​What does it take to become a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT)?

Iyengar Yoga teacher education is considered the most rigorous and most comprehensive in the field. As a contrast to the standard 200, 300, or 500-hour training, usually costing thousands of dollars, graduating dozens of people at a time, many with little prior yoga experience, we develop our teachers one by one, over years, not months. 

The first step to becoming a CIYT is to attend weekly classes and begin to build a steady relationship with a trusted teacher. It also helps to attend weekend Iyengar Yoga workshops, broadening and deepening your studies. Hopefully you are also, by this point, practicing consistently at home, ideally daily. After a year or so of continuous study, you can apply for our Apprenticeship program, and attend our quarterly Art, Science, and Philosophy of Iyengar Yoga* teacher education weekends..

In a program like our Art, Science, and Philosophy of Iyengar Yoga, you will learn:
  • How to establish and maintain a solid personal practice, which is the basis of good teaching
  • Anatomy and physiology pertinent to yoga
  • Iyengar Yoga pedagogy: how to teach
  • Yoga philosophy and ethics
  • Issues of history, colonization, appropriation, and justice

Those who do not plan to teach, but instead want to deepen their own study and practice are also welcome to participate in the ASP Deep Study track, which includes asana/pranayama, anatomy, and philosophy.

Expect to devote 1000 hours to become a CIYT, and many more thousands of hours to progress through higher levels of certification, if you so choose. Iyengar Yoga Detroit Collective is committed to meeting qualified prospective teachers financial capacities, and our ASP program is accessibly priced. We believe teacher education should not be limited only to those who can afford to pay thousands of dollars. BIPOC are eligible for our Paid Apprentice and Pre-Apprentice programs.

CIYTs continuing their education, and/or preparing for Level 2 and 3 certifications are also welcome to attend, and will be appropriately challenged and coached. 

Contact Gwi-Seok if you feel this is the path for you. As BKS Iyengar tells us, "Teaching is a difficult art, but it is the greatest service you can pay to humanity."

*Please note: since the Covid-19 closures, we have shifted ASP to meet bi-monthly online instead of quarterly in person.