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Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar (1918-2014) was known as Guruji by his devoted students and was a master teacher of yoga respected worldwide. Born in a small village in India, he spent his lifetime developing a method of yoga practice and teaching which approaches the subject of yoga not only as a physical discipline, but also as an art, a science, and a philosophy. 

The method helps students cultivate awareness in their own bodies with the use of props, and a focus on precision, alignment, and sequencing so that yoga can be practiced by anyone with any body type and at all stages of life. With regular practice, Iyengar Yoga can increase mobility and stability as well as relaxation and relief from stress.

Mr. Iyengar has written numerous books, including Light on Yoga, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Light on Pranayama, and Light on Life.

Guruji’s daughter Geeta was a brilliant teacher as well, paving the way especially for women practicing yoga. Geeta passed away in 2016. His son Prashant is a scholar and teacher of yoga philosophy and currently the director of the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India. Guruji's granddaughter Abhijata carries on his teachings at the Institute and internationally. 

Iyengar Yoga has a standardized instruction system for teachers and values the mentor-mentee relationship. This is part of what differentiates Iyengar Yoga from other methods. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers (CIYTs) undergo rigorous training and assessment to earn their certifications. Teachers maintain a commitment to practice daily and study regularly with senior teachers.

There are Iyengar students, teachers, and studios all over the world, and frequent opportunities to come together for classes, workshops, training, and national conventions.