So Many Yoga Teachers. But Which One Feels Right?
Have you been practicing yoga for a while? Many like you have been practicing yoga on YouTube, in nearby yoga studios, and parks. Some have even gone beyond and considered joining a yoga teacher training class abroad. Cities like India, Indonesia, and Thailand are very popular among people interested in learning yoga. But, one question that must have crossed the minds of many people is “Who’s really qualified to teach me?”
Well, this question is genuine because not all yoga teachers are created equal. Some know how to hold space, guide you safely, and connect deeper with students. Others… Well, they just read out a script, show a few poses, and call it a day.
If you’re serious about learning yoga or teaching it one day, then it’s worth understanding what makes someone a real teacher, not just someone with a certificate on the wall.
What “Traditional” Really Means
In the West, the word “traditional” gets thrown around a lot. But in places like India or Bali, learning yoga the traditional way means more than just memorizing poses or finishing a 200-hour course.
It usually involves years of practice, not just on the mat, but off it too. A traditional teacher doesn’t just teach asana. They teach discipline, breathing, philosophy, and lifestyle. In many ways, they live yoga. Their life is practice.
In Bali, for example, many respected teachers still follow those roots, i.e., waking up before sunrise, meditating, chanting, studying texts, and guiding students with care. When you train under someone like that, it’s not just physical. It’s a full-body, mind, and soul journey.
Credentials Are Great, But They’re Not Everything
Yes, certificates matter. Especially if you’re planning to teach or enroll in a structured training program. But don’t get too caught up in paper.
A teacher who got certified last month through an online course may not have the same depth as someone who’s spent years studying with a master’s. That doesn’t mean they’re bad — just that their experience might still be growing.
Here’s what to check instead:
- Who did they learn from? Look into their teachers and mentors.
- How long have they been practicing? Not just teaching, but practicing daily.
- Do they walk the talk? A real teacher embodies yoga in how they live, not just how they teach.
- How do you feel in their class? This one’s personal. A good teacher makes you feel seen, safe, and supported.
Watch Out for the Red Flags
Let’s be honest, the yoga world has its fair share of “instant teachers.” Just like fake diplomas or sketchy online jobs, there are training programs that give you a certificate in two weeks and send you off to teach.
Be careful. Ask questions before signing up:
- Do they offer in-depth practice or just surface-level content?
- Is there any ongoing support after the course ends?
- Do their students have positive, real experiences? Or just Instagram photos?
In places like Bali, where yoga tourism is booming, it’s even more important to check reviews, talk to past students, and visit the place in person if you can.
The Local Connection: Why It Still Matters
Some of the best yoga teachers in Bali come from small, community-run schools. These places may not have the fanciest websites or the most followers, but their focus is on real practice.
They’re usually more rooted in local traditions. Many work with Balinese healers or bring in cultural rituals that go beyond yoga postures. These teachers care more about your journey than your form. And they’ll often welcome you like family.
If you ever find yourself practicing in a shala surrounded by rice fields or coconut trees, with roosters crowing in the background, that’s when you’ll feel it. The difference. The sincerity. The depth.
Let’s Wrap It Up
So, what makes a real yoga teacher?
It’s not just the certificate. It’s their presence. Their dedication. Their ability to connect with you as a student, not just a body in a class.
If you’re planning to deepen your practice or even take up yoga teacher training somewhere like Bali, choose someone who aligns with your values. Ask around. Sit in a class. Talk to the teacher after. Feel the energy.
Because in the end, yoga is not about the perfect pose. It’s about who you’re learning from and who you’re becoming in the process.
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