Greenwood Yoga Teachers

MARGARET WILLCOCKS
Principal Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, 

How I got involved in Yoga
I first found my love for Yoga in 1985 after I had been involved in a car accident. Fortunately for me, my GP suggested I try Yoga as a means of healing my mind and body from the injuries, tension, panic attacks and anxiety caused by the accident. This led me to a Yoga class conducted at the Theravada Buddhist Centre in Nollamara and I was delighted to notice, only after a few sessions, that I was experiencing the many beneficial effects of the Yoga postures and breathing techniques. The impact Yoga had on me then was remarkable and also quite noticeable to my family as we noticed my anxiety and panic attacks from the accident deminishing over a short space of time. I am still as passionate and excited about my practice now as I was in those early days 26 years ago and more so for I am able to assist people with their pain and suffering

My love and understanding of Classical Yoga techniques and the philosophy and history associated with them, soon turned into a desire to inspire others to learn about and practice Classical Yoga. With teaching experiences from my previous careers as a teacher of Callisthenics (from my teenage years), a qualified and experienced Aerobics instructor (from my early 30's) and a qualified and experienced Tai-Chi instructor (since my early 30's) it felt like a natural progression from practicing and enjoying Classical Yoga to teaching Classical Yoga.

My Training and experiences in Yoga
After being the resident Yoga teacher at Theravada Buddhist Centre in Nollamara for 5 years, I decided it time to search for a Yoga Teacher Training course where I could study to gain a 'qualification' as a  Yoga teacher as I was yearning for more formal training for this ancient science and art. After looking into the very few choices for Yoga Teacher Training in WA in the 1980's, I decided upon the respected International Yoga Teachers' Association (IYTA) correspondence course because its standing within the Yoga community was impeccable. IYTA's eclectic approach to yoga taught the benefits of incorporating a variety of different styles which enabling creativity and understanding to teach a variety of different types of yoga to suit the individual and this really appealed to me. 

Throughout my training with IYTA and since that time, I have continued to practice with and learn from many wonderful yoga teachers:

• Anne Horsley (from Applecross) and Norma Hay (from Shenton Park) were very influential and inspirational as I was studying and practicing to become qualified with IYTA and I sincerely thank them both for my training and their patience and understanding.
• Ann Dragon at the North Perth Yoga Room is another wonderful and inspiring yoga teacher who has an excellent manner in sharing her wealth of knowledge of anatomy and physiology in the yoga class. Sincere thanks to Ann for her disciplined and yet very caring approach.
• Mark Potter at 8 Limbs Ashtanga Yoga taught me the sequences with great humour and a passion for the history of the asanas. This is where I first learnt about the mythology/history of the asanas and it was pure joy to be in Mark's course. Thanks to Mark and all at 8 Limbs for their generous teachings.
• Rodney Yee, Geeta Iyengar, Mark Whitwell and Lilias Folan are memorable international teachers of great standing whom I have had the pleasure to also learn from in person. I thoroughly enjoyed their teachings and it was a great joy meeting these excellent teachers after reading and hearing about them for so long.
• Grant Woolven from Queensland - an incredible insightful Yoga Teacher and Aurvedic practitioner from whom I learnt so much by attending his regular workshops at the Ashram
• Teachers in training with IYTA's correspondence course whom I have had the pleasure to assist in their training - Sandy Walker, Ethel Drummond, Carol Dawson, Jo Hoskins and Andrea Freeman to name but a few. I sincerely thank these dedicated and inspiring women for allowing me to help them learn and practice as I believe that a teacher needs students to learn from to become an even greater teacher.
• All the presenters and participants at workshops, conventions and seminars that I have attended over the years - a huge thank you to all of you for sharing so much (too numerous to mention).

My professional qualifications
I am formally recognised by the Training Accreditation Council under section 27 of the Vocational Education & Training Act 1996 as a Registered Training Organisation. This means that I am qualified and also experienced in training and assessing people on a national level.

• Owner of the Greenwood Yoga Academy and the Principal Yoga Teacher for the general classes
• Principal Trainer and Assessor for the Advanced Diploma of Holistic Classical Yoga Practices.
• Diploma of Yoga teaching from IYTA,
• Level 3 membership of the Yoga Teacher’s Association of Australia,
• Practicing member of Australian Association of Yoga Therapist Inc.,
• Professional and practicing member of International Yoga Therapists’ Association,
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessing
• Current certificate for Senior First Aid 
• Certificate in Mental Health First Aid 

My Yoga Interests
My love for the sequences of Surya Namaskar and Chandra Namaskar is still strong but I am now days also enjoying more of the restorative and meditative practices. Through developing the Advanced Diploma I have also developed a great passion for reading and understanding more about the history & philosophy of yoga. With regards to teaching Classical Yoga I have a special interest in teaching beginners; over 55’s; restorative; and pregnancy classes as it gives me great satisfaction to witness the changes in people through practicing Classical Yoga after only a very short amount of time. I feel very proud to be able to share my interests and understanding of Classical Yoga with people from all ages and abilities.

My other Interests
Outside of Yoga (practice for Yoga is with me at all times), my main focus and sense of joy are my family - my husband Keith who is my 'rock' of support and partner of more than 40 years. Our three beautiful adult children who are all married to wonderful people and our 5 adorable grandchildren all give Keith and me great moments of joy and unconditional love. I am an active member in the community and I enjoy travel, the beach and being with family and friends.