Ashtanga: Healthy Ambition for Collaboration Instead of Competition

Becoming a teacher isn’t just about mastering postures—it’s about something harder to measure.

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.

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Read the full article: https://theyoga.club/who-gets-to-say-youre-ready/
Original source: https://michaeljoelhall.com/video-ashtanga-teacher-qualifications-uh-oh/
All content: https://mjh.yoga

Concepts: Svadhyaya · Dharma · Tapas · Ethics

#ashtanga #yoga #ashtangayoga #yogapractice #theyogaclub

This is a video about Ashtanga Student-Teacher Dynamics in 2025

00:00 Introduction: The Evolving Teacher-Student Relationship in Ashtanga Yoga
00:10 Balancing Tradition and Modernity in Teaching Methods
00:35 The Role of the Teacher: From Gatekeeper to Guide
01:01 Modern Approaches: Inclusivity and Adaptability
01:40 Finding the Middle Way: Sustainable Teacher-Student Relationships
02:20 Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity in Ashtanga Yoga

This is just a little bit about me, Michael Joel Hall. I posted this as part of my welcome letter at DC Ashtanga. Join the community at DCashtanga.com to take free courses on Decentralizing Ashtanga, built proudly in Washington, DC.

This is a video about Body Diversity in Ashtanga. Visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session if you’d like to chat about your practice.

00:00 Body Diversity in Ashtanga
00:23 The Functional System of Ashtanga Yoga
00:42 The Myth of the Yoga Body
00:54 Promoting Inclusivity in Yoga
01:09 Embracing an Embodied Practice

visit michaeljoelhall.com/coaching to book a session.

This episode is on the topic of subjectivity in Ashtanga Yoga. This video emphasizes the importance of internal experiences over external instructions, highlighting how true understanding comes from doing rather than merely discussing. Learn about the role of breath (pranayama), the significance of bandhas, and how individual taste and preference can shape your practice. Michael also touches on the balance between subjective experience and objective assessment, providing insights into refining your yoga journey for both nourishment and growth.

00:00 Introduction and Greeting
00:03 Understanding Subjectivity in Ashtanga Yoga
00:33 The Importance of Internal Experience
01:08 The Role of Bandhas and Breath
02:12 Developing Personal Practice
03:36 Balancing Subjectivity and Objectivity
04:03 Challenges in Self-Assessment
05:08 Community Influence and Objectivity
05:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This is a video about Power Dynamics in Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga. Reach out if you want some coaching for you practice. https://michaeljoelhall.com/coaching

00:00 Introduction to Shifting Power Dynamics in Ashtanga Yoga
00:06 The Guru-Disciple Model of the Past
00:23 The Rise of Critical Engagement
00:40 The Need for Autonomy and Self-Organization
00:57 Reckoning with Past and Present Abuses
01:07 Empowering Students in Modern Practice
01:20 Evolving Authority into Responsibility
01:30 Building a Partnership in Teacher-Student Relationships
01:39 Moving Forward: Mutual Respect and Earned Trust