Teaching yoga is a different art.
Practising and teaching are worlds apart. Here is how MAYI trains and certifies yoga instructors, and how to choose a course that will serve you for life.
There is always a wonderful sense of tranquility whenever we step into a yoga class, whether we are the student or the instructor. As a student, we are only required to follow the instructor and perform the poses. As an instructor, it takes a whole lot more awareness and knowledge to conduct a safe and purposeful session.
This is why aspiring yoga instructors undergo hundreds of hours of training before they are certified to conduct yoga sessions independently. The comprehensive training and discipline set a precedent for their yoga teaching career.
Five steps to teaching with confidence.
- 1
200 hours · Level 1
IYIC Foundation
For complete beginners: no previous experience needed. Equips you to teach beginner classes confidently and effectively.
International Yoga Instructor Course – Foundation - 2
150 hours · Level 2
IYIC Intermediate
New variations, strength and flexibility, and deeper aspects of Hatha Yoga.
International Yoga Instructor Course – Intermediate - 3
150 hours · Level 3
IYIC Advance
Professional-level training to teach asana, pranayama and meditation to all levels and conditions.
International Yoga Instructor Course – Advance - 4
Specialty courses
Specialise
Pranayama, Dhyana (meditation), Yoga Therapy, Super Yoga Kids and Pregnancy Yoga, plus Ayurvedic Bodyworks.
- 5
ICE & membership
Keep growing
A good instructor is always on the path of self-development: continuing education, the Shatkarmas, Dharanas, the Yoga Sutras and the Upanishads, and Ayurveda.
Continuing education (ICE)
What becoming an instructor gives you.
Profound personal growth
Yoga and self-development go hand in hand because they train the mind to work through problems by addressing the priorities. We are all works in progress, walking the path toward self-acceptance, progress and complete bliss.
Lifetime knowledge
Yoga transforms us, subtly, through greater awareness of our day-to-day activities. With that awareness we know ourselves better, understand others and life better, and see situations as they really are.
Confident teaching skills
Hands-on coaching for precision and accuracy lets your teaching come from your own experience, so you can teach anyone, anywhere, with confidence. A professional instructor also understands business practice and yoga ethics.
How to choose a yoga school and course
- Registered with the local ministries
- Endorsed by the relevant organisations
- A syllabus covering all Eight Limbs of Yoga
- Plenty of practical, hands-on training
- Support, guidance and evaluation after you complete the course
- A continuous study programme for graduates
- Engagement with the community
Check that your certification is valid
Under the Education Act 1996 (Act 550):
- Education Act 1996 (Act 550), Part VII, Section 77(1): no private educational institution shall conduct any course of study or training programme jointly, in association, affiliation or collaboration with a university, institution of higher education or other educational institution or organisation, within or outside Malaysia, except with the written approval of the Minister.
- Part VIII, Section 79: all educational institutions are to be registered.
- Part IX, Section 103(1): no person shall teach in an educational institution unless registered as a teacher under the Act.
Questions aspiring instructors ask.
How long must I have been practising yoga before I can enrol in a Yoga Instructor Certification Course?
Since we have 3 levels beginning from foundation one can begin as a complete beginner and be coached to level one foundation. This will open up a new awareness of the potential to teach and explore further levels.
I have been practising yoga extensively for 5 years and I’m able to perform all the asanas. I believe I can instruct and hold a class independently. Is it necessary for me to obtain a certification in order to teach?
Practicing and teaching are worlds apart. It is not only obtaining a certification but getting expert coaching in the art of teaching yoga successfully.
I’m in my 40s and am considering becoming a Yoga Instructor. Am I too old to start?
Yoga is for all ages. One is never too old for yoga as we can always teach our age group plus even younger persons as they will always admire the wisdom and life experience of a matured instructor.
Must I be a vegetarian when I’m attending the yoga training course/s?
Not at all. You choose what and how you want your lifestyle to be including dietary choices. Yoga will, over a period of time, allow you to intuitively feel what is right for your good health and clear mind eventually.
Some yoga schools offer Yoga Instructor Certification Courses at different levels. Can I start teaching after completing only the Foundation Level?
Sure can. Level 1 or foundation will equip you with full capacity to handle beginner classes confidently and effectively.
I have earned a certificate in teaching. However, there are some asanas which I’m unable to perform. Must I be able to perform all asanas perfectly before I start teaching?
There are so many asanas that you will always be able to choose those which are instructors friendly. However, if you feel you want to teach a particular asana and can’t perform it to your satisfaction, then you can always use a suitable variation.
How much will I be paid for teaching yoga?
It all depends on the studios which you teach. Please consult them clearly before you begin.
Do I have to adjust the postures of the students in the class?
It depends on the style and class type, this information will be relayed in the instructor training course.
Do I have to memorise all the Sanskrit terms and use them in the class?
It’s not necessary.
What are the other important (non-Yoga) topics which are essential for a Yoga Instructor?
There are many subject matters, such as ethics, injury prevention, diet, lifestyle improvements, etc., These will be discussed during the instructor training course as well.
Students would like to meet up with me out the class. Is this allowed?
All are adults and there are standard processes in society that governs the adult relationship. If the meeting is related to the learning it should not be an issue, however, if there are any other emotions involved that could affect the learning process in a negative manner, then it is best for this to be avoided.
My student is pregnant and would like to continue attending my general asana class. Is this permissible?
She needs to consult with her doctor.
I have students who stated that they have high blood pressure. Is it safe for them to perform all the asanas taught in class? If not, what I can recommend to them?
This knowledge will be imparted during the course.
Some students requested for all forms of ventilation to be switched off when the yoga class is in session because they want to sweat it out. Is this fine?
The structure and manner of teaching style and class description will determine what needs to be done, etc.