The Teacher

Jan Watson

The Teacher: Iyengar Yoga

Hello, I’m Jan Watson

I have practiced and studied yoga over numerous decades and qualified as a Hatha Yoga Teacher in 1991. After travelling overseas I returned to live in Cairns and began teaching in 1992.

I now teach Iyengar Yoga; following a 3 year apprenticeship I gained certification in 1997. Iyengar Yoga teaches the classical yoga poses with a deliberate emphasis on alignment.

I first discovered Iyengar yoga in the 1990’s in Cairns, with Senior Iyengar Yoga teacher Nicky Knoff and Intermediate (JI 3) teacher James Bryan.

The rich diversity of poses still amazes me and I love that there are never 2 classes the same. The concise instructions lead to careful attention to anatomical detail and alignment in each pose. The diversity of poses also means you get to work on all parts of the body as well as the mind.

The sequences change and could simply be for practicing for energy, or being quiet, but also to work on areas of the body that tighten, such as the hips and shoulders. There are therapeutic sequences for injuries and for anxiety and other mental issues.

The ‘hands on’ adjustments are important as you get to feel the correct position and it also stops you working incorrectly.

The instructions for Pranayama is as detailed as those given for the poses. Also, learning to sit quietly to meditation.

Yoga is truly an amazing system.

Yoga has been part of my life and is not about to leave. The system works, it keeps me in equilibrium, even though at times I get overwhelmed; it brings me back to earth and to what is important. It helps me maintain my posture, fitness and flexibility and allows time for me to go inward and just be.

I give thanks for Yoga …

Namaste

A Little about my journey

My yoga teaching started in 1992 and in the Iyengar style in 1997.

I was introduced to yoga back in the 1970’s with Bette Carmen, yoga TV personality, who had a slot on ‘A Touch of Class’, Sydney.

Other yoga teachers helped instil a passion for yoga early on.

Michael Violin, sometimes referred to as ‘The Father of Yoga’ in Australia, who taught me never to underestimate the basic poses; he had us sit in cross legs which I thought at the time was just a tad too easy! However, 10 minutes on, we were still sitting; Michael was talking but I don’t remember much about what – my hips just wanted the pose to finish.

Other influences were with Satyenanda yoga; synonymous with orange robes and ashrams. They taught Yoga Nidra, an effective yet simple meditation lying down and the classical shat karmas, practiced to eliminate impurities and toxins from the gross body. Their instructions are very precise as they make no physical adjustments.

The Turning point in my practice

This happened when I was introduced to Iyengar yoga in Cairns. Between 1994 – 1997 I undertook a 3 year apprenticeship with Nicky Knoff attending classes, going on retreats, attending workshops and intensives, as well as, a lot of private lessons. I qualified as an Introductory Iyengar Yoga Teacher in 1997. I continued to learn under Nicky.

After further studies, in particular with Peter Scott, who I worked closely with for 13 years and trips to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Poona, India, I now hold a Junior Intermediate Level 2 certificate.

Teaching Experience

I run The Yoga Centre on Mulgrave Road, in Cairns for 18 years; holding retreats in Australia, Japan and Bali. Also, offering regular Intensives and Workshops for students and courses for teachers. On moving to Mission Beach, after The Yoga Centre was closed, I taught classes here until the end of 2024. I have now moved back to Cairns.

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My Qualifications

S.A. Institute of Yoga Teachers Association, 1991

This was a comprehensive 12 month correspondence course through Pondicherry, India and worked hand in hand with attending yoga classes under Senior IYTA and Yoga for Health teachers, for its duration.

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BKS Iyengar Yoga Teachers Association, 1997

After a three year apprenticeship under Senior Teacher, Nicky Knoff and Senior Intermediate teacher James Bryan, I was granted an Introductory Teaching certificate in 1997. I have since undertaken further studies with Peter Scott and more recently with Gulnaaz Dashti from Poona. I now hold JI 1 and JI 2 Intermediate certificates.

.BKS Iyengar Yoga Teachers Association in 1997

* As we age our body changes, tasks are not quite so easy, we stiffen up physically; lose some strength. Our mind wanders more, multi – tasking is not a good thing and we worry. Funny that we don’t like change, when in fact that is all there is …

Yoga does help me keep equilibrium, it helps me to adjust to the changes that are happening within me and around me. Remember to Keep your sense of humour and never stop moving. The spiritual aspect will come.

.Thanks to Yoga