The Baptiste yoga method was founded by Walt Baptiste in the 1940s. The system is based on Vinyasa, a flowing yoga method and is practiced in a slightly heated room. Baron Baptiste, Walt Baptiste's son, now heads the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute. Certification to become a Baptiste Power Vinyasa teacher is rigorous.
Level 1
Level one teacher training in the Baptiste method lasts one week. The training is held by the Baptiste Power Yoga Institute and instructed by Baron Baptiste and various assistants. The training focuses on giving you the skills to teach technically and spiritually. Level one training locations vary, and you must apply for acceptance to the program.
Level 2
The level two Baptiste teacher training is designed to take your teaching skills and personal practice to the next level. Also a week in duration, level two training will refine your skills as a teacher by instructing you how to adjust alignment properly, read your students' energy and explore and improve your limitations as a teacher. Also led by Baron Baptiste, this level also requires an application and completion of level one training.
Certification
To be certified as a Baptiste Power Vinyasa instructor, you must first complete level one and level two teacher trainings. Then you must apply for your certification and pay the required fees. Requirements for certification also include two years of yoga practice, one year of teaching experience, required reading of five specific yoga-related texts, a five-page critique of five yoga styles, a three-page minimum essay on why you want to teach the Baptiste yoga method, a three-page essay on the Yoga sutras, a video of you teaching, a critique of your teaching and marketing material for yourself. The certification meets the Yoga Alliance 200-hour certification standards.
Continuing Education
The Baptiste yoga method offers a level three training course as well as other various programs and retreats. A yearly certification renewal fee is required to maintain your status as a Baptiste Power Vinyasa instructor.
References
- Baron Baptiste: Teacher Training
- "Journey Into Power"; Baron Baptiste; 2003
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