The Mastery Space
A Unique Teacher Training Experience by Shannon Vorce & Ryoko Kudo
Shannon and Ryoko have created The Mastery Space — a one-of-a-kind teacher training program that artfully blends the precision of Classical Pilates with the innovation of modern movement and contemporary Pilates. Their mission is to blend complex knowledge with approachable, practical, and deeply impactful techniques.
At the heart of their training is a belief that exceptional teachers are nurtured through thoughtful education, inspired mentorship, and a deep understanding of the human body in motion. Their method empowers students to authentically and confidently step into a Pilates career that will change lives.
What Makes This Training Different?
This is not just a basic certification, only instructing the classical exercises. As we respectfully teach the full comprehensive classical exercises we additionally teach many variations and contemporary exercises, evolving the practice to be accessible for all. We empower instructors to understand how the body works, give them the tactile knowledge and tools to help heal clients and teach from the heart. Whether you're just beginning or deepening your path, The Mastery Space offers a variety of specialized programs designed to suit your needs and support your growth.
All trainings are available online and in-person.
Mat Pilates Certification
Every great Pilates teacher starts with a strong foundation. Our Mat Certification is taught in an intimate, supportive environment where questions are encouraged, confidence is built, and every student is seen. Shannon and Ryoko blend the timeless principles of classical Pilates with today's understanding of movement science, pelvic floor function, neutral pelvis alignment, and purposeful use of props. Whether you're beginning your Pilates journey or bringing experience from another movement background, you'll leave with more than a certification you'll gain the knowledge, clarity, and joy to teach Mat Pilates with confidence. No prior experience required. All are welcome!
Next training September 16-18 2026 12-4PM
Comprehensive Teacher Training Program 2026-2027
Reformer Training - November 2–5, 2026 12-4pm
Cadillac / Tower & Chair & Barrel - December 7–11, 12-4pm 2026 12-4pm Applied Movement Practice - Jan 25-29, 2027 12-4pm
Investment $6500. Payment Plans Available.
Full Equipment Certification
(Reformer Training - November 2–5, 2026 12-4pm
Cadillac / Tower & Chair & Barrel - December 7–11, 12-4pm 2026 12-4pm)
Ready to teach using the full Pilates apparatus? Our specialized comprehensive training includes all exercises on the Reformer, Cadillac, Tower, Chair, and Barrel. You’ll dive deep into all classical exercises, plus learn many variations that support our contemporary bodies. Gain understanding of the important role of specialized props combined with all the equipment. As deeply experienced instructors Ryoko and Shannon have learned to draw out the best movements out of all the equipment and love to share their unique vision.
Applied Movement Practice
Translate anatomy, biomechanics, and assessment into practical tools for understanding the body, adapting movement, and teaching with greater precision and confidence—adding a deeper, more specialized layer to your Pilates certification.
Biomechanics & Assessment
Understanding and assessing optimal alignment is essential — but even more powerful is knowing how to correct and prevent misalignments. This course breaks down how the body functions in real-world movement, and how Pilates can be applied as a precise tool for transformation and healing.
Special Populations
Every body is unique — and every client deserves care tailored to their individual needs. This training equips you with knowledge and modalities to support people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, ensuring your teaching is inclusive, informed, and compassionate.
Anatomy in Clay
Discover anatomy like never before. This hands-on course uses clay to sculpt muscles directly onto model skeletons — a dynamic, interactive way to truly see and feel how the body is built. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have learning anatomy — and the most effective.
Included with Comprehensive Certification
24/7 Full access to The Pilates Space, fully equipt studio to complete all teaching practice hours
2 Private Sessions with Owners ($400 value)
10 pack of group classes ($500 value)
Option to join unlimited classes at no cost (when space permits)
20% Discount on additional workshops
Individualized Mentorship
All Manuals and supplies
Career opportunities
600hr Program that is flexible and catered to each individual
The Mastery Practice - Beyond the Certification - March 2027
Certification gives you the foundation. The Mastery Practice is where you learn how to truly make it your own.
Designed for teachers in training and newly certified instructors, this immersive post-certification experience provides the support, hands-on practice, and mentorship needed to turn knowledge into confident, intuitive teaching. Through understanding release work, intelligent sequencing, and personalized formulas, you’ll step into your next level teaching. Because becoming a great teacher doesn’t happen the day you get certified. It happens through practice, guidance, and finding your own mastery.
Release & Reset Certification
Learn targeted techniques to release tension, restore balance, and reset the body using specialized props and equipment. These tools will help you address physical holding patterns and create lasting change — making you a more effective and versatile teacher.
Class and Session Sequencing
Learn to design transformative, intelligently-sequenced movement experiences for both group classes and private sessions. This course teaches you how to layer movements with intention, create a clear through line, and guide that feel both intuitive and masterfully structured. You'll leave with practical templates, tactile tools, and a refined approach to sequencing that help your students feel deeply connected, dynamically moved, and inspired.
Embodied Teaching
An immersive, hands-on exploration of what makes great teaching exceptional—refining observation, touch, communication, sequencing, and the ability to respond intuitively to the body in front of you.
The Mastery Space is more than a program — it’s a movement. A supportive space where intelligent teaching, embodied knowledge, and personal growth come together to shape the next generation of Pilates professionals.
Discover your unique voice. Deepen your knowledge. Become the teacher you’re meant to be.
2026–2027 TRAINING SCHEDULE
MAT PILATES CERTIFICATION
September 16–18, 2026
Begin with the foundation.
REFORMER TRAINING
November 2–5, 2026
Expand your teaching practice.
CADILLAC • CHAIR • BARREL
December 7–11, 2026
Deepen your understanding of the Pilates system.
ANATOMY • BIOMECHANICS • ASSESSMENT • SPECIAL POPULATIONS
January 25–29, 2027
Understand the body. Refine your eye. Teach with intention.
THE MASTERY PRACTICE
MARCH 2027
Soar beyond Certification
Why train with us? Here is what past trainees have said about their experience…
“Undergoing my Pilates Apparatus certification at The Pilates Space was one of the best decisions I ever made. Not only did I receive an extensive education, but with patience, intelligence, humor, and innovation, Shannon and Ryoko prepared me to teach Pilates in a safe and effective way to anyone- whether they be high-level athletes, elderly, injured, or simply needing more daily motion and motivation. I am truly lucky to have studied with practitioners who care about the holistic well-being of their clients. If you’re wondering whether or not to enroll in this training, I strongly encourage you to sign up!”-F.K.
“As teacher trainers, both Ryoko’s and Shannon’s experience and unique gifts as teachers were in the spotlight. Both of them encouraged & highlighted the importance, to us as trainees, of finding our own voice as teachers. What can we bring to clients in a non-judgmental & confidence building environment? By supporting & bringing positive energy into each class-we continue to reinforce the basic principles of Pilates. The comprehensive manuals and Q&A sessions provided ways to help us plan, use verbal & touch cues and how to enhance any client’s body awareness. Ryoko and Shannon still find ways to be available for detailed questions and provide supportive answers as we continue our personal Pilates journeys. Being taught the core principles, how to stay present and connect to clients will build confidence in anyone who takes The Pilates Space Teacher Training. “ -S.L.
" As a participant of the 2022 Teacher Training program at The Pilates Space, I consider it the utmost privilege to have studied under the tutelage of Master Instructors Shannon Vorce and Ryoko Kudo. Through their guidance, careful instruction, and depth of knowledge, I found an acceptance and knowledge of my own body. As a newly certified Pilates Instructor, it is my great joy to pass on that knowledge and inspire others to evolve." -N.S.