TEACHERS’ TRAINING
Deciding to transmit one day to others what one has received oneself is in the logical sequence desired by Iyengar Yoga. However, it is a decision that deserves to be carefully thought about as this requires a significant investment, especially in terms of time and therefore often requires a number of personal sacrifices.
The current basic training cycle (Base II) for Yoga BKS Iyengar® started in 2016 will end in 2019 and is the last one under this form. This cycle is taught by teachers who have at least the Junior III and Senior level. He is officially recognized by the BIYAB (BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Belgium).
Presently, Willy Bok (Brussels) and Ann Brosens (Antwerpen) are the official teachers Trainers in Belgium.
The new formula of preparation for the Basic Certification (Introductory level) will be a MENTORAT or TUTORAT: that is to say a guidance by the MENTOR – Junior III level minimum – in the general courses and internships. From September 2019, there will be no further training, strictly speaking, separated from usual classes.
Geeta and Prashant Iyengar recall that:
1. To become a teacher, it is essential to study for a long time. It is not because we practice asanas well that one is necessarily able to be a teacher. There is a big difference between learning and teaching. When teaching others, one must be guided by one’s own experience. If one teaches without experimenting oneself with asanas and pranayama, one will be in error.
2. Only those who have attended courses for a minimum of six years with certified Iyengar Yoga teachers will be eligible for the basic examination.
Some criteria are required to sit for the exam and obtain the certificate. Among them, a number of years of practice with a certified teacher, or in rural areas without a teacher, a minimum number of hours.
So before becoming an apprentice, you must:
Minimum of three years of regular yoga 2 to 3 times a week according to the Iyengar method from a certified teacher.
Current participation in 3 classes per week and recommended personal practice 3 times a week. Participation in intensive courses and conventions.
The teacher will judge whether the student’s practice makes him fit for teacher training. The candidate will provide a letter of recommendation from his Iyengar Certified Yoga Teacher.
Candidate students are members of the BIYAB -BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Belgium – and participate in national conventions
The Teachers Training Programme is demanding and requires time and perseverance: it covers anatomy, physiology, Indian civilization and philosophy, pedagogical skills (or the art to teach), and contributes to enhancing personal practice.
Any student wishing to undertake Mentoring and meeting the prerequisites will contact the chosen Mentor.
The outcome of the mentoring ends with an evaluation, ie a jury examination composed of Junior and Senior professors from BIYAB and / or a foreign national association and validated by the certification committee (technical committee).
The diploma is certified by the RIMYI (Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Pune, India) and agreed by the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Belgium -BIYAB. The teachers wishing to use the name Iyengar now deposited as a Trademark rent annually its use from the BIYAB under the Certification Mark Agreement.