An ashtanga certification qualifies you to teach this style of yoga, which is intensely physical and requires athleticism. It is a set series of postures arranged by Shri K. Pattabhi Jois. The postures are performed as you inhale and exhale at the appropriate times to breathe your way through the practice. Studying with a certified teacher is important in ashtanga yoga because of the possibility of injuring yourself by performing the postures incorrectly.
Senior and Junior Teachers
A certified ashtanga yoga instructor is classified as either a senior or junior teacher. This determination is based on the sum of several factors. The number of years you can document having consistently studied with a teacher, other health field certifications and your standing within the yoga community play a part in this decision. Additionally, any articles, books and videos you have produced on yoga or a direct affiliation with a yoga school are also criteria that separate a junior ashtanga instructor from a senior teacher.
Basic and Advanced
A basic ashtanga yoga teacher certification requires 200 hours of study with an experienced teacher. An advanced ashtanga yoga teacher certification requires 300 additional hours of study for a total of 500 hours. A basic course is commonly completed by attending a monthlong program where students take classes for six or more hours daily, six days a week. An advanced course can take several months. Basic and advanced ashtanga certification courses are offered in English in countries around the world, including the United States, India and Jamaica.
Course Work
The course work for a basic ashtanga teacher certification course focuses mainly on the primary series, which consists of over 70 yoga postures. The advanced course focuses on the intermediate series. Aspiring teachers also learn to give adjustments to students, the Sanskrit names of the postures and the gazing point during the posture as well as the essential elements for teaching and practicing ashtanga yoga. Other topics include meditation instruction, breathing techniques and anatomy.
Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Institute
The Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Institute in Mysore, India, is the most prestigious place to earn your ashtanga yoga teacher certification. Courses are fully booked months in advance and the institute is not open year-round.
Yoga Alliance
The Yoga Alliance provides national certification for ashtanga yoga teachers as well as for teachers of other styles of yoga. If your certification program is registered with the Yoga Alliance, you can register with this organization online. If your certification program is not registered with the Yoga Alliance, you must fill out forms and send your paperwork by mail.
Member Comments