B K S Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California
Teacher Training Program
"Learning is as much an art as teaching." — B.K.S. Iyengar
Iyengar Yoga
Sri Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar pioneered the art of teaching yoga through his practice of over sixty years. The most renowned yoga master of our time, he has popularized yoga both in the east and west through his innovative teachings and his definitive classical books, Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama and Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and other works. The Iyengar method, an inspired and motivated approach to teaching, is clear and precise, guiding the student on a sure path of practice. Special focus is placed on correcting alignment, developing strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and stamina. Poses are individualized to each person's body type and special needs through the expert instruction or use of props designed by B.K.S. Iyengar. Iyengar Yoga is meditation in action. The self is explored through discovery and release of tensions. As practice continues a student's ability to relax and concentrate improves markedly and inner awareness is enhanced.
The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles (IYILA) and the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa (IYCLM) are pleased to present a three year comprehensive Yoga Training Program created with direct input and continuous guidance from Sri Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Established in 1992, this unique program is designed to meet the needs of yoga students who wish to deepen their experience and comprehension of Iyengar Yoga, as well as for those who envision teaching and for those who already teach yoga. Serious students and teachers work together sharing their experiencing, fostering a friendly and inclusive yoga community. The program offers studies with some of the world's best teachers, along with a complete cirriculum encompassing over 500 hours of training. There are over 300 certified Iyengar Yoga teachers in the U.S.A. who go through years of training before presentation for certification. This program provides the student with a strong base for this process.
Curriculum
- Ongoing personal yoga practice program
- The fundamentals of asanas and pranayamas (posture and breath)
- Anatomy and physiology, including as it pertains to yoga
- Practice and principles of teaching asanas and pranayamas
- Yoga history, philosophy and ethics
- Basic adjustments and use of props
- Basic therapeutics — special issues
- Ayurveda and yoga
Program Schedule
- Over 500 hours of training at either
IYILA IYCLM Weekly Sessions with
Diane Gysbers
Marla Apt
Monthly Weekend Sessions with
Gloria Goldberg
Carolyn Belko
- Five Weekend Workshops per year with Manouso Manos
- Residential Intensive with Manouso Manos and Program Teachers
- Final Third Year Retreat with Program Teachers
Facilities
Both the Iyengar Institute of Los Angeles and the Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa are state-of-the-art facilities, containing all yoga props for the students' use, while providing a clean and comfortable yoga practice environment.
Admission Requirements
Students should have practiced Iyengar Yoga for at least two years with a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. Students with less than two years who feel they are ready for this program should contact the program coordinator.
Registration
Registration for the Training Program can be done in person or by mail by December 15. Acceptance into the program is based on your application information, a two hour group practice session and an interview which is intended to explore your personal and program goals.
The addresses are:
Training Program Coordinator B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles (IYILA) 1835 S La Cienega Blvd Ste 240 Los Angeles CA 90035 (310) 558-8212
Training Program Coordinator B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa (IYCLM) 8285 La Mesa Blvd Ste C La Mesa CA 91941 (619) 469-9642
The TTP program fees are $2500/year. There is a $25.00 non-refundable application fee. Students in need of financial assistance may contact the program coordinator to discuss alternative financial arrangements.
Application
On typewritten paper, please list all the requested information and answers to the questions below. Submit to the appropriate address (Los Angeles or San Diego) by December 15. Date and sign your document and include a $25.00 non-refundable fee in the form of personal check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. At this point in time, we are unable to accept applications online.
- Identifying Information — Your name, address, email, phone numbers, age, gender, social security number, place of birth, date of birth, marital status, and children's names.
- Formal Education — School name, years attended and degrees.
- Work Experience — Dates, employer, location, position.
- Your Health — Special issues or physical disabilities (e.g., heart problems, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, neck, back or knee problems); treatments or medications for any of the conditions.
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Yoga Information
- Length of time studying and practicing the Iyengar method of hatha yoga and the names of teachers with whom you have studied. (Note: To begin the Training Program, you must have completed two years of practice in the Iyengar method, unless an Iyengar teacher is not available in your area or permission is obtained from the program coordinator.)
- Are you now practicing the standing poses (e.g., Tadasana, Utthita Trikonasana, Virabhadrasana II, etc.) as taught in the Iyengar method of yoga?
- Please briefly describe any training you have had in the fields of anatomy or physiology (e.g., where you studied, for how long, in what year). Include copies of transcripts if possible.
- Describe any other yoga experience. Include which system, specific teachers, length of time, etc. Please relate any teaching experience you have, yoga or other. Briefly describe growth related disciplines you have been or are presently involved with.
- Have you studied at RIMYI in Pune? If so, please give dates and type of classes (intensives, general, or medical classes).
- Have you participated in other Iyengar teacher training programs? If so, please list year and place.
- Have you ever attended or taught at an Iyengar Yoga Convention? If so, please list year and place.
- Please describe at length your purpose in attending this yoga training program
Refund Policy
100% refund, less $50.00 processing fee if student cancels at least two weeks prior to orientation. All other refunds pro-rated based on remaining classes, minus $50.00 processing fee.
Faculty
The faculty of the program is a talented, popular and experienced group of international and local Ceritified Iyengar Yoga teachers with high-level certification. All maintain strong personal practices and developed teaching skills. They are active in the yoga community and continue their ongoing studies in yoga with B.K.S. Iyengar and his family on a regular basis in Pune, India.
Manouso Manos, one of the world's outstanding exponents of Iyengar Yoga, provides an overview for the program. Based in San Francisco at the Abode of Iyengar Yoga, he is one of the most capable and experienced of the senior Iyengar Yoga teachers in the U.S. Since 1976, he has made numerous trips to India to study with Sri B.K.S. Iyengar. After twenty-five plus years of personal practice, his understanding and insights of Iyengar Yoga are transmitted with authenticity and precision. His humor, compassion and sensitivity shine through as his dynamic and challenging teaching style moves you beyond your perceived limits.
Gloria Goldberg has taught Iyengar Yoga since 1980 and has been a Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher since 1987. While director of the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute in Los Angeles, she recognized the need for a formal teacher training program. With the approval and guidance of B.K.S. Iyengar, she founded the program in 1992. Gloria is director and co-curriculum coordinator of the program. She is the co-director and teaches at the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa. President of the National Association (IYNAUS) for two years, she's now a board member of the local association (IYASC).
Diane Gysbers, has been teaching Iyengar Yoga since 1991. As a member of the first graduating class of this program, she provides insight into student's progress. Diane teaches at her studio in Venice and at the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Institute in Los Angeles where she runs the prenatal yoga program. Diane has served as Treasurer of IYASC.
Carolyn Belko has been teaching Iyengar Yoga since 1991. She is a graduate of the Teacher Training Program at the Iyengar Yoga Center of Paris, France, from which elements of this teaching program are shared. After five years of intensive training at the Paris Center, including teaching under the direction of Faeq Biria, Carolyn is now co-director and teacher at the B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Center of La Mesa. She teaches throughout San Diego, and serves on the board of IYASC.
Marla Apt is a certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor (Junior Intermediate level III). She has traveled to India numerous times for research and yoga studies. Marla has studied with B.K.S. Iyengar on several occasions in Asia and Europe. In 1996, Marla spent a year in India as a student of and assistant to B.K.S., Geeta, and Prashant Iyengar and continues to study with the Iyengars on an annual basis. Marla is currently the President of the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States.