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Introductory Teacher Training

Training to teach is a serious commitment, but also an enriching one. To quote B.K.S. Iyengar, "Confidence, clarity and compassion are essential qualities of a teacher."

Students on our highly respected two-year Introductory course describe it as “a hugely rewarding experience” and “a wonderful balance of disciplined yet informal teaching in a supportive environment.”

To be accepted for teacher training, you need to have established a regular practice at home and achieved a high standard in the Introductory asanas. You also need a preliminary understanding of the subtler aspects of Iyengar yoga and its philosophy. Your general health should be good and teachers will have to assess whether your attitude is balanced, patient and mature.

Your teacher will also have to certify that you’ve been attending classes regularly, and without a break, for a minimum of three years. However, as the Iyengars stress, “It is not just the ‘time’ or ‘years’ of practice that makes one eligible for a particular level of certification but the ‘quality’ of practice.”

The purpose of the course is to build a firm foundation in the teaching of B.K.S. Iyengar’s work. It lasts two years, and there are 14 training days each year, on Saturdays from 10.00am to 4.00pm. They begin in October, but you also have to attend the final session of the previous year’s course, in September.

As former student Julia Alderman explains, “both the first and second year students are taught together. This creates a very supportive environment, and the second year students readily advise and share their experiences with the first year students. It also allows students to see how the course will progress over the two years and what will be expected at the different levels.”

It can be demanding work and, as Julia emphasises, “teaching your peers is scary for the first few months and not for the faint-hearted.” Nevertheless, says fellow qualifier Toni Elliott, the two trainers “guide us through from the very first steps at a consistent pace with regular input, homework and great doses of patience and encouragement.”

All assessments are conducted by the Iyengar Yoga Association (UK), which trainees are required to join. Successful completion of the second-year assessment leads to qualification as an Iyengar yoga teacher.

Please also note that If you become pregnant during the course, the IYA (UK) requires you to suspend training but you can resume later.

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Teacher trainers

Sallie Sullivan and Stephen Richardson.

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Cost

The cost of the 2012/2013 course is £830 per year or £290 payable in advance of each term. 

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Dates

Training days on Saturdays, 10.00am - 4.00pm for 2012 - 2013 are as follows:

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How to apply

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for an application pack for the 2012 - 2013 course. 

The forms for 2012-13 are now available to download from the links below:

Download Covering Letter

Download Form A1: Training to Teach Iyengar Yoga at Introductory Level

Download Form A2: Application & Registration Form

Download Form A2: Notes for Completing the Application Form

Download Information leaflet: Introductory Teacher Training Course

Download Form B1: List of Asanas for Introductory Teacher Training

As well as the application forms, you will also need a letter from your main teacher, confirming your regular attendance at classes, and your dedication to Iyengar yoga.

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What happens next?

If you fulfil all the requirements of the IYA (UK), you will be invited to attend a selection class, including an hour and a half of asana practice and a short questionnaire. The selection day for the 2012 - 2013 course will be 16 June 2012.