About Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984)

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The Feldenkrais Method® of somatic education was developed

by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. Born in Russia, Feldenkrais immigrated

to Israel at the age of thirteen. After receiving degrees in mechanical

and electrical engineering, he earned his D.Sc. in Physics at the Sorbonne in Paris. He subsequently worked for a number of years

in the French nuclear research program with Joliet Curie.

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Physically active, Dr. Feldenkrais played soccer and practiced the martial arts. He studied with Kano Jigoro, the originator of Judo, and in 1936 became one of the first Europeans to earn a black belt in that discipline. Dr. Feldenkrais wrote four books on Judo.

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A chronic knee injury prompted him to apply his knowledge of physics, body mechanics, neurology, learning theory and psychology to a new understanding of human function and maturation. His investigations resulted in the formulation of a unique synthesis of science and aesthetics, known as the Feldenkrais Method®. Dr. Feldenkrais wrote five books about the awareness through movement® and the Feldenkrais Method.

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He conducted three professional trainings during his life, one in Tel Aviv, Israel (1969-1971), one in San Francisco, CA, USA (1975-1978) and one in Amherst, MA, USA (1980-1983). He trained approximately 300 Feldenkrais® Practitioners to carry on this method. 

 

Today professional trainings occur around the world and are conducted by highly skilled teachers.

 

There are over 8,000 Feldenkrais Practitioners worldwide.

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Becoming a Feldenkrais Practitioner

What is involved in becoming a professional Feldenkrais® Practitioner?

The Feldenkrais Method® is an approach to working with people which expands their repertoire of movements, enhances awareness, improves function and enables people to express themselves more fully.  Before you can be certified as a Feldenkrais Practitioner you must graduate from an accredited Feldenkrais Professional Training Program (FPTP). Training programs include 800 hours of training over a four year period.
 

 

What governs how a Training Program becomes accredited?

The purpose of the International Training Accreditation Guidelines is to insure and promote the quality of each accredited Feldenkrais Professional Training Program (FPTP). The principle intention is to support and to promote the learning of all those who are involved - the trainees, trainers and assistants - in a way which enables the Feldenkrais Method to develop, and be adaptable to contemporary society.

The North American Training Accreditation Board (NATAB) was established by the FGNA Board of Directors (Board) to uphold and further the standards of the Feldenkrais Method. This body reviews applications for training accreditation, Trainer and Assistant Trainer certification, and Trainer Candidate status. 
 

For more information regarding current professional trainings please look at:  www.feldenkraisguild.com/professional-training

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