OUR TEAM
DR EMILY SPLICHAL - CEO/FOUNDER
Dr Emily Splichal, Functional Podiatrist and Human Movement Specialist, is the Founder of EBFA Global, Creator of the Barefoot Training Specialist® Certification, Author of Barefoot Strong and CEO/Founder of Naboso Technology. With over 20 years in the fitness industry, Dr Splichal has dedicated her medical career towards studying postural alignment and human movement as it relates to barefoot science, foot to core integration and sensory integration.
Dr Splichal actively sees patients out of her office in Scottsdale, AZ as well as virtually with a specialty in movement disorders, functional movement and regenerative medicine. Dr Splichal takes great pride in approaching all patients through a functional approach with the integration of neuromuscular control, biopsychosocial influences, corrective exercise and stem cell therapy.
Dr Splichal is actively involved in barefoot training research and barefoot education as it relates to athletic performance, injury prevention and movement longevity. Dr Splichal has presented her research and barefoot education both nationally and internationally to over 25,000 professionals, with her Barefoot Training Specialist® Program in over 40 countries and her education translated into 15 languages.
Due to her unique background Dr Splichal is able to serve as a consultant and expert for some of the top fitness, footwear and orthotic companies including Aetrex Worldwide, Bunion Bootie, Orthofeet, Lissom Footwear, Nike Innovations, Theragun, RAD Roller, SOLS and Trigger Point Performance Therapy.
Degrees/Certifications: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Master's Human Movement (MS), NASM-CES, NASM-PES, NSCA-CPT
DR FEDERICO LUZI- GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
How are you barefoot strong? As a therapist, trainer and athlete, I was always fascinated about neurophysiology, this program is just about it. The science behind the movement. With amazing, easy to apply tools to help myself and my clients.
Certifications/Education: DO, CSCS, DNS 1-2-3, FMS 1-2, SFMA 1-2, NKT 1, MovNAT Trainer, Pilates Evo Co-Founder
JERRY TEO - REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, ASIA
How are you barefoot strong? I teach movement longevity. Movement longevity to me means being able to move and do what we love for a long time, pain-free. To do that, the first and only part of our body that connects with the ground has to be mobile and strong. This is why I train and teach everyday on barefoot and start my students' session from the ground up.
Certifications/Education: Md and Co-Founder of Pilates BodyTree, Pilates Teacher Trainer, BodyTree Academy, Fletcher Pilates® Professional Teacher, Pilates Method Alliance (PMA®) Certified Teacher, Clinical Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Rehab Trainer, McGill 1-2
STUART WAKEFIELD - REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, CANADA
How are you barefoot strong? I've had the privilege to apply barefoot training with clients as well as myself. I've found it amazing to see the look on client's faces when they can feel the co-activation patterns and feel muscles activate that they didn't know existed.
It's also been a great benefit to myself, after having reconstructive surgery on both feet, I developed a lot of single leg muscle imbalances as I had one foot worse than the other. Using "From the ground up" concepts along with single leg training has transformed my workouts and has helped me become barefoot strong!
Certifications/Education: Kinesiologist-R, BS - Kinesiology, BTS-C
ANTON GHYS - REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, EUROPE
How are you barefoot strong? As a Physiotherapist I see my patients as one part. Not only the site of the pain interests me, but also how my patients move and what is causing the symptoms. Pain is a request for change and your feet can tell you a lot about the way you move. I find myself implementing Barefoot concepts in so many ankle, knee, hip and back patients. The fact that I'm using Barefoot concepts for rehab, training and basic health, is making me Barefoot Strong!
Certifications/Education: Master of Rehabilitation Science and Physiotherapy, FMS 1-2, DNS 1-2, FRC, McGill 1-2
EBFA MASTER INSTRUCTORS
ASIA
DR TOMONORI KAWAI, JAPAN
How are you barefoot strong? Before I attended the MI Training I didn't realize how muh barefoot training could improve other areas.
I believe barefoot training could help more people not only with foot problems but also knee pain, hip pain and even spine problems. EBFA's techniques of from the ground up, reflexive stability, small nerve activation is so systematized and sophisticated. My motto is that "I would like to help someone who regrets finishing their career due to injury."
Certifications/Education: Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC), M.S. Sports Science & Rehab, CCSP, ICSSP, ART, Graston-C, NKT, Rocktape, FAKTR
MASAYUKI TAKAHASHI, JAPAN
How are you barefoot strong? The foot is not a huge power-production joint like the hip; however, give critical impact for every other joint to play efficient way.
I realized so because I felt the pain on the plantar foot or in the knee going away with strong barefoot. I believe "strong barefoot" is something everyone needs to get in the field, and for better quality of life in the aging society. I am excited to teach great concept of proper breathing with foot to core sequencing.
Certifications/Education: BS, Cal State Northridge, MS in Human Movement, A.T. Still University, Certified Athletic Trainer, NASM-PES/CES, Neuro Kinetic Therapy Level 1
YOUNGCHUL PARK, KOREA
How are you barefoot strong? In the early stages of my bodybuilding competition, I had a car accident and had to have back surgery due to Spondylolisthesis.
The doctors had to fuse my L3, L4, L5 into one. After the surgery, I was suffering from back pain, knee and foot pain as well.
I had visited the Orthopedic Surgeon often and the surgeon commented to me that your arches are collapsing and it would be best to use orthotics.
Since I started the short foot exercise and balance training of BTS, my arches have gotten higher and I have better balance and improved foot strength. I don't have to wear orthotics anymore. Also, playing golf for feet grip force has improved which shows better balance and further distance in driving the ball.
Certifications/Education: NASM-CES, NASM-CPT, Power Plate-MI, TRX Rip-MI, Titleist-Golf, TP Therapy-MI
PAO HUI CHANG, TAIWAN
How are you barefoot strong? The foot is the foundation of the whole body; we have searched the best way to teach people how to move more efficiently for many years and EBFA was the answer!
From the ground up concept gives a good way for all kind of exercises to build their core stability, not only fix the foot problem but also the hip, knee and lumbar.
I think EBFA concept should appear in every course that relates to core muscle training.
Certifications/Education: National Physical Therapy, ROCKTAPE Instructor certified by Functional Movement Screen, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Neurokinetic Therapy, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Fascial Manipulation, Visceral Manipulation; ACE, NASM, Corrective Exercise Personal Trainer, Co-Founder of Nissi Body Rebalance.
KAI YING PAI, TAIWAN
How are you barefoot strong? As a Physical Therapist, I treat almost all my patients with EBFA, teaching them to do the short foot exercise on a daily basis.
I even do the short foot exercise myself everyday. By activating the deep front line from foot to core, we teach patients how to maintain the treatment effectively. In addition to, we share the EBFA concept information on blogger.com and hold speeches in Taiwan and Shanghai.
We love the idea of barefoot strong and we share barefoot strong concepts in every different way as much as we can!
Certifications/Education: National Physical Therapy, ROCKTAPE Instructor certified by Functional Movement Screen, Selective Functional Movement Assessment, Neurokinetic Therapy, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, Fascial Manipulation, Visceral Manipulation; ACE, NASM, Corrective Exercise Personal Trainer, Co-Founder of Nissi Body Rebalance.
AUSTRALIA
CHRISTINE MCCORMACK, AUSTRALIA
How are you barefoot strong? Throughout our lives we experience situations that impact our bodies. In my own search for solutions to pain and injury, I discovered barefoot training.
Instantly a whole new world of opportunity was opened up to me. I bit the bullet and traveled over three and a half thousand kilometers to participate in BTS Level 1. Two amazing, enlightening days with Dr Emily gave me the tools to rehab myself and also bridge the gap for my clients from the treatment table and into training programs allowing them to move efficiently again. It was a real game changer. All of my clients now leave their treatment sessions with barefoot homework. I love that Barefoot training has no prejudice in regard to my client's level of training or rehabilitation, just amazing outcomes.
Certifications/Education: Diploma Remedial Therapy, Certified Personal Trainer, JEMS Practitioner, Trigger Point Therapy Master Trainer, Master Rehab Trainer, Institute of Motion Trainer Level 2, ViPRTrainer
EUROPE
ONDREJ LUNGA, CZECH REPUBLIC
How are you barefoot strong? Barefoot work is an important part of my own personal training as well as group training sessions. It allows us to move more effectively and decrease the potential of injuries or pain.
Certifications/Education: Masters Degree of Sport, Master Trainer of Trigger Point Therapy, Master Trainer of Dynamax, Fascial Fitness Trainer, FMS Level 1&2, TRX Sport Medicine Suspension, ViPR, FLOWIN
MIKAEL JOHANSSON, SPAIN
How are you barefoot strong? I have used Functional Movement for many years, both in my own training and in my treatment of clients. And Barefoot has definitely broadened my knowledge and understanding of how important the foot and each step is for the entire body.
Certifications/Education: Physiotherapy B.Sc, Pilates Instructor, CoreAlign, Elastic Therapeutic Tape Instructor, Acupuncture
SUSAN SANCHEZ, SPAIN
How are you barefoot strong? As a movement educator, I consider that our feet are an important pillar for efficient movement because they are the first contact with the floor. So I'm instilling in all my customers the importance of barefoot training.
It's present and an integral part of all my trainings and in the sessions I have with my customers - it encompasses injuries, pathologies, performance, recovery, pain, healthy life, etc.
I've been working with this program for 4 years with incredible results.
Certifications/Education: Studying Podiatry's School in Manresa of the UVic-UCC, EBFA Master Instructor, BTS 1,2,3 Personal Trainer, Functional Assesments Specialist, Pilates Instructor, TRX Instructor, Coach
USA
ROBERTO MELANI, CALIFORNIA
How are you barefoot strong? I've been in the fitness industry for over 25 years and discovering my own strength being barefoot has completely changed my whole approach to fitness.
The teachings and education courses provided by EBFA and DR Emily Splichal have given me a solid foundation and the confidence to apply BAREFOOT training concepts to all aspects of health and fitness, no matter which age or experience.
Certifications/Education: MBA in Sports and Fitness Management (Northeastern University, Boston, MA), CPT-NASM, AFAA Primary Group Exercise, TRX Group Training, POWERSTRIKE Kickboxing, ViPR Group Fitness Pro Trainer, AEA Aquatic Fitness, Trigger Point Therapy SMRT-CORE, Kettlebell Concepts Level 1
MICHAEL PETROW, CALIFORNIA
How are you barefoot strong? For years I covered my feet with additional padding that had a high amount of rigidity only to realize that by doing so, I was limiting my body the opportunity to feel the ground and move as an integrated movement system. To me being barefoot strong is the foundation of staying active at any age.
Using barefoot training has helped me to recondition my body for the best performance and has also played a key role in helping many of my clients achieve better quality movement-function in their daily lives. It is applicable to all people and at any age.
Certifications/Education: MA Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, NASM-CPT, NASM-CES & PES, VIPR Certified, VIPR Group Fitness, TRX-Group, Certified Massage Therapist: CAMTC, Advanced Practitioner of Neuromuscular Reprogramming, Neuromuscular Therapy, ART-Lower, ART-Upper, ART-Nerve Entrapment, ROCKTAPE-FMT 1 & 2
HEIDI GARNER, COLORADO
How are you barefoot strong? I am barefoot strong because barefoot training has helped my body to remember how it was always meant to move!
Running is a natural movement that for has become efficient and pain free.
Movement from the ground up has given me a firm foundation with great balance and total core activation. The greatest pleasure I have is helping others to achieve these same things and experience their excitement when they learn the great things their bodies can do!
Certifications/Education: BA Kinesiology (Emphasis in Exercise and Sport Science, Vivo Barefoot Certified Coach, NASM-CPT, NASM-FNS
DR MIKE MARTINO, GEORGIA
How are you barefoot strong? I began my journey as a Barefoot Training Specialist after attending the BTS Level 1 certification course in California after hearing Dr Splichal speak at the 2014 NSCA National Conference.
I have taught and conducted research at the university level for the past 22 years and Barefoot Science has changed the way I look at the Closed Kinetic Chain concept. As a professor, business owner, strength coach and educator, EBFA has transformed my approach to training and teaching.
If you are not Barefoot Strong then you are not STRONG!
Certifications/Education: PhD in Exercise Physiology, EBFA-MI, NSCA CSCS*D, FMS Certified Exercise Professional, Certified BAttling Ropes Coach, Cancer Exercise Specialist, NSCA 2012 Educator of the Year
TYLER YEARBY, MINNESOTA
How are you barefoot strong? I began my journey as a Barefoot Training Specialist after attending the BTS Level 1 certification course in California after hearing Dr Splichal speak at the 2014 NSCA National Conference.
If the foot didn't function correctly it created an environment for compensatory patterns that lead to injury. Not to mention, diminished athletic performance. After meeting Dr Emily and taking the Barefoot Training Specialist courses, I clearly saw that I had only hit the tip of the iceberg. The role of the foot is paramount in how we transfer forces through walking and all other activities where our foot comes into contact with the ground.
Certifications/Education: M Ed. Kinesiology (University of Minnesota), NASM-CPT, NASM-PES, NASM-CES, ACE-AHFS, NSCA-CSCS, TRX-STC Instructor, CPR/AED Certified, KettleBell Concepts-MI, Stroops-MI
AMIRA LAMB, NEW YORK
How are you barefoot strong? Besides reigniting my feet, barefoot training techniques have positively impacted my lifts, alignment and ability to target my glutes for more efficient movement.
I train for function but as an IFBB Pro (bikini competitor) I also train for aesthetics. In order to develop my body as a professional bikini competitor, understanding the connection between the sole of the foot and the deep hip stabilizers has helped me to effectively target and develop specific areas of my body for improved function and aesthetics. Stability comes BEFORE building strength and power. When the hip stabilizers are dormant, gaining targeted strength and power in the glutes is a challenge.
Certifications/Education: BA Exercise Science and Business Management, EBFA Barefoot Rehab Specialist, NASM-CPT, Kettlebell Concepts, CHEK Institute HLC2, Melt Method, AFAA Group Exercise and AFAA Examiner
CURTIS LONG, NEW YORK
How are you barefoot strong? After a career ending (yet preventable) injury playing college basketball, I realized that there was little understanding about how proper foot mechanics could have prevented my injury.
From then on I devoted myself to understanding more about efficient, economical and optimal human movement; the basis of which, starts with the feet. Today, as an endurance athlete, I'm passionate about maximizing the precious time in which our feet contact the ground. That time, though extremely short in duration, can make the difference between a successful/confident running experience and a subpar/frustrating one. That is why BAREFOOT STRONG training is an integral part of the fitness programming I provide for my clients, athletes and myself.
Certifications/Education: NSCA-CSCS, CFSC Level 1, FMS Level 1&2, USAW Club Coach, USA Triathlon Level 1, DVRT Level 1, Certified Kettlebell Instructor
MICHAEL RYAN, NEW YORK
How are you barefoot strong? In my early years in fitness, I was a physique competitor, training single joint actions, load being my primary progression and hypertrophy the ultimate goal.
All of which performed shod. This type of training was appropriate for achieving my goal of competing but it did not carry over well in general physical preparedness. Years later, after significant injuries, I began to research the benefits of training barefoot. It was during my recovery from total hip replacement that I truly appreciated the benefits of enhancing my functional movement through proper sequencing and efficiency. Meeting Dr Emily and completing the EBFA educational platform was a seamless progression towards my new found relationship with movement from the ground up. Now, I'm barefoot strong and my clients are too!
Certifications/Education: CUNY, Queens - BA, Health Education and Management, NSCA-CSCS, CPT, NASM-CES, Precision Nutrition-Level 1, Wellcoaches-Health and Wellness Coach, Equinox Tier 4 Coach adn Master Instructor
DR ARIANNE MISSIMER, PENNSYLVANIA
How are you barefoot strong? For years I experienced hip and back pain with extensive rehabilitation and podiatry recommendations for rigid custom orthotics, over the counter orthotics and motion control shoes.
When I started my graduate work in Physical Therapy, I began my own journey to seek out the best possible movement-based interventions. This started with my feet. I began gradually decreasing the amount of support in my footwear and trained barefoot with kettlebells. Then, I had the opportunity to listen to Dr Emily speak after I had been following her work for some time. I began integrating this in to my program gradually over time and have found a profound difference. I have not experienced pain in years! I am a huge advocate of an integrated, movement-based approach and being barefoot strong is the foundation of that. I share my personal journey as well as my expertise with all of my patients and clients to help them achieve optimal performance in life and sports.
Certifications/Education: BS Dietetics, Doctor of Phyusical Therapy, RD, CSCS, SFG 2, FMS/SFMA/Y-Balance, NKT 1, TPI MP3, K-Vest 3, CICS, EFBA MI, Rocktape FMT 1&2, 2011 Recognized Young Dietitian of the Year, 2015 NSCA Sports Medicine Rehabilitation Specialist of the Year