17/11/2025
Feel Our Strength: Fitness into Grappling
Wedn. December 3, 18:00-21:00
For BIPoC Q***r and Trans folx
The workshop has a priority for integrating our relationship with our strength with softness and how these two qualities can be explored within grappling. We will begin with simple to intermediate fitness exercises and drills to strengthen and develop movement connection with our own body. Then we will explore fundamental skills of Grappling inspired by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) to learn how to be in physical practice of grappling together. With my dance background supported by Contact Improvisation, we will be extending and breaking apart BJJ exercises to make it more q***r friendly and non-practitioners of BJJ friendly. Innovative and creative problem solving from dance will support sustainability and collaboration. Let’s feel our strength together! No prior fitness, grappling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu experience is needed—just bring yourself, your enthusiasm, and your body ready to move and be moved.
Language: English
Please wear clothes that you feel good moving and sweating in. You can wear layers (long sleeves and fitness pants) or a t-shirt with shorts, so that you have options for what you might need at the moment. There will water and some small snacks— please bring anything more substantial that you might need. If you have mouthguards, you can bring that too.
About Makisig Akin (they/them): I am a q***r, transgender Filipino born choreographer, dance artist, facilitator, and activist. My work focuses on the recognition of intersectional identities, reconnecting with my ancestry, and decentralizing Western ideologies in dance making. My orientation to teaching is deeply interconnected with my training in Filipino Traditional Dance, Kung Fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Improvisation, walking meditation, Authentic Movement, Bouldering/Climbing, and Contemporary Dance. I examine how survival strategies can be translated into a communal physical practice, which I then use as a catalyst to a creative healing process.
www.makisigakin.com
To register, email makisigakin@gmail.com or message