We have many influences from our own life experience as well as constantly evolving research that we keep up with to continually develop curriculum. Despite all of the research and studies, we most often align with our ancestral and foundational roots. As Skye often says, “more than likely a monk in a cave did all of this before us”. Here are some of primary influences and elements you can expect to experience if you move with Mocean365.

Conscious Breathing-Modern living has created EXTREME living situations that are so beyond our grasp, that they are causing havoc and STRESS within our systems. One power we all have within us, is the ability to take control of our breathing and this is where we start at Mocean365. Diaphragmatic breathing shouldn’t even need to be called by name as the diaphragm IS our primary breathing muscle but it has become some sort of mystery to most. The diaphragm is so connected to our True Core and our Elemental Movers from the Psoas, spine, Transverse Abdominus, the liver and even our heart heart. Benefits of diaphragmatic breathing are immense and range from optimized nervous systems to increased O2 capacity, stress reduction, energy production, reduced neck and shoulder pain, sports performance and much more. It is a true antidote!

True Core Development-When many think of “the core”, they think of outdated moves like sit-ups, crunches or planks. Much of this approach was designed to focused on the superficial muscles versus the intrinsic. It also dismisses many far more important areas like the structure of our hips, pelvis/pelvic floor, glutes/posterior chain and much more. We start with mastering intrinsic control and utilizing the bodies onboard system of control and moving towards optimal joint centration.

Contact Point Development-Our hands and feet have created most of our world from day one. This fact has been lost on many as we have moved into a pedicured culture with no grip strength. There have been numerous studies linking grip strength with mortality rates so this means contact point development can mean survival!

Perception Systems- This is where we really work on our  ability to process sensory information and to be in terrain and to adapt to challenges. Coordination is often as much about how we process where  and how we fit into an environment.

Nature-Terrain, Elements, Climate-There are numerous studies linking the benefits of exposure to nature and we feel it has never been more important than right now. If we analyze a modern training facility, we see lots of smooth surfaces and very little variability. With no variability, we potentially lose our adaptability.

Skill-Based-Instead of mindless reps, we work on mindful attempts.

Laterality– We are wired in a way that determines our side dominance and how our limbs coordinate. It is easy to develop compensations due to this as well. We also work on lots of contralateral moves to reinforce our innate movement patterns.

“Do a little a lot”– Pavel T famously came up with the term, “Grease the Groove’. This concept is one we agree with on many levels. What good is telling someone the only way to reach their performance goals, is to do only a specified amount of time? Life doesn’t work that way for everyone and it is important to recognize. There is also some pretty compelling scientific evidence that shows short concentrated bouts of movement can be extremely effective and allows more time for the growth process which is recovery.

Play and Fun- Play equals survival. Look at how young animals like lions play and see how that gets carried over into their survival as they move into adulthood. Humans have always used this as well though we can argue today, that has changed dramatically from its organic origins.

Partner/Community- Ubuntu-“I am strong because we are strong”. This African based life philosophy is a large influence for us here at Mocean365 as well as with one of our great teachers and mentors, Frank Forencich of Exuberant Animal. The variablity of another human is just hard to replicate and offers a plethora of movement challenges. Joy should also never be discredited in a world that views movement as exercise/drudgery. Why would we have a poor mindset about something that can be so rad?!