Michael Kubitzky
MICHAEL GREW UP in the “burbs” of Canberra. He left home at the age of 16 to join the Army School of Music to become a military musician. He graduated from the school in only half the time. “I soon realised that, although I love music, this was not how I wanted to spend my life, so I left the Army, playing in bands and studio work.”
Michael started his yoga as a yoga monk back in the mid 80s. “When I was 19 I had a bit of an awakening. I suddenly lost interest in a lot of the stuff my friends were into. I became deeply philosophically inquisitive and started to read all sorts of spiritual books from many traditions.” When he finally came across the writings of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada he was satisfied that he’d found his answers.
So whilst his mates were partying and establishing themselves in their careers, Michael spent 16 years as a monk and then priest, cultivating meditation, selfless service, studying the ancient yogic texts, training others, and leading a life of strict daily spiritual discipline.
During that time Michael also developed as a self-taught vegetarian chef. He still has an unstoppable enthusiasm for good food. He has cooked for tens of thousands of people across Australia and spent the equivalent of two years in sacred places throughout India learning spiritual and culinary secrets.
“It may sound a bit dry, but actually I had a lot of amazing and fun adventures as a monk and priest. It wasn’t until after rejoining mainstream society though, that I really started to fully appreciate and recognise what valuable gifts and life – tools I’d gained. People in our greater community really need this.”
It was during 2004 that Michael discovered Hot Power Yoga. “I remember the first time I tried hot power yoga I couldn’t believe how hammered I was, but I was hooked and kind of knew that this was the way I was destined to go!”
“Hot Power Yoga gave me a whole new outlook in life. Unlike a lot of the stuff that I learnt in India, here was something very, very practical that really anyone can tap into and benefit tangibly from, right from the very first session! I love this stuff!”
Michael started teaching in Newcastle back in 2005. He likes to challenge students, but to keep it accessible, light hearted and fun.
“I was a bit of a sports fanatic when I was in my teens. I played for the state hockey and cricket teams, but I was always the kid who could never touch my toes. I remember all too well what it’s like to feel hopelessly stiff and tight. I’ve had to do the hard miles, but if you work your yoga, yoga will work wonders for you.“
Michael holds a Diploma of Satyananda Yoga Teaching and gained his Level 1 with Baron Baptiste. He also guest lectures regularly at Power Living and other Teacher trainings and events throughout Australia.