Prof. Alvaro Romano with his son Raphael
Ginastica Natural (‘Natural Gymnastics’) was developed 25 years ago by world-class fitness Professor Alvaro Romano. Living in Rio de Janeiro at the time, Alvaro created Ginastica Natural precisely for the lifestyle he led — outdoors living, jiu jitsu and surfing. For him, all physical activity was outdoors, so he thought of something as a teacher of physical education that could be similar to this lifestyle.
“I began practicing Hatha Yoga after a while but the influences of Ginastica Natural are the ground movements that are very similar to Jiu-Jitsu techniques of dynamic stretching and flexibility, and breathing techniques,” Explains Prof. Romano.
Ginastica Natural develops several natural qualities, such as physical strength and flexibility, balance and power, and improves performance by increasing people’s knowledge of the functioning of their body. With a constant and various combinations of movements, it is the ideal method for fighters because it was designed along with Romano’s experience in Jiu-Jitsu.
“I was a student of Rolls Gracie in 1976 and in 1977. Started college already thinking about a method of preparation for physical fights. First, applied in my training and then in athletes,” says Prof. Romano.
Prof. Alvaro Romano creating and studying movements.
Prof. Romano lives in San Diego, California, where he works with many physiotherapists and has many certificates in the method of Ginastica Natural. This method can help you to prevent injuries, and has been tested in several athletes and their training.
“Ginastica Natural” Seminar in Sweden
Prof. Alvaro Romano’s son, Raphael Romano, followed in his footsteps. Graduated in Physical Education and a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, now he is the Director of education of the Ginastica Natural method. He coaches MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and surfing athletes, including Vitor Belfort, Rodrigo Minotauro, Xande Ribeiro, Fabricio Camoes, Leticia Ribeiro, Penny Thomas, Fernando Margarida, Neco Padaratz and Fred Pattachia.
To learn more about Ginastica Natural, check out our other articles on the subject and watch the videos below.