The Classical Pilates Academy continues the authentic apprenticeship line from Joseph Pilates through Romana Kryzanowska to second-generation master teacher Kirk James Smith.

This page gives you a picture for the training programme at VIPilates Classical Studio in Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield — your home for Classical Pilates teacher training in the Midlands.

Training Overview & Hours

Duration: 14–18 months
Format: 5 focused in-person seminar blocks (120 studio contact hours)
Total Programme Hours: 550–750

Seminar Schedule

All seminars take place at VIPilates Classical Studio.

• Beginner & Intermediate Foundation
• Intermediate System 1
• Intermediate System 2
• Advanced System – Part 1
• Advanced System – Part 2

Apprenticeship Hours include self-practice, observation, practice teaching, plus a minimum of 60 classes/privates. You can complete these locally with a Comprehensive Classical Teacher or at VIPilates with full guidance on tracking and progression. Hours with other approved Classical teachers are welcome, but the richest learning happens closest to the lineage at VIPilates.

We know life is busy. Every student receives personalised support to fit the apprenticeship around work and family. With steady progress, you will finish confident, competent and fully certified as a third-generation Classical Pilates teacher.

Final Examinations
Progressive assessments at 200, 450 and 600 apprenticeship hours.
Final certification exam.

The studio includes a dedicated Mat space and a full Gratz Classical Apparatus studio with premium Gratz Reformers, Cadillac, High Chair, Baby Arm Chair, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Arc Barrel, Pedi Pole, Magic Circle and all auxiliary equipment. Every piece is maintained to the highest classical standards for precision, safety and purity of movement.

Each piece of equipment offers unique benefits in enhancing strength, flexibility, and overall body conditioning, and our comprehensive training programme ensures that our instructors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively incorporate them into client sessions.

The atmosphere is calm, focused and welcoming — the perfect setting to master the method while building lasting community connections.

Applicants

Before you are considered, you must demonstrate a familiarity and comfort with Pilates workouts on the apparatus and complete a minimum of 20 Private Lessons with a Classical Pilates Instructor whose lineage can be traced back to Mr Joseph Pilates.

Your Commitment

• Completion of all in-person training across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Levels.
• Accumulation of 400-600 hours of in-person training through apprenticeship, sessions, and classes
• 20 teacher meetings.
• Completion of a 450-hour apprenticeship including self-practice, practice teaching, session and class participation, and observation passing all written and practical assessment
• Reviewing all online video content provided by VIPilates Classical Studio
• Participating in a minimum of 60 classes and privates throughout the duration of your study.

Course Preparation

We take course preparation seriously to ensure that each candidate is equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training programme. As part of our course preparation process, each candidate must take an initial assessment with Sarah Janes before starting the course.

During the assessment, candidates may be asked to perform a series of intermediate exercises on the Mat and the Reformer. You can request a list of Intermediate exercises from our syllabus.

We understand that not all candidates need the initial assessment, especially if they they are already a certified instructor and confident about your skills and abilities.

If you believe that you meet the criteria for exemption from the initial assessment, you can directly request an enrolment form. Exemption is granted to certified instructors or individuals with significant prior experience in Classical Pilates. This allows us to acknowledge your expertise and streamline your admission process.

Our next course starts September 2026.

To request an enrolment form, or to apply for our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training programme please email info@theclassicalpilatesacademy.com

By offering comprehensive training, we honour the legacy of Joseph Pilates and his first-generation teachers who kept his work alive. We believe that his method deserves to be taught in its entirety, and we are committed to providing you with the knowledge and skills to excel as a Pilates instructor.