Back in 2018, I was staring down the barrel of another year in the corporate world...
The idea of spending my life making rich people richer with high-tech, high-risk products was losing its appeal. I craved something more fulfilling; something connected to the part of my day I loved most; the gym.
Enter an old friend from OCADU who showed me photos of himself doing One-Arm Handstands. I'd never seen anything like it! His skill was inspiring and he could tell I was interested. He recommended a documentary called "Just Move" on YouTube. The film featured a man named Ido Portal, a movement teacher whose abilities seemed almost supernatural. He coached Connor McGregor in his prime and has students around the world.
Ido & Movement Culture
Ido's logo is a monkey, but his movements looked more like that of an octopus to me. I can understand why ancient cultures often depicted spiritual characters with many arms. At times, Ido seems to have some delusions of grandeur., so... take his teachings with a grain of salt.
I've always been inspired by Ido's philosophy and skill. However I've often felt as though Ido takes himself and movement culture too seriously. I hope we can learn to move with an approach that leaves space for laughter and letting go.
Ido's journey began with Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art known for its playful yet powerful movements. Even as Ido's practice has evolved, the influence of Capoeira remained evident in his style.
Inspired by Ido's example, I began exploring movement practices that resonated with his approach. I delved into yoga, calisthenics, animal locomotion, and mobility training. Today, I've even started dabbling in Capoeira.
Try It For Yourself!
In this follow-along class, you'll learn the foundational skills needed to master the QDR, progressing through three levels of difficulty.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned mover, you'll find the perfect challenge for your practice.
I'm excited to share with you a taste of my journey in the form of a QDR flow class. The QDR, or "Queda de Rins," is a fundamental movement in Capoeira that requires strength, flexibility, and coordination. It's a challenging yet rewarding movement that embodies the spirit of Primal Flow – a practice that emphasizes natural, functional movement patterns.
The QDR is just one example of the countless possibilities that open up when we embrace a more playful, holistic approach to fitness. It's a reminder that fitness doesn't have to be about mindlessly lifting weights or slogging through repetitive exercises. It can be an exploration, a journey of self-discovery, and a celebration of our bodies' innate capacity for movement.
I hope you enjoy this QDR flow class and discover the joy of moving with intention, fluidity, and a touch of primal spirit.
Our tribe takes a bodyweight-first approach to training, aligning with the movements our bodies evolved for. Let's master our bodyweight and evolve together!
Thanks for watching & reading! With gratitude,
Jared F.
Creator & Head Coach | EV/CO
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