What does it take to transform personal struggles and passions into a thriving community that fosters movement, connection, and belonging?
Andrew Foster shares his fascinating journey from his home-schooled beginnings in Ohio, Arabic studies, and living in Jordan, (including meeting and training with Danny Ilabaca in Cairo) to facing the dark challenge of losing everything- including his purpose in life. Starting renewed from his lowest point, on a mountaintop in Colorado, he describes finding new purpose and direction, bringing him full circle to his home town in Ohio.
We come from dust, and we return to dust. We don’t have anything except what we’re given.
~ Andrew Foster (16:09)
Andrew Foster recounts his life journey, beginning with a childhood filled with classical music, philosophy, and a homeschooling environment that prioritized learning over grades. He describes his forays into sports like swimming and soccer, where he embraced the challenges of being an underdog. His passion for movement led him to Parkour, despite initial parental opposition, and to formative experiences abroad in the Middle East, where he studied Arabic and connected with Parkour communities.
A pivotal moment came when Andrew faced personal and professional loss, culminating in a cathartic experience atop a Colorado mountain. This epiphany shifted his perspective on life, motivating him to embrace gratitude, faith, and a commitment to community. Returning to Ohio, he founded Akron Movement Family, a Parkour gym centered on movement, love, and family, with the goal of creating a supportive, inclusive space for individuals to thrive physically and emotionally.
Takeaways
Movement as a central theme — Andrew explores how movement connects deeply to life and human experience.
Overcoming adversity — Reflecting on his struggles, Andrew highlights how challenges shaped his resilience and vision.
Building community — He emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel valued and supported.
Cultural exchange and growth — His experiences in the Middle East broadened his perspective and reinforced the universal language of movement.
Transformational moments — A profound experience in the Rockies symbolized renewal and the start of a new purpose-driven journey.
Founding Akron Movement Family — The gym represents a culmination of his values, aiming to inspire and support a diverse community.
Resources
Akron Movement Family — Andrew’s Parkour gym focused on community, movement, and love.
Daniel Ilabaca — An influential Parkour figure and inspiration in Andrew’s journey, mentioned for his teachings and philosophies.
University of Jordan — The institution where Andrew studied Arabic during a transformative period of his life.
Bruce Lee’s “Flow like water” philosophy — Referenced in the conversation to illustrate movement’s deeper significance.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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