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

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

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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

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Program Structure

The training is delivered in two integrated components: online learning and face-to-face modules.

Blended Hybrid Delivery:

Online learning: 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.

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.

Online Learning

The online component includes recorded lectures covering Pilates-relevant anatomy and physiology, prenatal and postnatal considerations, and common populations and musculoskeletal presentations you’re likely to encounter in class, such as lower back or knee pain. You’ll learn what these conditions are, common aggravating factors, how to modify exercises safely, and how to apply Pilates-specific strategies to support your clients.

The online content also covers class planning for both one-on-one and group settings, along with essential exercise guidelines. All online modules must be completed before commencing the face-to-face training.

Face-to-Face Training

During the face-to-face modules, you’ll apply your online learning to real movement and real teaching. Across the Matwork and Reformer days, you’ll work through classical and contemporary Pilates repertoire in a practical, hands-on environment.
Each exercise is explored in detail, including aims, muscles worked, set-up, movement sequence, modifications, progressions, and precautions, to develop a clear understanding of how and why each exercise is taught.

Workshops will also cover initial assessment, posture and movement observation, and locating and feeling key bony landmarks and muscle groups.

You’ll learn how to plan and deliver both one-on-one and group classes, including sequencing sessions, applying manual corrections, and structuring effective warm-ups and cool-downs. Throughout the training, there is a strong focus on adapting teaching for prenatal and postnatal clients, common musculoskeletal presentations, and real-world studio settings.

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.

Certification & Accreditation requirements

To complete the training and receive certification, students must complete the following:

Theory Exam
An applied mix of multiple-choice and short-answer questions covering anatomy and physiology, teaching adaptations, modifications, contraindications, and best-practice health and safety in Pilates.
Anatomy Workbook
A self-paced workbook completed in your own time to consolidate and apply all anatomy content covered throughout the course.
Integrated Case Study Assessment
A guided real-world case study applying knowledge across the full client journey, from pre-exercise screening and goal setting to program design, confident session delivery, client education, and reflective practice.
Four Pre-Recorded Practical Sessions

Client consultation, including health screening and goal setting
Posture and movement assessment
Translating findings into client education and exercise recommendations
Delivery of a full 45-minute Matwork and Reformer Pilates session
Logbook Hours

20 hours of class observation (signed by instructor)
40 hours of practice teaching
60 hours of self-practice

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

Enrol Now

Scholarship Available

Investment & Payment Options

FORM Pilates Teacher Training (Mat + Reformer)

Training Fee: $4,899

Payment Plan Available

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

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).

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.

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.