CRITERIA

The criteria for establishing an AIPYS associated Yoga teacher training centre requires that their theoretical and practical curriculum addresses all aspects of Yoga: its tradition, its spirituality, its psychology and its physiology.

The primary objective we seek is to ensure that all AIPYS associated centres train their Yoga teachers in such a manner as to develop all the necessary skills hended to teach Yoga safely and to a broad audience.

STRUCTURE OF TRAINING

AIPYS requires its associated centres to offer a range of training options so that students may advance through different stages of learning and have access to various modalities of training.

AIPYS suggests the following programs where possible:

Annual Programs:

Each associated centre may schedule their dates and times according to their circumstances while ensuring that the hours of training, study and practice meet the minimum standards set by AIPYS.

Residential Programs:

These programs can be more intense and concentrated in duration, while still maintaining the minimum levels of learning and/or practices.

Postgraduate

Once the training programs reach their highest levels, short training modules may be appropriate to give postgraduate training in specialized areas to complement and expand knowledge acquired in previously acquired certificates.

The content of these modules must be approved by AIPYS.

CERTIFICATION

AIPYS diplomas and/or certificates satisfy the requirements of the International Yoga community standards of a minimum of 200 hours of training.

AIPYS grants diplomas and certificates of training in Yoga, to anyone having achieved the required theoretical and practical levels of training. Certification is obtained after successfully completing the theoretical and practical tests and/or examinations which are given throughout each course.

In the case of students who expressly waive the final evaluations, AIPYS then awards Certificates of Attendance.


Training Stages

* Stage I - Practical Instructor
* Stage II - Instructor
* Stage III - Practical Teacher
* Stage IV - Full Teacher
* Stage V - Graduate Teacher

The design of this structure is gradual and continuous, so that the transition from one stage to the next should always be certified to ensure that training is appropriate to the level attained.
In special cases where this sequence is altered, students may be required to take special testing to determine the possible need for a special training course to meet next stage entry requirements.
The student, who leaves after only completing the 1st stage of the study program, will be trained to teach postures in the style he/she studied, but it must be understood that a complete Yoga teacher training title is only achieved when the 4th stage diploma is attained.

Instructor Training


Practical Instructor (Stage 1)

This course is meant for those who only have a practical interest. The training focuses on all aspects of the practice of the asanas, how to teach (pedagogy) and anatomy. This course does not include philosophy, the Yoga tradition or the classical texts. These are available in Stage 2 courses.
Upon completion of the course you will receive a Practical Instructor diploma.

Instructor (Stage 2)

This course includes all that is studied in Stage 1 (asanas, anatomy, and pedagogy) as well as the classical Yoga tradition, its philosophy and its principal texts.

Upon completion of the Stage 2 Instructor course you will have access to the upper level Teacher courses of your chosen style. (A Stage 1 Practical Instructor can access the study of an upper level Teacher course only after taking an additional training.
After completion of the course you will receive a Instructor diploma.

Stage 3 & 4 - Teacher

The purpose of these courses is to complete the training begun in the Instructors Course, developing further all themes both practical and theoretical. Your practical classes will prepare you to teach advanced Yoga classes.


Teacher Training

The prerequisite for entering a Stage 3 Teacher course is a Stage 2 Instructors course. This is in keeping with AIPYS criteria.


Practical Teacher (Stage 3)

Training focuses on all aspects of the practice of asanas and their variations, pedagogy and anatomy. This course does not include the study of classical texts and the Yoga tradition.

Once completed you will receive the Practical Teacher diploma.


Teacher (Stage 4)

As in the Stage 2 (Instructor) course, this course requires a commitment to personal practice, and the study of applied anatomy, teaching (pedagogy), the Yoga tradition and the classical Yoga texts.

When you complete the Stage 2 Instructor course you can study to be a full Teacher. (A Practical Instructor (Stage 1) can enter a Stage 4 course after taking a supplementary course)

At the conclusion of this second year, you get the diploma of full Teacher.

Completion of the Stage 4 Teacher courses provides access to the study of upper level postgraduate advanced courses.

BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE COURSES

• Practice: The practice and teaching of postures (asanas) to reach the course requirement.

• Pedagogy: How to plan and direct classes; how to correct and adjust postures; how to introduce adaptations and alternative postures as necessary; how to teach breathing techniques and relaxation.

• Anatomy: Basic knowledge of body anatomy and physiology applied to Yoga postures.

• Sacred Texts**: Study of the sacred texts of the classical tradition of Yoga and its interpretation.

• Hindu Tradition**: The historical development of the cultural and spiritual traditions of Yoga.