The Kamili Yoga® Academy

The Kamili Yoga® Academy is exclusively for Black yogis to learn Kamili Yoga® and transform their lives and the lives of others through Pan-African yogic knowledge and wellness. This is a teaching platform that emphasizes personal growth and community healing through interactive instruction, ongoing education, and collective care. The Kamili Yoga® Academy is a sacred safe(r) space that specializes in exploring yogic enlightenment through the lens of African knowledge and Black well-being. 

All conscious and open-minded Black Africans of the Motherland and the diaspora of any religious faith, spiritual path, cultural background, ethnic group, education level, body type, sexual orientation, and gender identity are welcome!

ARE YOU THE IDEAL KAMILI YOGA STUDENT?

The Kamili Yoga® Academy is for the conscious Black yogi who . . . 

1. Wants to learn and practice Yoga through a decolonized Pan-African lens
2. Feels drawn to explore the cultural roots of their African ancestry and identity
3. Strives to live a principled life in relationship with Self, with others, and with Spirit
4. Believes in the cultural significance and wholistic healing power of rituals
5. Dedicated to the daily, diligent, and diverse pursuit of Black education and wisdom
6. Takes the personal and professional initiative to further their knowledge by prioritizing time for study
7. Is an enthusiastic, interactive student who values conversation and connection
8. Honors their commitment to collective care and support by attending community offerings when able
9. Is inclusive and caring toward all bodies types, faith paths, gender identities, sexual orientations, cultural heritages, and other intersectional identities
10. Feels led by Spirit, ancestors, and guides that the Kamili Yoga® Academy is meant for them!

If ALL of these describe you, then read on to learn more!

About Kamili Yoga®

Kamili Yoga® is a modern Africentric system for Black wholistic wellness. From the African Swahili word for “complete” and the Indian Sanskrit word for “union,” Kamili Yoga® teaches Black practitioners to seek and center inner enlightenment through the lens of their African ancestry. It is a contemporary system rooted in the exploration of traditional Pan-African yogic knowledge and concepts, from the African ancestral practices of the Motherland to the customs of Black descendants all around the world.

Developed by Eternity Philops, Kamili Yoga® is born of a Spirit-led calling to create more African-centered options for Black yogis. This system addresses the need for more culturally diverse Yoga systems, more Yoga systems that de-center Whiteness, and more Yoga systems that celebrate the beautiful depths of Black and African being.

Founder & Lead Teacher

Eternity Philops (they/Mx.) is a bodaciously Black and unapologetically queer conscious being who educates and serves Black, POC, and Queer/Trans populations in soulful liberation through Yoga wellness. The owner of Soul Liberation Wellness based in Charlotte, NC, USA, Eternity has taught hundreds of students through community classes, university courses, private sessions, and retreats with passionate dedication.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s of Arts, Psychology & Sociology
Graduate Certificate, Women & Gender Studies
Cornell Women’s Entrepreneurship Certificate
Certified Life Coach
Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher
Certified Kemetic Yoga Teacher
Certified Yoga for 12-Step Recovery Leader
Yoga Alliance E-RYT & Continuing Education Provider

The Core Tenets

Kamili Yoga®, like all true systems of Yoga, is about creating union. Specifically, we work toward union with Self through personal principles, union with others through social principles, and union with Spirit through spiritual principles. These three sets of principles are collectively called the KANUNI TATU, a Kiswahili translation for "three principles." They make up the first tenet of Kamili Yoga®.

The soulful mindfulness practice of Kamili Yoga® is IBADA KAMILI, which is Kiswahili for “the complete ritual.” The second tenet of Kamili Yoga®, this ritual is a structured meditative practice of five components that brings us into deeper connection with Spirit, ancestors, and our own inner divinity. Another translation is “perfect worship,” which speaks to the essence of this ritual practice.

The third tenet of Kamili Yoga® is ELIMU NA HEKIMA, meaning “education and wisdom.” This tenet is about researching rich and diverse Pan-African cultures, both indigenous and post-colonial. Part of the historical struggle of the African continent and diaspora is having our traditions destroyed by colonizers and by slaveholders. In present day we must prioritize re-learning lost knowledge, and reclaim our personal and collective power through the intentional study of our Black legacies and African heritages.

Academy Membership Options

INDEPENDENT STUDENT

For Personal Practice & Family Guidance

Monthly Dues - $39.00 USD

Yoga is a practice of liberation and empowerment with the potential to transform not just individuals, but entire communities. By studying Kamili Yoga®, a system of enlightenment centered in Pan-African cultures and traditions, Black yogis can tap into this soulful energy and harness it to make positive changes in their personal life and in the lives of their loved ones. Learn this progressive Africentric system with your friends, with your families, and most importantly for the future, with your children.

Independent Student Membership Includes . . .

• Kamili Yoga® Courses to learn the full system and how to make it a part of your everyday yogic lifestyle
• Study Hall with prompts and posts to encourage commitment to Pan-African studies, wellness practices, and engagement with fellow Kamili Yoga® students
• 24-Hour Zoom Room to coordinate one-time study sessions, student/teacher Q&As, and co-working sessions in fellowship with other students and teachers
• Africana Reading Rooms providing articles and PDFs about global Black news, wholistic healthy living, Pan-African research, and more
• Diaspora Video Library dedicated to worldwide Black knowledge and African history, with material added regularly for an ever-growing collection of lessons
• Kamili Classroom: A soulful and interactive study group for learning lectures and therapeutic community discussions about the Kamili Yoga® tenets and principles
  • 1st and 3rd Sundays
    4:00pm to 5:00pm ET, USA
    Recorded Replays Provided
• Android and iOS apps to stay connected to content through easy and convenient access

TEACHER CERTIFICATIONS

For Education Experts, Wellness Workers, & Community Organizers

Monthly Dues - $79.00 USD

Kamili Yoga® was created to become a global practice that benefits Black African communities around the world. The only way this can happen is to train instructors who believe in the system and are committed to teaching it to as many people as possible. The Kamili Yoga® Academy is not like the average yoga teacher training that merely churns out unprepared teachers to (maybe) get work in their training studio. Rather than in mainstream spaces like studios and gyms, Kamili Yoga® teachers meet people where they are in their own communities. 

Certification as a Kamili Yoga® teacher is not a light decision. It means being dedicated to community service and lifelong learning, and requires a significant investment of time, energy, labor, and most importantly, growth. With three different certification levels to achieve, wholistic multi-dimensional growth is the crux of all Kamili Yoga® teacher training courses. Certification programs range from four months to nine months, with each program consisting of 30-day learning modules. These modules are designed for students to practice and train at a comfortable, manageable pace that allows for the materials to become a part of a daily yogic lifestyle!

Certification Teacher Memberships Include . . .

• Full Membership Access to all academy offerings and benefits
• The Teachers Lounge, an exclusive space for active Kamili Yoga® teachers to directly connect, commune, and collaborate with other in supportive ways 
• Educator Exchange: A bi-weekly motivational roundtable to share instructor experiences, explore teaching methods, and create unified themes
  • 2nd and 4th Sundays
    4:00pm to 5:00pm ET, USA
    Recorded Replays Provided

Certification I

System Educator 

The Kamili Yoga® System Educator is the first certification level. This introductory course builds a solid foundation that prepares teachers to educate the audiences they serve on the tenets, principles, and components of the Kamili Yoga® system. Upon completion of the certification course, Kamili Yoga® System Educators will be able to conduct informative teachings with 1:1 clients, support groups, school students, and other members of their professional communities as well as provide guidance for friends, families, and organizations. 

Because the training focus is on teaching the fundamental structure of Kamili Yoga® in a private capacity, Kamili Yoga® System Educator certification does not include the ability to host public classes or to lead Ibada Kamili, the complete ritual.

• Ideal For Professionals Who Are:
  • Therapists and Psychologists
  • Healthcare and Social Workers
  • School Teachers and Counselors
  • Tutors and Homeschool Educators
  • Life Coaches & Wellness Consultants
  • Clergy, Ministers, and Spiritual Directors
• Certification Prerequisites & Costs:
  • Personal Essay Application Describing Interest in Certification
  • Zoom Interview with Eternity Philops, Founder of Kamili Yoga®
  • Certification Program Cost: $359 USD
• Certification Program Overview:
  • Module 01 - Commitment to the Core Tenets
  • Module 02 - Mastering the Kiswahili Key Terms
    
  • Module 03 - Developing Kamili Yoga® Learning Plans
  • Module 04 - Practicum: Intro to Kamili Yoga® Presentation

Certification II

Community Leader

Kamili Yoga® Community Leaders take their teaching to the next level. As the name suggests, the responsibility of this certification is to create and lead communities in all the ways of Kamili Yoga®. Through the six-month program, trainees will delve deeper into the system to learn how to authentically embody everything Kamili Yoga® means. 

Along with privately educating others on the tenets, principles, and components of the Kamili Yoga® system, certified Community Leaders have the privilege of hosting public community classes and can formally guide Ibada Kamili, the complete ritual. Because motion is a key component of ritual guidance, teachers training for Kamili Yoga® Community Leader certification must have expertise in a physical movement specialty.

• Best For Professionals Who Are:
  • Pan-African Dance Instructors
  • Experienced Yoga Teachers
  • Group Fitness Instructors
  • Personal Fitness Trainers
  • Martial Arts Teachers
  • African Drum Leaders
• Certification Prerequisites & Costs:
  • Successful Completion of Certification I System Educator
  • Minimum of 6 Months of Active Status System Educator Teaching
  • Course Approval by Eternity Philops, Founder of Kamili Yoga®
  • Certification Program Cost: $579 USD
• Certification Program Overview:
  • Module 01 - Living the Philosophy of Kanuni Tatu
  • Module 02 - Creating Your Practice of Ibada Kamili
  • Module 03 - Conscious Pursuit of Elimu na Hekima
  • Module 04 - Practicum: Pan-African Research Presentation
  • Module 05 - Practicum: 21 Days of Kamili Yoga® through Ibada Kamili
  • Module 06 - Practicum: Foundations of Kamili Yoga® 2-Hour Workshop

Certification III

Certification Trainer

Kamili Yoga® Certification Trainers are the highest level of Kamili Yoga® teacher. They are leaders who have displayed a continued commitment to teaching Kamili Yoga® to underserved Black communities who need yogic wellness most. Upon completing this nine-month program, Certification Trainers will have demonstrated their dedication to not only teaching Kamili Yoga®, but also to fully living Kamili Yoga® through complete union with Self, complete union with others, and complete union with Spirit. Successful Kamili Yoga® Certification Trainers will be regarded as expert guides of Ibada Kamili, and knowledgeable mentors of Elimu na Hekima.

Most importantly, Certification Trainers have experienced on a soulful level the rich benefits of Kamili Yoga® and want to ensure the system is a recognized wellness practice for Black Africans for generations to come. Once a Kamili Yoga® Certification Trainer, these devotees will have the honor and responsibility of training future Kamili Yoga® teachers and leaders!

• Certification Prerequisites & Costs:
  • Minimum of 6 Months of Active Status System Educator Teaching 
  • Successful Completion of Certification II Community Leader Training
  • Minimum of 18 Months of Active Status Community Leader Teaching 
    
  • Personal Essay Application Describing Interest in Certification
  • Zoom Interview with Eternity Philops, Founder of Kamili Yoga®
  • Certification Program Cost: $799 USD
    
• Certification Program Overview:
  • Module 01 - Understanding Self through Black Psychology & African Philosophy
  • Module 02 - The Essence of Yoga in African Spiritual Traditions
  • Module 03 - Africentric Approaches to Meditation & Inner Peace
  • Module 04 - The Intersection of Yoga and Social Justice for Black Liberation
  • Module 05 - Ethical Business Practices for Successful Teaching & Training
  • Module 06 - Curriculum Design for Certification I System Educator 
  • Module 07 - Curriculum Design for Certification II Community Leader 
  • Module 08 - Practicum: Launching Your Kamili Yoga® Certification Programs
  • Module 09 - Practicum: Foundations of Kamili Yoga® 4-Week Series

What's NOT Included In Membership . . .

• Ads: There are no pop-up or sponsored ads interrupting your experience or trying to sell you stuff you don't need.
• Algorithms: Posts aren't hidden or purposely given low visibility, and your activity isn't sold to random third parties.
• Spam: There is a dedicated space for professionals to share their services and offerings. Outside of that space, promotions are not allowed so that members can focus on education and community.
• Hate: We do not tolerate trans-hate, queerphobia, fatphobia, body shaming, colorism, sexism, gender bias, TERFness, "fauxteps", religious bigotry, cultural prejudice, harassment, inappropriate messages, or any other form of oppression.

Student Testimonials

"Since becoming a part of the Kamili Yoga Collective, I'm learning the differences more and more every time we meet. So far, nothing but positive & enlightening experiences. Much different from what I've experienced being in other 'mainstream' yoga classes."

- Linda P.B., South Carolina, USA

"Through the Kamili Yoga Collective, I have been able to dive deeper into my own yoga and movement practice, while also learning more about Pan-African history and principles. In a time of chaos throughout the world, the Kamili Yoga Collective has provided me with community, and a continued sense of grounded."

- Naadiya H., Maryland, USA

"I am so fortunate to be a part of the Kamili Yoga Collective. I have grown so much and it has helped me with my self awareness."

- Edna L., New York, USA

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I'm new to Yoga. Can I join?
   Yes! This is a space for Black yogis of all experience levels, which includes even NO experience. As a community centered around Yoga wellness education, this is the perfect place to begin your Yoga journey!
   
   
2. Are the teacher training certifications registered with Yoga Alliance?
   The Kamili Yoga® teaching programs do not follow the status quo of mainstream studios and cookie-cutter YTT programs. They are academic-style curriculums that require students to do deep therapeutic inner work in preparation for community leadership in Black communal spaces like cultural centers, churches, and even in homes. Serving in these areas does not require an RYT status, therefore Kamili Yoga® certifications are not associated with Yoga Alliance or any other teacher registry.
   
   
3. Can I join the Kamili Yoga® Academy if I am not Black?
   No. Non-Black yogis and allies who wish to learn the Kamili Yoga® system are encouraged to subscribe to the Kamili Yoga® video app by clicking HERE.
   
   
4. Why not? Isn't that racist?
   It is not racist to have Black-centered spaces; it is racism that makes Black-centered spaces necessary.
   
   The Kamili Yoga® Academy is a safe(r) space that exclusively serves those of Black identity and of Pan-African cultural communities. It is a space to honor the specific experiences that Black people around the world have in societies riddled with anti-Blackness and oppressive systems of institutionalized racism. It is a space for both learning AND healing, and that healing would be undermined by the presence of non-Black folks.
   
   If you are offended by this being a Black-centered healing space, you are encouraged to investigate the true source of that angst and work on putting that energy toward creating a world where spaces such as these are no longer necessary.
   
   
5. I have other questions. Can I contact you?
   Yes. Send additional questions via email by clicking HERE!
   
   
6. I'm ready to join! How do I sign up?
   Awesome! Below are the membership options to get started. If your preferred membership option is not listed, it may be closed at this time.
   
   It will be an honor to guide you!

Kamili Yoga® System Educator