Become a Mat &
Reformer Pilates
Instructor

Early Bird Registration Open
A close-up of a textured, fractured stone sculpture with the word 'FORM' overlaid in large white letters and the subtitle 'foundations of refined movement' at the bottom.

FORM (foundations of refined movement) is the new education home by Little Mandarin. We focus on alignment, intelligent strength, and clear teaching methods. Whether you are deepening your practice or stepping toward teaching, this is for you.

Mat and Reformer Pilates Teacher Training

FORM Academy by Little Mandarin · Educator: Nurşah Katkak

Close-up of a young woman with curly hair smiling, wearing hoop earrings, a necklace, and a white shirt, standing against a light background.

Nursah Katkak (physiotherapist, provider number: 6555892F)

Overview

Step into your teaching journey with FORM Academy’s comprehensive Mat + Reformer Pilates Teacher Training. Led by Nursah, a physiotherapist and experienced educator, this program blends self-paced online learning with immersive face-to-face training at Little Mandarin.

Whether you’re new to teaching or looking to deepen your practice, this course offers:

  • Blended anatomy: online lectures, in-person labs, and self-study workbooks

  • Prenatal and postnatal Pilates integration

  • 1:1 mentoring options (discounted rates)

  • Assistant teaching pathway with LM instructors

  • Studio access for supervised self-practice

  • Peer support via WeChat / Facebook / WhatsApp communities

What You’ll Learn

  • Classical and contemporary mat repertoire

  • Full reformer pilates repertoire (from foundations to advanced)

  • Anatomy and biomechanics for Pilates

  • Specific populations: injuries, older adults, prenatal/postnatal

  • Cueing, sequencing, and class planning

  • Teaching group vs private classes

  • Professionalism, safety, AusActive standard

A woman with curly hair and glasses standing by a skeleton model, gesturing with her hands, in front of a wooden wall with electrical outlets, on a laptop screen with the text "FORM academy" and

Format

Blended Hybrid Delivery:

  • Online modules: anatomy, theory, and foundations

  • Face-to-face intensives: 3 weeks (Tue + Wed each week) next intake dates: Mar 17 & 18, Mar 24 & 25, Mar 31 & Apr 1, 2026

  • Location: Little Mandarin Melbourne CBD Studio

A woman wearing a white shirt and gray leggings is doing Pilates on a reformer machine with resistance bands, assisted by a trainer with curly hair wearing a white shirt and patterned leggings, in a bright studio. In the second picture, the woman is stretching with her legs apart on the reformer machine, laughing with a trainer standing behind her, both enjoying the activity.

Logbook Requirements

  • 20 hours of class observation (signed by class instructor)

  • 40 hours of practice teaching

  • 60 hours of self-practice

What We Offer

  • Unlimited group Pilates classes across all 3 Little Mandarin studios for the duration of the training weeks (Mar 16 to Apr 5)

  • Printed and digital manuals

  • Access to studio space for self-practice and logbook hours

  • Personalised guidance and small-group learning environment

Book titled 'Reformer & Mat Pilates Training Manual' with cover featuring images of women exercising on Pilates equipment and a mat.
Enrol at the Early Bird rate
A corner of a room with a Pilates chair, a Pilates reformer, and a wooden piece of equipment, with white curtains and natural light.

Who’s my educator?

Nurşah Katkak
(Physiotherapist and Senior Pilates Educator)

Nurşah is a physiotherapist passionate about movement, rehabilitation and empowering people through Pilates. Before relocating to Melbourne in 2022, she ran her own physiotherapy clinic in Turkey. Since then she completed her Master of Physiotherapy in Australia and deepened her expertise in reformer and mat Pilates.

With a focus on therapeutic movement and evidence-informed programming, Nurşah helps people reconnect with their bodies and move with strength and confidence. Her teaching blends clinical insight with joyful movement exploration across all levels.

Face-to-Face Weekly Schedule

Week 1: Mat Foundations

  • Full Mat Pilates repertoire

  • Assessing and Screening the Pilates Client & Postural Analysis

  • Mat Class Planning

  • Understand more about your core muscles

Week 2: Reformer Foundations

  • Reformer Repertoire

  • Manual Corrections, Structuring warm-up & cool-down sequences

  • Reformer Class Planning

  • Understand more about your arm and leg muscles

Week 3: Teaching for Special Populations

  • Reformer Repertoire

  • Jumpboard and small equipment

  • Prenatal, postnatal and beyond

  • Common Injuries & Modifications

  • Linking Anatomy

  • Business of Pilates, Certification and exam requirements, Closing celebration

Online Modules (Self-paced)

  • Intro to Pilates History, FORM by Little Mandarin

  • Principles of Pilates & Class formats

  • Anatomy & Physiology for Pilates Teachers - We keep things fun & practical!

  • Special Populations: elderly, prenatal/postnatal, injury considerations

Assessments

  • Theory Exam
    Anatomy and physiology, Pilates principles and history, modifications and contraindications, and professional practice.

  • Practical Teaching Assessment
    One 30-minute recorded mat lesson and one 30-minute recorded reformer lesson.

  • Class Planning and Consultation Assessment
    One 15-minute recorded client consultation, including goal setting, postural assessment, and session design.

  • Submission Requirement
    All assessment materials and logbooks must be submitted within 12 months of course completion.

Certification & Accreditation

  • Aligned with AusActive criteria:

    • Professional conduct

    • Client service standards

    • Health, safety & welfare compliance

  • FORM Academy Certificate awarded upon completion of contact hours, logbook, exams, and professional requirements

What’s Included

  • Anatomy and movement manuals

  • Mat and Reformer training guides

  • Online video library access

  • Workshop handouts

Community & Mentoring

  • Access to FORM instructor group chats

  • Mentorship support (optional)

  • Outstanding graduates may be offered teaching opportunities at Little Mandarin

FAQ

Do I need prior teaching experience?

No. This training is open to dedicated students and Pilates lovers with at least 6 months of regular practice.

Can I do the course if I work full-time?

The face-to-face labs require 6 full days (3 Tuesdays + Wednesdays). Online content is self-paced and can be completed on evenings/weekends.

Is mentoring included?

Mentoring is optional and offered at discounted rates with our educator team.

What if I miss a session?

We recommend full attendance. However, makeup options may be arranged on a case-by-case basis (fees may apply).

Is this course recognised?

Yes. This course is in progress to be formally recognised by AusActive. Please consult Jamie for the most up-to-date status if formal accreditation is essential to your goals.

Will I be confident and capable of teaching after this course?

Yes. By the end of this training, you’ll have hands-on experience, practical tools for sequencing and cueing, and the confidence to lead both group and private classes. You’ll gain support from our educator team, access mentoring, and apply your skills through real-world teaching opportunities. Once you've completed the logbook hours, online modules, assessments, and demonstrated professionalism, you'll be fully prepared to begin teaching, and outstanding graduates may be invited to join the Little Mandarin instructor team.

Early Bird Enrolment Available

Investment & Payment Options

FORM Pilates Teacher Training (Mat + Reformer)

Full Fee: $4,899
Early Bird: $3999 (ends Jan 31st, 2026 at 11:59 pm AEDT)

Payment Plan Available
Secure your place with:

  • $999 initial deposit, followed by

  • 3 fortnightly instalments of $1,000

All fees are in AUD. Payment plans are interest-free and designed to support committed trainees.

Unable to make it for this intake? Please fill in the form to let us know your preferred studio, day and time. We will consider your suggestion when we schedule our next course.