Introduction:

YAGD, is a multi-discipline resource organization for Detroit-area yoga instructors, bringing them together to share their knowledge and expertise.  Formed in 1975, the Association's purpose is to enhance and promote Yoga education in the Detroit metropolitan area.  Its membership has steadily grown, reflecting the increasing acceptance of yoga in the west.

Teachers in the YAGD are committed to improve and raise the standards of instruction through their own development and personal study.  Many have studied with world-renowned teachers, including: Desikachar, BKS Iyengar, Amrit Desai, and others.  Some YAGD members are also affiliated with groups such as the Self-Realization Fellowship, Kripalu Institute, Himalayan Institute, BKS Iyengar Yoga National Association, Phoenix Rising, and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Members of YAGD attend monthly meetings which incorporate programs and seminars on various aspects of yoga and related subjects.  Their content is planned so that members continuously help each other to improve their skills in teaching yoga.  Visiting guest speakers also add to that process.

Programs and services for students of all levels include annual YOGADAY, with more than 25 classes to choose from, taught by YAGD members.  The association also holds a yearly weekend workshop with a nationally known guest teacher.  Past workshops have been led by television teacher Lilias Folan, IYAT founder Larry Payne, Stretch and Relax author Maxine Tobias, Yoga Journal founding editor Judith Lasater, and many others.

Membership:

Membership is open to yoga teachers and teachers-in-training who have met the following requirements: 
1) At least two years of yoga classroom study with a minimum of 30 hours annually.
2) Presently teaching, planning to teach, or have taught yoga in the past.

Benefits To Membership:

Benefits of membership include monthly meetings/programs, mentoring opportunities, teaching opportunities, annual teachers’ retreat, anatomy study group, newsletter, yoga-video library, discounts for workshops, and advertising of your classes on our yoga hot line. 

Benefits To Public:

Benefits to public include annual Yoga Day and workshops with master teachers as well as hotline which provides information on classes taught in various styles for students of all abilities by our members.

Contact Us:

Contact and Membership Information:

YAGD Hotline: (248) 773-7432

General Questions:

Email: June McCarthy at jlmccarthy@comcast.net (please include YAGD in the subject line)