verything you wanted to know about being an Iyengar Yoga teacher
When you qualify as an Iyengar Yoga teacher, you can be confident that you will have what it takes to hold and build a yoga class. Teacher training in the Iyengar tradition requires commitment and dedication. Trainees are expected to have done 300 hours of Iyengar yoga classes before they begin teacher training. The Iyengar family believes in mentoring teachers and taking time in training so that new teachers have the knowledge, skills and firm foundation in practice that is required to be an effective yoga teacher. In our system, teacher trainers are required to maintain a daily asana and pranayama practice and pass four rigorous exams to qualify to train teachers. They must hold a Junior Intermediate 3 or higher qualification. Training may take the form of a teacher training course of at least 300 hours, a mentorship, or a combination of both, depending upon the trainer. Traineeship prepares you to sit for the Introductory Certificate at a time when your teacher believes you to be ready.
The process of preparing for certification works to focus your practice, enhance your discipline and help you on the inward journey. Iyengar teacher training is not for the faint-hearted. But you can be sure it will change your life and make you a stronger practitioner. You will also have the support of the Iyengar Community, as senior teachers are always available to help younger teachers in the community and a wide range of professional development opportunities are on offer, both in Australia and at the Iyengar Institute in Pune, India.
As BKS Iyengar said, “Illuminated emancipation, freedom, unalloyed and untainted bliss await you, but you must choose to embark on the Inward Journey to discover it.” (Light On Life).
