Yoga Alliance CEO Richard Karpel Answers Important Questions on New Concepts and the YogaGlo Patent Controversy
A Message to Registered Yoga Schools
As we prepare to launch a new website and introduce a stronger credentialing system next month, I want to share the reasons behind this change and the challenges we are addressing.
For many years, Yoga Alliance relied on a credentialing system based on the honor code, offering limited oversight of our Registered Yoga Schools.
Why This Change Is Necessary
When I joined the organization 16 months ago, the yoga community was calling for higher standards. You asked us to elevate what it means to be a Registered Yoga School or Registered Yoga Teacher.
Our goal was to improve the system without expanding staff, increasing fees, or becoming a strict governing body. Minor changes were not enough. In the words of R. Buckminster Fuller, we needed more than just “fighting the existing reality.”
What Is Social Credentialing?
That’s why we created a new model called Social Credentialing. It blends traditional credentialing with community-based feedback, similar to trusted review platforms.
Today, people rely on online feedback to make informed choices. In the same spirit, our new system will allow students of teacher-training programs to share their experiences. This benefits the yoga community, the public, and the schools involved.
Embracing Feedback and Transparency
Some may find this shift uncomfortable at first. However, many students already post reviews online, and this trend is growing.
Instead of allowing commercial platforms to define our standards, Yoga Alliance is building a platform governed by the yoga community. Our system uses verified, constructive feedback — not unverified reviews.
This approach supports transparency and personal empowerment over centralized control.
A Community-Driven Oversight Model
Unlike traditional oversight systems, Social Credentialing gives the community the power to uphold shared values. It doesn’t require a large, expensive bureaucracy.
This method also fits the spirit of yoga by spreading decision-making power more evenly.
It’s important to clarify that our standards are not changing. Social Credentialing is the tool we’ll use to assess whether those standards are being met.
Built to Evolve Through Your Feedback
We’re confident that this new model will improve credibility while maintaining the rich diversity of yoga. Although we don’t have every answer now, we are learning from your feedback.
Many improvements have already been made based on your input. That process of listening and adapting will continue.
About the Website Launch
The new website, which supports this credentialing system, is a major upgrade. It will feature improved directory listings that better reflect each school’s character.
Of course, like any large digital project, the site may have some issues at launch. We’ve already identified many additional features to build in the future.
Adapting to the Change
These changes will require effort from both Yoga Alliance staff and members — especially Registered Yoga Schools.
We are committed to guiding you through every step of the transition. Over time, maintaining your registration will become easier and more familiar.
As a result, your registration will carry greater value, attract more students, and build deeper trust. Most importantly, it will help bring the benefits of yoga to more people — a goal we all share.
Sincerely,
Richard Karpel
President and CEO of Yoga Alliance
