What is the Alexander Technique?

 

The Alexander Technique was developed well over 100 years by F.M Alexander in Sydney, Australia. It helps us become aware of our psycho-physical habits in movement and stillness. The conscious awareness that awakens in us through the practice of Alexander Technique reveals the physical, mental and emotional conditioning that is both unconscious and habitual and thereby restricts our ability to fully experience our lives as integrated, joyful, loving and peaceful human beings.

The Alexander Technique helps develop poise by organizing the body by means of the primary control. This is a very specific and subtle relationship between the head, neck and back.

Relieving backpain

The British Medical Journal back pain study shows 85% reduction in back pain through lessons in the Alexander Technique. 579 patients were involved in this multi-center clinical trial, which is one of the few major studies to show significant long-term benefits for patients with chronic non-specific low-back pain. One year after the trial started and following 24 Alexander Technique lessons the number of days in pain fell by 85% compared with the control group. The average number of activities limited by back pain had fallen by 42%.

How can I learn?

Introductory Lecture-Demonstrations are beneficial in learning about and getting a first taste of the Alexander Technique. The way to learn is through private lessons. The work is experiential and done with hands-on by the teacher, and fully clothed. A chair (or meditation cushion), a table & a mirror are all used in a lesson in order to give feedback and assist in learning.

Testimonials

Working with Sumi was transformative for me. Her insights were as profound as they were practical, striking that...
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Mike P.
Working with Sumi was transformative for me. Her insights were as profound as they were practical, striking that rare balance of wisdom and real-world application. I walked away not only with a clearer sense of direction but also with the confidence to pursue my goals fully. Every step of the journey was tailored to my unique needs and experiences, which made the process feel deeply personal and profoundly effective. Sumi’s soulful, spiritual hands seemed to channel exactly what I needed at each moment. I can’t recommend her enough for anyone seeking clarity, growth, and genuine support in their personal or professional life.
Mike P.
It is not an exaggeration to say that this training has changed my life. The power of this work is ...
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Steve M.
It is not an exaggeration to say that this training has changed my life. The power of this work is about so much more than pain and posture. It is about finding an ease and pranic flow within our own body-minds that creates well-being and the capacity to do nearly anything in your life better. For myself, I move better in all the activities I do, think better, and - most importantly for me - feel better. My own body is a resource now. Sumi is a teacher who understands the depth of this work and has a rare blend of the skill and passion to make you realize it. She also integrates so much of the moving arts - be it tai chi, qi gong, yoga, etc - that not only symbiotically enhance "one's use", but also have helped me to understand the depth of the work even more. Whether or not someone intends to be a teacher, I recommend this training for the profound possible impact it will have on their life. Receiving individual lessons is great, but it has been my experience that the depth of this work never stops, and a training will bringing you more into the deep potential, as well as the lifelong unfolding it can offer.
Steve M.
I have experienced Sumi's hands on healing over the last 10 years. I still remember the first session. I was having ...
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Linda
I have experienced Sumi's hands on healing over the last 10 years. I still remember the first session. I was having lots of back pain and had been praying and asking my guidance for someone who could do deep energetic work on my body. Someone I knew at the time mentioned a woman who was trained in the Alexander Technique - which I had never heard of. I researched it and knew I needed a session with her. Fast forward a few weeks later and I met her and had my first session. The back pain was gone in ONE session! I was astounded. She taught my body how to sit and stand and walk with proper alignment. I experienced even deeper energetic work on my body when she put me on the massage table. She intuitively felt where energy was blocked in my body and through her energetic training, was able to help my body let things go that were creating tightness, pain and discomfort. Sumi is more than just an expert Alexander Technique teacher and practitioner. She combines over 40 years of spiritual practices and techniques into her work. I feel that this is what makes her work so effective
Linda
Alexander Technique Benefits

Private Lessons

Private lessons are the most effective way of learning the Alexander Technique. A one-on-one, hands-on experience helps to enable you to apply the principles of the Technique to your daily activities in the best manner possible. During a lesson, you will gain a better understanding of how to use your body with more ease and efficiency.

Group Classes

Group classes are an excellent way to introduce yourself to the Alexander Technique. Sumi offers regular Introductory Workshops (see calendar in Events). She also works with dance groups, martial arts classes, musical ensembles, and more. Contact Sumi for more details on scheduling and costs.

Alexander Technique Teacher Training

This is a 3 year, 1600 hour AmSAT approved teacher training course. The training course is dedicated to preserving the traditional and essential principles of the Alexander Technique, with particular emphasis on exploring the Alexander work as it expands the individual human being in terms of health, well-being, and consciousness.

Testimonials

 

I highly recommend her work to anyone who is ready for a profound deep healing experience that will change your life and free you up to be the highest version of yourself.

~ Adrienne Cobb, Portland, OR.

 

Sumi has made a huge difference in my chronic back pain. Her sure hands and clear instructions have allowed me to remember what it feels like to have a “normal” back without pain. What a gift! Before I saw her it was very difficult to find any position that didn’t cause me discomfort. But now I can sit or stand comfortably. I continue to work with her to change my old habits. She has helped me find correct ways of sitting at my desk and in my car, which is extremely helpful! She has a delightful personality. I enjoy being with her and feel like I am in a nurturing environment whenever I see her.

~ Pattie Logan-Olson

 


Colin Egan and Sumi Komo brought the Alexander technique to Colorado in 1987.
In 1990 they started the 1st AmSat approved training program in Colorado.
They trained and certified the following people from 1990to 1999

  • Maedee Dupres
  • Carol Toensing
  • Mary Misken (partial training at ATI-C)
  • Don Tabor
  • Diann Sichel
  • Gene Gebauer
  • Joanna Minguay
  • Trina Jacobson
    (finished and certified  elsewhere)
  • Chris Schilling ( finished and certified elsewhere)
  • Kathy Goodhew
  • Vicki Rodgers
  • Christy Harris
  • Kris Sutton
  • Nada Diachenko
  • Jill Nackie
  • Victoria Valencia

Sumi Komo,MFA Dance opened the ATMA(R) Centre in 1999 in Austin, Texas and trained the following people between 1999 and 2017:

  • Russ Taylor
  • Ann Bogaev
  • Eliza Thomas
  • Donna Martin
  • James Geraci
  • Lucinda Meredith, DMA
  • Don Jolly
  • Theresa Ford (Waiver Review Process)
  • Anna Jennings
  • Dr.David Snyder
  • Karolina Syrovatkava, DMA
  • Paula Gruber
  • Leah Wellman Stein
  • Alice Moore
  • Brendan Ryan
  • Raine St.Claire
  • Dr.Steven Brennfleck

Now Ms.Komo-Egan is reopening her teacher training course in Colorado in April 2020. Please contact her directly for more information concerning application process. 303.946.0356


Resources

Links

  • Watch “Master Class with Marjorie Barlow” on YouTube
    Marjory Barlow was Alexander’s niece, and she taught the work for almost 70 years. Sumi worked with Marjory Barlow doing post-graduate work from 1980-87 in London, England.

Documents