Can I Only Teach One Type of Yoga?
- Mary Ma

- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 11
Yes—you can start by teaching one type of yoga. But you don’t have to stay there. At Brain Cradle, we encourage new teachers to begin with the style they know best—but to remain open to growth, evolution, and continued learning as their journey unfolds.
Whether you’re trained in Yin, Hatha, Vinyasa, or another method, starting with a single focus helps you build confidence and develop your voice. But over time, many teachers find joy—and longevity—in expanding their offerings through additional training and experience.
Start with What You Know
If you’re most comfortable teaching Yin, teach Yin. That’s not just okay—it’s a strength. Leading with your strongest skill set helps you:
Build trust with students
Refine your sequencing and language
Gain clarity around your teaching style
Feel grounded as you step into this new role
There’s no need to rush into mastering every yoga style. Teaching is a practice in itself, and you grow with time.
Growth Comes Through Experience (and Curiosity)
As you gain confidence, you may naturally want to explore other formats—maybe slow flow, restorative, or trauma-informed yoga. Each training you take adds another layer to your practice and expands your capacity to support a wider range of students.
Continuing education can also:
Prevent burnout by keeping things fresh
Support your niche (e.g. pairing Yin with meditation or anatomy)
Help you meet diverse student needs across settings
Keep you inspired and connected to your own practice
Yoga is a lifelong path—and there’s always more to learn.
Blended Teachers Are the Norm
In today’s yoga landscape, most Western teachers are considered blended, meaning they’ve studied with multiple schools or trained in a range of styles over time. This blended approach:
Encourages adaptability
Reflects modern student needs
Creates more inclusive, personalized classes
There’s no single lineage you must follow. Your authenticity comes from how you integrate what you’ve learned—not from checking every box.
Final Thought from Brain Cradle
Start where you are. Teach what you know. And stay curious.
You don’t have to teach everything all at once—but with time and continued training, your offerings will naturally expand. Whether you stick to one style or blend many, your teaching is a living practice—and that’s the beauty of it.



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