Alex Nichols

Ever since I started martial arts as a kid, I became fascinated with the nature of its physical and mental problem-solving. With the many injuries that came from competing and training in wrestling, judo, and jiu jitsu, I was incredibly frustrated by the lack of progress and discouraging direction things would head again and again with all of the care I would receive, nevermind the surgeries to go with it. Eventually, I started to take things into my own hands and began reading and researching better ways that I could return to doing the activities I wanted to do.

This led me to start taking courses with Functional Range Systems, first as a student, and now as an instructor. Being able to rehabilitate myself time and again was the initial catalyst for the work I currently do. In a field with plenty of options for continuing education, I believe my team is leading the industry. This is supported by our commitment to tireless research and dedication to bringing to light the many ways in which fields, for example, like mechanobiology have informed us about how soft tissue behaves and how we can treat and train humans to adapt the tissue specific needs to perform complex movements at the highest levels. Our understanding of physical health is constantly evolving and it behooves us to stay on top of the evidence and arguments for what really works. I also take a lot of pride in still being as active as I am having overcome many injuries and still able to compete and train at the highest levels. This also comes with having a very intimate relationship with all of the work I do, as nothing I teach or implement with clients has not been subject to many hours and years applying and utilizing on myself with positive results.

I spent a decade in the California Bay Area where I worked in many top fitness facilities and physical therapy clinics before starting my own business as a coach and therapist. I have worked with everyone from world champion jiu jitsu athletes, competitive dancers, circus artists, endurance athletes, MMA fighters, and your average person who wants to move pain free and do the things they love. When I’m not teaching and training clients, I love getting involved in community projects as I did back home, being part of the early team when Guardian Gym was founded, a non profit offering free martial arts for kids in the Bay Area.

I love teaching and training jiu jitsu, being outside, running, cycling, hiking, backpacking, and lifting weights in my free time. You won’t find me on facebook, twitter, or any other social media platform other than instagram for work. Less screen time, more time outside.