Alan Goode is a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher based in Canberra, Australia, whose practice and teaching career spans five decades. He began practising yoga in 1975 in Sydney, at a time when formal yoga schools were scarce, and resources were limited. This early environment fostered a deep commitment to personal practice, which has remained central to his approach.
By 1982, Alan commenced teaching, and in 1987, he participated in the first teacher assessments held in Australia, marking a significant step in the formalisation of Iyengar Yoga teaching standards in the country. He established the Newtown Yoga Room in Sydney (1984–1996) and later the Blue Mountains Yoga Studio (1992–2004), both of which contributed to the growth of Iyengar Yoga in New South Wales.
In January 2005, Alan founded Yoga Mandir in Canberra, which evolved into an Iyengar Yoga Institute in 2011 with the blessing of B.K.S. Iyengar. The Institute offers structured programs for students at all levels, including teacher training and professional development. Alan’s teaching encompasses a wide range of students, from beginners to advanced practitioners, and includes remedial classes for those with injuries or medical conditions.
Alan has studied regularly at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India, with the Iyengar family for over 40 years, deepening his understanding of the practice and philosophy of yoga. He holds a Junior Advanced Level 2 teaching certificate, reflecting his extensive experience and dedication to the Iyengar method.
Beyond teaching, Alan contributes significantly to the Iyengar Yoga community through his involvement in teacher assessments and strategic planning activities, both nationally and internationally. He has served as President of Iyengar Yoga Australia and has been a key figure in the development of certification processes.
Alan is also an accomplished writer and researcher, exploring the application of yoga philosophy to daily life. His writings delve into the themes of the Yoga Sutras, aiming to make their teachings accessible and relevant to contemporary practitioners. He has developed an extensive resource library and engages in ongoing research to support teacher development, much of which is available through Yoga Vidya, an online study platform he established.
In 2025, Alan celebrates 50 years of yoga practice and the 20th anniversary of Yoga Mandir, marking a significant milestone in his lifelong dedication to the art and science of yoga.
This conversation with Alan Goode with Janet Nelson was recorded on 1/09/2024 in Canberra following the Yoga and Christianity conference