Yoga Teachers Talk with Brian Cooper

An In-Depth Conversation with Ashtanga Yoga Expert Brian Cooper

In this episode of Yoga Teachers Talk, host Pip interviews Brian Cooper, co-founder and director of Yoga Alliance Professionals. Brian shares his journey from discovering yoga through a book to becoming a highly respected Ashtanga yoga teacher and author of 'The Art of Adjusting.' He discusses the challenges and rewards of his first 200-hour teacher training, his personal evolution in yoga practice and instruction, and his views on the future of yoga teaching. Topics include the importance of adjusting techniques, maintaining discipline, and the urgent need for professional standards in the yoga community. Brian also highlights his struggles with being an introvert in a public profession and offers advice for new yoga teachers.

 

00:00 Introduction to Brian Cooper

00:46 Personal Journey with Brian

03:21 Brian's Current Endeavors

04:56 Discovering Yoga

06:10 Early Yoga Practice and Injuries

12:54 Transition to Teaching Yoga

21:42 Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga

26:50 Derek's Influence and Sivananda Critique

27:21 Specializing in Adjustments

28:38 Adjusting Techniques and Philosophy

30:24 The Shift from Adjusting to Assisting

35:29 The Importance of Confidence in Adjusting

42:45 Overcoming Teaching Challenges

52:25 Professionalism in Yoga Teaching