 200 Foundations, YTT 300 Advanced, Trauma-Informed Yoga & Social Justice, and Yoga Therapy support your yoga leadership journey.
Ignite Through the Years
2012
Your Foundation Begins
You join a legacy that birthed from authentic yoga in schools, prisons, and community centers: bringing healing where it was needed most. Our Ayurvedic Pilgrimage to Wholeness brought this grassroots spirit online, welcoming students worldwide to transformative yoga philosophy and healing.
2014
Revolutionary Training
We’ve traveled the Himalayas to deepen our practice and practiced with yogis who had just emerged from caves to month-long retreats in silence and in-depth courses with the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. All of this deep, authentic training formed the basis for Ignite’s system of yoga and wellness.
2016
Pioneering Practice
Your Trauma-Informed Yoga & Social Justice Certification training comes from among the first schools globally to offer this approach, setting new standards for healing and equity.
2018-2020
Global Standards
Your curriculum comes from Ignite, the school Yoga Alliance commissioned to reimagine standards for every yoga teacher training worldwide. Award-winning education that redefined yoga.
2020
Reclaiming Roots
You are part of the movement that reached tens of thousands through Honor Don’t Appropriate Yoga Summits, leading the movement to “Embrace Yoga’s Roots”reclaiming authentic wisdom and rest as resistance.
2022
Livning Wholeness
Through Yoga Restival and expanded Yoga Ethics and contemplative practices, you learn to embody yoga as complete transformation beyond the mat.
2024
Innovation
Your Yoga Therapy & Social Justice training and access to Yoke Yoga (the first social nervous system app) continue breaking ground in justice-centered healing.
Today: 2025 and beyond
You are the Legacy
As part of our 25,000+ student community, you carry forward this lineage of yoga leaders. You’re not just learning yoga, you’re becoming the next generation of changemakers preserving authentic yoga for the future to come.
Your chapter in this legacy starts here.
Note From Our Founder
Susanna Barkataki
When I began speaking and teaching about decolonizing yoga, I never imagined it would spark a global movement.
But that's exactly what happened when thousands of yoga teachers began asking: "How do we honor this ancient practice while creating meaningful change in our communities?"
Over 15 years ago, I founded Ignite Institute with a simple belief: authentic yoga and social justice aren't separate paths, they're one journey toward collective healing. Embrace Yoga's Roots became a path and practice.
Today, we're proud to be recognized worldwide as the premier institution where you learn to honor yoga's roots and lead.
Multiple-time Award Winner in Thought-Leadership leader in yoga education. Our graduates don't just teach poses; they become changemakers. In fact, 90% go on to successfully teach yoga while actively creating more inclusive, culturally-conscious spaces in their communities.
What makes training with us different?
You're not just learning yoga, you're joining a lineage that bridges ancient wisdom with modern social consciousness. One that works to change anything that limits the transformation of individuals and society.
Whether you're brand new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, we meet you exactly where you are. No perfect poses required, just a whole-hearted YES and willingness to grow.
Here's what I know to be true: The world needs your unique gifts as a yoga leader. Not someday when you feel "ready," but right now. Your voice, your perspective, your way of holding space. It all matters.
Every time one of our graduates steps into their power as a teacher, they're not just sharing yoga; they're planting seeds of equity, authenticity, and healing that ripple far beyond the mat.
Are you ready to ignite your practice and transform your world?
I can't wait to support you on this journey.
With love and solidarity,
Susanna Barkataki
Founder, Ignite Institute
Inclusive & Justice-Rooted • Authentic Tradition • Premier Faculty • Global Community
Meet the Core Ignite Team
Your Dedicated Support System for Transformational Learning
Linda
Lead Mentor
Guides students through certification with wisdom and deep yogic knowledge.
Trish
Marketing & Creative Strategist
Transforms yoga & social justice concepts into compelling creative campaigns and strategic marketing vision.
Hien
YTT Mentor
Specializes in trauma-informed practices and inclusive learning environments.
Tiwanna
OBM & Systems Manager
Manages the digital systems and business operations built to support student learning.
Juliana
Executive Assistant
Executes smooth operations, admin, and seamless student-faculty communication.
Eran
Chief Operating Officer
Oversees operations and strategic initiatives to support student success.
Visit the individual program pages to meet Ignite's esteemed faculty who bring their wisdom to you in each program.
Yoga's Wisdom for Your World.
