INTERNATIONAL YOGA COUNCIL (IYC)
The International Yoga Council (IYC) is a United States-registered international yoga organization.
IYC serves as an international platform dedicated to the recognition of yoga practitioners, instructors, yoga schools and educational institutions while promoting collaboration, professional development, lifelong learning and ethical standards across the global yoga community.
Through its recognition framework, international directory, digital verification system and collaborative initiatives, IYC aims to connect yoga communities worldwide and encourage excellence in yoga education, practice and service.
Guided by the belief that "Yoga Belongs to Humanity," IYC seeks to create an inclusive international community where individuals and organizations can learn, contribute and grow together.
VISION
To create a unified global registry that recognizes and connects the worldwide yoga ecosystem through identity, transparency, and structured inclusion.
MISSION
To register, verify, and maintain a global database of yoga practitioners, instructors, and schools through a structured and transparent registry system.
IYC'S PRINCIPLES
The IYC Pledge reflects a commitment to uphold the principles of yoga with integrity, respect and responsibility. It encourages members to practise and teach ethically, pursue continuous learning, promote health and well-being, respect the diversity of yoga traditions, and contribute positively towards harmony, compassion and peace within communities worldwide.
Neutrality
IYC does not promote or rank any yoga tradition or methodology.
Inclusivity
All legitimate yoga systems are eligible for registration.
Transparency
The global registry is open, searchable, and verifiable.
Accessibility
Entry into the system is designed to be globally accessible.
Delineation
Registration, verification, and training remain distinct functions.
THE GLOBAL YOGA ECOSYSTEM
IYC recognizes three foundational roles:
Practitioners (YP)
Yoga Practitioners (YP)
Individuals who practice yoga as part of personal discipline, wellness, or development.
Practitioners (YP)
Yoga Instructors (YI)
Certified teachers who guide yoga practice across different methodologies and traditions.
Practitioners (YP)
Yoga Schools (YS)
Institutions that preserve, teach, and transmit structured yoga education.
WHY THIS SYSTEM MATTERS
The global yoga community is vast and diverse, yet lacks a unified structure for identity recognition.
IYC provides:
- Clarity of identity
- Global verification
- Transparent institutional listing
- Structured access to the global yoga ecosystem
This creates a neutral infrastructure where yoga can be recognized without being standardized.