Kundalini Yoga Teacher Certification

Yoga as a general practice improves strength, endurance and flexibility while integrating your mind, body and spirit. There are many branches, or styles, of yoga including Hatha yoga. The physical practice of Hatha yoga combines postures and breathing. There are different styles of Hatha yoga, including Kundalini yoga. Kundalini teacher preparation includes training and certification to prepare candidates to become Kundalini instructors.

History

While yoga dates back to ancient times, Kundalini was not introduced to the Western world until 1969. Yogi Bhajan, considered the Master of Kundalini yoga by some, arrived in the United States in 1969 for the purpose of training teachers. In 1994 the International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association was formed, now certifying teachers in 60 countries. Kundalini certification is also offered by many training organizations as a type of yoga specialization.

Kundalini Yoga

The symbol of Kundalini yoga is a coiled serpent, representing energy that lies dormant at the base of your spine. The practice of Kundalini yoga is believed to awaken the sleeping serpent and unite it with energy, to elevate consciousness, resulting in empowerment. While the exercises are not difficult, they are combined with energetic breathing; mudras, or hand gestures; mantras or sounds; and meditation. The combined sequence has a greater impact compared with the individual parts. Movements are exact and repetitive, resembling a calisthenic-type workout.

Training Components

There are training levels starting with a level one certification, considered to be a baseline level. This level typically totals about 200 hours of training, combining classroom knowledge, practical application and independent study. Training covers the history, philosophy, traditions, principles and yoga lifestyle. Topics such as anatomy, physiology and movement are covered along with practical applications such as communication, breathing, mudras, mantras and meditation techniques.
The advanced level training deepens the discipline of a yoga lifestyle. A total of 300 hours may be required for this level of training, focusing on core, character and consciousness.
Certification is obtained upon the successful completion of the course and assessment. Other types of certification involve starting with a general yoga certification, then advancing into a specialized certification, such as in Kundalini yoga.

Benefits

Completion of Kundalini certification provides a level of competency, acknowledging that the certified instructor is qualified to instruct a Kundalini yoga class. Additional benefits include opportunities for networking, continuing education and career advancement. The certifying organization is viewed as a resource for information and knowledge.
Health practitioners may obtain certification for the purpose of integrating yoga instruction with other services such as physical therapy. Others, such as yoga enthusiasts, may obtain certification for personal yoga practices, not for instructional purposes.