About Richard & Kirsten Agar Ward

Richard is a senior pupil of BKS Iyengar. He has been practising Iyengar Yoga since 1975 and teaching for 33 years. He has attended classes at RIMYI in Pune on 17 visits and is qualified to teach at Senior Intemediate level 3. He is an approved teacher trainer and began training Introductory level Iyengar Yoga teachers in 1990. He also conducts Intermediate Junior teacher training at IYI Maida Vale, London and Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre and Senior Intermediate teacher training at Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre. He is a Moderator for the Iyengar Yoga Association of the UK - IYA(UK).

Kirsten is a Senior level 2 certificate holder. She has been practising Iyengar Yoga for 20 years and has attended classes in Pune on 7 visits, is an approved teacher trainier and an Assessor for the IYA(UK).

Introductory Teacher Training

Qualifications Required For Teacher Training

To train as an Iyengar Yoga teacher you need to have regularly attended Iyengar Yoga classes for a minimum of three years with a certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher who is a member of the IYA(UK) and have a letter of recommendation from them.

It is a requirement of Iyengar Yoga teachers that they teach solely Iyengar method. Also they must be licensed through annual purchase of the Certification Mark and be a member of the IYA(UK).

Training with Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre

Places are limited. If you wish to train with BIYC, in addition to meeting the qualifications for teacher training (above), you must attend our pre-training selection day. During this day your practice and interest in the subject will be assessed by Richard. Places will be offered after this.

Requirements of BIYC Trainees

Training to become an Iyengar Yoga teacher is a big commitment. As well as attending the entire training course you will be expected to:

  • attend at least one weekly intermediate level Iyengar Yoga class (preferably more)
  • attend other Iyengar yoga workshops, conventions and yoga days
  • practise daily on your own, Iyengar method only
  • regularly observe, and where appropriate assist in, an Iyengar Yoga beginners’ class
  • read recommended texts
  • complete on time written and practical assignments between training sessions
  • cease teaching any yoga as soon as your training starts (IYA(UK) requirement)
  • be a member of the national association - IYAUK (IYAUK) requirement)

Please note:

  • Places are limited. You are advised to apply early to ensure a place.
  • You must advise us of any medical conditions or injuries before booking (or before the class if they occur after booking).
  • Booking fees are non-refundable.

Applications

Those who meet the qualifications for teacher training (above) can apply to be considered for teacher training at Bath Iyengar Yoga Centre by contacting BIYC for an application form and returning this completed with a letter of recommendation from your teacher and the fees for our selection day.

click here for more information & dates

click here for booking

Junior Intermediate Training

About Intermediate Junior Assessments and Certificates

The Intermediate Junior certificate is graded into three levels. IYA(UK) requirements are that candidates for Level I must have a held the introductory certificate and the Certification Mark for at least 18 months. A minimum of six months must pass before Intermediate Junior Level I certificate holders may take a Level II assessment. A minimum of six months must pass before Intermediate Junior Level II certificate holders may take a Level III assessment.

Assessments are organised by the IYA(UK). They usually take place each year in March. Candidates are separately assessed on both their practice and their teaching. There are also detailed written papers at each level.

Teachers may teach the level of Junior Intermediate syllabus for the Junior assessment they have passed. Only holders of Junior Intermediate certificate Level II and higher may conduct therapeutic yoga classes.

N.B. It is a requirement of Iyengar Yoga teachers that they teach solely Iyengar method. Also they must be licensed through annual purchase of the Certification Mark and be a teacher member of the IYA(UK).

Junior Intermediate Teacher Training

Click here for dates & booking details for 2010 - 2011

Requirements of BIYC Junior Intermediate Trainees

Intermediate Junior training is a big commitment. As well as attending the entire training course you will be expected to:

  • attend at least one weekly intermediate level Iyengar Yoga class (preferably more)
  • attend other Iyengar yoga workshops, conventions and yoga days
  • practise daily on your own for 1-2 hours, Iyengar method only
  • read recommended texts
  • complete on time written and practical assignments between training sessions

Failure to observe any of these requirements satisfactorily may lead to your not being put forward for assessment or even to your being asked to leave the course. Fees will not be refunded in this case.

Please note:

  • You need to have had at least one year’s teaching experience at Introductory level II
    and to be a teacher member of IYA(UK) to apply for this course.
  • Places are limited. You are advised to apply early to ensure a place.
  • You must advise us of any medical conditions or injuries before booking (or before the class if they occur after booking).
  • Booking fees are non-refundable.
  • You will be informed of whether or not you have a place within 3 weeks of receipt of
    your application.

Senior Intermediate Teacher Training

Click here for more information