Testimonials:
Dianna Farr
Licensed Naturopath
Certified Personal Trainer
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000172460716
Amir has been training me for almost 10 years and he has not only changed my body but he has also changed my life. He inspires me and motivates me to do my personal best and reach higher than I ever thought possible physically. He is an AMAZING trainer and nutritional coach. Not only is he my trainer but I consider him a brother. I give him my highest recommendation!
Shelene Atanacio
Actress and Author
310.500.0678
sheleneatanacio@gmail.com
www.shelene-atanacio.com
www.actfromtheinsideout.com
www.theverteproject.com
"Amir's expertise and enthusiasm for personal health and fitness continually inspires me to stay in shape from the inside out. I came to him a couple of years ago looking to find a place for me and my little boy to train together. My son has so much energy and was already doing flips and cartwheels outside of class. It was training with Amir that gave him the tools and practice in directing his energies . He's become more self disciplined and connected with his body. And I personally, through capoeira and conditioning have become more fit and agile. Through nutritional counseling, Amir also has set us on the right path in our eating habits. On top of it all, Amir's positive energy makes him fun to work with. We always look forward to his class."
I hope this is to your pleasing. I mean every word of it : )
Doan Nguyen
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1045104354
Fitness had always been my weakness! But after took sessions with Amir’s for over 6 months, I'm in the best shape that I can! Boost my confidence to the next level! Thank you very much for being a Hard-core instructor!
D.A. Johnson
My name is Dwight A. Johnson. I am 31 years old and a second generation Martial Artist. I have trained in many different forms of martial arts over a 20 year period. My abilities in fighting have been said to be on par with "professionals". However, I felt something was missing. I felt my agility, flexibility, and endurance, were not supreme compared to my fighting prowess.
Approximately two months ago, I received an invitation to try out a Capoeira class with Contra Mestre Parafina. I arrived and was immediately placed in the roda (circle) with Mestre Parafina for a game. I was impressed (in awe actually) with his cat-like reflexes, agility, and flexibility. Keep in mind, I've seen and fought a lot of different fighters, but this man moved in a way that you read about in comic books. I immediately knew at that moment, that my new teacher had been found. You know there's a saying that there's someone who comes along and will take you to the next stage. It was him. Not only can he teach you the moves, he can demonstrate, and use them in "real-time". That's very difficult to find. He doesn't even talk the talk, he only walks it. His humbleness is something I hope to have, due to myself being a brash man...especially in matters of martial arts.
I could go on and on about what I've seen of this man in my short time there. Needless to say, I signed up immediately for 6 months. For the first time I felt like a made an investment in my health and well being. The atmosphere is very welcoming and friendly. He demands perfection and will not settle for anything less. This is the type of mentality we should have towards our bodies naturally. Now, I am more flexible, and agile than I've ever been. My endurance has increase as well. The average person may believe my endurance to be good for fighting, but there's a higher level of fitness, and agility to be achieved. Under Contra Mestre Parafina, I believe I will achieve it. Take a look at Parafina, it speaks for itself. But if this is not enough, I invite you to see for yourself.
Jenny Ahlquist
I’ve been training actively and eating “good” my whole life, I thought. Once Amir and I dived into my way of doing things, I realized where my traps are. It’s all about HOW you do it.
By fine tuning the details in training and making changes in what to eat I finally got to see the results I’ve been aiming for during so many years. I feel stronger, achieve more and look better (…with a lower body weight as a bonus). This is a lifelong journey and I know that the insights I’ve gained with the help from Amir will be important for the rest of my life, thanks to Amir my life balance is here to stay.
I strongly recommend people to sign up with Amir because the work he does with you will make the change you want if you are in for it.
Kristen Wall
http://www.facebook.com/RaboDArraia
My initial intention for joining Amir's classes was to lose weight. I had recently graduated from a boarding school where I gained nearly 50 pounds. I tried diet and exercising on my own but I never got results that lasted more than a few weeks. I quickly found a new addiction in the capoeira classes he offers, but for me, the real results came with a combination of both the capoeira and strength classes.
In working with Amir (and having the other students there by my side to cheer me on and support me), I have gained the strength and ability to do so many things I never thought I'd be able to. From back walk-overs and various flips to something so "simple" as a handstand.
Above all, the most important thing I have gained from these sessions with Amir is confidence. Coming back to a town after 2 years and being 50 lbs heavier does some damage on ones confidence! I realized that I may never fit into those 0-2 jeans that I did when I was 17, but I wasn't meant to. He helped me realize that a number on the scale doesn't reflect what a body looks like! I weigh 140-145, but no one would ever guess that! It’s just my muscular build and I now love it! People look at me and think "Wow she's strong" and you know what, I'd rather be thick and strong than thin and frail!!
"Weight 'ain't nothin' but a number!"
Thanks Amir!!
Andrea Fattoracci
http://facebook.com/andreafattoracci
I have always had a lot of trouble losing weight and keeping it off. But thanks to Amir I have finally found what works for me, and after as little as 8 months of diet and training I was already in the best shape of my life.
I had dieted before, but nothing really ever worked for me. The effectiveness of the diet plan and training program combined was really unbelievable.
Before starting with Amir I was trying to exercise at the gym to lose weight. Before I realized it, a year had passed and no matter what or how much I'd train I had reached a plateau at 222lb.
It was rather disheartening and frustrating that I just could not lose weight, and so I figured I should start trying alternative solutions to my regular training. That's exactly how I met Amir. From then on I just followed the prescribed diet, and consistently showed up for the sessions. Sooner than I would have imagined I was back in shape.
In just a little over 1 week I was seeing amazing results and have included the scale pictures here which were taken during that week going from 202lb to 195lb. That's 7lb in one week, an astonishing result especially breaking that "200" mark!
It has now been a little over a year since I weighted 222lb, and looking back I'm really happy with the current results. I definitely feel a thousand times better than I did, more confident, and ready for whatever might happen. I still train hard and follow my diet (although more loosely) and every day that passes by I'm still bewildered and amazed by how Amir pushes his limits, and the limits of his clients and friends further and further every day. Our constant Joint Preparation work, Muscle Endurance, Stretching and Mobilization exercises which are always within the limits of what you can do comfortably really do give the wanted results.
After this relatively short journey I actually have Muscle definition like I had only ever dreamed of, and I finally--probably for the first time in my life--actually see real results that crown all of the hard work I put into my body.
Daniel Burnett
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1054347434
In Amir's classes I grew as an athlete and as a person. As an athlete I was able to increase my body's flexibility and improve my balance. I feel like I move much more fluidly than I did when I used to lift weights, run, or play ice hockey. The classes have challenged me as a person because they push me into areas that are unfamiliar and scary. My teacher (Amir) has led me into fields that were unfamiliar to me like dance, music, singing, and acrobatics. Amir can teach you so much about each of these disciplines and much more. I recommend Amir because he can push you to do things that you never thought you would be able to do.
Shira Winitzky
www.capoeirainthevalley.com
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1110009125
Simply put…Amir changed my life. For years I tried various diets, determined to lose weight but one thing after another had me on a roller coaster of losing it temporarily to later on gaining it back again. I had gone to the gym since I was 16 years old and over the years I always had trouble figuring out which machines to use and how many reps were needed to get that ‘dream’ body… in the end I lost interest. I was at my heaviest weight when I met Amir several years ago and that is when everything changed and a new exciting world opened up to me.
When I first started training with him I had many physical limitations with weak ankles, knees, and wrists that at one point had me in braces during class. I was overweight and tired quickly which made many of the moves at first very hard on my body, and at one point I was not sure I would have the strength to do any low floor work, acrobatics, or extended workouts. Amir taught me about ‘organic’ workouts that were more natural by using one’s body weight in various routines and the best part is you can do it anywhere, so most of the time I take advantage of the outdoors and prefer the beach or park over a gym. After working one on one with Amir first on a lifestyle diet choice (Paleo) he then customized joint preparation and mobility exercises to not only begin my healing process and get stronger but to also prevent future injury in my workouts. I saw results quickly and it became addictive.
Amir is highly knowledgeable of body movement, various angles that work each muscle to its optimal potential, and what it takes produce maximum results. He then applies it to where you are currently at and prepares you for where you will go…but only if you want it and are willing to work hard to get it! On another note Amir is very supportive of the emotions involved with reaching your goals whether it is losing weight or getting stronger and going to the next level. He is not only leading you but cheering you on when you need it most. He cares about you the whole way through and that alone is what makes him special. Amir makes the dream a reality of having great fitness and ability no matter where or when you start as long as you commit and do your best you will see results.
Since meeting Amir I have developed a deep appreciation and a new understanding for health, fitness, and what the human body is capable of producing with hard work and determination. I have learned that eating healthy and training is fun and a way of life. I see amazing results not only in my physical ability to do complex moves I never dreamed of being able to do but I continue to lose weight consistently and for the first time truly believe I will reach the ‘dream’ body.
Thank you for everything Amir you are an inspiration!
JANA TONTERI
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001386056811
I'm pleased to find a coach who approaches training intelligently and thoroughly. Amir has an amazing understanding of the human body, how it works and how to carefully, safely guide me in my athletic goals. I have learned joint preparation and mobility exercises to prepare myself against injury in my workouts. My endurance, flexibility and strength have improved without ever touching a barbell. I have developed skills I never imagined would be accessible to me such as holding a handstand in proper form, touching my hands to the ground with a flat hand, doing a pull-up from a dead hang and transitioning from a handstand to a backbend. Also my ability to jump has improved and I continue to learn new strategies to take myself further in all areas of training. I am surprised and elated at the progress I have made in these months and am excited at what I will learn and achieve as I continue to train with Amir. I am truly experiencing the joy of movement in a way I thought I had left behind my my childhood.
Jamie Ann Burke
*actress/demo reel editor/ photographer*
IMDB/REEL: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2354189/
(310)922-3049
jamieann.act@gmail.com
Amir is amazing to watch, he moves with such a fluidity and grace that it's almost like watching water flow. It's beautiful. Since training Capoiera with Amir I've learned to move my body in more ways that I thought possible, I have learned to pay attention to the details and move with intention. Training with Amir and his group is like training with a wonderful, supportive family, I highly recommend it!
Ayaboe Edoh
http://www.facebook.com/acedoh
"I first learned of the Paleo Diet from Amir who has for long been a proponent and practitioner. I quickly recognized his dedication to the lifestyle and to the belief that to get the most from one's body, one needs to treat it properly by providing the appropriate sustenance and exercise. "
"Motivated by Amir, I took up the diet at first as a test of self discipline, and it has since become part of my everyday outlook on consumption. There is undoubtedly a strong sense of satisfaction in knowing that you are giving your body the elements it needs to grow in strength and be as efficient as possible"
"I thank Amir for being a constant model of physical self-awareness - not only in terms of his flowing acrobatics but also with respect to nutrition"
