My Experiences with Moshe Feldenkrais
In 1982 and 1983, my understanding of body movement changed significantly through a series of encounters with Moshe Feldenkrais. These meetings, which took place in both Atlanta and Tel Aviv, introduced me to a new approach to movement education.
Our initial meeting happened by chance during a mathematics conference in Atlanta. During a rather uninspiring sports judo demonstration, I found myself in conversation with Dr. Feldenkrais. At the time, I didn’t know who he was. This unexpected encounter set me on a journey of exploration.
Dr. Feldenkrais had a distinctive approach to teaching. After observing my reaction to the judo demonstration and commenting on my gait, he sparked my interest in exploring movement beyond the surface level. His insights encouraged me to look deeper into the principles underlying our movements, emphasising the importance of understanding these foundations in relation to ourselves and others.
After accepting Dr. Feldenkrais’ invitation, I travelled to Tel Aviv, Israel, where I stayed with his sister’s family and participated in what he called “real judo” lectures, known as Junomichi. Under Dr. Feldenkrais’ guidance, these sessions introduced me to the principles of natural body movement. Our interactions broadened my perspective on movement, helping me see it not just as a physical act but as something rooted in deeper principles.
The times when Dr. Feldenkrais donned his Judogi and taught me the nuances of “real” judo remain clear in my memory. It was during these sessions that the importance of Hara movement in walking, balance, and overall health was explained to me. Although initially challenging to fully grasp, I eventually came to see its significance in a more holistic approach to movement.
As I continued to explore Dr. Feldenkrais’ teachings, I became more aware of the wide applicability of Hara movement. Dr. Feldenkrais noticed my interest in the foundational principles of body movement, particularly regarding the Hara, and he encouraged me to think about these principles beyond merely memorising movements. He observed that many students and even Feldenkrais Method teachers often focused too much on the physical aspects without fully understanding the underlying principles.
He emphasised the importance of engaging with others and making physical connections to better understand his teachings. Dr. Feldenkrais believed in the power of direct experience and the effects of practising Judo, as envisioned by Dr. Kano. He argued that real understanding comes from embodying the practices and principles of Judo—not sport judo, but the traditional martial art.
In our conversations, Dr. Feldenkrais often discussed the relationship between the mind and the body, sharing stories of how he introduced his students to authentic Judo practice. These experiences were not only physically challenging but also prompted introspection. In one conversation, he challenged me to reflect on my self-perception, acknowledging my self-awareness while also pointing out underlying anger. This marked a turning point, urging me to engage with my self-image on a deeper level.
Looking back, Dr. Feldenkrais’ teachings, rooted in the principles of Judo, have influenced my approach to movement and self-awareness. Through his guidance, I learnt to engage with my body more intentionally, embracing principles that resonated with me and fostering a connection with the artistry of physical movement. These encounters were not just moments in time but a continuing journey towards a deeper understanding of movement and self-awareness.
He also advised me to seek out Igor Correa to continue practising real judo and suggested I distance myself from sport judo. I recall him mentioning, with a chuckle, that by learning Junomichi through practice with Igor Correa—who was his friend and a fellow Judo researcher along with Yves—I would save both time and money. Although it took me 20 years to fully embrace this advice, it marked a shift in my practice and understanding of judo.