Interviews with Six Movement Masters On Natural Movement Fitness (Part 1)

by John Sifferman

Stefano Tripney

Erwan Le Corre has been called the world’s fittest man, and many have likened him to a modern-day Tarzan. Since founding the MovNat Natural Movement Fitness System, he’s taught thousands of people how to move naturally in order to become strong, healthy, happy and free. Below, you’ll hear from some of Erwan’s top students who are now ambassadors for MovNat all over the world.

Note: These are all MovNat Level III Trainers: the highest designation in the MovNat coaching system, and/or Team Instructors: those who lead our certification events.

We asked these movement masters about how MovNat has rocked their world, what they think people should know about natural movement fitness, and also for some practical tips for those who are new to MovNat. They shared a wealth of good advice and timeless wisdom for the aspiring fitness enthusiast and natural mover.

What’s extraordinary about these people is that they all come from very different backgrounds, and yet, have each found a common bond with MovNat. If you pay attention to some of the common themes in their responses below, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your own movement potential.

Stefano Tripney

(British Columbia, Canada)

1) What is your background and what inspired you to pursue and train with MovNat? Why have you stuck with it? How is your life and training different now? How is it better? 

I have a long history training in martial arts since the age of 14, eventually earning several black belts and instructor status in various styles. In the late 90’s I started offering classes at the local gym I was training at and taking on a few private clients. After some time I began my certification process to become a fitness trainer and started teaching group fitness classes and working as a personal trainer. Throughout the years, I had gained experience in several modalities as I took on different mentors and senior instructors to help me with my craft. Throughout this time, I knew that there was something missing from the bigger picture and began investigating alternative methods to incorporate into my training. It was in 2012 that I first heard Erwan on the Rewild Yourself podcast and was signed up for the L1 certification course before the episode was over.

My exposure to MovNat changed everything. It validated many of my earlier insights while adding an entire framework and greater philosophy to further explore. The change was immediate and I quickly altered my approach and embraced the principles of Natural Movement. My clients benefitted as much as I did and it didn’t take long before 85% of what I offered was part of the MovNat curriculum. Throughout the next few months, I trained for the L2 course as well as the combative certification. Combatives was a natural fit for me and I was pleasantly surprised with the material offered. It is safe to say at this time I was hooked! Knowing that this was really for me, I dedicated the next year to preparing for the L3 and earned that designation in the fall of 2015.

Eventually, after shadowing several certification courses with other instructors, I was offered a position on the MovNat Certification Team. I am now running Elements Workshops in my local area, offering group classes under the banner of MovNat Victoria, coaching certification courses around the country as well as introducing and building the brand in Latin American for the Caribbean markets.

2) What is something that most people don’t understand about MovNat? What are they missing?

In my experience, people assume MovNat is either too easy for them or too difficult and unapproachable. In most cases, they’ve grossly under or overestimated their own abilities. First off, what we want people to realize is that MovNat is for everybody (every body) and it can be attainable and highly effective for a beginner. For the more advanced level practitioner it also can offer immense benefit in many areas of physical and mental preparedness. The curriculum is broad enough that most who experience it firsthand realize they have holes in their game that need to be addressed. Whether it is strength, balance, mobility, timing, focus, or overcoming fear, the MovNat system possesses the tools to help one succeed.

3) What advice would you give to someone who is new to MovNat? Any recommended habits, simple changes, or tips for beginners who want to get healthier, fitter, and more capable?

My advice to beginners is twofold; one, take it one day at a time and you’ll soon realize that you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. And two, prepare to be humbled and allow the time necessary for the skills to become assimilated. If you adhere to the principles (which are so brilliant) and put the time and effort into mastering the basic skills and foundational movements you can reach a state of heightened ability. Through this process, you progress onwards to discover a stronger and more capable version of yourself, free from the worries and the mental prisons associated with self doubt. The world around you takes on new features as you become a more active and effective participant in life.

About Stefano: Stefano creatively bridges the inner workings of the mind and body with our collective external landscapes in order to explore, learn, experience, and play with the world and our place in it. He is known for his bright energy and ability to inspire mindful execution, technical skill, physical competence and limitless creativity in his clients and classes.

MovNat Certification Team Instructor
MCT Level 3 & Combatives Trainer
MovNat Online Coach
MovNat Victoria Founder & Head Coach
Instagram: @captainstefano
stefanotripney.com