Nia Training Overview
Nia trainings are designed for people of all shapes and sizes, and may be taken for both personal enrichment and professional development. They teach you about sensory-based movement as a pleasurable way to achieve lasting health, wellness and fitness.
Nia Training Structure
Like the traditional martial arts model, the Nia training series includes several progressive belt levels with the Black Belt representing the highest level of mastery. Each belt intensive addresses five core-competency areas (movement, music, anatomy, science and philosophy) while exploring 13 unique Nia principles – except for the Green Belt, which is dedicated solely to the craft of teaching. All belt levels include 50+ hours of education in the form of movement, interactive discussion and self-reflection sessions. Additional non-intensive trainings, such as the Nia 5 Stages Training, offer education in specific focus areas.
Many students and teachers enroll in trainings more than once. Taking the required 12-month reflection period between belt intensives ensures graduates fully embody the potential of each level before moving on to the next. However, the Green Belt Training may be taken any time after the White Belt Training.
Training for Personal Enrichment
Personal enrichment training includes four belt levels: white, blue, brown and black. As you progress through these levels, you develop an increasingly refined and expanded skill set, heightened sense of self-awareness, and deepened connection to your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Learn about physical sensation, communication, energy, creativity and transformation.
Training for Professional Development
Those who choose to become certified Nia teachers evolve their love of the Nia practice into a viable and fulfilling career. Aspiring Nia teachers follow the same training path as personal enrichment students – though they are eligible to teach after completing the White Belt Training and becoming Livelihood members. They are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Green Belt Training, which specifically cultivates and enhances teaching skills. Black Belt graduates who have mastered the practice may apply to become Nia trainers. If accepted into the ten-month Next Generation Trainer Program, you will learn how to teach White Belt Trainings, while also exploring your potential to help tailor Nia for specialty populations.
