Iyengar Yoga
Certification
To maintain the authenticity of Iyengar Yoga as taught by BKS Iyengar and to ensure that the highest level of teaching standards are adhered to, Iyengar yoga teacher trainees undergo a three to six years intensive training period in which an in-depth knowledge of asanas, pranayama, the teachings of BKS Iyengar and the Iyengar family and The Sutras of Patanjali are learnt. On a yearly basis teachers continue to attend workshops to increase their knowledge to share with their students.
Theory of Alignment
Iyengar yoga as taught has a firm focus on the correct alignment of the musco-skeletal body not only as a means to avoid injury but also as a starting point to begin the journey inwards – towards one’s inner self.
“in every posture, the body, the mind, action and motion as well as each breath of the physical, physiological, mental and intellectual sheaths have to be evenly balanced”
BKS Iyengar
Practising yoga asanas on the mat becomes a metaphor for how we choose to walk through our daily lives.
Through one’s sadhana (practise) one begins to link the gross physical actions with the inner body, the mercurial mind and one’s intelligence which brings into play the power of discrimination : the ability to see what is working and what is not working – and in so doing – adjust.
Correct physical alignment of the body enables the practitioner to align their mind, intelligence and consciousness to experience the stillness within.
Use of Props
“yoga asana is now accessible to me“
Justine, aged 65yrs beginner student
The beauty and gift of Iyengar Yoga is to make use of various props which aid, support & guide the practitioner through their practise, so that the yoga asanas remain accessible to all.
The use of props in a yoga lesson :
- assists those who are unable to do the classic pose
- aids students with injuries
- enables extension & relaxation at the same time
- monitors & directs the students to perform the asana in the correct manner
- avoids injuries to the student
Teacher Training
To become an Iyengar Yoga Teacher one is required to enter into a Mentorship Program, either with your current Teacher or a newly selected Teacher.
You need to have been attending Iyengar Yoga classes for at least 3 years before entering into the Training Program.
It is a three year intensive Yoga Teacher Training that covers the following aspects :
- Yoga Philosophy according to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which includes the 8 Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga
- The practise of yoga asanas and pranayama according to the teachings of BKS Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and the Iyengar Family.
- Learning how to integrate your practise and understanding into practical teaching / teaching methodology.
The course offers one not only an opportunity to receive comprehensive understanding and practise of yoga, but in so doing offers one an incredible journey of self-growth, understanding and deepens one’s inner awareness.
For further information please feel free to contact Kim directly or refer to the website: