In 1982 and 1983, my understanding of body movement underwent a significant transformation through a series of enlightening encounters with Moshe Feldenkrais.
These meetings, which took place in both Atlanta and Tel Aviv, opened my eyes to a whole new dimension of movement education.

Our initial meeting happened quite by chance during a mathematics conference in Atlanta. Amid a rather uninspiring Sports Judo demonstration, I found myself in conversation with Dr. Feldenkrais. I didn’t know who he was.
Little did I know, this chance encounter would embark me on an extraordinary journey of discovery.

Dr. Feldenkrais had a unique approach to teaching. After observing my reaction to the judo demonstration and commenting on my gait, he piqued my interest in exploring movement beyond the superficial level.
His insights encouraged me to delve 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  “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, extending my understanding beyond mere physicality to a more profound grasp of its underlying principles.

The times when Dr Feldenkrais donned his Judogi and taught me the nuances of “real” judo are vivid in my memory.

It was during these sessions that the importance of Hara movement in walking, balance, and overall health was revealed to me.

Although initially challenging to fully grasp, I eventually came to recognise its significance in a holistic approach to movement.

Over time, my exploration of Dr Feldenkrais’ teachings deepened, revealing the wide applicability of Hara movement.

Dr Feldenkrais noticed my interest in the foundational principles of body movement, especially regarding the Hara. He encouraged me to contemplate these principles beyond merely memorising movements.

He observed that many students and Feldenkrais method teachers  overly focus on physical movements without grasping the foundational principles.

He emphasised the importance of understanding the principles underlying our movements and how they relate to our interactions with ourselves and others.

Dr Feldenkrais underscored the significance of engaging with others and connecting physically to truly comprehend his teachings. He believed in the transformative power of direct experience and the profound effects of practising Judo, as envisioned by Dr Kano. He argued that genuine understanding emerges from embodying the practices and principles of Judo (but not sport judo, the real martial judo).

Dr Feldenkrais frequently discussed the interplay between the mind and the body, sharing anecdotes of introducing his students to authentic Judo practice. These experiences were not just physically demanding but also provoked introspection.

In a revealing conversation, he challenged me to reflect on my self-perception, acknowledging my self-awareness while also pointing out underlying anger. This conversation marked a turning point, urging me to confront and engage with my self-image in a deeper manner.

Reflecting on these years, Dr Feldenkrais’ teachings, deeply rooted in the principles of Judo, have profoundly influenced my approach to movement and self-discovery. Through his guidance, I learnt to engage with my body more intentionally, embracing principles that resonate deeply and fostering a connection with the artistry of physical movement. These encounters were not mere moments but a transformative journey towards embodiment and self-awareness.

He also advised me to meet Igor Correa to continue practicing real judo and suggested I move away from sport judo.

I recall him mentioning, with a chuckle, that by learning his creation of Junomichi through practising with Igor Correa (they were friends and Judo researchers together along with Yves), I would save both time and money.

It took me 20 years to fully take this advice, but it was a significant shift in my practice and understanding of judo.