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Want to teach yoga? Then discover the IYTA difference

Choosing the right yoga teacher training course is difficult. Discover the reasons why some of our current students picked the IYTA – and why they’d recommend it to others…

The gold standard of yoga courses!

“The course was recommended to me as the gold standard of yoga courses! The reputation of the diploma is excellent and when I attended the information session, everyone was very welcoming and friendly.

“Now I’ve nearly finished the course, I would definitely recommend it to others. Another reason I’d recommend it (and something I wouldn’t have thought about before embarking on the course) is the commitment to the origins and culture of yoga. So often yoga courses are focused just on the asana with a little bit of pranayama, without acknowledging the Indian heritage and I love how the IYTA values this.”

Ellanor Clark, Moss Vale, NSW

 

It’s the perfect way to learn

“I liked the fact the course was run over a year, rather than an intensive 1-2 months. This way you have a long period to absorb and learn. The IYTA’s Diploma of Yoga Teaching starts with the foundations and builds upon that – which is great as you then branch off and learn about all the other aspects of yoga. It’s also a bonus that the course is internationally recognised.

“I loved having the Posture Reviews where you are face-to-face in a small group with the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts while having a teacher guiding you. It’s the perfect way to learn.”

Jennie Alexander, NSW  

 

Gives you the tools to teach anyone

“The reasons I chose the IYTA to complete my Yoga Teacher training are because it is not aligned to any specific tradition and because of the variety of teachers who offer a wealth of experience and knowledge.

“This course covers so much more than yoga asana, giving you tools to be able to teach anyone. I highly recommend the course if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of safe yoga practices that suit all ages and levels of experience.

I am so grateful to have found these wonderful teachers.”

Jimena Cueva, NSW  

 

Each Study Weekend I feel as if another layer has peeled away

“I would highly recommend the IYTA’s Diploma of Yoga teaching – it is a well balanced and in-depth course, which encompasses the history, physiology and philosophy of yoga as well as the pranayama, meditation and asanas. It’s been fantastic.

The way the course is structured is really interesting – as well as the knowledge gained, it has also felt like a self-exploration. I went into the course purely out of interest as I’d been attending classes for 18 years and I had no desire to teach. But from the teaching practice on the course and making myself confront my nerves and stand up and teach others, I’ve boosted my confidence to the point that I am now seriously considering teaching.

The lecturers are all kind, supportive and generous with their time. Each Study Weekend I feel as if another layer has peeled away and I leave with so much wisdom and insight. I would definitely recommend the IYTA’s Diploma of Yoga teaching course – I’ve really loved it. “ 

Michelle Lhotka, NSW

I have a great support network

“I chose to do the IYTA Diploma of Yoga teaching because it was a flexible structure which suited my full-time work. I felt it was a very thorough program which provided a lot of information about the history of yoga and the Sanskrit origins.

“I’d absolutely recommend it – you get expertise from many yoga teachers – so you don’t just learn from one teacher. All the lecturers are accessible and everyone is so approachable and willing to help. I like that it is run over the course of a year which gives you time to look through all the information and understand it on a deeper level.

“At the end of the course I will feel ready to teach and I have a great support network – not just from the people on the course, but from the wider IYTA community.”

Rashad Moussa, NSW

 

I like the blend of online and face-to-face learning

The main reason I chose the IYTA was because it is a comprehensive, well laid out course which includes the rich, historical teachings of yoga. Since I’ve been doing the course, I’ve been impressed with the broad range of lecturers who are all adept at what they teach.

I also like the blend of online and face-to-face learning and I’ve found the format works well for busy people who are working full-time.

Now I’m on the course it’s even better than I thought it would be and it’s also shown me that you don’t have to be someone with the ideal slim body who can turn themselves into a pretzel!

I’m turning 50 this year and it’s been great to learn how to apply yoga to the older demographic. I feel I would be confident at the end of the course to teach and a better practitioner because I’ve had been taught by such a wide range of knowledgeable teachers.”

Mariko Endicott-Davies, NSW

 

It’s the most in-depth and comprehensive course available in Sydney.

I chose to take part in the IYTA Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training because fromIYTA student my research it stood out as the most in-depth and immersive course available in Sydney. I love yoga and wanted to learn as much as possible, this course definitely provides you with enough material to learn as much as you want about the many different aspects of yoga, as well as leading you down research paths you may never have considered before the course. I like that the course is spread over an entire year, it gives you plenty of time to practice what you’re learning, integrating new information into your life, it is great to watch the changes you make and to watch the benefits that it brings to your life.

I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn a lot about yoga, as well as how to begin the process of teaching yoga’s beneficial components to other people. The course requires commitment and perseverance, but I can attest that it gives you as much as you give it. I am nearing the end of my study, but could imagine continuing if the course was longer. I know that when I look back on this year I will be forever grateful to myself and everyone who’s made this experience.

Find out more today about our wonderful IYTA Diploma of Yoga teaching – spaces are now available for our 2023 course!

 

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Want to be a yoga teacher? Read this first!

choosing the right yoga teacher training

With so many courses on offer – how do you know you are signing up for the best yoga course?

Here’s our guide to ensure you make the right decision

If one of the highlights of your week is attending your yoga class, then chances are you’ve considered taking the next step and enrolling on a yoga teaching course.

As yoga’s popularity has soared, so too have the number of yoga teaching courses on offer – but how do you know which is the best one for you? It’s a difficult decision – especially when the investment can be several thousand dollars.

Like everything, you get what you pay for and that intensive 4-week course in an overseas paradise can seem like a great idea at the time, but will it really give you a solid foundation, the confidence to teach and recognisable qualifications once you’ve unpacked your cases and returned home? And if not, will you have enough funds to do an additional course?

This is why the International Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA) has been offering its benchmark 460-hour Diploma of Yoga Teaching to hundreds of yogis across Australia so successfully – because it does offer a solid foundation, with on-going support and an extensive list of experienced and world-renowned lecturers rather than one or two teachers covering the entire syllabus.

The IYTA is a non-profit organisation that has been established for 55 years. The training program: Diploma of Yoga Teaching (DYT) has been running for nearly the same amount of time.

What are the five essential questions you should ask before signing up to a course?

1: Does the course comply with the minimum 200 or 350 hours? Did you know many yoga schools and insurance companies won’t accept teachers with less than a 350-hour training? And is the course run over a short time period or spread across a 12-month time frame – giving you time to absorb the information and to build connections with other students (who are likely to become lifelong friends) on the course?

2: Does the course focus on yoga philosophy – such as Patanjali’s eight limbs of yoga, pranayama and yoga history as well as asana? Or is the teaching someone’s “brand” of yoga?

3: How long has the yoga school been established? And does it provide ongoing education, post graduate courses, annual retreats and support – at an affordable rate?

4: How is the course assessed? Are there regular check-ins to ensure you are properly absorbing the information? Is there someone you can contact outside of the lecture hours for help and advice?

5: Can anyone do the training or do you have to have a minimum two years as a dedicated student? Will you have a sponsor teacher or mentor?

Once you’ve reflected on those questions, ask to speak to recent graduates of the course (and not-so-recent!). Better still, see if you can find students that the school doesn’t put you in touch with. Would they recommend the course? If not, why not?

Yoga is meant to be flexible – you don’t want to be locked into a rigid timetable and you don’t want to feel abandoned once the course has finished. On-going assistance is vital for a new teacher, so find out if you are likely to be supported once the ink on your certificate is dry.

IYTA also provides on-going training with Post Graduate certificates in Seniors yoga, Pre and Post-natal yoga, Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga. As well as regular state-wide workshops and an annual retreat.

IYTA offers all of these things and far more. And if you’re still not sure there is the Yoga Foundations Studies – an online introductory course designed for students interested in pursuing knowledge and a deeper understanding of yoga and yoga philosophy.

This course is offered as an introductory course towards the full course IYTA Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training held each calendar year in Sydney, Australia (which is also available online and for students anywhere in the world). The Foundation Certificate gives 70 accredited hours toward the complete International Diploma of Yoga Teacher Training course, if you go on to complete the Diploma within two years.

If you would like to find out more please click HERE or contact our Course Manager, Deb Collie at: [email protected] or call 1800 449 195

 

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‘ave an Avocado Tart!

 

Check out this recipe from the kitchen at Swami’s Retreat – healthy, delicious and wholesome. Come along to our retreat later this month and you’ll be able to sample even more vegetarian treats!

Ingredients:

For the base:

  • 200 gr almond
  • 45 gr coconut
  • 2 tbsp cocoa
  • 115 gr maple syrup
  • 15 gr coconut

 

For the mousse:

  • 2 big avos or 4 small
  • 80 gr almond milk
  • 40 gr cocoa
  • 45 gr maple syrup
  • 45 gr coconut oil melted

Method:

For the base, blend the almonds, coconut and cacao together, when they are all crushed and in small pieces, add the maple syrup and coconut oil.

Set the ‘dough’ in the tart mould and let it rest in the fridge.

For the mousse, blend all the ingredients until smooth and set it up on top of the base. And it’s ready to eat!

(1 medium size tart, 12 small port each tart)

Enjoy!

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Welcome to country, our retreat and Aunty Ros!

At the start of our retreat you’ll experience an intimate and inspiring Welcome to Country with IYTA yoga teacher and Dharug elder, Ros Fogg.

We chatted to Ros to discover a bit more about her fascinating heritage…

Ros is the Chairperson for the Muru Mlttigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre and her rich personal family history pre-dates colonisation.

She is a descendant of the Elder and respected, clever man Yarramundi. Maria (Yarramundi’s daughter) was one of the first Aboriginal girls to be educated in Australia.

Gomebeeree, Yarramundi and Maria (whose Aboriginal name is unknown) were part of the Boorooberongal Clan of the Dharug Nation – among the first impacted and displaced Aboriginal Countries (mobs) in Australia.

In fact the Dharug people were forbidden by the British colonisers to speak their own language or practice traditional culture – instead they were forced to learn English. As their stories weren’t documented it meant it only took a couple of generations for the language and much of their rich culture to be almost lost.

Growing up, Ros was aware of her strong Aboriginal heritage but not inclined to admit to it due to the prejudice and ignorance in Australia at that time.

Ros remembers in her Social Studies classes that the Aboriginal People clans were often compared to the Stone Age people and there were connotations they were backward.

Thankfully there has been a shift in recent years in the understanding and Acknowledgment of the Aboriginal people, being able to stand up and be recognised as the First people of Australia and hence the true and rightful owners of this country.

And Ros has been able to celebrate and share her family history.

As well as being involved with the Muru MIttigar Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Ros has been part of consultancy work for several large projects on Dharug Country, such as the Sydney Metro and the NSW Department of Education.

She’s also done many Welcome to Country ceremonies – including opening the IYTA’s 50thanniversary event in 2017.

Ros’ adult children are all involved and contribute to maintaining the Dharug culture on Country. Her eldest son, Brad has been working to revitalise the Dharug language for the past 15 years.

Ros says: “We know certain words from the language, but it will never be totally resurrected as too many generations were banned from being able to speak it.”

When Ros leads the Welcome to Country she will explain the difference between a Welcome and an Acknowledgment and explain how we as yoga teachers can do a genuineAcknowledgment of Country. She’ll be able to explain more of her rich family heritage to promote understanding and education.

As a yoga teacher she is also able to help us integrate the rich history of the land we all call home with inspiration and optimism for the future for our students.

Book on to our IYTA Retreat NOW – be quick spaces are filling fast.