At the heart of what we do is a simple but powerful goal: helping individuals realise that their interests and passions do not define their identity. Too often, low self-confidence drives us to tie our self-worth to the things we’re good at or the activities we love. The problem with pursuits like mountain biking is that outcomes are unpredictable and often beyond our control. When things don’t go to plan, it can shake how we see ourselves. Our mission is to change that. Yama Folk’s courses are grounded in evidence-based practices and developed in consultation with professional riders, psychologists, and educators.
Unfortunately, too often, young athletes lose the joy and fulfillment they once found in doing what they love. This isn’t just the case for those who struggle, it can be even more common among those experiencing success. We frequently see the pressure to climb the ranks or, for those already at the top, the anxiety of maintaining their position.
Why do athletes fall into this pattern? It’s human nature to be tempted to tie our self-worth to success. However, this is not a sustainable foundation. True strength comes from knowing who we are beyond what we do. When our identity is rooted in something deeper, we gain the resilience to navigate both victories and setbacks with confidence and fulfillment.
When you learn to separate your self-worth from performance, not only do you enjoy your passions more, but ironically, your results often improve, though that’s just a bonus, not the goal.
We strive to build a community that supports and uplifts each other throughout this journey. Peer-reviewed research consistently highlights the profound impact of engaged, supportive communities. Not only on individual well-being but also on the collective strength of the group. While we offer one-on-one coaching, we highly recommend progressing through our course alongside peers and like minded individuals, as the shared experience enhances growth, connection, and lasting change.
This course isn’t about simply making you ‘happier.’ It’s about understanding your mind and body, embracing self-acceptance, and letting go of judgment so you can navigate life with confidence and fulfilment. After all, this life is complex, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to be truly lived. Bikes can play a hugely positive role in it all.
Explore the sections below to learn more about who we are and what we do. If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch!
yama folk pedagogy | our method and practise of teaching
yama folk | what does it mean
// 山 Yama : /Jap - Eng Translation/ Mountain //
// Folk : /fōk/ People in general //
Yama Folk, which quite literally translates to mountain people, represents our two biggest passions: connecting with wild environments and connecting with people. When we share these moments, life feels at its simplest and most true.
The “mountain” in our name speaks not only to the physical mountains we all love, but also serves as a metaphor for life itself. The climb is tough, the weather is unpredictable, and it takes time, but it's always worth it. Reaching the summit is beautiful, but the most meaningful part isn’t standing at the top. It’s the hardest steps you took to get there. Let’s learn to embrace and enjoy those hard steps together.
The second half of our name, Folk, is all about people. We love this word because of the way it speaks to community. It’s within our closest circles that we find the most fulfilment, acceptance, joy and comfort. We aim to foster supportive, healthy and enriching environments that not only enhance performance, but also strengthen each individual’s sense of self.
Being part of a strong and healthy community is something we wish for all of you. We're here to help create at least one, together.
Bachelor of Education & Bachelor of Arts- Media, Culture, & Communications | Macquarie University
I'm passionate about protecting the enjoyment of mountain biking, or whatever passion drives you, so that it remains a source of fulfilment, not frustration or insecurity.
You're probably here because you're interested in improving athletic performance. But I believe it's more important to focus on the individual first. When we do that, performance improvements naturally follow as a by product.
My background is deeply rooted in sport as an athlete, coach, and educator. I hold a Bachelor of Education as well as a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Media, Culture, and Communications.
As a teenager, I participated in several Talented Athlete Programs (TAPs), where I experienced both the best and worst aspects of being an elite youth athlete. I was fortunate that my TAP pathways provided access to mental approach coaching and sports psychology. While these supports benefited me greatly, I also noticed significant shortcomings and flaws in the traditional approach. This realisation became a key motivation for the work we do at Yama Folk. I also quickly recognised that mountain biking and action sports more broadly, lag behind mainstream sports in providing these crucial supports to athletes at all levels.
Studying, training, and working as a school teacher gave me invaluable insight into how students learn, more importantly, what environments and mindsets foster meaningful, lasting, and fulfilling progress. Unfortunately, I also witnessed how many students feel overly stressed and overwhelmed by the systems they’re placed in, whether in school or sport. But it doesn’t have to be that way!
In developing the Yama Folk courses, I've drawn on my own experiences in the sport, formal education, and insights from leading voices in the field—including Dr Billy Garvey, Brené Brown, Lael Stone, Johann Hari, Ben Crowe, Hugh van Cuylenburg, Daniel Ellenberg, and others.
Thomas Goto (Wilson) | Director
Georgia Astle | Yama folk Mentor
Professional athlete, Yama Folk mentor & all round good person
Georgia Astle is, quite simply, an incredible human. A loyal friend, devoted dog lover, and someone who thrives in the great outdoors, she also happens to be one of the world’s top mountain bike athletes. Her resume is stacked, from competing in World Cups to starring in standout video segments, and most recently taking an impressive 2nd place at Red Bull Rampage.
But what truly sets Georgia apart and makes her such an integral part of Yama Folk, goes far beyond her accomplishments on the bike. Her perspective on life is grounded, thoughtful, and expansive.
While mountain biking brings her a lot of joy, she'll be the first to tell you that it's just one piece of who she is. That mindset of balance and sustainability is exactly what we strive to nurture through our work at Yama Folk.
We couldn't imagine a more inspiring role model and mentor to have on board. Georgia guest lectures and offers one-on-one mentoring. Get in touch to learn more.
