Amber Goh

I started my practice and training at the school in July 2011 and left in September 2012. 
My yoga journey never started until I went to the NZ School of Yoga, at which I received guidance from Mike. 


My first encounter with the NZ School of Yoga was through a friend. Her feedback was good, I decided to give it a try. I went to the school without checking the schedule. There was an ongoing class when I arrived. The door was closed. To avoid disturbing the class, I just sat quietly at the bench outside the classroom and waited for the class to finish. Then Mike surprised me. In the middle of his class, he came out of the class to ask me if I needed help. I told him that I would like to sign up for the yoga teacher training course. He politely told me "come for a class tomorrow and we will assess because you need to have a good foundation of yoga practice before we can take you in."


Since then, he trained me hard. I had to let go of all my prior yoga practice, and start from zero again. He taught me all the basics, alignments (he was very strict about it), adjustments, the way to give instructions to students. I still remember he would put a clock right in front of me while I was doing headstand and expected me to stay in it for 15 minutes! 


His patience, calmness and passion in yoga is truly inspiring. His teaching still has a great influence on me until today (8 years already since I finished the course!). Every time I feel defeated in doing certain poses, I would always remind myself of Mike's teaching. I need to embrace every chance to start from zero again, and continue to work hard. He never stopped practicing. He worked hard every day regardless of his knowledge and practice. Whenever I feel good about myself, I tell myself to stay grounded and be humble to embrace greater challenges. 




Mike is a true practitioner of the teachings of Bhakti, Raja, Karma and Jnana yoga. His devotion without any expectations and knowledge in yoga will always be my motivation and many other yogis.