I was born and raised in the Southern Tier of New York where I was exposed to physical training early on in the forms of martial arts and various competitive sports. I continued to work through phases of different training methods such as p90x, bodybuilding splits, 5×5 method, Crossfit, etc.
In 2015 until 2019, I trained online with the Ido Portal team to learn their approach to training and developing a ‘Movement Practice’. This practice focuses on building a relationship with your body and taking a generalist’s approach to the learning new skills and developing qualities in the body. The training has included extensive work in flexibility/mobility, gymnastics strength training, hand balancing, coordination work, locomotion, and more. I have also attended their workshops around the world, including a week-long Movement Camp in Thailand.
In 2019 until 2021, I trained online with the creator of ‘Modern Methods of Mobility’, Emmet Louis. Under his guidance, I strengthened my skill and knowledge in hand balancing, flexibility training, and general strength work.
I have also expanded and strengthened my training by learning from more specialized teachers such as hand balancing from teacher and circus performer Mikael Kristiansen, and acrobatics and floorwork from Anthony Tran.
From my time with my coaches, I have assimilated the experience and knowledge gained from them and began my own training classes in 2017, now called John Barnes Training.
Currently, I am maintaining my practice while also learning Chinese Internal Training and attending school for Daoist Medicine.
My goal is to share my passion for flexibility/movement, balance, coordination strength building, etc., – skills and qualities that I started as an adult – with those who desire to improve his/her quality of life from any age. I believe that it is never too late or too early to start learning and make freedom of movement a lifestyle to enjoy the rest of your life.