IYA (UK) teacher training

Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar has developed what has come to be called Iyengar Yoga from a firm spiritual, philosophical and practical base. Iyengar Yoga is a way of life, rather than a physical activity. Before being accepted onto a teacher training course a candidate should therefore not only have achieved a high standard in his/her personal practice in the Introductory asanas, but also have a preliminary awareness of the subtlety of Iyengar Yoga and its philosophy. Teacher training courses are offered at over 20 different centres in England and Scotland.

The grades of Iyengar Yoga teachers are:

• Introductory
• Intermediate Junior
• Intermediate Senior
• Advanced Junior
• Advanced Senior

Each has a syllabus and assessment procedure.

The IYA (UK) runs its own assessments and maintains rigorously high standards. Teacher training began in the 1970s when the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Teachers' Association was established and now the new IYA (UK), inaugurated in 2003, continues this tradition. The syllabuses for each level are those set by Yogacharya Sri B.K.S. Iyengar and are used for training at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, and by Iyengar Yoga Associations worldwide. To hold a valid certificate teachers must undertake continuing education by attending: classes at the RIMYI; conventions or days organised by the IYA (UK); other Iyengar Yoga days/workshops; regular Iyengar Yoga classes.

Introductory Certificate Teacher Training

Before being accepted on an Introductory teaching training course a student must have completed a minimum of three years regular study with an approved Iyengar Yoga teacher. A letter of recommendation from the student's regular teacher is also required. Most trainers also hold a preliminary test class before accepting a candidate and the first term of the course is normally a probationary period. The Introductory course requires a minimum of two years and 120 hours contact time in teacher training classes. In addition, trainees are required to maintain a home practice with a regular attendance at a more advanced level class, if one is available, and to help an experienced teacher in a weekly beginners class. Besides this there are four course work assignments and two written papers for assessment, on various subjects covering some yoga philosophy, elementary anatomy and teaching theory. The Introductory course is structured in two levels with an assessment at each level. The first assessment has to be passed before the second is attempted. Both practical and written elements must be passed. After successfully completing the coursework and passing the second assessment the teacher gains an Introductory teacher's certificate and is then qualified to teach a specified range of Introductory asanas (postures).

Some members continue training beyond their Introductory teacher's certificate and go on to Intermediate Junior, Intermediate Senior and ultimately, Advanced certificates. To progress to teach more advanced postures, it is up to the individual to attend classes with Senior or Advanced teachers. These more advanced certificates demand more of teachers, both in the number and difficulty of asanas practiced, and in the subtlety of their understanding of the theory and practice of Yoga.  

Intermediate Junior Level Certificate

Students may apply to take Intermediate Junior Level 1 a minimum of 18 months after gaining the Introductory Certificate. This is a three-part certificate with a minimum of six months (normally 12 months) between each section.

Intermediate Senior Certificate

Teachers may apply to take Intermediate Senior Level 1 a minimum of 18 months to two years after gaining their Level 3 Intermediate Junior Certificate.

Advanced Certificate

This Certificate is only awarded on the recommendation of the RIMYI.

For more information about teacher training with the Iyengar Yoga Association, please contact Alan Brown on tel: 01535 637 359 or e-mail: alan@dianalan.plus.com.

To find a local teacher trainer use the "Finding a teacher" menu option, type in your area and select the "Teacher Training" check box or select the following link "list of trainers".