The Evolution of an Ashtanga Teacher

The Evolution of an Ashtanga Teacher Introduction Change and iteration? I’m good with those. I started out verbose—talking too much, explaining every little thing. Then I swung the pendulum toward the stereotypical Ashtanga script: minimal instruction, no props, traditional cues only. But ultimately, I came back to being real. The journey wasn’t a straight line. I had poor mentorship modeling early on in my Ashtanga career. It took a while to trust myself—to teach from what I knew to be true, not just what I was shown. I. The Early Years: Strict Adherence to Tradition In the early years of teaching, I thought I needed to model exactly what had been handed down to me. That meant ditching props—even though I had used them before…

The Five Obstacles to Yoga

The Five Obstacles to Yoga Introduction Every yogi, whether fresh-faced on the mat or seasoned from years of practice, eventually bumps into… something. A wall, a plateau, a discomfort, or an inexplicable resistance. In yoga philosophy, these aren’t random speed bumps — they are known, predictable, and profoundly human. Enter the kleshas — the five obstacles. These obstacles aren’t about flexibility or how long you can hold a handstand. They’re inner blocks that cloud perception, distort behavior, and make spiritual evolution feel like wading through peanut butter in a wet blanket. Understanding them doesn’t magically solve them (sorry), but it does provide a framework for self-inquiry, personal growth, and a yoga practice that transcends hamstrings. I. Avidya (Ignorance): The Root Obstacle In yoga, avidya is…

Adapting Poses for Individual Needs

Adapting Poses for Individual Needs You know that moment when you cue “step your right foot forward between your hands,” and someone’s foot ends up somewhere between left field and the front row? That’s not failure — that’s anatomy doing its thing. Welcome to the beautiful chaos of individualized yoga teaching, where no two bodies are the same, and your one-size-fits-all cue just made sense to exactly one person. Effective teaching isn’t about making everyone look the same — it’s about helping each student discover how yoga fits their body, not the other way around. Let’s dive into how smart, thoughtful adaptation — rooted in both biomechanics and compassion — transforms the practice for everyone. I. Understanding Individual Body Differences People come to yoga with…

Body Awareness and Alignment in Yoga Teaching

The Art of Saying It So They Actually Feel It If you’ve ever stood in front of a room full of yogis and said something like “engage your core,” only to be met with blank stares or wildly different interpretations (someone holds their breath, another tenses their shoulders, and one person just clenches their jaw), then congratulations — you’re a yoga teacher. Welcome to the high-wire act that is teaching alignment and body awareness: one part science, one part poetry, and one part trying not to scream, “No, not like that!” Because here’s the truth: precise, embodied instruction isn’t just about keeping students from face-planting in bakasana. It’s about helping them access their own felt sense of the pose — safely, effectively, and (if we’re…

Video: Ashtanga Teacher Qualifications ( Uh Oh)

Video: Ashtanga Teacher Qualifications ( Uh Oh)

In this episode, MJH delves into the methods of qualification for an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, contrasting traditional practices with modern approaches. Hall discusses the historical context of authorization by Patabi the current certification processes. He highlights issues with evaluation models, explaining the benefits of a non-linear understanding of system dynamics over linear assessments. Hall shares personal experiences, including conflicts in teaching methods, and emphasizes the importance of ethical frameworks and personal growth for both teachers and students in Ashtanga Yoga.

00:00 Ashtanga Yoga Assessment Paradigms
00:13 Historical vs. Modern Certification Methods
01:15 Challenges in Modern Certification
02:18 Open Systems, Closed Systems, and Narrow Minds
03:11 Personal Teaching Conflicts and Adaptations
04:13 Linear vs. Non-Linear System Dynamics
05:57 Holistic Criteria for Assessing Teachers
06:26 Balancing Physical and Ethical Development
07:16 Questions for Personal Practice and Teaching
08:35 Conclusion: The Importance of Ethical Teaching

Video: The Art of Assisting in Ashtanga Yoga: Beyond Physical Adjustments

Video: The Art of Assisting in Ashtanga Yoga: Beyond Physical Adjustments

The Art of Assisting in Ashtanga Yoga: Beyond Physical Adjustments

In this video, Michael Joel Hall, a seasoned Ashtanga Yoga teacher based in Washington DC, delves into the nuanced art and responsibility of assisting in yoga practice. Hall emphasizes that assisting is not about fixing students but about supporting their personal practice through presence and understanding. Drawing on systems thinking and yoga philosophy, he discusses the significance of verbal, visual, and physical assists, the importance of consent and trauma awareness, and the spiritual dimension of assisting within the framework of the eight limbs of yoga. The key message is to support the students’ exploration and self-organization rather than imposing corrections, advocating for a holistic approach that respects individual needs and fosters mutual growth.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:08 The Art and Responsibility of Assisting
01:04 Purpose of Assisting in Ashtanga Yoga
01:48 Supporting an Intelligent System
03:21 Spiritual Practice of Assisting
05:50 Types of Assists: Verbal, Visual, Physical
08:17 Consent, Touch, and Trauma Awareness
10:27 Feedback Loops in Assisting
12:36 Adaptation and Individualization

Video: Unlock Effortless Administration with CRM Tools!

Video: Unlock Effortless Administration with CRM Tools!

Discover the untapped potential of CRM systems to revolutionize your administrative tasks! 🌟 In this video, we explore how CRM can free up your time, automate routine communications, and enhance your student interactions effortlessly. Imagine automating class reminders, sending weekly schedules, and simplifying payment processes—all at your fingertips. Unleash the power of CRM to streamline operations and manage your business with acute precision. Say goodbye to high costs and harness the advantages of agile, affordable solutions integrated seamlessly with platforms like WordPress. Watch now to achieve ultimate operational efficiency and start focusing on what you love! #CRMtools #AutomationMagic #BusinessEfficiency

Video: Optimize Student Growth with CRM Tools – Here’s How!

Video: Optimize Student Growth with CRM Tools – Here’s How!

Ever wondered how to take your students’ engagement to the next level? Dive into the world of FluentCRM data with Michael Johal as he shares insights on optimizing student growth through strategic use of CRM tools. Learn how to analyze historical data, set SMART goals, and automate check-ins to transform educational experiences. 📈 Understand how CRM tools not only plan for you but also allow you to strategize for success, so you can be dynamic and support each student’s path to success. Elevate your teaching and business with these proven techniques! #StudentSuccess #CRMTools #EducationRevolution