Teacher Training

Yoga Atma Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Course

Part of my role as an Iyengar Yoga teacher is aimed at helping my students deepen their understanding of the practice. Yoga Atma now offers a comprehensive program for students who wish to not only deepen their personal yoga practice but also to teach Iyengar yoga.

Iyengar Yoga Australia is dedicated to honouring and promoting the work of BKS Iyengar in Australia. Today it has grown into a vibrant and welcoming community committed to learning, practising and sharing the art, science and philosophy of Iyengar yoga.

It is an association whose mission is to promote the teachings of BKS Iyengar in Australia, establish and maintain comprehensive guidelines for the certification of the teachers of Iyengar yoga and to provide social, cultural and educational services for our members.

The Association, through its Certification Committee, administers and regulates the requirements and standards for the training and assessment of Iyengar yoga teachers. The assessment and certification procedures are guided by the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, the home of Iyengar yoga.
The Association upholds rigorous ethical guidelines, based on the limbs of yama and Niyamaas laid out in the Yoga Sutras, and certified teachers are recognised internationally.

The program An Introductory level certification allows you to teach as a recognised Iyengar Yoga teacher and make use of the Iyengar Certification Mark.

To become a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher trainees are required to sit the introductory assessment where they will need to meet the following requirements:

  • Endorsement from their training teacher
  • Completion of a minimum of 300 hours of teacher training with their training teacher

The following will incur additional fees:

  • Completion of an anatomy and physiology course (36 hours)
  • Present a current cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate; and
  • Membership B.K.S. Iyengar Association of Australia

Higher levels of certification allow teachers to become Teacher Trainers and continue their education by studying with senior teachers and attending classes at the RIMYI. This ongoing learning is part of a teacher’s commitment to Iyengar Yoga and, as such, teachers are required to renew their Certification Mark Licence and maintain the currency of their certificate each year.

What is the certification process?

The certification process maintains the rigour, integrity and vitality of the Iyengar Yoga community and offers teachers a clear professional pathway. It is a developmental process consisting of four levels of certification, which reflect the teachers` understanding, commitment and responsibilities.

Each of the levels of certification has a specific syllabus of asana and pranayama. In order to pass, a teacher must meet the standard of practice and teaching appropriate for the level, as decided by the Certification Committee. There is also a written component, which must be submitted with your application prior to sitting for assessment.

If you are interested in going for certification, the first step is to discuss this with your me, with a view to making an application.

Teacher Training Program:

  • 300 -Hour Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Course
  • Duration 3 years – Year 1 & 2 consist of 8 terms of formal structured training.
  • Year 3 has a less formal structure, preparing trainees for examination.
  • Cost $1,250 per term (Victorian school terms)
  • At the end of year 2 trainees will be given a Certificate of Competency, which allows them to get insured as a yoga teacher and to teach in gyms, workplaces and non -Iyengar studios.

Please contact Debra by email kiven5@bigpond.com if you would like more information on the structure of our program or if you are interested in commencing.

Joining Iyengar Yoga Australia

Becoming a member of IYA ensures the continuing support of Iyengar teachers around Australia and the ongoing promotion of yoga as a healthy way of life and you will be part of a growing and welcoming community.

General Membership

As a general member, you gain access to a range of benefits and resources, including newsletters, invitations to events and conferences around the country. You’ll be kept up to date on the latest news and events from the Iyengar Yoga community in Australia and around the world.

You will also receive access to the IYA Member area. General Members can also subscribe the quarterly publication of Yoga Rahasya.

  • Annual membership fee for General Members is $63 (incl GST)
  • Optional annual Yoga Rahasya subscription $70 (incl GST)