The Master Moves

I am interested in the Feldenkrais method (though not a practitioner) and have received many lessons over the years and have read (at least superficially) many of Moshe Feldenkrais's books. Unfortunately, though Feldenkrais was a genius in his understanding of how to correct movement problems, his book-writing skills were not too good. This book is just a transcript of a long workshop he gave in California in the late 1970s. Apparently somebody was taking notes verbatim. Feldenkrais is leading a class of (presumably fairly advanced) students through some movement lessons. He discusses his motivations in inventing these particular lessons, and sprinkles in his usual salty and irreverent language, and random observations and comments. The twelve movement lessons are better than almost any other lessons of his that I have come across. However, as the book title suggests, these are "master moves," meant for more advanced students. They are not super-difficult, but they do require more introspection and careful self-examination than usual. The lessons that address the midback and the 7th cervical are especially interesting and not often found elsewhere.I particularly enjoyed his description (thrown in randomly in one lesson) of how a musician used his method (specifically, gentle movement with minimal possible effort) to teach him how to play the piano.I wish somebody would prepare a book-on-CD version, allowing the listener to try the movement lessons more easily. (Movement doesnt mix well together with reading!)

I would have preferred some pictures, and perhaps a more orderly approach. Be aware, this is rearly just a conversation, not a series of steps. The idea is great, but I suggest some DVDs weould be more useful, although they are very expensive.

Not user friendly all words no pictures or diagrams of the "moves"

Amazing teaching

I would not be as mobile or successful as I am today without the work of Moshe Feldenkrais. I have used Dr. Feldenkrais’s theories and exercises to get out of a wheelchair, retrain myself to walk, and develop more natural and conscious movement. The Master Moves, until recently, was the only book of his I had not read. So before I begin my review of this book, I also have to say that I heartily recommend his others. Foremost, this book is unque among Dr. Feldenkrais’s, because it was not “written” by him. Rather, it is the edited transcript of a weeklong class he offered. As I see it, this offers two distinct advantages: one, you see Moshe at his most spontaneous, since he is speaking to an audience, not writing. Two, for those unable to see a Feldenkrais Practitioner, this book offers the next best thing. While other books, most notably Awareness Through Movement and The Elusive Obvious also contain descriptions of movements or exercises, this book walks the student through dozens of those movements, within the context of a whole class.Additionally, this book demonstrates just how well Dr. Feldenkrais is able to describe a movement with clarity and precision. He truly was a master observer, and by reading his instructions, I found I not only gained insights into my own patterns of movement, but into human biomechanics as a whole.In sum, for anyone interested in the Feldenkrais Method, this book can give you something akin to hands-on experience. While his other books demonstrate his masterful thinking, this book -- as the title says -- show that the master moves. Many thanks to the publisher, Meta Publications, for offering me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is the collection of a five day work shop that Moshe Feldenkrais gave.This book is very well written. It has its own style which lends to its form. The words "bring home" many of the teachings within.

Da gibt es nicht viel zu sagen. Der Titel meiner Rezension sagt es bereits.