Feel Our Strength

Feel Our Strength: Fitness into Grappling for TIN* (Trans, Intersex, Non-binary) Folx

When: 31 May 2025, 17-20:00
Where: Chimosa, Linienstr. 127, 10115 Berlin Language: English
For: TIN* (Trans, Intersex, Non-binary) BIPoC Folx

Description: 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 to build muscle and movement connection with our own body weight and with Dumbbell weights. 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 queer 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!

This workshop is open to all TIN* folx. 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.

Clothes: Wear clothes that you feel good moving in 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. Bring water and small snacks. If you have mouthguards, you can bring that too.

Bio: Makisig Akin (they/them)
I am a queer, transgender Filipino born choreographer, dance artist, facilitator, and activist. I was raised in the Philippines and am currently based in Berlin, Germany. My work focuses on the recognition of intersectional identities, reconnecting with my ancestry, and decentralizing Western ideologies in dance making. I co-founded The Love Makers Company, a project-based dance company, with Anya Cloud. I have been practicing Contact Improvisation for 13 years and have taught in many different communities including HZT, UCLA, Tanzfabrik Schule, and The Field Center, Seattle Festival of Dance Improvisation among others. 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 acatalyst to a creative healing process. www.makisigakin.com

Info: Unfortunately the workshop is not fully accessible. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us via info@gladt.de