Registered Senior Teacher
TEACHER TRAINING After a retreat with Angelika in the Blue Mountains over a weekend, I was drawn to commence the three year apprenticeship at NSY. Whilst sitting at my work desk one day shortly after the retreat, I looked out onto Sydney Harbour and had a feeling deep down in my heart that this was something I had to do. The guidance, dedication, knowledge, support and commitment from Angelika was something never experienced before. She really believed in me and devoted so much time and energy throughout my journey. I have been very fortunate and very blessed to be taken on as a teacher at NSY. I have grown in my practice, as a woman and in my life. Lisa Rippon The NSY teacher training program has enriched my experience of yoga beyond words. The training was challenging, enlightening and informative, as well as providing a unique opportunity to connect in a meaningful way with like-minded individuals on a regular basis. Having completed the training some years ago and now as a busy teacher and owner of my own small studio, it is even more apparent to me how lucky I have been to have had such thorough, skillful and effective training. The NSY program teaches you how to teach as well as encouraging you to develop a well-rounded personal practice. It is wonderful that yoga is experiencing such a revival of interest these days, but it is even more important that the integrity and quality of teaching is elevated in the face of such popularity. I cannot recommend the NSY program highly enough to set you firmly on the path of the lifetime of learning that is necessary to teach effectively. Even if you do not go on to teach, the depth of understanding of yoga you will gain will enhance your life and personal practice. I am eternally grateful to Angelika for her compassion, discipline and wisdom, and consider myself blessed to be her student. Lainie Cook The apprenticeship I undertook with Angelika was one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of my life. Under her careful and caring guidance I have been able to develop physically, mentally and emotionally I never expected to have such a deep respect and dedication to this ancient practice. Angelika has instilled and nurtured my love of yoga, and my life is so much richer and full as a result of the study with her. Angelikas encouragement was such a motivator to keep going when times got tough, and I am grateful for the belief she had in me, both as a student and trainee teacher. I cannot thank Angelika enough for all the love and support she has provided over the years. - Charlotte Cox
STUDENTS: I have tried many forms of yoga and many yoga centres. At North Sydney Yoga I have found the teaching to be personal, thorough and challenging. I always leave my session feeling invigorated and strong, both mentally and physically. North Sydney Yoga is a comfortable environment where one can challenge themselves at their own pace. I highly recommend North Sydney Yoga to anyone seeking a fabulous yoga school. Lynda To Angelika and all the wonderful staff at NSY I have been attending classes and courses at your school since 1998, and my Saturday morning class is often the highlight of my week. The care and calm that I experience from yoga is the perfect way to refresh after a hectic week and start my weekend. I could not function without it! Kristin When I started practicing Ashtanga yoga some 12 years ago, I had been searching for a form of yoga that was both physical and spiritual. Back then, I had no understanding of this wonderful discipline and the positive impact it would have on my life. I also had no idea where to find a great school. I called NSY and was immediately impressed with Angelikas knowledge, integrity and commitment to a high standard of teaching, so I signed up. Once I had completed a few rounds of the beginners and intermediate workshops, Angelika recommended I begin the early morning (Mysore) practice. Initially, I thought I would never make it through the first week and was nearly falling asleep at work at 10.30 in the morning! However, I stuck with it, and after a few months I could not believe the change in how I felt physically, emotionally and mentally. Over the years, being exposed to the physical aspects of yoga has helped me to draw parallels to what happens on the yoga mat to other aspects of my life. Most noticeably, an increased awareness of the importance of patience and compassion, being more accepting of lifes events and outcomes, and embracing change. It has taken a lot of discipline and hard work to get the most out of my practice over these past 12 years, and it has not always been easy. In all this time I have always been able to rely on unconditional support and guidance from Angelika, especially when my husband died suddenly two and a half years ago. I thank her most sincerely for all her hard work, although I thank her most for her friendship. North Sydney Yoga is a very important part of my life and I have made some wonderful friends there. It is not just a school, it is a community, a place where you feel safe, welcomed and has a deep sense of calm. Debbie The teachers and the school are very nurturing. Yoga at North Sydney Yoga is so beneficial for my mind, breathing and physically. I feel so much better with yoga practice and recommend to anyone. You work at your own pace, and you develop in the best way for you. I really love coming. Therese Ive been coming to these classes for more years than I remember. Theyve helped me regain strength after treatment for cancer, have fixed up minor aches, pains, and stiffnesses, and have helped me into the sixth decade of life still reasonably strong, flexible & healthy. And its fun! Many thanks to the wonderful teachers. Jennifer North Sydney Yoga School is my oasis of love, learning and stillness. My body and my mind constantly appreciate the presence of this school in my life. Long may it remain so. With gratitude and appreciation, Phillipa I love my yoga, especially once I have finished a class. My body is flexible, my mind is clear, tranquil & serene, and my spirit feels free. I continue to be surprised by the natural resistance I encounter before committing to a class, but am never let down by the power of yoga. In my life I truly believe its power is well beyond anything I am fully aware of. Lisa I came to Yoga by accident one Saturday, accompanying my sister to a beginners class. Angelika talked about the benefits of Yoga to develop and maintain physical strength and flexibility but I was interested to hear her say it may also develop an inner beauty. (What did she mean?) I was hooked from the moment she said it would not be competitive. All I needed to do was focus on my own breath. (Surely that was easy?) Since then four years have passed, and my week feels incomplete without at least one yoga class. Angelika is a wonderful teacher of the art of Yoga. She encourages in her teachers and students a compassionate awareness of others. It is a welcoming and supportive community. I have met other valued and respected teachers of Yoga through Angelikas workshops. Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga offers a sense of wellbeing and physical health and, a host of physical challenges. However, it is surprising what else comes of it. For me, Yoga with Angelika has introduced a healing philosophy, the possibilities of which may be endless. I came to Yoga by accident one Saturday and I stayed. I truly recommend you come to the North Sydney Yoga school. Susan North Sydney Yoga provides our community with strong spiritual navigation through the turbulence of modern life. Tailored asana practice and a philosophy of love and wisdom offer a practical approach to living well, to all that embrace the school. Led classes, Mysore practice, Pranayama, visiting teachers, retreats and social events create a rich experience of yoga philosophy and practice. The school anchors my life, makes me a better person and supports me to contribute more to the world. I am deeply grateful for the work and the people who make this beautiful place. Liz It took me a year of living around the corner to finally step foot into the studio and reacquaint myself with ashtanga. Why it took me a year, I dont know the beginners courses are a great introduction led by wonderful teachers. Now Im slowly embracing Mysore enjoying my own practice in the safe surrounds of the studio, and attending the general led classes run with patience, individual attention and humour. Skadi