To become an Iyengar Yoga Certified Teacher takes dedication, passion and love for the subject as well as years of practice and study. This high standards and depth of knowledge set by our predecessors is passed down through the generations from BKS Iyengar, through Mentorship.

To gain a teaching certificate in Iyengar Yoga, students must first be a regular practitioner of Iyengar Yoga for 3 years before they can apply to be mentored, usually by their regular teacher if possible. The core aspect of learning is done through “shadowing”, i.e. attending beginners classes with their mentor to learn directly from them as to how to teach. During the mentorship process, “trainees” will also be expected to study all aspects of yoga in the tradition of BKS Iyengar including yoga asana, philosophy, pranayama, yoga therapy, anatomy, teaching skills, class control, inclusivity, safety and first aid. Mentors work from a syllabus of asana and pranayama as set by the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune (RIMYI), developed by BKS Iyengar and Geeta and Prashant Iyengar.

For more information, please visit:  https://iyengaryoga.org.uk/iyengar-yoga/iyengar-yoga-teachers/ 

To join the Mentorship program with Rachel or any other fully qualified Mentor (ask your teacher) you will need the following:

• A minimum of 3 years’ study with a qualified Iyengar yoga teacher

• Be a current member of IY(UK) https://iyengaryoga.org.uk/membership-joining/

• Apply and register with IY(UK) to be a ‘Trainee Teacher’ (cost is £100 - once registered, you will have access to all supporting documents on the Mentorship section of the Iyengar Yoga Association website).

• Have a consistent daily practice of asana and regular practice of Pranayama

• Be committed to at least 3 years of study with your mentor or mentors

  
  During the Mentorship process, which takes a minimum of 3 years and can be started at any time, you will be expected also to commit to the following:

• Attend weekly classes with your Mentor at Intermediate Level (Levels 2 or 3)

• Be in regular contact with your Iyengar Yoga Mentor.

• Shadow (observe and/or assist) a Beginners level class weekly and stay after for feedback.

• Follow practical and written assignments which will be given to you throughout your training. Your mentor will mark these and give feedback.

• Study from the syllabus book list and be prepared to discuss topics and themes in relation to ongoing assignments and continual personal development

• Attend specialist workshops, which could be in the form of intensives, workshops on special subjects such as Pranayama, Philosophy, Yoga for Specific Conditions etc

• Be passionate about the method, seek out learning from other Level 3 and 4 teachers and keep an accurate record of practice and attendance for your Mentor to sign.

As your mentorship progresses, your mentor will need to observe your teaching practice so she/he/they will be attending your classes too! The mentorship period will last a minimum of three years but may take longer as your mentor will decide when you are ready for assessment. The Assessment process takes place over a weekend and includes both demonstrations of your asana practice as well as teaching demonstrations.

For more information, or to apply, visit the official Iyengar Yoga Website (UK) at www.iyengaryoga.org.uk. For a full list of qualified mentors, visit this link here.