The Origin Story

Mike: Slava, take us back to where it all started. What was life like before Movement Flow?

Slava: Honestly, Mike, as a kid, I wasn’t into sports. We didn’t have much, so things like after-school sports were out of reach. I actually stumbled into movement through my construction job. It was tough on me, both physically and mentally. I was dealing with injuries, I felt trapped in a body that couldn’t move freely, and overall, I just felt pretty low.

Mike: What lit the spark inside you to start moving?

Slava: It’s funny, Mike, because it wasn’t originally my own spark. Society has this way of nudging us to look a certain way, to fit in. It wasn’t until I really dove into what my body could do that I found my own reason to move. And to put it simply, Movement Flow helped me find who I am.

Mike: How did you come across the movement culture?

Slava: It was after a rough accident at work. I ended up at a meditation retreat for 10 days—no talking, no tech, just deep reflection. Coming out of that, I found a video of Louis West, and it just clicked. I wanted to feel what he felt, to move like that. That’s where my journey began.

Mike: So what led you to create Movement Flow?

Slava: Post-retreat, I left my job and dived headfirst into Bikram yoga. But, eager as I was, I pushed too hard and got hurt. I realized I needed to really learn, not just do. That led me to a yoga course, an apprenticeship, and a deep dive into everything from Capoeira to circus arts. I even trained with Shaolin monks in China. And from all these incredible disciplines, Movement Flow was born—a blend of their collective wisdom.

Mike: What sets Movement Flow apart from other practices?

Slava: It’s new, Mike. It’s not about being perfect at it. It’s a living, breathing practice where everyone contributes, grows, and it keeps evolving. We’re not just about physicality; we bring in healing, community, and so much more.

Mike: Where do you see Movement Flow going?

Slava: Everywhere, Mike. Schools, gyms, across the globe—just like yoga, but with even more variety. It’s not just a practice; it’s a revolution in how we connect with ourselves and each other through movement.