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April 27, 2015
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Some Yoga Associations would have you believe they are an arm of the government. For example: British Wheel of Yoga has pretended to be the government endorsed Yoga association of the UK. https://www.heartyoga.co.uk/articles.htm
Yet, The Yoga Register exists within the UK. https://www.theyogaregister.org/index.htm
In Australia there are two Yoga teacher associations, with different standards.
https://www.yogateachers.asn.au/
Now, the International Yoga federation will refuse your membership, if you belong to the Yoga Alliance.
Is Yoga teacher training getting a little too political?
Let us know your feelings.
April 27, 2015
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Yoga teachers need a helpful association with less politics and more information. So far, most of us pay our dues, but receive a cheap looking certificate in return. There is very little information sent out to Yoga teachers. I dropped my Yoga Alliance registration because it was worthless. At least, International Association of Yoga Therapists sends a useful magazine out and stays out of the politics.
April 27, 2015
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Yoga teachers need honest associations without hidden agendas. There needs to be more attention paid to Yoga philosophy and less focus on Yoga as fitness fad. Yoga is not a fitness class. Even Hatha Yoga is much more than exercise.
April 27, 2015
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Good luck finding an association that can deal with words being patented, copyrighted, and locked up. The words registered yoga teacher are bought and paid for by the alliance. So far, this doesn't look good. They have been around for 8 years and are trying to corner the yoga world.
April 27, 2015
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IAYT is non-political. For the record Paul is a member of Yoga Alliance, IYF, and IAYT. Now that's diplomacy, but BWY (British Wheel of Yoga) would not let him in, because he is an American, living in America. 
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April 27, 2015
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Dear Esti,
Thank you for sharing that with us. 
All of the Yoga teacher associations you mentioned are useful for Yoga instructors. It is best to avoid any issues, which cause division among Yogis.
Generally speaking, those who seek to polarize people must sleep with their conscience. It is disheartening when any large group of people works from a protectionist viewpoint.
The world's religions have made this mistake. Although their contributions to mankind have been positive, they could have done so much more with a "united front." Instead of holy wars, we could heve fed the starving, clothed the naked, and gave shelter to the homeless.
There are too many preconceived notions about every little issue in life. Unfortunately, we will not be loved by everyone. This is a part of Santosha - Be content, seek joy, and master serenity in your life.
Om Shanti,
Paul
April 27, 2015
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you are so nice, but bwy is intolerant, ds discriminate, and you must be in the uk to join. in other words, they do not reflect anything yogic at all. they are a protectionist group, which lies and causes fear in the hearts of uk yoga teacher, by pretending to be an arm of the government.
April 27, 2015
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Namaskar Parell,
Far be it from me to defend BWY for their protectionist stance. They are just protecting their own interests, which seems normal for any organization.
Unfortunately, this is also true for Yoga teacher associations. The irony is there is not much unity in exclusivity. No need to bash the BWY for their policies.
Om Shanti,
April 27, 2015
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To tell the truth, I liked reading the Yoga dirt. I felt like I was reading National Inquirer or something, telling me about the dark secrets within Yoga power groups.
April 27, 2015
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I am totally confused about if I actually need a YA membership. So many Master yoga teachers have told me I do. If so, will participating and successfully completing the training qualify me for it on the 200 Level? I read yesterday that YA ds accept non YA registered schools' certification...but do they?
April 27, 2015
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Hi Susan,
Yes - YA tries to make it as confusing as possible. They were organized by some of the most politically masterful yoginis of our time. After all, since 1999 they are the self-appointed Yoga police and many people jump in line for their credential.
Now, as you may have guessed - I am not a YA member. I am a certified and insured yoga teacher. Anyone who tells you that you have to join YA, just wants to make some money off you.
Contact hours = Mucho Dinero 
About YA schools and non-YA schools: If a person is an E-RYT, that is enough. Their school dsn't have to join and become a registered yoga school to train teachers for the RYT.
Anyway, hope my blunt but honest talk ds not offend you.
Peace,
Parell
April 27, 2015
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Namaskar Susan,
Happy Cinqo de Mayo.
To be certified is enough most everywhere. However, if you live in Mexico and are not a Mexican citizen, the rules for foreigners may be different. I am making an asumption that by your first and last name, you might not be a Mexican. If I am correct, you may want to consult with local Mexican authorities to be sure.
Parell is right, but once again, she is truly candid. Many yoga teachers believe they need Yoga Alliance registration. In this case, an E-RYT would be only too happy to help you, but there is a cost in money, time, or both. The Yoga Alliance insists on many contact hours for their trade marked "RYT" status.
Jai,
A.S. Kumar
April 27, 2015
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Thank you to both Parell and AS Kumar for answering my question. I love blunt...I call it being straight!
I did smell a rat so I am glad that I asked the question. Sounded like a lot more costs and time when I am focusing on my studies to qualify for the certification.
All the Mexican government requires is a valid certification and money of course to give me a work permit. As far as I know, the government wouldn't really even know about YA.
It is my intention to train and be the best teacher I can be....I will leave the politics to others.
Happy Cinco de Mayo...a side note, that IS an American holiday. It is not big here at all. Go figure!
Namaste,
Susan
April 27, 2015
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Namaskar Susan,
Parell gives straight talk and for that she has my respect admiration.
Well, it sounds like you can save yourself a lot of money, by just getting a yoga teacher certification. The registration concept is nice, but it is clear YA has no idea who any of us really are. How can you register someone as a Yoga teacher (RYT), but not know who they are or what they look like? Yoga Alliance are the true masters of advertising in Yoga, but they share no secrets. YA's site has the feel of a legal firm, full of agressive lawyers, which is constantly changing the rules to protect its own interests. Hence, the reason why I will never join. There is nothing wrong with lawyers, but they are so good at creating their own inner circles.
About joining yoga organizations - here is a non-political and very helpful organization.
If you visit their site, it is a learning experience and they have wonderful materials and information. Paulji is a member and so are some of the authors on the yoga teacher blog, which is attached to this site.
Thank you for explaining Cinqo de Mayo from the other side of the Rio Grande. Yes, it is a big holiday in the States, with parties, fireworks, and much fun. Maybe it is an American thing to be excited about democracy and freedom for others. That mentality has made moving to the United States a beautiful experience.
Jai,
A.S. Kumar
April 27, 2015
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Dear Jai,
Thank you for all of your helpful information. I am so pleased to be part of this yoga community. I appreciate how you all have welcomed me!
For now, I will concentrate is being a student!
In regards to Cinco de Mayo in the states, it oringinaly started as a fiesta for the Mexicanos who live there to celebrate together. I would imagine that we all saw them having so much fun - we adopted it too.. Everyone ds love a good party.
Alas, the fiesta is over and we are back to work here. Of course, we worked here yesterday too. The good news is that a Cruise ship is here so there are plenty of tourists here wandering around. It always stimulates our economy when the Crusero arrives.
Namaste,
Susan
April 27, 2015
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Hi Susan and Fellow Yogis,
It is interesting how often you hear that someone has to be registered to teach.
Here is an article (found elsewhere, not here on Paul's site), which was great until you read the erroneous information in the third to last pararaph - step 8.
With the growing popularity of yoga, many people have started practicing this form of exercise and have developed an affinity towards this unique exercise. Most people have also started considering it as a great profession. Yes, becoming a yoga instruction would prove to be a lucrative career for you.
It will give boost to your hobby, keep you in food health and also provide you a lot of money.
If you are serious about becoming a yoga instructor, here are some important steps you can easily follow in order to fulfill your ambition:
- Steps to become a yoga instructor
1) Step one
The first and the most important way is to meditate regularly. This way you would be exploring different types of yoga. The whole process will help you to earn the best possible experience.
2) Step two
To become a good yoga instructor. It is important to study the history and philosophy of yoga. This will let you know all about this beautiful art in a much better way. This is the best way to pass on a great understanding of yoga to all your students.
3) Step three
To fulfill your dream of becoming a yoga instructor, you need to attend all workshops. This will take your education and practice, a step further. These are some short session that's really important to sharper your skills.
This way, you can easily network with your peers. Some of the workshops are geared in a way to provide excellent teacher training and provide you real practice on how to conduct a class.
4) Step four
The best way to sharpen your skills and change you up is to find a good yoga teacher. Try to attend a training program specially meant for training a yoga instructor. With improvement in your skills, you will be easily able to network with top class yoga teachers, who are already running studios. This way, you would learn how to run a successful business.
5) Step five
It is important to keep working with your mentor until he concludes that you are ready to move on.
6) Step six
Pick up good hints on how to organize your yoga session plans. You may be extremely skilled in your techniques, but there are still certain things that you need to learn from the veteran in this field.
7) Step seven
Once you become a yoga instructor, it's time to decide on where you want to teach. Some people would like to open a small studio of their own or believe in an in-home practice.
Step eight
To become a registered or certified yoga instructor, in the United States you need to complete two levels of yoga alliance certification. These levels include a 200 and 500 hours respectively.
Follow all the steps mentioned above and you are all set to become an expert yoga instructor.
For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about YOGA and MEDITATION please visit YOGA TIPS and MEDITATIONBUZZ
Please read step 8 closely. So, to be a registered yoga teacher I have to be an RYT 500. An RYT 200 is nothing? And what about all the certified yoga teachers (CYT). Are they chopped liver????
The problem: Misinformation! And some of this misinformation is purposely circulated from those organizations who claim they want to protect yoga. The wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf.
Peace,
April 27, 2015
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Hi Steph,
Thank you! I got the point. The first 7 steps are very useful. I do believe that Aura has those covered and even more.
Namaste,
Susan
April 27, 2015
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You have to question the ethics of misinforming the public. But you have to question the knowledge of Yoga teachers who believe the misinformation posted by Registration companies. The idea is to make you believe that you need them. Then they will expand to other areas of yoga. It is up to us to join or not. But there must be a reason for joining.
April 27, 2015
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Here's one I just found on aarp's website:
"Teachers can get certified in a weekend to teach a yoga class. But the Yoga Alliance, which registers yoga teachers and schools, considers 200 hours of training the acceptable minimum."
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthylivin ... yoga_.html
Not trying to rebel rouse, just an fyi.
JB
April 27, 2015
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Thanks JB,
Let's face it. Any certification is good if you look at yoga teacher training as continuing education. One certification won't give all the answers even if it was 500 hours. So a weekend workshop is just a refresher course for a veteran yoga instructor. For a new yoga teacher it's a step forward, but 16 hours is not enough time to learn how to be a safe yoga teacher.
Whether a person studies face to face or by correspondence, it's all continuing education. Yoga certification courses are a great way to build a foundation. All of us had to start somewhere, so I can't criticize. But if somebody has 16 hours of training and didn't know anything about yoga before that's scary.
Problem with the yoga alliance is they don't take your teaching hours as worth anything if you don't meet their foundational criteria. You have to have 200 hours of face to face teacher training in a facility that has an E-RYT in the school.
What that means is they don't care how long you've been teaching. I bet yoga alliance would give you CEUs for a weekend training though. So the yoga alliance serves a semi-worthless purpose. I do agree with the minimum 200 hours of yoga training, but I still think that yoga courses that are non-contact should count.
If online yoga courses show you how to get started and continue to deliver CEU values that should count for more than alliance CEUs. YA is so biased they cant see the forest from the trees.
Peace,
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