Michael, a Cancer, was born in Cape Town, South Africa. In 1997, toward the end of his high school studies, he discovered Yoga through a book borrowed from the school library. His growing interest in Yoga later led him to the traditional yogic texts such as Hatha Yoga Pradipika, as well as to the writings of Swami Sivananda.

His studies prompted him to travel to Rishikesh, India, in 2001, where he discovered Swami Vivekananda Saraswati. He has since practiced the teachings diligently both at home and in earnest advanced study abroad with Agama.

Michael studied at the University of Cape Town, acquiring a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science, and he continues to work several months each year as a graphic designer in Cape Town. He began teaching at Agama's Thailand center in early 2006.