Yogaha are excited to be offering an Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Program in Melbourne. The Teaching Program will help prepare applicants to sit for teacher certification thru the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Australia (BKSIYAA). This takes place at the Yogaha Studio in Ripponlea, in the St Kilda area of Melbourne and is conducted by James Bahuth – a Junior Intermediate III certified Iyengar Yoga teacher.
You will be guided and supported in developing your skills in Yoga thru intensives (x 6 annually), regular bi-monthly training and personal practice development. The groundwork and deepening, of your personal practice will become the platform from which to develop your skills in teaching.
The subjective understanding that comes through personal practice will cultivate a perceptiveness and clarity within you, enabling you to respond more effectively within a teaching environment.
Teaching is a noble art, it asks of our passion and dedication, and for a love of working with people. The teacher-student relating is a sacred encounter. As a student we look up to our teachers to be inspired, guided, loved and supported through our process.
As a teacher we care for and support the people we are working with to grow; we show compassion; we are straightforward and reliable. We help to bring out and nourish the qualities that serve individuality and uniqueness.
Some people have expressed interest in undertaking the Teaching Program for personal development only, this training is suitable for both.
The overall structure of the course will align with guidelines handed down by the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of Australia.
PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF THE TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
DEVELOPING SKILLS IN PRACTICE : ASANA & PRANAYAMA
1.Establishing an energetic foundation and a center of gravity in the pose.
2.The use of effort for storage and distribution of energy in our body/mind.
3.The role of extension and establishing energetic pathways.
4. The use of sequencing and timing.
5.The correct use of props(supports).
DEVELOPING SKILLS IN TEACHING AND ADJUSTING
1.Language skills for the development of effective communication and precision.
2.Demonstration skills and the usefulness of body language.
3.Organisational skills with handling group & individual dynamics.
4.Observational skills for developing clear perception and intuition.
5.Develop a clear and effective understanding with the use of props
6.Develop a safe and tactile awareness with physically adjusting students.
7.Presentation of an asana and its relationship with your body and personal hygiene when teaching.
DEVELOPING OBJECTIVE KNOWLEDGE
Human Anatomy & Physiology
The Course Program will cover the systems of the body and their functioning in relation to Yoga practice. You will gain a basic understanding in the use of remedial and therapeutic aspects of yoga and how to deal with common injuries and ailments, pregnancy and menstruation. During the Training Program it is a requirement that you undertake a basic Human Anatomy and Physiology course (36 hrs in total).
There are different avenues external to the course Program you can pursue upon application.
Yoga Philosophy
You will gain an overview in the study of yoga philosophy and look more closely at Patanjali`s contribution to yoga and the application in our daily lives. As well, BKS Iyengars contribution to yoga and how it relates to the Ashtanga system of Patanjali. You will be required to submit a series of written assignments and research all relevant material, some of which will be made available thru the library at Yogaha.
BASIC PROGRAM STRUCTURE 
Thursdays 6am – 8am Teacher program participants only
Six Intensives annually – with James (3 days and 4 days end of year backbend intensive)
Weekly Practice – Thursdays 6am – 8am
Note: See the intensives page for specific Intensive and T/T dates.
Also there will be no T/T dates during the Victorian school holidays.
You will be given a key to the studio, Yogaha will be
available for extra personal practice in allocated times
outside of classes, access to Yogaha`s extensive library, as
well as one to one and group discussions with James
periodically regarding your personal practice.
At present the association conducts
assessments twice a year, mainly in Melbourne and Sydney.
Note: The Intensives will be open to experienced
practitioners as well as teachers in training.
The fourth session of each intensive is held on the Saturday
(3hrs) and will be exclusively for teachers in training.
The program structure will in part reflect the group dynamic
and to some extent individual capabilities within the group.
For this reason some students may be eligible to sit for
assessment earlier than others. Generally a time frame of 3
years will prepare the candidate to sit for assessment at
Full Introductory Level.
CERTIFICATION INFORMATION
Yogacharya BKS Iyengar first visited Australia in 1983 his visit generating great interest in his method and teaching. In 1985 he certified thirteen Australian teachers at Intermediate Junior 3, a standard to train teachers. In 1987, with his blessing, the first assessment was held in Sydney, 12 teachers receiving their Introductory 2 certificates.
Since that time, assessment of teachers have been conducted on a twice yearly basis with assessment of teachers up to and including Intermediate Junior level 3. Today there are over 300 certified teachers in Australia.
Levels of Certification
The system of teaching Iyengar Yoga is methodical and progressive emphasizing a systematic approach to teaching asana and pranayama applying the methods of technique, timings and sequence to achieve yogasana. The process of certification is based on a process consisting of five levels with several sub levels. A teacher is given permission to use the Iyengar Certification Mark at Introductory Level 2 as a testament to their accreditation and certification level.
The five levels are:
Introductory (Level II)
Intermediate Junior (Levels I, II and III)
Intermediate Senior (Levels I, II and III)
Advanced Junior (Levels I, II and III)
Advanced Senior (Levels I, II)
Each of these levels has a specific syllabus of asanas and pranayamas. To progress a teacher must, at an assessment, meet the standard of practice and teaching appropriate for the level. It is important to note that teachers may train teachers, assess, teach remedial and pregnancy classes only when specific levels of certification are attained. Levels above Intermediate Junior Level III are assessed by Mr Iyengar or his designate and teachers above this level are considered senior teachers.
Teacher training and assessment proceedures have been established over the years to worldwide standards under the guidance of BKS Iyengar. The BKSIYAA conducts assessment throughout the year usually scheduled around May/June and October/ November depending on the number of applicants.
A teacher’s certificate is considered current only if they renew their Certification Mark licence each year. The licence may only be used by teachers certified by the Association or by BKS Iyengar himself.
PROGRAM TRAINING FEES
Yearly Course Total: $3,200, or $1,600 half-yearly
Please Note: The Teacher in Training Program fees do not include attendance in casual
week to week classes. These classes are available at a special T/T discount. Fees can be paid in half yearly installments or upfront in full. There is a 5% discount for fees paid upfront in full at the commencement of each year.
JAMES BAHUTH
James Bahuth has been working with people teaching
Iyengar Yoga, Thai Massage and related Meditation
Therapies for more than 20 years. He has held Yoga
intensives in Bali, Europe, India and Australia and taught
weekly classes at the St Kilda Iyengar Yoga School from
1992 – 2010 before establishing Yogaha in Ripponlea.
James currently sits as an assessor with the Australian
Iyengar Association as part of certification for teachers
in training.
James is passionate about working with people in a way
that allows them to be more centered, balanced and
light-hearted
REGISTRATION FORM
Please download the PDF registration form and return by post to
James Bahuth
PO Box 3045
Ripponlea VIC 3185
Or email your registration information to james@yogaha.com.au