In the ever-growing landscape of Yoga studies, it can be increasingly difficult to know what really makes a good Yoga teacher training.  We offer some points of reflection to help you.  

So here a 6 things to consider to help you make the right choice… 

1. Does it feel like the ‘right fit’ for you?

You’re going to be spending quite some time with these people, possibly up to 12 months, it’s important to ask yourself: ‘Do I feel connected with the teacher, the centre and their values?’. You may find it useful to talk with previous students or meet in person with some of the faculty.

You can also engage the principle of pramana, from the Yoga Sutras, which speaks of the function of mind, often referred to as ‘right knowledge’.

Do I believe that what this school teaches is authentic to the tradition of Yoga? Which leads to…

2. What is the source of this training?

It’s not enough just to ‘like’ the teacher, it is important to ask yourself: ‘Is this training an authentic and reliable source of Yoga knowledge? Are they known as an agama (primary source of value)?’

If you’re going to drink from the river, know what’s up stream! Who was their teacher?

You can read more about our lineage here.

3. Is it registered or recognised within Australia?

Currently (and scarily, we think), registration is not yet a ‘legal’ requirement in the Australian yoga industry, but that could change anytime. Many of the most reputable Yoga studios will only hire teachers that are registered. It is important to decide whether or not this is a deal breaker for you.

There are many wonderful courses that provide a personally enriching experience, which have enormous value. They don’t all, however, meet professional training requirements within this country for registration.

There is only one recognised governing body for the Yoga teaching profession in Australia: Yoga Australia.

Does the course enable me to become a registered Yoga teacher within AUSTRALIA? Be wary of courses that claim to be “Internationally Certified”, but aren’t actually registered in Australia. When reviewing course recognition and registration information, ask the question ‘What does this actually mean?’

4. Does it give me enough time to digest?

Enquire into how the course is structured to ensure it allows you to ‘integrate’ your learnings. The first of the 194 Yoga Sutras, refers to the importance of learning Yoga through anusasanam (your own personal experience of it). Often, this takes time. Rarely, can that happen in a few weeks.

Consider, ‘Does the course structure allow time to apply the knowledge, tools and techniques I learn to understand their effects experientially, and embed that knowledge into my daily life?’

Short, intensive courses can be exhilarating and deeply-moving, but may not equip everyone with the capabilities to be a safe, confident and effective teacher.

5. Will I receive the care and support I need?

Not only can a Yoga teacher training bring about wonderful growth and experiences, it can also bring up hidden triggers and memory of past experiences, which can be challenging. Will I have a mentor, someone who can help me integrate what I learn into my teaching journey and support me on my own personal journey?

And, does the course give me all the knowledge and skills for me to become a competent and confident teacher?

If you think you might want to progress to Post-grad studies, is this organisation able to support you to grow? What kind of ongoing support, one to one mentoring and community can they provide after your initial training is complete?

6. Do the practicalities work for me (time, location, cost)?

Now, down to the admin. All of the other points are vital to consider but these more practical things are just as important. Does this training fit in with my other commitments?

Is it at the weekend, weekdays or online study? If I miss a day, how much flexibility does it allow to catch up?

We have deliberately structured our training to be part-time so that it integrates into your real life. You have time to really process learnings from the classroom, to reflect, read, study and practice  between lessons.

Ask yourself if you are really willing and able to give a few hours each week to your yoga studies, on top of classroom hours with our faculty.

And of course, what is the cost vs the value? A course may seem ‘cheap’ but is it providing you with the skills, support and experience you are looking for? Understand what you’re getting for your course fees and how well the course structure suits your schedule.

Naturally, a course of 500 hours will cost more than a shorter course. We encourage you to compare our offering with others, to see what it may cost to eventually reach 500-hours of training in a piecemeal fashion with other training providers.

Need help with your decision?

Call us for a chat Monday to Friday on 0477 021 219 or email anytime: teachertraining@yogainstitute.com.au.

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