The Teaching Team Art of Swimming


	The Team

Steven Shaw
Creator of the Shaw Method of Swimming

Steven learned to swim at an early age and his love of being in the water led him naturally to join his local swimming club where he took up competitive swimming. At the age of seventeen he quit - burnt out from the long hours of hard training and suffering from a severely strained neck and upper back. At this point in his life he vowed never to return to recreational or competitive swimming.

While at University he was introduced to the Alexander Technique as a means of relieving his pain and became enthused by the ideas of F.M Alexander.

In 1990 he started the three year Alexander Technique teacher training course in Israel. During this time he began to re-explore his relationship with the water and by applying principles of the Alexander Technique in that element rediscovered his passion for swimming. Together with his former wife Limor, he developed a new approach to teaching swimming - The Shaw Method of Swimming.

Using his unique approach he has over the years helped thousands of people to find freedom and ease in the water. Steven enjoys working with swimmers and non-swimmers of all levels ranging from those who are fearful of putting their faces in the water to triathletes or people training to swim the English Channel. He teaches groups and individuals throughout the UK and has introduced the Shaw Method to Japan, the US and Canada. Steven is available to run workshops throughout the world in applying the technique to swimming.

Steven is the Course Director of the Middlesex University accredited Diploma course in the Shaw Method and has trained close to 100 teachers. He is the co-author with a former pupil Armand D'Angour of the 1997 'Art of Swimming in a new direction with the Alexander Teachnique' and has produced two videos. He recently completed his second book Master the Art of Swimming and is currently working on his third book which will be for parents and children


	Beverley Andrews Bev has been a keen swimmer all her life taking part in a variety of water based activities from competitive swimming to lifesaving. She has also been teaching now for 5 years. She has had experience with beginners through to competition swimmers, young and old alike. Bev has a warm and friendly personality with a good sense of humour.


	Verónica Bellon Verónica is an Alexander Technique teacher and graduated as a Shaw Method teacher in 2009. In her previous experience as a dancer she has always been interested in a more organic and natural way of movement which led her to train as an Alexander Technique teacher. Learning the Shaw Method has almost represented a continuation of her search. She enjoys teaching in the water and gets continuous inspiration exploring the principles of the method.


	Emile Bitar Emile is a dual qualified fitness & swim coaching instructor with experience in training individuals of all ages and abilities from children to triathletes both in the UK & Australia. After a busy career in the city he soon realised the importance of incorporating exercise into a weekly schedule and converted to fitness consultancy specialising in swim fitness. He competes regularly in ocean swimming events, triathlons, plays waterpolo, skis and has enough energy left over to power the national grid.

	Peter Brierley Peter who is also an Alexander Technique teacher helps swimmers be more integrated with the water and swim with less tension. He particularly enjoys teaching adults and children who have developed poor swimming habits or suffer a fear of water. He believes that Shaw Method swimming offers the best opportunity to overcome fear and improve stroke ability.



	Daniel Clark-Kelly Dan has experience of swimming in a variety of environments from manmade pools to wild mountain streams, rivers, lakes and the ocean. Qualifying as an ASA swimming instructor in 2003 he became familiar with the Shaw Method of teaching in 2007. Inspired by the difference between conventional swimming and the deep understanding of human interaction with water practiced by Steven Shaw, Dan attended workshops and intensive training to become a registered teacher. He is a member of the institute of swimming and enjoys teaching both children and adults. Dan is a qualified Lifeguard and attends regular training in first aid and rescue.

Kathy Davison

Kathy has been teaching the Shaw Method since 1999, since discovering its delights and effectiveness. She is an enthusiastic swimmer and teacher of all four strokes who enjoys helping people of wide range of abilities to both improve and learn new strokes. She has taught on many Art of Swimming workshops including holidays in Egypt and sees swimming as an activity she wants to do for the rest of her life.

	Huseyin Dermis Huseyin learnt swimming at an early age in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. Attracted by Steven Shaw’s Zen like approach to swimming, he did a year long diploma course with him in 2004. Since then he has been doing one-to-one, group lessons, and workshops in London. Whether you are fearful of the water or a regular swimmer looking to improve your technique Huseyin is there to support you.


	Joe Detnon Joe came across the Shaw Method whilst training to be an Alexander Technique teacher and was enthused by the non-competitive and relaxed attitude to being in the water. Joe enjoys working with people of all ages and abilities and facilitating learning to swim without strain or stress.

	Janet Dutton Janet trained with Steven and Limor on the first Shaw Method Diploma course in 1998 and has been working teaching people of all levels to swim ever since. She enjoys lots of watery activities such as scuba diving, triathlon, open water swimming, rowing, punting and generally being in and around the water wherever possible. The most rewarding activity remains the pleasure of teaching people to swim, improve their stroke technique and generally enjoy simply being in the water. Janet completed her Alexander Teacher training in 2005 and teaches around Abingdon, London and Maidenhead.


	Steve Forrest Steve, a former British International swimmer, learned the Shaw Method after a 15 year break from swimming after an injury cut short his career. He decided it was time to reintroduce himself to swimming and train as a teacher of the Shaw Method in order to enjoy pain-free swimming and to help others do the same. He combines his teaching with working as a freelance photographer in London.


	Roger Golten Roger, Author of The Owners Guide to the Body, Roger trained with Steven in 2006 to add to his existing qualification as a Hellerwork Structural Integration practitioner, something that he has been pioneering in the UK since 1983. Roger is passionate and enthusiastic about The Shaw Method and sees it as a natural extension of his work on the land, which is also concerned with balance, efficiency, harmony and effortless excellence.



	Clare Hughes I have always enjoyed being in the water and love swimming outside. Living in Brighton, I regularly swim in the sea (although not in the winter!). I qualified to teach the Alexander Technique in 1980 and have taught continuously since then. This includes working on an Alexander training course for 12 years where I became Assistant Director. It was through the Alexander Technique that I heard of Steven Shaw, and after one lesson with him I was hooked. The water tends to magnify our habitual muscular patterns and is a wonderful medium in which to work on body awareness. I completed the Shaw Method Diploma in 2004 and find it both rewarding and challenging to work with people of all ages and abilities. I currently teach swimming in London at the Citypoint Club and in Brighton, where I also have my Alexander practice.




	Laura Huxtable Laura was a competitive swimmer during her childhood and teenage years. She re-discovered her passion for the water after her quest to get back into swimming and enjoy the water led her to the Shaw Method. Subsequently, she trained and qualified as a teacher in 2006. Laura loves to share the unique experience of total mental and physical wellbeing which the Shaw Method offers.



	Glenn Kenreich Glenn Kenreich is a dedicated advocate of the Art of Swimming. As an adult he swam for fitness but experienced constant neck and shoulder tension. Whilst training as an Alexander Technique teacher he met Steven Shaw who taught him how to apply the advantages of a good head-neck-back relationship to his own swimming. Glenn now teaches pupils of all ages to gain joy and satisfaction from swimming. He also continues to teach the Alexander Technique in Manhattan and serves as Treasurer on the AT Board of Directors. Glenn Kenreich teaches at the Jewish Community Centre in Manhattan, New York.


	Jo Lattimore Joanna is a fully qualified ASA swimming teacher with over eight years of teaching experience. She has taught a variety of ages all the way from baby to adult and enjoys the variety. Always keen to try new techniques Joanna has enjoyed learning more about the Shaw way to swim from a personal point of view and is keen to share her experience with other people.


	Imelda Lowney From a young age Imelda always loved being in the water. She swam to club level then progressed into teaching. Imelda was drawn to the Shaw Method of Swimming because it was totally different from any swimming she’d seen before, it was relaxed and non competitive. Using this method through teaching and play she found it encouraged an increased awareness of how we use ourselves in the water, which she wants to continue to explore.


	Tina K Mead Tina K Mead has been teaching adults and children since 2002. Working with children with disabilities led her to the Shaw method. She has found this method invaluable for teaching students of all ages who suffer from any discomfort or apprehension in learning the traditional way. If you would like to look & feel comfortable & confident in the water then learning the Shaw Method with Tina is for you.		Awaiting image


	Jo Minogue Jo Minogue was inspired by watching Steven Shaw swim, and wanted to be able to swim with good technique, endurance and confidence herself. She qualified in 2002 and now enjoys both her own swimming and teaching people of all ages and abilities. Her work with children and adults ranges from overcoming anxiety and increasing confidence and enjoyment in the water to stroke analysis and improvement.



	Jan Moffat Osband AT A swimming pool scare as a child put Jan off learning to swim till adulthood when she discovered the Shaw Method. She qualified in 2004 and really enjoys assisting people of all abilities to really listen to the water and develop a new perspective on swimming. Because she learnt front crawl and butterfly in particular later in life she really understands the issues from an insiders' perspective! Jan can be seen in action at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wiqs5NfB3bg (a clip from the Breaststroke with Ease DVD). She also holds the Birthlight Diploma in Infant Aquatics and is currently working toward the Birthlight Diploma in Pre- and Post Natal Aqua Yoga.



	Alexandra Nindl Alexandra enjoyed being in the water since childhood, however she only learned how to swim the strokes as an adult. An osteopath suggested to start swimming after she had hurt her back. She enjoys teaching people of all ages and abilities. That can be fearful beginners that need help with confidence or more advanced swimmers who want to work on technique to enjoy the experience of being in the water evern more. She's particularly interested in helping people with injuries as she experienced the benefits of swimming with good use for herself and would like to use the gained knowledge to help others.


	Jane Greene Pettersson Jane has been a keen swimmer all her life and is a fully qualified Shaw Method and Amateur Swimming Association teacher. She has worked in adult educational development for many years and has written extensively on learning, training and coaching. She is co-author of three books on personal and workplace coaching. These have all been translated into several languages. Jane finds swimming and being in the water a source of relaxation, support and encouragement and is passionate about sharing her enthusiasm with others.

	Sheelagh Powell Sheelagh was introduced to the ‘Shaw Method’ when Steven Shaw taught a course in her workplace, Champneys Springs, Leicestershire. As a qualified ASA teacher, she was very interested in learning this fascinating technique and successfully completed the course in 2009. Sheelagh has found a new passion for swimming and is excited about passing on her new-found skills. Sheelagh is available for lessons at Champneys Springs, Leicestershire, Nuffield Centre, Nottingham and Leicester.

	Jenny Reed Jenny has been a qualified swimming instructor since 1993 teaching and coaching in a variety of roles including working with triathletes, the terrified and those just needing to improve their stroke technique. Now trained in the Shaw Method she looks forward to getting you to enjoy the benefits of swimming as much as she does. Come on in, the waters lovely!



	Dru Ridley I saw the Shaw Method advertised in a magazine. I was intrigued and signed up for a one-day workshop, later enrolling on the instructors diploma course held in 1999. You cannot help but be impressed watching Steven glide smoothly and seemingly effortlessly through the water. Here was a totally new method of teaching swimming, relaxed and non-competitive. The Shaw Method has proved to be a very efficient way to swim; a constant awareness of correct body alignment is stressed, as well as sensible breathing techniques. If you are frustrated with your current swimming style, this is the way forward..... I currently live in North London. I enjoy teaching beginners, the disabled, and those with fear of water. My qualifications include: Diploma in Aqua Health & Development (Shaw Method), Diploma in Personal Training and Sports Therapy (Premier International), Aqua-aerobics instructor – general classes plus special populations, ASA Swimming Instructor for those with Disabilities, Halliwick – basic course, Rescue Test for teachers (+CPR).



	Paul Rothery Paul made the progression from non-swimmer to Shaw Method Teacher in the space of a few years, marking a period of significant personal development. As a result, he now swims regularly both inside and out and is keen to explore more opportunities to swim in the wild. He now enjoys working with swimmers of all ages and abilities, his approach to teaching is strongly influenced by his own experience of learning to swim as an adult.



	Sally Rughani MSTAT Sally is a physical education specialist with a sports science degree from Loughborough University. For the past 20 years her particular interest in health and wellbeing has been expressed as a full time teacher of the Alexander Technique. Sally is an inspired Art of Swimming teacher who is delighted to combine her swimming experience with Alexander Technique.



	Rick Scorza “I hated front crawl, but you made me like it” (Angie, 9 years old). “I never really liked the front crawl, but now it’s my favourite” (Rudi, 75 years young). “Catch the pizza, free your neck, and don’t be like a chicken” (Laura, aged 8). This is how pupils remember lessons with Rick, a native Sicilian, born by the sea, who taught himself to swim before he could stand. His unique stroke, developed at an early age, was known as the ‘Jellyfish’. Rick’s confidence in his pupils is infectious, and they often surprise themselves at what they achieve. He teaches all ages, all styles, and instils in his pupils – whatever their background or abilities – the belief that they can do it.



	Frances Scott Frances is an experienced ASA Level 2 teacher. She has always been very interested in exploring different ways and methods of teaching children and adults how to swim, particularly fearful non swimmers. She qualified to teach the Shaw Method in 2009 and is a self taught swimmer who has gained a real sense of purpose and achievement from swimming. She would like to help others achieve their swimming ambitions: be it wanting to feel more comfortable in the water and learn to swim through to wanting to improve technique and compete.


	Peter Sichel Peter is a fully qualified Swimming teacher and personal trainer, and a Member of the Institute of swimming teachers and coaches. He loves to swim and being in the water, and continues to update and refine his knowledge base. Peter currently teaches children and Adults of all abilities, and enjoys helping them to achieve their goals.


	Maciek Sikora Maciek has always enjoyed contact with water. He qualified to teach the Shaw Method in 2006 and enjoys working all abilities. Maciek is particularly experienced with beginners, providing a supportive, relaxed and safe atmosphere which helps to build confidence and skills. He also welcomes the challenge of working with confident swimmers giving him the opportunity to place the emphasis on style and technique.



	Laurence Smith Laurence has been involved in swimming for as long as he can remember. This allowed him to swim competitively and in Open water including Lake Windermere and the English Channel. Having taught children and adults to swim for 5 years, Laurence discovered the Shaw Method by chance. He was immediately drawn to the unique techniques and the principles which it based itself on. Also a Registered Osteopath, he can fully appreciate the importance of good body alignment to achieve an effective efficient stroke.

	Sally Smith Sally Smith was initially drawn to Shaw method by a desire to learn sustainable front crawl in her fiftieth year. After attending a workshop with Steven she was hooked and having taken redundancy from a career of teaching horticulture and gardening, the opportunity arose to train as a Shaw method teacher. After completing her training, and surprising herself at learning all four strokes, she found the process both captivating and beneficial to her own health. She swims daily if possible and is now passionate to pass on her knowledge and insights to enable others to enjoy their swimming with the freedom and release that Shaw method and Alexander Technique bring together.


	Deborah Stevens Deborah Stevens is an ex-competitive swimmer and qualified to teach the Shaw Method in 2004. Having worked in the City for sixteen years under constant stress and pressure she felt a different pace and direction was needed. Deborah now thoroughly enjoys sharing her experience of relaxation and freedom of being in the water with people of all ages and swimming abilities.



	Helen Stevens As a former competitive swimmer, Helen enjoys improving swimmers' stroke technique and gets great satisfaction from teaching non-swimmers to overcome their fears and apprehension of water. Completing the Shaw Method Teaching Diploma in 2004 has added a new dimension to her teaching. She is now passing her knowledge on to adults to help them re-discover swimming free of stress and tension, with a new sense of freedom in water.		Awaiting image



	Barbara Thomason As a child I always liked the idea of the water and being in water whilst fearing it at the same time. At the age of nine I found an enticing and solitary pool when on holiday in Norway and threw myself in. I must have forgotten that I couldn't swim. After that, learning to swim at school proved to be rather dull. As I got older, swimming became something to do to get exercise. I would grit my teeth and try to do a couple of lengths more than on the previous visit to the pool, head so far out of the water that I was practically vertical. The gritted teeth and the head position meant that this was not an entirely relaxing or enjoyable experience. But still I suspected I was missing something. Several years ago my Alexander Technique teacher lent me Steven's first book, the Art of Swimming and I then went to one of his workshops. I was amazed to find how much it was possible to achieve in one day and soon signed up for regular lessons. I remember realising at some point that eventually I would turn into a good swimmer, something that I had previously assumed was out of my grasp. Soon lessons had raised my interest to such an extent that I enrolled on the Shaw Method of Teaching Swimming Diploma course. I still enjoy swimming and exploring the water and find taeching adults and children both rewarding and engrossing.



	Phil Tibenham Phil has taught the Shaw Method for 10 years. He continues to further his teaching practice, focusing on Alexander Technique principles, technical understanding and visualization. He encourages people to view swimming and aquatic health holistically as well as a form of exercise. Phil also teaches, in the sea, at a renowned yoga centre in Crete and has a keen interest in free-diving.


	Lakshmi Turner Lakshmi is a committed swimmer who turned to the Shaw Method following a back injury. Having been advised that she could no longer swim front crawl, she was delighted to discover that after only 5 Shaw Method sessions, she was able to swim up and down without any pain. As a teacher, she looks forward to helping people swim with ease and enjoyment.


	Denise Walker Denise qualified to teach the Shaw Method in 2009. She swims daily and is a trained artist and secondary/primary school art teacher whose personal artwork is based on swimming. Training with the Art of Swimming was a natural progression, combining her interests in art, swimming and meditation. Denise enjoys working with adults and children of all levels and abilities. Denise views swimming as an art form or dance in the water as well as sport.



	Emma Whitfield Emma was brought up on a canal boat and has been near or in water all her life. Her interest and study of Shaw Method has greatly enhanced her own swimming technique. It's this enjoyment Emma likes to pass on to non swimmers, developing their confidence in the water as well as swimmers who want to improve their skills.