Michael’s yoga journey’s been an unusual one. It began at the age of 20 when he left his profession as a studio musician (Bass Player, just in case you’re wondering!) and joined a Bhakti Yoga Monetary. For the next 10 years he travelled Australia, New Zealand and India as a brahmachari monk, daily studying the traditional yogic canons, rising early every morning and engaging in strict daily yogic sadhanas of mediation, kirtana and seva (spiritual service to the broader community). Then after another 6 years as a traditional Vedic (Hindu) priest, he took an interest in the more physical aspects of yoga.
He then successfully completed a 3-year diploma course with Satyananda Yoga before finally finding his passion with Power Viniyasa.
“Practicing strong asana (yoga poses) and also pranyama (yogic breathing techniques) took my regular daily meditation practices to a whole new depth and level”
Since then he’s been certified by Baron Baptiste, founded one of Australia’s most successful regional yoga studios, and has helped pioneer, develop and facilitate many teacher training programs in Australia, including Power Living, Satyananda Yoga Academy, Hot Power Yoga (Now Yoga Body Works), Power Yoga Canberra, as well as Flex Hot Yoga Teacher training.
Michael really is a teacher of teachers. He brings with him great integrity and depth, forged by more than 30 years of strict, yet joyful daily practice. His teaching is full of compassion, humor and authenticity, with a deep respect for tradition, yet devoid of fanaticism.
“Just because something’s taken very seriously doesn’t mean that it can’t be great fun! In yoga we learn to take our practices seriously, but take ourselves lightly. That’s enlightenment!!”
Michael currently lives in Murwillumbah, NSW with the loves of his life, Tulasi, his partner of more than 20 years, and his gorgeous sons, Abhi and Vallabha (aka Max & Freddie). Despite the calls of the world, Michael still gets up early every day to maintain his dedicated 2 hour meditation practice, plus jumping around on his yoga-mat as a bonus.
Michael now teaches as a senior Teacher Trainer at Krishna Village, and Byron Yoga, as well as a freelance at teacher training's and yoga Studios around Northern NSW and SE Queensland.