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Is movement an integral part of my life? →

Published December 12, 2019  ·  All posts on Dec 12  ·  

It certainly is an integral part of life, in general. But the vast majority of my life does not involve movement. I probably move more than the average American my age. I certainly moved a lot more in my 20s when I had a job that involved doing things. (Make this, move that, go over there, etc.) But today, movement is something that—I don’t quite have to make time for it, but I definitely have to be mindful of it. I generally plan to do something every day. Usually that’s a multi-mile walk, a leisurely bike ride, an hour wrestling with firewood, etc..

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Quadrupedal Movement →

Published May 2, 2019  ·  All posts on May 2  ·  

This entry is part 71 of 72 in the series My Journey

Quadrupedal Movement (QM) is a diverse collection of movements using both hands and feet on the ground to support one’s weight.

QM is almost always done using just the feet, and not the knees, since our knees are not capable of taking prolonged usage or impact. That said, there are some small-size, low-impact, movements using various surfaces of the knees, lower legs, buttocks, and thighs which integrate well with the usual hands-and-feet-only QM.

There are countless variations of QM. Many variations are physically demanding, but many are drastically easier than the more usual bipedal movements: Using a railing with your hands for balance and support as you ascend stairs, using walking sticks and canes, and “scrambling” on hands and feet up steep slopes, are all common variations of QM.

Start here https://gmb.io/locomotion/

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…and then take a look at some advanced options, Two Hours and a Slab of Concrete.

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Meta: I’m retiring this series, “My Journey.” Over the years, my blog has changed a lot. In the beginning I had a lot of more random things here and I used this series as a way to highlight this aspect of my blog writing. Today, the blog itself is basically a record of my journey.

Chris Moran: Movement, permaculture, and pain theory →

Published February 20, 2019  ·  All posts on Feb 20  ·  

Chris Moran: Movement, permaculture, and pain theory

What draws people away from conventional careers and into lives centered on movement, manual labor, and holistic living?

Chris Moran discusses his unique path from personal trainer to farmer, and the relationship between movement and farming. He shares his insights on chronic pain and pain theory, as well as how his training and coaching has become deeply rooted in permaculture. Chris ends by describing his continuing passion for film making and creative projects.

Stay outside. It’s not, go outside, it’s stay outside. Should have never went in, in the first place.

~ Chris Moran (37:40)

The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from urban life and personal training to farming and manual labor. It highlights how engaging with nature and physical tasks provides fulfillment beyond traditional fitness routines. The discussion touches on the serendipitous path that led to farming, the connections made along the way, and how these experiences reshaped views on movement and training.

Key topics include the relationship between manual labor and physical movement, the philosophy of holistic farming practices like permaculture, and how immersive experiences can alter perspectives on wellness and pain. The dialogue also reflects on the challenges of chronic pain, the psychological factors contributing to it, and how shifting to a lifestyle focused on play and practical tasks helped alleviate it. The conversation closes by touching on filmmaking and community building as extensions of this holistic approach.

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Evan Beyer | Games for Teaching Movement →

Published January 30, 2019  ·  All posts on Jan 30

On Castbox.fm — Evan Beyer | Games for Teaching Movement

What methods can be used to foster trust, connection, and personal growth through movement-based games?

Explore how movement-based games can dissolve barriers and build trust.

In movement you have to trust— you have to trust yourself, you have to trust the objects, and to trust the others in your space.

~ Evan Beyer (6:18)

This conversation centers on the idea of using games to teach movement, break down personal barriers, and build trust among participants. The discussion highlights the progression from non-contact games to activities requiring full physical collaboration. These games are designed to ease individuals into deeper connections with others, both emotionally and physically, by fostering comfort and trust in a structured, playful manner.

The dialogue also explores the challenges of creating a universally accessible framework. It emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and adaptability to cater to different individuals’ needs and comfort levels. The overarching goal is to provide tools that help participants feel safe and empowered while interacting within their communities through movement.

Takeaways

Movement-based games — Techniques that ease participants into trusting others through structured play.

Progression framework — A system that gradually increases the complexity and contact level of games.

Emotional and physical trust — The dual focus of teaching individuals to rely on themselves and others.

Adaptability in teaching — The importance of creativity and flexibility in meeting diverse participant needs.

Playful learning — The value of incorporating fun and engagement to facilitate personal growth.

Comfort through gradual exposure — Methods to guide individuals from apprehension to collaboration.

Social connection — How games can help break barriers and build a sense of community.

Resources

Parkour Generations Boston — The coaching organization where Evan teaches movement-based techniques.

Art of Retreat — An annual conference on parkour leadership and education.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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Martin Kallesøe: Coaching, coffee, and Street Movement →

Published December 29, 2018  ·  All posts on Dec 29  ·  

Martin Kallesøe: Coaching, coffee, and Street Movement

What lessons can we learn from integrating Parkour into structured educational settings and promoting personal growth through physical movement?

In this episode of Movers Mindset, Craig talks with Martin Kallesøe of Street Movement. They discuss Martin’s unique introduction to parkour, his thoughts on coaching, and Danish Parkour’s coffee culture. He also touches on his first experiences with the Yamakasi, as well as the history and culture of Street Movement and the International Gathering at Gerlev.

Don’t lose joy. If you lose joy in Parkour, don’t quit. Tone it down, keep doing it, but do something else a lot for a while.

~ Martin Kallesøe (37:10)

The conversation explores the transformative journey of integrating Parkour into both personal practice and educational frameworks. It begins with the guest’s early exposure to Parkour during his university years in Denmark and traces his path to co-founding Street Movement. The discussion includes the philosophical underpinnings of Parkour, emphasizing self-discovery, collaboration, and adaptability. These principles are highlighted as crucial for teaching others while maintaining the joy of practice.

Further topics include the challenges and rewards of incorporating Parkour into academic settings, such as fostering peer learning and designing flexible curricula. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of creating inclusive learning environments, the role of international connections in evolving the discipline, and the need for mindfulness in both teaching and training.

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Sebastien Foucan (Part 3 of 3): Movement journey, path to truth, and coaching styles →

Published October 22, 2018  ·  All posts on Oct 22  ·  

Sebastien Foucan (Part 3 of 3): Movement journey, path to truth, and coaching styles

What are the deeper implications of autonomy, curiosity, and the evolving dynamics of coaching within the context of parkour and personal exploration?

In the final part of our 3-part interview with Sebastien Foucan, Craig and Seb continue to discuss his movement journey. Sebastien brings to light what he sees as his “Path To Truth.” They discuss his relationship with learning, different coaching styles, and wrap up with Sebastien’s three words.

I’m an explorer, nothing stays static. I’m still evolving.

~ Sebastien Foucan (12:30)

Sebastien Foucan reflects on his personal evolution from a disengaged student to a driven explorer, emphasizing the power of curiosity and self-directed learning. He discusses his initial struggle with traditional education and how experiences in nature reawakened his desire to learn. This rekindled curiosity led him to philosophical and scientific explorations, citing inspirations like Richard Feynman and the holistic connections between physical activity and mindfulness.

The conversation also gets into coaching philosophies, contrasting traditional methods with parkour’s unique emphasis on autonomy and individual growth. Sebastien critiques rigid coaching practices and advocates for collaborative, open exchanges of ideas to foster creativity and innovation in teaching. He explores broader themes such as artistic expression, personal resilience, and the importance of cultivating environments that encourage growth and connection.

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Day 60/100 – morning movement →

Published September 30, 2017  ·  All posts on Sep 30  ·  

This entry is part 63 of 104 in the series 100 Days of Training (2017)

Starting Saturday at Battery Park with @andrewsuseno and the Grey Lady in the distance “listen. learn. laugh”

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Paul Graves: Capoeira, conversation in movement, and nature →

Published July 16, 2017  ·  All posts on Jul 16  ·  

Paul Graves: Capoeira, conversation in movement, and nature

What unique perspectives can be gained by exploring the interplay of movement disciplines like Capoeira, Parkour, and natural movement?

Paul brings his extensive experience to bear to provide insight into Capoeira. We go on to talk about how movement itself can be a conversation, before we dig deep into the human need to experience nature as part of our lives, as well as part of our parkour practice.

You see it coming, you get out of the way.

~ Paul Graves (10:04)

The conversation begins by exploring the transformative role of Capoeira in shaping social skills and personal identity. Paul Graves shares his journey through Capoeira, detailing its cultural richness, the dynamics of the roda, and the life-altering impact of movement-based dialogues. He explains how his Capoeira nickname, identity, and eventual departure from the practice marked a profound personal shift.

Transitioning to Parkour, the discussion highlights how Paul’s movement philosophy evolved to embrace play and adaptability. He goes into Parkour’s roots in both urban and natural environments, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature to rediscover primal human movement. Themes of engagement, community, and the psychological impacts of training environments are central to understanding how movement disciplines shape both personal and collective growth.

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Caitlin Pontrella: Movement Creative, play, and community →

Published May 3, 2017  ·  All posts on May 3  ·  

Caitlin Pontrella: Movement Creative, play, and community

What steps can be taken to normalize play and movement for adults in public spaces?

Caitlin Pontrella discusses the Movement Creative, explaining its goals and vision beyond simply teaching parkour. She unpacks her thoughts on the concept of play, how it relates to parkour, and the benefits of both play and risk. Caitlin wraps up by sharing her insights into starting new projects and how to involve your community.

Risk gives you choice, and it gives you opportunity to explore and challenge yourself.

~ Caitlin Pontrella (5:17)

The conversation centers on the concept of normalizing play for adults and making public spaces more engaging. Caitlin Pontrella discusses her work with the Movement Creative, a social enterprise aimed at fostering creativity, movement, and education. Projects like “movement snacks” provide subtle invitations for play in public spaces, aiming to remove the stigma associated with adult play while promoting accessibility and inclusivity. This shift can lead to a cultural transformation, encouraging adults to view movement as a natural, joyful part of life.

Topics also include the importance of risk in play, the concept of Parkour vision, and how it changes perceptions of urban environments. Caitlin emphasizes the value of partnerships and community engagement when implementing ideas to enhance public spaces. She shares examples of playful initiatives, such as “mice on Main,” which successfully create a sense of wonder and interaction within cities. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of play and movement to enrich personal and communal experiences.

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Wire your body for complex movement →

Published April 13, 2017  ·  All posts on Apr 13  ·  ,

If you’re not strong enough or flexible enough to do the things you love, you absolutely need to spend time working on that. But for well-rounded physical performance–not to mention the ability to apply the strength, mobility, and conditioning you’re building–it’s important to work on your motor control and coordination as well.

~ Jarlo from, The Key to Better Performance: Coordination Exercises You Need to Try

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Flexibility/range-of-motion, strength, and coordination are the big three components of healthy movement [in my opinion]. This is a great article about coordination, complex motor skills, and (inadvertently) helps explain a lot of why I love Parkour.

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