Introduction To Yoga Teacher Training Starts MAY 5TH, 2025. Training Development Groups Starts in October 2025! For Yoga Students who are Dedicated to Iyengar Yoga: The Gold Standard of Yoga Systems. Please Read The Information Below Carefully as to Qualifications for Enrolling and Qualifications for Acceptance

Welcome to the home page for Yoga Teacher Trainings, with Richard Schachtel, Director of The Center For Yoga of Seattle Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher

Richard Schachtel is Seattle's Most Experienced Yoga Teacher Trainer. He has been training yoga teachers since 1986

UPCOMING INTRODUCTION TO IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE STARTS MAY 5TH

TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP STARTS ON NOVEMBER 3, 2-25 FOR THOSE IN THE INTRODUCTORY COURSE

AND
IYENGAR YOGA APPRENTICESHIPS START IN MAY, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2-25

We're Starting Very Soon
3 Pathways to Receive Training to eventually be a
Yoga Teacher in the Proud Yoga Tradition of BKS Iyengar
and Geeta S Iyengar.

The Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training Course Starting on Mt 5th has a lower admission standard than the other 2 approaches, yet the admission standard is still quite strict to take this course.

Admission to join the New Teacher Development Group Starting in October has a Higher Standard of Qualifications and Commitment, and is By Invitation Only.

Our Apprenticeship Program has the Highest Standard for admission and also is By Invitation Only.

Each of these 3 will be described in more detail below

We're Starting Very Soon
3 Pathways to Receive Training to eventually be a
Yoga Teacher in the Proud Yoga Tradition of BKS Iyengar
and Geeta S. Iyengar.

The Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training Course Starting on mY 5TH has a lower admission standard than the other 2 approaches, yet the admission standard is still quite strict to take this course.

Admission to join the New Teacher Development Group Starting in October has a Higher Standard of Qualifications and Committment, and is By Invitation Only.

Our Apprenticeship Program has the Highest Standard for admission and also is By Invitation Only.

Each of these 3 will be described in more detail below

1.INTRODUCTION TO YOGA TEACHER TRAINING STARTS ON MAY 5TH. IT MEETS
MONDAY EVENINGS
6:00PM-7:30PM THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2025

2.THE IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP STARTS ON NOVEMBER 3RD. IT MEETS WEEKLY ALSO ON MONDAY NITES 6:00PM-7:30PM THROUGH MAY 2026

3.APPRENTICESHIP IN IYENGAR YOGA STARTS IN APRIL, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2025

THE TIME TESTED, COMMON SENSE, AND THE BEST WAY TO BECOME QUALIFIED TO TEACH YOGA INVOLVES SEVERAL DISTINCT STEPS.

1 Go to class regularly with an experienced teacher of an authentic time tested yoga tradition.

2.Start building you your own personal yoga practice at home where you draw from what the experienced yoga teacher gives in their regular weekly classes and workshops.

Practice those poses and practices on your own incorporating new items introduced at your regular class. Advance through the levels as you improve in your skill level and knowledge.

Learn to modify and adapt you practice for your current situation.

Keep evolving your personal practice incorporating what you have learned from the teacher and the specific feedback the teacher has given you.

3. Wait to be invited to Apprentice with that teacher when the teacher feels you are ready to start getting some Supervised Training After having indicated to that teacher that you have a desire to teach some day. OR Enroll in a Preparatory Teacher Training Course OR Wait to be Invited (depending on the criteria) to join a Teacher Development Program.

Incorporating all the above elements We have at The Center For Yoga of Seattle a Program and a proven method for developing future yoga teachers in the Iyengar Yoga Tradition.

The 3 parts are led by Richard Schachtel a Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher with over 40 years of study, training and practice of Iyengar Yoga with the Iyengar Family themselves, mostly in India but also in the US when they have conducted trainings.

Iyengar Yoga is the highest caliber yoga available and there are many reasons for this.

One reason is the care and supervision that Senior Iyengar Yoga Teachers have put into training future teachers so that they can teach successfully to a wider range of students.

This endeavor is not a crash course taught by inexperienced teachers teaching an undeveloped "system" of "pseudo yoga" to naive students believing that in a short time they can become a successful teacher without the necessary dedication, study, practice and supervision.

Most new yoga teachers don't last in the field because their teaching knowledge base and skill level as just not there to know how to help people.
Few new yoga teacher last 5 years.

One of the worst trends in yoga is the proliferation of teacher training courses that are too short, that admit students who are not qualified, and are taught by inexperienced teacher trainers. There are other major problems as well with these trainings.

It takes time as a student to learn how to practice, to gladly throw out erroneous ideas and previous bad training and habits.

Being able to practice yoga at home on your own is an essential step in the student's development and an important pre-requisite in all 3 programs.

This is a Non-Negotiable Requirement to in any of these 3 trainings.

More on what a home practice is will be explained below.

The 3 aspects of our program are described below.

2,
INTRODUCTION TO YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE STARTS MAY 5TH
With
Richard Schachtel Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher
Director
The Center For Yoga of Seattle

Participation in the New Teacher Development Group Starting in October will be based upon the
Required Enrollment in the Introduction to Teacher Training Course Starting in My And Other Specific Requirements which are described below

The MAY 5TH starting Introduction TO YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Course will be open to those who meet the qualifications for the MAY course.

The October starting Teacher Development Group will be By Invitation Only, for those Personally Selected by Richard.

Our APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS DESCRIBED BELOW.

Please read carefully the information on the Introduction to Teacher Training Course, on The Teacher Development Group, and on our Apprenticeships Program several times.

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE MEETS MAY 5TH THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2025 with Richard Schachtel

The journey towards becoming a qualified, safe knowledgeable teacher with real skills to help many students is Not a Crash Course.

It is not a 1-month program.

Understanding based upon personal experience, with increasing clarity develops slowly over time. There is no shorcut

You Will begin to Develop Skills and Gain Important Experience in Each Class Meeting.

Developing an understanding of Iyengar Yoga Methodology is an important aspect of this course.

Concepts of Sequencing, Skill Building and understanding BKS Iyengar's Method of Demonstration, Instruction, Observation, and Correction will be learned well.

Learning how to deal with common student problems is a must for prospective teachers.

The course is Not For Anyone who just wants to enroll reguardless of their backgroud in Iyengar Yoga

WHAT IS THE WEEKLY MONDAY EVENING CLASS IN THE INTRODUCTION TO YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE LIKE?

WE BEGIN TO LEARN ABOUT THE MANY WAYS TO PRACTICE EACH POSE DEPENDING ON THE STUDENT'S KNOWLEDGE BASE, SKILL LEVEL AND INDIVIDUAL CONDITIONS.

YOU WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PRACTICE AS TAUGHT IN THE TRADITION OF BKS IYENGAR AND GAIN INSIGHT INTO WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO.

Qualifications to enroll in the Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training Course

1. Participants must have a minimum of 1 Year of Recent Background in Iyengar Yoga with a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher.

2.Particiants must be Currently enrolled in One or More of Richards 4-9 Week Courses either In-Studio OR Online Iyengar Yoga Courses.

In-studio is preferable but online will meet this requirement for those who cannot come in for in-studio instruction 2 times a week(once is the the Monday Nite 6pm Introduction to TT Course).

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INTRODUCTION TO TEACHER TRAINING COURSE IS IN-PERSON ONLY, NOT ONLINE.

IT WILL ONLY MEET ONLINE IF THERE IS A PANDEMIC LIKE EVENT WHERE WE CANNOT MEET IN PERSON OR IF RICHARD IS OUT OF TOWN AND WILL CONDUCT AN OCCASIONAL SESSION FROM AN OUT OF TOWN LOCATION.

2.PARTICIPANTS MUST CONTINUE THEIR ENROLLMENT BOTH IN THEIR WEEKLY CLASS WITH RICHARD DURING THE WHOLE INTRODUCTORY COURSE AND ALSO FOR THOSE INVITED TO JOIN THE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP.

YOU CANNOT BE A DROP-IN STUDENT TO SATISFY THIS REQUIREMENT, ONLY THOSE CONTINUOUSLY ENROLLED IN THE FULL 4-9 WEEK COURSES CAN BE IN THE INTRODUCTORY COURSE.

3.PARTICIPANTS MUST HAVE THEIR OWN PERSONAL PRACTICE OF IYENGAR YOGA.

WHAT IS A PERSONAL YOGA PRACTICE?

A personal yoga practice is where you are doing yoga practice on your own without using recordings to do yoga. You are practicing the methods that are taught in your regular weekly class. You can occasionally try out sequences from books by BKS Iyengar or Geeta Iyengar. You can and should modify the practices to fit your current situation.

You must commit to be practicing the poses we ARE WORKING on in the Regular Weekly Iyengar Yoga classes with Richard AND what we are working on in the Monday Nite Yoga Teacher Training Preparation Course.

If you don't currently meet these requirements, keep attending classes with Richard and Start and Continue working on your practice At Home. You may be invited to join the Teacher Devlopment Course in the future.

Fees:
The Fee for being in the Introductory Teacher Training Course is $1,500.
We have a Special Fee of $1,000 for those who sign up By APRIL 7TH.
There are no payment plans.
When payment is received you will receive a confirmation email that you have a space in the course.

IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The course may start one month later if we need more time to attract qualified students and would end one month later

There are no make-up classes for missed lessons.

There is no credit for cancellations
You cannot switch to any other course

No refunds
Those who stop coming to your regular weekly class will be cancelled from the Introduction to Teacher Training Course and no credit or refunds will be issued.

YOGA TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP STARTS IN NOVEMBER 2025

THE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP IS AN ELITE GROUP OF SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED IYENGAR YOGA PRACTITIONERS WHO WORK EACH WEEK TO DEVELOP THEIR SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING OF PRACTICING AND TEACHING IYENGAR YOGA.

Strict Requirements listed below convey that the ongoing training is not for everyone who has a fantasy dream of a yoga teacher.

The New Teacher Development Group starting in October will work to develop qualified and highly motivated students from the Introductory Course to eventually teach in The Iyengar Yoga Tradition.There is simply put a lot to know to become a qualified and certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. It is not a crash course of fufu yoga. You can go somewhere else for that.

The Teacher Development Courses will be run as 5-6 month courses followed by successive 5-6 month courses. Over time we will add students from the Intro Courses and also from our Regular Courses invited by Richard to join this Exclusive Group.

We may give members of this group a chance to teach Beginning courses to get real world experience and practice in teaching (with supervision) at The Center. We will provide the students and members will get experience in teaching..

Admission to be in the Iyengar Yoga Teacher Development Course is by Invitation only from Richard Schachtel.

Some of the criteria Richard will use in giving invitations to join the group are:

1. Experience in Iyengar Yoga and Commitment to Iyengar Yoga.

How experienced the student is in understanding the Iyengar Yoga System.

2.How developed and mature their Iyengar yoga practice is. You don't have to be an advanced student to be in the group.

3. Perceived willingness to go through the necessary learning experiences to develop their understanding of the how and why's of practice and teaching.

3.How mature the student is to accept Constructive feedback on their practice and teaching and understand and implement suggestions for improvement.

In the final analysis, invitations are purely subjective based upon Richard's overall judgement if the student is ready to benefit from being a member of the training and would contribute to this group At This Time.

2.Those who are not invited to join the group starting in October may be admitted in the future when New Members are added, provided Richard feels that the student is ready to benefit from the training and is willing to do the necessary work to become an Iyengar Yoga Teacher.

STRICTER STANDARDS TO BE IN THE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP.
The New Teacher Development Course is for those who Only Study and Practice Iyengar Yoga.

If you are practicing, studying, taking classes, workshops or trainings in Other Methods of Yoga, you will not be invited to join This Ongoing Iyengar Yoga Teacher Development Training.

Richard wants students who are dedicated and devoted to Iyengar Yoga Only.

WHAT IF I DON'T CURRENTLY
MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION TO TEACHER TRAINING COURSE IN MAY 2025. CAN I STILL BE INVITED TO JOIN THE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT IN NOVEMBER 2025, MAY 2026 OR NOVEMBER 2026?

Absolutely!
Richard will be inviting Students to be New Members of the Teacher Development Group as he determines they are ready to join and make on ongoing commitment to receive training in Iyengar Yoga.

FEES FOR THE TEACHER DEVELOPMENT GROUP MEETING WEEKLY ON MONDAYS AT 6:00PM-7:30PM STARTING IN NOVEMBER 2025 FOR EACH 5-6 MONTHS SESSION AND STARTING AGAIN IN MAY 2026 AND NOVEMBER 2026

$1,000 FOR EACH 5-6 MONTH SESSION
PAYABLE IN ADVANCE.

QUESTIONS

5 MINUTE RULE

Before sending any emails with questions, please read and reread this email as many questions may be answered here.

1.Richard is happy to answer any relevant questions that take 5 minutes or less of his time One Time Only Related To These Courses ONLY.

2.If your questions require more of his time, you will need to book a Zoom Consultation with Richard. Consultations Cost $100 and last 30-40 minutes.

For Questions or to Book a Zoom Consultations , send an email to
info @yogaseattle.com
*Subject Line:
Introduction to Yoga Teacher Training Course

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON BECOMING A CERTIFED IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER, WHO CAN USE THE IYENGAR NAME AND CALL THEIR CLASSES IYENGAR YOGA

To become a Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher you need to be assessed by Several Senior Iyengar Yoga Teachers as to your knowledge of Iyengar Yoga Methodology, How accurate your Yoga Practice is, and most importantly the Quality of Your Teaching Skills. There are other requirements as well including a period of at least 3 years of continuous practice and 3 years of continuous study of Iyengar Yoga to go for assessment. You also need to be recommended to go for assessment.

The level of professionalism, dedication, proficiency of an Iyengar Yoga Teacher is of a very high quality.

Those who take the Introductory course Or are admitted to the Teacher Development Course will not be able to call themselves Iyengar Yoga Teachers until they pass assessment.

These courses Richard is giving have nothing whatsoever to do with yoga alliance, or previous courses he has taught.

Those currently in Richard's regular classes can talk to Richard at class if they have questions. Do not be asking for special exemptions as the admission criteria are not negotiable and are strict.

To Those Not in Richard's classes: Do not stop by asking for information on these trainings. Enroll in a regular weekly course and start getting access to Authentic Iyengar Yoga Teachings with Seattle's Most Experinced Iyengar Yoga Teacher. You may be invited to join this exclusive private teacher development group in the future.

Richard has has been conducting yoga teacher training courses in Iyengar Yoga since 1986. His Full Bio is Below

APPRENTICESHIPS IN IYENGAR YOGA
Richard trains qualified students to become yoga teachers in the time tested Apprenticeship Method. This is the Overall Very Best way to get the supervised training to become an Iyengar Yoga Teacher.

To be invited or selected to become an apprentice you need to attend regular weekly classes with Richard in person (NOT ONLINE) for at least one year where Richard can work with you over time to help you develop your Iyengar Yoga practice.

For those who have been attending Richard's classes for a year in-studio or more you can ask Richard about his opinion about the suitability of your qualifications to become an apprentice at one or more of this weekly classes. In addition to regular attendance in one of Richard's weekly classes, you must practice Iyengar Yoga on your own(have your own home practice) and not be taking, practicing, studying or training in other methods of yoga. You have to be strictly committed to Iyengar Yoga to be an apprentice. You can't be teaching other forms of yoga as well.

Apprentices will slowly become involved in the many aspects of teaching: observing the students
Observing how the experienced teacher deals with each student
Seeing how the experienced teacher deals with common problems
this list can of course go on and on but the main point here is that the apprentice gets supervised training on how to help in the class and also how to teach.
Priceless Training that cannot come from a teacher training class.

Apprentices attend their apprentice class must come early and stay after class to help clean up the studio

Fees for Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are initially 6 months in length and if Richard deems you are ready to continue, may continue for additonal 6 month periods.

Fees are $1,000 for one class a week for the 6 month period or $2,000 for apprenticing for 2 classes a week.

Apprenticeships can begin in May,September and October 2025.

Richard's Beginner classes are for apprenticeship:

1. Thursday 6:00pm-7:30pm once a week.

2. Monday 7:45pm-9:00pm once a week.

3.Tuesdays and Thursdays twice a week at both 5:30am-6:45am and 7:00am-8:30am.

4. Friday night Slower Iyengar Yoga 6:30pm-7:45pm pm once a week.

This concludes a brief over view of the 3 programs. Please re-read this information to have a general idea of what is expected for admission or participation in each component. The Introduction to Teacher Training has a lower threshold of admission standards but still has important admission requirements to take the course.

Richard is happy to answer email questions that take 5 minutes or less of this time.

More extensive questions will require a private zoom consultation which costs $100 for 30-40 minutes.

Here is More Information about
Richard Schachtel:

Richard Schachtel is Seattle's most experienced Yoga Teacher Trainer.
Richard began giving teacher training courses in 1986 and has taught several thousand Yoga Teacher Training Students over the past 38 years.

Richard started studying Iyengar Yoga in 1976 and has trained in India with BKS Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar, Prashant Iyengar, and Abhijata Iyengar since 1980; He has made 23 one and two month yoga study trips to India to train with The Iyengar Family.

Richard worked for almost 20 years as an Assessor for the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of The United States to determine if qualified candidates were qualified to earn a Certificate as a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher.

From 2007-2020 Richard gave many 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Courses Approved by Yoga Alliance. At once time he had over 130 Graduates on the Yoga Alliance Registry. Richard is no longer affiliated with yoga alliance. Instead he prefers to train qualified students to become eventual Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers. To become a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher is a much much higher standard than becoming a 200 or 500 hour yoga alliance approved teacher.

Iyengar Yoga teachers are evaluated in their skills in teaching, practice, their knowledge of Iyengar Yoga Methodology, and other standards. Richard has a 100% pass rate for students he has recommended for assessment in Iyengar Yoga. Certification in Iyengar Yoga is for those who are committed to teach and receive continuing instruction in Iyengar Yoga without mixing in other styles of yoga or other disciples.

Richard Schachtel leads this program and has taught yoga in Seattle for 50 years and is a Certified Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher .

As part of his commitment to keep up his training, Richard has studied for many years with Geeta, BKS, and Prashant Iyengar at their renowned institute in Pune, India where he has received training in Asana (yoga postures), Pranayama (breath control), Medical Therapeutic Yoga (working with students with injuries or medical conditions) and Yoga Philosophy. His 23rd training in India with The Iyengar Family was for the month of December 2017 with Prashant Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar and Institute Staff. He participated in the 2023 North American Iyengar Convention with Abhijhata Iyengar in San Diego. He continues his study of Iyengar Yoga and Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics.

In 2010, Richard completed a 3 year training in Therapeutic Yoga in San Francisco.

Originally certified in 1974 as a Sivananda Yoga Teacher, Richard has been studying Iyengar Yoga since 1976 and was one of the first group of Americans to be certified as an Iyengar Yoga teacher in 1984.

Today, Richard enjoys teaching various levels of students including beginners, and supervises the yoga teacher training program as well as the apprenticeship program. Many of the Seattle area's yoga teachers as well as students from around the US, Canada and Abroad have received their teacher training in yoga with Richard.

Richard has traveled and given guest Iyengar yoga workshops around the U.S. and has taught in Australia, in China (2017) and in India most recently in 2017.
He has been on the teaching staff at several of the National Iyengar Yoga Conventions.

Richard worked for almost 20 years as an Assessor for the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of the United States to determine which teachers are qualified to earn the Iyengar yoga teacher credential.

Richard first trained in India with B.K.S. Iyengar in 1980 and made his 23rd yoga study trip to Pune, India to train with
the Iyengars in December 2017. He recently attended the National Iyengar Yoga San diego iConvention in San Diego in May 2023 and was an Assistant For Therapeutic Yoga.

Richard continues to enjoy deepening his practice and sharing his many years of experience.

Richard founded the Center in 1980 and continues to serve as the Director. He is Seattle's most Senior Iyengar Yoga Teacher.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW FOR THE INTRODUCTION TO IYENGAR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING COURSE STARTING ON MAY 5TH. I MEET THE REQUIREMENTS

Videos From Teacher Training Courses

Richard shows how to safely open the thoracicdorsal spine back arching over the tressler

Richard shows how to get started in supported bridge

Comments From Students who have taken our 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Sophia

200hr Yoga teacher program was the best experience in this year. I met brave, strong and amazing peers and teachers through this program. I'll never forget this experience. I'll go on my yoga practice to the last breath.

Jiyul Kim
June 24, 2014

The comradery of the students was excellent. No competition was felt, rather each student supported and helped others daily. The primary instructor was generally kind and sympathetic towards students yet maintained the structure and pace of the intensive training. Sufficient rest was given and encouraged to maintain personal health during the program. I would recommend a longer course rather than so much to absorb in a short intensive training. However, the use of time was excellent.

Cristine Harvold
January 8, 2014

Iyengar's approach to yoga meets everyone at their level of practice. This training gave me the confidence to offer adjustments in any pose, by bringing the body into alignment which minimizes the potential for injuries.

Bonnie Chan
April 2, 2014

The month long course was hard, but to feel the accomplishment at the end of the training was worth it, I really enjoyed this training. I learned so much and had met some really great teachers. Our instructor knew his material and presented it in the short month I was enrolled. He has a lot of experience and is willing to teach it to anyone who is willing to learn.

Ethel Hogge
October 19. 2015

I appreciate the time spent on correct alignment and learning how to do the poses safely. Good intro to the depth and scope of yoga and instilled in me a desire to continue my studies.

Adrianne Bolach
Oct 17, 2014

The Center for Yoga of Seattle has a special passion for helping students reach their full potential, safely, and understanding the "why" of everything we did.

Kelley Bridges
Aug 26, 2014

The Center for Yoga of Seattle's 1 Year Weekend teacher training program covers considerable breadth of material without sacrificing depth. Of particular note is that this program gives you tools with which to work with individuals of greatly varying physical ability. A very enjoyable experience.

Nesanit Mitiku MD PHD

I had a great time during the summer intensive. Learned a lot of fine tuning skills and great methods to teach. I would highly recommend this program.

Shannon Slevin
Aug 06, 2015

The Center for Yoga Seattle as an Iyengar studio has the best alignment principles and is very good at making sure you can recognize if a person is doing a pose correctly and how to adequately use props to assist in their yoga experience.

Kiwani Allen
Sep 17, 2014

This school and my teacher hold a sacred place in my heart. I'm extremely thankful for the entire experience and the amount of knowledge I attained while in the school. This is my foundation and my roots to the beautiful path laid before me. Thank you, thank you for being such a special part of my journey! Namaste

Kasey Crutchfield
Jul 21, 2014

Richard is wise and talent teacher. I am so appreciated when a teacher spends a lot of time discussing alignment and the reason behind why we do certain sequence of poses. I enjoyed paying attention to his teaching style during the teacher training course.

Kwanruethai Patumrattanachote
Oct 01, 2015

Iyengar yoga tradition. This program is worth going to if you value detailed actions and communication from your instructors to get a deeper understanding of asana. Iyengar is alignment based and focuses on the foundation of the asana. In the Iyengar tradition you will also be introduced to the use of props to modify or deepen your asana. You will be instructed in the proper use of props as well. B.K.S. Iyengar pioneered this approach to make yoga for everyone. You will be teaching many different body types the knowledge is 2nd to none. After many many hours of practice the mind body awareness grows more aligned. Great intro. 200hr course!

Kendra Webber
Jun 17, 2015

[My impression of this trainig was] excellent! It deepened my own practice in addition to enlightening the fundamentals of teaching. while not ready for teaching from this course alone, I now have the skills and knowledge to prepare on my own. [What I liked most about the training was] the practice teaching. That was the most beneficial aspect.

Bob Runkle
Kennewick, Washington

I was challenged and informed. [The training] was well thought out and enjoyable—just what I was looking for. [I liked] having the opportunity to concentrate on yoga for five days with like-minded people and being exposed to other teachers and different levels of classes. I learned and ... grew from the experience. I will take valuable usable information and skills home with me.

Barbara Harris
Boise, Idaho

The training was excellent. The material was covered in-depth and presented with precision and clarity. The insights that Richard shared along the way were in valuable. His experience and expertise are shared in a very natural way through his teaching.

I really liked how Richard emphasized correctness while creating an environment that fostered confidence and exploration. Richard was very generous with his knowledge but careful not to overload trainees with too much at one time.

Natasha Borg
Lebanon, Oregon

You could see that Richard worked very hard to make his classes run smoothly with structure and enjoyed teaching. He flooded our minds with wonderful information that you can actually use out in the real yoga wold. Richard's techings were easy to follow and to the point. And it seems everyone felt very safe asking all kinds of questions. Overall, it was a workthwhile ezperience and I wish I had come sooner!

Angel Yim
Seattle

The Training was first class. I liked taking each subject/pose scientifically... I gained a lot more knowledge and depth of the poses. It will be a great asset to my students and my self. This Intensive further broadened my knowledge of how to present a better class and make yoga invigorating and fun. I'll be looking forward to the next Intensive.

David Luce
Dillingham, Alaska

Emma

The detail and thoroughness with which poses were explored was highly useful. The Training assisted in learning how to read bodies, perform adjustments/variations and to empower my students.

Kelly Green
Saskatchewan, Canada

The information presented was well-rounded in that it engaged all the different learning styles; visual, kinesthetic and auditory. Not only was there a wealth of information presented that is useful, I also found the opportunity to observe Richard enlightening — the mastery of his instrument, his mindful presence and teaching style that come to be even more valuable in helping me understand how to teach.

Kevin Pope
Logan, Utah

I thought the program was a well-balanced mix of watching, talking and doing. It was helpful for me to observe you do the poses, talk us through them, and then to have us do them. But it was especially helpful to observe other people in various stages of mastering the poses. I liked the parts of the classes where we discussed using props and modifying poses so that every student can have a feeling of 'doing the pose.' Overall I thought the training dynamic, positive and supportive.

Anita Mann
Norman, Oklahoma

The Training was very worthwhile, giving the aspiring teacher confidence, verbal skills, and helping to sharpen their eye to proper alignment in the asanas and ways the asanas can be taught and modified... I especially appreciated the openness and approachability of the instructor and his effort to get the students to think.

Ellen Scriven
Cataldo, Idaho

The Teacher Training Intensive was just what I needed. Richard did a wonderful job of stretching both my body and mind. He forced me to look at self-imposed limitations and challenged me to perfect each posture in the systematic Iyengar style. I appreciated Richard's experience and ability in looking at the class both collectively and individually, then going with the flow as each asana was introduced and worked on.

Tesla Starr Keehn
Custer, South Dakota

I was very impressed with the Training. I liked the way the poses were broken down to basics, with emphasis on how to adjust the beginning student, how to actually do the physical adjustments, and how to utilize props. I liked the fact that the course covered a little of everything — anatomy, asanas, props, certification, invocation, liability insurance, partner work issues, qualities of a good yoga teacher, working with challenging students, 'yoga manners' and rules to give to students, how to prepare an intro course, etc. I liked the half-day of partner work, where we had an opportunity to verbally practice teaching a couple of asanas. Richard, you are very personable and professional. You have a real sense of mindfulness about you — very focused, nothing wasted in your presentation. I enjoyed your Training very much. The whole group was great and I love Seattle. I'm starting a six-week intro course next week.

Rita Dungey
Minneapolis, Minnesota

A fantastic course that was very rewarding emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I felt great after the course was over. The week with Richard deepened my appreciation for my own practice of yoga. The intense focus of all of the components of the poses examined was enlightening. I learned how important it is to focus on proper form and the flow of energy that is inherent in each pose.

Gregg Cronn
Bellingham, Washington

Well conceived, clearly stated objectives, purposefully directed, thoughtfully presented and supported with lucid explanations. Richard's approach demonstrated an inspiring respect for his subject, his students and himself. As well, he was able to balance the seriousness of the occasion's intent with a relaxed and friendly openness. Very comfortable and beneficial. I liked the detail combined with depth and scope; had the overall feel of completeness as does well-scripted, -staged and -performed theatre.

Storie Mooser
Portland, Oregon

Excellent. From a teaching perspective I learned many ways to assist my clients express their greatest potential in the asanas. As a student I am deeply grateful for moving deeper in my own practice. One adjustment Richard gave me relieved tension I'd been feeling in my hip for a great while.

Dana Riffel
Wichita, Kansas

The Training was very comprehensive. I felt the vital information on helping raw beginners was very thorough. The methods of teaching a beginning posture surprised me. I had no idea working with props could be so beneficial. I thought the Training would be massively difficult, especially with the different levels attending. However, Richard addressed each and every one of our concerns without exclusions. I felt that working with the others was a very important interaction.

Jan Cillo
Olympia, Washington

Richard is very mentally organized; he would break each pose down, step by step. He was very forthcoming with information, hiding no aspect of his knowledge — hard-won, learned through experience.

Gail Wegodsky
Marietta, Georgia

I highly recommend the training. Richard's understanding and teaching of Iyengar Style Hatha Yoga was excellent. The course was presented in a detailed, clear and informative fashion. The atmosphere was very pleasant. I liked Richard's detailed analysis of each pose presented in the course. It proved helpful to understand the importance of detail, to grow not only in my personal practice, but also in becoming a competent yoga teacher.

Yveta Suchomel
RN
Polson, Montana

I found the Teacher Training course to be comprehensive, informative, and very valuable to my yoga career. I enjoyed the amount of time we spent on looking at how different people do the poses and the various problems there were with each student.

Shelly Myers
Naples, Florida

The Course II Teacher Training was very comprehensive and interesting. It fulfilled my expectations and was the perfect complement to the first Teacher Training I took last year. All of the major asanas were explained and demonstrated in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere and you made sure that everyone understood what was being taught. I have to admit that what impressed me the most, as it did last year, is the extensive use of so many props. I think that I am a better teacher now because I have refined my teaching by holding the asanas longer and paying more attention to the details. I have more confidence in my teaching skills because my students tell me I get better and better.

Anita Raynor
Homosassa, Florida

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