How is YogaNikam different from other yoga schools?
YogaNikam distinguishes itself by focusing on traditional Hathayoga, not limited to postures alone. We teach breathing, meditation, relaxation, and internal-cleansing techniques along with asanas or postures. We also offer specialized techniques to support individuals with spinal or cardiovascular ailments. Lastly, with the exception of a one-time nominal registration fee at a few centres, our classes are offered completely free of charge, to ensure that yoga is accessible to everyone.
What is the duration of a Basic Course/Batch?
Every course or batch consists of 12 classes (2 hours each) held once a week. Typically, at a given centre, we conduct three batches a year which coincide with the first three quarters of the year.
How are the Basic Course classes structured?
Every class in a batch runs for two hours. The first 30 minutes are devoted to a mass practice session reviewing techniques taught in previous classes. The next 45 minutes focus on introducing new techniques, while the final 45 minutes involve small-group sessions where a designated instructor will provide personalized guidance and corrections.
How are new lessons taught in the Basic Course classes?
Our teaching style uses a three-pronged approach. A lead intructor will explain the new yoga techniques for you to listen and learn. A demonstrator will simultaneously demonstrate the technique in steps for you to see and learn. Lastly, class Notes are available for you to read and learn at your leisure.
When is the next Basic Course starting?
The next batch’s start date is usually announced on the Basic Course page about one month before the current batch concludes. If your preferred centre hasn’t published a start date yet, please check back in a few weeks. As a thumb rule, the first batch of a year starts on the first two weeks of January. The second batch in April, and the third in August.
Registration & Fees
How much does the Basic Course cost?
Our courses are entirely free of cost as our instructors volunteer their time in the spirit of community service. In some centres, a nominal one-time registration fee may be required by the host organization for maintainance and upkeep.
How do I register for the Basic Course?
Registration is typically on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the first class. Please arrive at your centre at least 45 minutes before the class begins; you will receive a QR code to complete an online registration form before the session starts. In some centres, registration may be available online (see the Registration column in the Basic Course Centres table).
What if I miss the first class of a Basic Course? How can I register?
While seats are limited, if some seats remain unfilled on the first class, registrations may still be accepted on the second class; however, no registrations will be permitted from the third class onward. Also, you have to register yourself in person and no one may register on your behalf. No one shall be allowed to attend the classes at any point without succesful registration.
Eligibility & Other Considerations
Who is eligible to join the Basic Course?
Everyone is eligible to join our courses irrespective of age, gender, etc. However, we do not allow children below age 12 to join the Basic Course. You are advised not to join if you are pregnant and also to discontinue the course if you become pregnant.
Can I join the Basic Course if I am suffering from slip-disc, high blood pressure, heart problems, or other ailments?
Yes, you may join unless you have had recent operations or surgeries, or suffer from very serious ailments, etc. You must also consult your physician on whether it is advisable for you to practise yoga postures. That said, our course focuses on teaching special techniques for those with spine, high blood pressure, and heart-related ailments as long as they are not too severe, requiring constant medical care. If you have a specific concern or question, you may write to us to check if it is advisable for you to join the Basic Course (see Contact Us).
Do I need to be flexible in body to join the Basic Course?
No, flexibility in body is not a pre-requisite to join yoga classes. But do not be discouraged if you are unable to perform the postures taught in the classes initially. The important thing is that you practise the postures to the extent that you can regularly and one day, you will naturally attain the needed flexibility to perform the postures perfectly. And if you practise all the other techniques (cleansing, breathing, meditation, etc.) taught in the Basic Course regularly, you will become very flexible not just in the body but in the mind too.
Which is better - In-person Basic Course or Online Basic Course?
We highly recommend that you attend the in-person Basic Course first. You will benefit from face-to-face interactions with our instructors who can more easily correct and fine tune your practise in-person. An aspect of Yoga that in-person classes enable is Satsang - the coming together of likeminded individuals. The Online Basic Course is made available for those who simply cannot attend in-person for various reasons. Also note that we do not issue a course completion certificate for the Online Basic Course.
What do I bring for the class?
Bring your phone to scan the QR code and fill out the registration form. Also, please bring your own yoga mat.
What should I wear to the class?
Participants are requested to adhere to our dress code—wearing a T-shirt with sleeves and long pants—to ensure optimal comfort during practice.
How do I check if a class is cancelled due to a public holiday or for other reasons?
Normally, we will announce in the class when a week will be skipped in view of public holidays or other reasons. However, if you still need confirmation or clarification, email your centre as early as possible. For a list of centre emails, go to Contact Us.
Certificates & Progression
Will I get a certificate if I finish the Basic Course?
Yes, provided you meet the attendance criteria, you will receive a Basic Course Participation Certificate bearing your name. So, please ensure you enter your full name correctly on the registration form. Note that we do not issue a certificate for the Online Basic Course, the Refresher Classes, or the Intermediate Course.
What is the purpose of the Basic Course Certificate?
Yes, you may rejoin the Basic Course at your preferred centre any number of times but each time, you will have to register again on the first day. If you have already completed the basic course multiple times, consider moving on to the Refresher Classes or even the Intermediate Course. This will ensure there are seats available at your centre for complete beginners.
When can I join the Refresher Classes?
You may join the Refresher Classes after successfully completing the Basic Course and obtaining the Basic Course Certificate. The Refresher Classes are intended to improve your practise and will not involve learning new techniques.
When can I join the Intermediate Course?
If you have been practising Yoga regularly, especially the internal-cleansing techniques, you are ready for the Intermediate Course. You may join the Intermediate Course after successfully completing the Basic Course, obtaining the Basic Course Certificate, and passing the Intermediate Qualifying Test.
What comes after the Intermediate Course?
After the intermediate course, we offer the Advanced Course, which also doubles as a Teacher-Training course, designed for only those who are interested in becoming a volunteer-instructor in our organization.
Instructors & Training
Are your instructors certified?
Absolutely! Our instructors began with the Basic Course — often attending it multiple times — before progressing to the intermediate course. After this, in the spirit of giving back what they received, they took up the Advanced Course which is also our teacher training course. All our instructors are rigorously trained and certified by the Kutir. Nikam Guruji Yoga Kutir is a society registered in 2008 in the Registry Of Societies, Singapore.
Social Media & Outreach
Are you on social media?
You can follow us on Facebook where we post updates on start dates of upcoming batches and about opening of new centres.
How do you operate your centres if you teach free of charge?
Our centres operate through the generous support of our host organizations, who provide us with space for two hours a week along with audio systems, lighting, and a clean, sheltered environment. We continually seek new partners to help establish additional centres. If you represent an organization interested in hosting a centre, please Contact Us. Our outreach initiatives are driven by our commitment to making yoga accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.
Do you conduct one-time introductory yoga sessions?
We have conducted many introductory sessions, especially as a part of IDY (International Day of Yoga) celebrations, by partnering with Community Centres, ActiveSg, Corporate organizations, and the High Commission of India in Singapore. These sessions offer a condensed version of our syllabus, featuring simple and accessible yoga techniques that can be learned quickly. Our goal is to inspire the participants at these sessions to explore the full course and experience the deeper benefits of yoga for their well-being. If your organization is interested in hosting an introductory session, we would be happy to collaborate. Please Contact Us to discuss further.
