teachers
Geri
Sessions: Movement and Physical Preparedness
Background:
As a young adult, I didn’t have much of a physical lifestyle. In my mid-twenties in 2014, I started to practice martial arts regularly and noticed that it had a positive impact on me in many ways.
While the benefits of the martial arts practice were subtle and the reasons for the positive shift stayed mystified for me, it was clear to me, that such a practice would greatly contribute to a positive shift in people's lives.
After an Ido Portal seminar in 2018, where I first met my current teacher Marcello Palozzo, for me it was obvious that the movement culture is the way on how to further nourish and develop a practice not tied to martial arts only. After a year of studying online in the Ido Portal Program in 2020, the opportunity presented itself to join Marcello Palozzos movement school in 2021 in Vienna, studying in person under Marcello, practicing nearly every day together with other movement enthusiasts from all over Europe.
In 2023, I funded Movement Practice Vienna, started to teach and am now part of the Human Movement Studies, a five-year program led by Marcello. In November 2024, I got certified as an accredited sport climbing coach by Sportunion.
Paula
Sessions: Floorwork
Background:
Gymnastics and Dance were my physical education entry points that evolved towards the pedagogical side. After a Communication Sciences BA, I got immersed in learning how to teach movement and opened a Pilates & Dance Studio in my hometown La Paz, Mexico in 2004. Developing my own way to offer physical empowerment for anyone interested in improving their health, is invigorating and that’s why I have been freelancing since 2013.
Always interested in nurturing different capacities and skills, I accumulated experience in diverse fields related to mind and body connection, which I believe is critical to cultivate awareness. Since 2022, Marcello Palozzo has been a huge inspiration and recently, studying Neuroscience gave me a new sense of embodying practice. Being part of MPV brings back the best of my past, merged with fresh knowledge to develop a thrilling future.
For the full story: My Background
Why am I practicing?
I practice to Increase awareness about all the possibilities that exist when willpower, mind and body are aligned. My movement practice is the emotion, the wish, the idea that comes up when curiosity is ignited. Self-expression has been more important than competitive sports for me, but I appreciate the athletic drive. I’ve enjoyed every life stage, because moving charges me with confidence and optimism. That’s why encouraging people to discover their movement potential through playful and meaningful experiences is what I do for a living.
Manu
Sessions: Handstands & Soft Acrobatics
Background:
I completed my Ashtanga Yoga teacher training in 2022, exploring various yoga styles that deepened my fascination with the body’s capabilities. This journey led me to work and study with Matthew Smith in 2023, which transformed my approach to training and understanding human anatomy. Since then, I’ve continued learning from diverse teachers to broaden my knowledge and gain new perspectives.
Currently, my practice is heavily influenced by the study of biotensegrity, which focuses on the body’s structural integrity. This concept has reshaped how I approach hand balancing and acrobatics, allowing for more ease and efficiency in movement. I am passionate about integrating this knowledge into my training and teaching, creating a deeper connection to the body beyond just the practice itself.
Why am I practicing?
Everything I do is about connection and understanding myself more deeply. I once sought expertise, but I’ve come to realize I’m drawn to the exploration of not knowing. Embracing uncertainty frees me from biases, allowing me to fully experience and be present. The study of biotensegrity has opened my eyes to the body as a beautiful riddle, and this approach shapes my practice. This is why I’ve chosen the path of movement practitioner and teacher, committing myself to creating and supporting the vibrant community here in Vienna.
Kate
Sessions: Physical Preparedness
Background:
My movement journey started when I was born into a small family-owned gym in Slovakia. Life being what it is, with little talent for sports and a few genetic disadvantages. I've tried many sports. Volleyball? Too small. Dancing? Knock-knees made it hard to "plié." Horse riding? Too scared… Luckily, Aikido came to my life to stay for the next 8 years, teaching me that the only person to compare myself to is myself, and that obstacles are here for me to learn from, not to fight them.
Later I discovered the strict world of Irish dancing. Drawn to fairy music, I've worked on my knock-knees, competed internationally and later on, co-directed and performed a fusion of traditional technique with modern art-driven performances. Searching to work on injury, in 2015 a dear friend recommended a workshop that accelerated my movement exploration. Ido Portal, Tom Weksler, Martin Kilvadi, Jozef Frucek and of course, Marcello Palozzo (with whom I’m continuing my studies currently) are among the precious people who broadened my world.
Why am I practicing?
Practice is an exploration of both my abilities and limitations. Whether physical or mental, it’s a journey that can’t be undertaken alone - feedback from others is essential. Through their perspectives, this exploration expands beyond myself, connecting me to others and the world around me. I know what it takes to build strength, self-trust and resilience from scratch, and I absolutely love to see people working on themselves. Whatever may the starting point be.
Niko
Sessions: Soft Acrobatics
Background:
I played football for 15 years before transitioning to a focus on fitness, functional training, and mobility work. Seeking a broader perspective on movement, I found Jonathan Schmid, who was the first person I met to embody the more generalized approach I was looking for. Over the course of roughly a year and a half, I attended five of his workshops and trained with him both online and in person, which marked an exciting shift in my journey.
The most transformative experience came when I met Marcello Palozzo in Vienna and joined his Movement School in the autumn of 2022. A year later, Marcello left Vienna to launch his five-year educational program, The Human Movement Studies, which I’m now attending and currently in the second year of.
Why am I practicing?
I am very open-minded and curious, so I like to learn new things in all kinds of fields. But mainly for me, it's about the connection to two things: Myself and others. Connecting to myself consists in discovering and creating my own self. And connection to others through sharing practice, is one the most important things, and becomes obvious when I reflect on the last couple of months or years. The best memories and moments I had are always connected to other people. Movement is probably one of the best tools to explore all the above.
