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Monica Gauci and Gregor Maëhle are the founders and principal instructors of 8 Limbs. Between them, they offer 50 years of yoga and meditation experience. They teach the early morning intensives, train the teachers at 8 Limbs and continue to research all aspects of yoga.
Gregor has studied History, Philosophy and Comparative Science of Religion. He holds a German health practitioner license which includes anatomy and physiology. Since 1984 he has studied with various masters in India. He practises Ashtanga Yoga since 1990 and in 1997 was authorized by K. Pattabhi Jois to teach. He wrote the comprehensive textbook 'Ashtanga Yoga Practice and Philosophy'.
"Our commitment is to teach Ashtanga Yoga in its original form based on the ancient teachings. We endeavour to pass on the magic of this practice." - Monica & Gregor All other instructors at 8Limbs have completed the three-year-apprenticeship with Monica and Gregor 
Carmela began a daily practice in June 1997. She finds Ashtanga Yoga improves all aspects of well-being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. "The dedication is well worth it. Yoga has become a way of life for me. I am grateful everyday to the Masters of this beautiful art for being able to practise and share this ancient system with others. To see my students flourish and benefit from the practice is a great gift." Carmela completed the 4 year apprenticeship program with 8 Limbs in September 2002.
- Johnny
- Dana
“The sprit of yoga inspires me to practice and to teach. It helps us to connect with what is true, pure and real. The evolution of body and mind through the practice of yoga is unmistakeable. It is a pleasure and a privilege to work with this ancient system.” - Louisa
- Atsuko
- Elly
In Sanskrit, a teacher of Yoga is called a Guru. "Guru" means one who leads from darkness to light. This can only happen after many years of devoted daily practice. A person who takes up teaching without having matured in their own practice will invariably lead students into darkness and therefore becomes "Rugu" - one who leads others from light into darkness. The Rugu will be responsible for the darkness they have created in others' lives. Another meaning for the word Guru is heavy - heavy with knowledge. Like a cloud that is so heavy that it has to rain, the teacher should be so full of knowledge that it pours forth from them. To reach this abundance of knowledge, many years of study is necessary. In India, a period of 10 years was considered to be necessary to teach any of the ancient arts. We believe a minimum of 4 years study and daily practice is required for a junior teacher, who then remains under the guidance of a senior teacher for the remainder of this period. If you do not have that much time, then you need to ask yourself what it is you wish to teach and if your commitment to Yoga is sincere. In any sacred tradition, it is considered essential to ask the teacher for permission and blessings before commencing to teach. We do everything to protect this ancient art from being watered down and corrupted. |
"Since starting a yoga practice 10 years ago, focus, discipline and happiness are now examples of words that I can use to paint a picture of my life. The realisation that happiness is from within, not from the external pleasures that life offers us, has been a great lesson. The changes that yoga makes to the way you live your life and how you view yourself are profound."
"The Yogic journey for me is about rediscovering my eternal Self... Without effort it has filtered into all aspects of my life, not just during the asana practice each day. When I was first introduced to Yoga I was amazed to be shown a path that seemed so familiar. I knew instantly that I wanted to teach, so that I could open the door for others to this exquisite, sacred practice."
Louisa began daily Ashtanga yoga practice at 19. She completed a 3-year Advanced Practitioners training course in Byron Bay with Dena Kingsberg. Louisa has spent a total of 12 months practicing with both K. Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Rangasvwamy in Mysore, India.
“When I'm on my yoga mat, I feel that I begin to surrender to stillness and peace. Asana is not only the strengthening of my physical body but also the training of my mind by focusing it. It challenges me and gives me a sense of satisfactions. Yoga brings joy into my daily life. It is a simple but yet very special feeling.”
“I have been practicing daily since 2002 and love the physical aspect and benefits that yoga provides. Yet, yoga has given me so much more than just physical wellbeing. Yoga taught me to simply be aware of how I was feeling and this awareness was the first step to a greater sense of health and happiness.”