The Asian Yogasan Sports Federation (AYSF) offers a comprehensive accreditation process to uphold the standards of yoga as a sport and as a traditional Spiritual practice. The accreditation ensures that professionals, yoga schools, yoagasana teams, and institutions involved in yoga sports align with the federation’s standards of excellence. Here is an overview of the accreditation categories provided by the AYSF:

This accreditation is designed for yoga teachers who focus on traditional methods, rooted in ancient practices and philosophies. AYSF ensures that teachers:

Demonstrate a deep understanding of traditional yoga and its lineages.

Meet high standards of teaching methodology and ethics in the yoga philosophy and traditions.

Possess certifications from recognized yoga institutes, lineages and traditions following the traditional requirements.

Adhere to the principles and spiritual elements of yoga while promoting its benefits.

The accreditation process involves submitting all the yoga qualifications, teaching experience, and proof of the authentic tradition of yoga, AYSF will study it and guide you through the accreditation process.

Yoga traditions and lineages encompass a vast array of teachings, practices, and philosophies that have evolved over thousands of years. Below is a list of some of the most recognized traditions and their associated lineages:

Traditional Yoga and referred to as “sports activity or recreational activity or wellness practice for health and wellness in many parts of the world”

Yoga traditions and lineages encompass a vast array of teachings, practices, and philosophies that have evolved over thousands of years. Below is a list of some of the most recognized traditions and their associated lineages:

Origin: Hatha Yoga Pradipika, written by Swami Svatmarama in the 15th century, as well as numerous other yoga texts based on the practices of Hatha Yoga such as Gheranda Samhita (which outlines seven stages of yoga and describes physical practices, including asanas, mudras, bandhas, and cleansing techniques (kriyas). It is considered a detailed and systematic guide to the yogic path.

Description: Physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation, it balances the masculine (Ha) and feminine (Tha) energies and ethical practices required for a Hatha Yoga practitioner.

Approved Traditional Yoga Lineages by AYSF that are connected to Physical and Mental Health:

a. Swami Sivananda Lineage: Includes Swami Vishnudevananda and the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.

b. Krishnamacharya Yoga lineage: Many teachers who are direct disciples of Krishnamacharya ( apart from BKS Iyangar and Pattabhijois) practicing teachings of Krishanmacharya. Such as AG Mohan, BNS Iyanger etc.

c. B.K.S. Iyengar Lineage: Known for Iyengar Yoga, focusing on alignment and precision in asanas.

d. Pattabhi Jois Lineage: Known for Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, emphasizing a set sequence of postures linked by breath.

e. Dhirendra Brahmachari Tradition: Founder of Viswayatan Yogashram of Delhi ( Now knows as Morarji Desai National Institute of yoga) – Focuses on the practices of traditional Hatha Yoga.

f. Praamhansa Madhavadas tradition : Which includes his disciples like Yogi Yogendra ( Founder of oldest Yoga Institute in Bombay in India and Swami Kuwalyananda ( Founder of Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute, Lonawala) – Focuses on traditional practices of Hatha Yoga

Origin: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (circa 400 CE).

Description: Mental discipline, meditation, and ethical living. It is often referred to as the “Royal Path” and encompasses the Eight Limbs of Yoga.

Approved Lineages by AYSF that are connected to Physical and Mental Health :

Swami Vivekananda: Introduced Raja Yoga to the West in the late 19th century.

Sri Aurobindo Lineage: Focuses on integral yoga and self-realization through yoga and meditation.

Maharshi Mahesh Yoga and Deepak Chopra :Focuses on Transcendental Meditation

Tradition of Himalayan Yogis – Swami Rama of the Himalayas and Swami Veda Bharati and number of other yoga masters from the Himalayan Yoga tradition: A meditative tradition focusing on traditional practices of yoga.

Pramhansa Yogananda tradition of Kriya Yoga: Focuses on traditional practices of Hatha Yoga and Meditation

Origin: Developed by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, based on ancient yoga texts such as the Yoga Korunta and Vyasa Bhasya.

Description: Dynamic, flowing sequences of asanas synchronized with breath. Known for its set series of postures and emphasis on physical discipline.

Approved Lineages by AYSF that are connected to Physical and Mental Health:

Pattabhi Jois Lineage: Taught by his students, including Sharath Jois and other prominent Ashtanga practitioners worldwide.

Origin: Developed by B.K.S. Iyengar, rooted in Hatha Yoga.

Description: focuses in the practice of asana with precise alignment in and props especially designed by Iyengar himself, with an emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of yoga. Props are often used to support correct alignment.

Approved Lineages by AYSF that are connected to Physical and Mental Health:

B.K.S. Iyengar Lineage: Continued by his students, including his children Geeta and Prashant Iyengar, and many certified Iyengar teachers worldwide.

Origin: Founded by T.K.V. Desikachar, based on the teachings of his father, Sri Krishnamacharya.

Description: Adaptation of yoga practices to individual needs, emphasizing therapeutic and personalized approaches to yoga.

Approved Lineages by AYSF that are connected to Physical and Mental Health:

T.K.V. Desikachar Lineage: Continued by his students and institutions such as the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram.

Origin: Based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda and spread by his disciple, Swami Vishnudevananda and Swami Satyananda ( also known as Satyanandatradition

Description : A classical approach to Hatha Yoga, focusing on five principles: proper exercise, breathing, relaxation, diet, and meditation.

Approved Lineages by AYSF that are connected to Physical and Mental Health:

Swami Vishnudevananda Lineage: Spread through the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers worldwide.

Swami Satyananda Lineage – Through Swami Satyananda and Swami Nirajan of Bihar School of Yoga – focuses on traditional haha yoga, pranayama and meditation practices

Each tradition and lineage bring its own unique approach to yoga, reflecting the diversity and depth of the practice. These traditions continue to influence modern yoga, helping practitioners navigate their personal spiritual and physical journeys.