Kathy James draws upon diverse disciplines, including the Feldenkrais Method, Biology, Ontology of Language, Aikido and various other movement arts, offering a unique perspective about how to bring about meaningful change.
Training as a professional dancer in the 70’s and 80’s after graduating with a BS in Zoology she stumbled upon the work of Dr Moshe Feldenkrais. She trained with Dr. Feldenkrais from 1980 – 1982 and graduated in 1983 as certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and is currently an Assistant Trainer. She teaches in several accredited Professional Feldenkrais Training Programs and leads workshops throughout the US and has a private practice in Petaluma, CA. She continues to study and practice aikido and is a fourth-degree black belt in Aikido.
Power and Grace: Living from Your Center
Integrating the Feldenkrais Method® and Aikido
What is the dynamic relationship between power and grace, and how can we embody both in our movement, our practice, and our lives?
How does the principle of centering foster these qualities—and what is the specific role of the pelvic bowl, lower abdomen (the hara), and hip joints in organizing ourselves with effortless strength?
In this 90-minute experiential workshop designed for practitioners, we will explore these questions through Awareness Through Movement® lessons and fundamental practices drawn from Aikido. Together, we’ll examine how organizing from our center unlocks new capacity for powerful, graceful action and deeper connection with ourselves and others.
Moshe Feldenkrais was not only a pioneer of somatic education, but also a high-ranking Judoka who continually translated martial principles into human potentiation. As both a Feldenkrais Practitioner and an Aikidoist, I find that integrating Aikido’s principles offers a rich pathway for refining self-use. Join us to explore how both disciplines are not only related means to an end, but together comprise a rich practice of presence, grace, and embodied power.