1) Is Vinyasa Krama Yoga a new ‘brand’ of Yoga?
No. Vinyasa Krama Yoga is an ancient practice restored to prominence by Krishnamacharya.
Vinyasa Krama describes the art and science of combining the elements of Yoga in a sequence that makes an effective and safe practice.
2) What is the difference between Viniyoga and Vinyasa Krama Yoga?
Vinyasa Krama Yoga contains the entire scope of Yoga practices and methods. Viniyoga is the appropriate application of Yoga methods to the individual student.
Vinyasa Krama is the science and the tools, Viniyoga is the application to the unique, individual situation.
3) Are Harmony Yoga trainings accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga?
Our courses are not accredited by the British Wheel of Yoga (BWY). This decision was taken because the BWY have their own eclectic approach to teaching which is not in alignment with the Vinyasa Krama approach to Yoga and we wish to present Vinyasa Krama Yoga in its purest form.
Some people are under the impression that they must have a BWY Diploma to be able to teach in the UK. We trust the following points will clarify this situation.
i) There is no statutory regulation of Yoga in the UK and none has been recommended by the UK government. It was suggested in a government review that Yoga Therapy have Voluntary Self Regulation and I believe that the British Council for Yoga Therapy have formed with this in mind. As the title suggests this is voluntary and not statutory. Neither BWY, nor any other body, have legal rights to regulate Yoga in the UK.
ii) The BWY ‘governing body’ title is a Sport England award and refers only to their status with Sport England. Sports are allowed a number of governing bodies, it is not an exclusive title.
Harmony Yoga do not present Yoga in the context of a ‘sporting’ activity.
iii) The BWY have no authority to monitor Yoga in the UK and is not a British authority on Yoga teaching or practice.
Harmony Yoga’s course has been designed to meet the standards of the Independent Yoga Network and is in alignment with standards set by the International Yoga Federation.
4) Who are the Independent Yoga Network?
As the name suggests this is a ‘network’ of Yoga Schools and Yoga Teachers who teach independently. They have come together to protect the interests of independent schools and teachers and for mutual support and sharing. Harmony Yoga is registered as a school with IYN.
5) As a graduate of Harmony Yoga’s training programme do I have to join the IYN?
No. There is no obligation to join IYN or any other organisation. Joining does, however, provide a number of benefits including access to an excellent insurance scheme. You will be provided with full information when you register for the course.
6) What happens if I miss a module?
You can attend the next available module. Alternatively you can arrange to cover the material by personal tuition.
7) When will I be able to start teaching?
This will be agreed between yourself and your tutor. You will need to complete modules 1,2,3,5 and 6 and obtain a first aid certificate before teaching for safety reasons. Student teacher insurance is available from IYN with your tutor’s approval.
8) How long will the 200 hour training take to complete?
The course begins in June or July each year and you will finish the modules in June of the following year, or later if you prefer to study at a slower pace than this. You will need to complete all aspects of the course satisfactorily including the Teaching Assessment. You will not be under any pressure to begin teaching until you feel ready.
