You need the knowledge before you can begin the journey.
I think it totally depends on what knowledge, or how much knowledge. The knowledge that it's incredibly important to control the mind by controlling the breath is reasonably simple, and will take the seeker a very long ways. But scholarly knowledge with statements like, "You have to know this much scripture, or you'll get nowhere." is a bit radical. The basics, yes ... yamas, niyamas, something about the nature of God, that reincarnation and karma are realities ... that sort of stuff you should know.