THE MOVEMENT PHILOSOPHY
Balanced, human development requires a proven, principle-based PROCESS that is also… BALANCED and HUMAN.
‘MOVEMENT’ vs. ‘FITNESS’
Movement is a broad and diverse subject that happens to include fitness under its umbrella. Ironically, as my own teacher has so bluntly put it, “fitness people” are the WORST movers around, relative to how much time they invest in their practice (compared to say a gymnast, dancer, or martial artist).
Going back as far as the 1940’s, the fitness approach has been built around the practices adopted from the purely aesthetic approach of bodybuilding. Even in more recent years, the process has gradually been amended to become (slightly) more functional rather than undergoing the paradigm shift necessary to see a bigger picture.
A few clips from Paul's strength, handstands, and mobility practices… and his varying amounts of hair in 2020
So what does a “movement practice” look like?
Well, for starters, it is uniquely moldable to every student’s interests and starting point and isn’t confined to a single discipline or dogma. It is the result of a deeper study of the human body/mind and effective methods of cultivating performance, well-being, and even meaning. Individual pieces are pulled from gymnastics, dance, yoga, martial arts, competitive sports, and yes… fitness.
It is also a far more primal and playful approach, reconnecting us to our instincts that we often lose in childhood. Not only does this lead to a more principle-based, HUMAN practice… I have seen over and over again that people play harder than they work… Leading to better adherence, joy, and deeper, more sustainable transformations.
Each student plays a significant role in choosing the areas of practice they want to focus on and the priority level of each in their overall goals. But do not mistake the variety of options for a lack of depth. Paul does not teach anything that he has not put thousands of hours into practicing, studying, and methodically developing proven, reliable processes for teaching.
Subjects to choose from:
Strength
A gymnastic-based approach to strength training, rooted in a process designed for adults — from basic push-ups and pull-ups all the way to advanced gymnastic rings skills, handstand push-ups, and more.
Meditation & breathwork
This practice will vary depending on where you want it to take you. It can be powerful, invigorating, soothing, psychedelic, penetrating, or any combination of directions that appeal to you.
Mobility
Increasing range of motion throughout the body is only part of the equation. Mobility training develops both flexibility as well as the strength and control to USE your flexibility more dynamically.
Healing of aches, pains, injuries
In addition to general healing, well-being and prevention that is addressed for all students, we can do targeted rehab for any injuries, pains, or other specific restrictions you may have.
Handstands
From getting your freestanding handstand all the way to creating many shapes, sequences, and flows, this is a practice that tends to capture the imagination of those willing to do the work.
Somatic movement
Movement can be a powerful form of therapy on more layers than just the physical. Somatic practice is about releasing storage and tapping into guidance through movement.
