The first edition of the ASM International Course took place from 2 to 4 April 2025, marking a significant milestone for the Athletic Skills Model community. Bringing together participants from seven countries across three continents, this unique event offered a vibrant blend of theory, practice, and exploration. Against the backdrop of sunny spring weather, the course made its way through the Netherlands, with stops in Amsterdam, Zeist, and Almere, showcasing the ASM vision in action.
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Nations represented in the first ASM International Course.
The Concept
For Dutch professionals, the format may have seemed familiar: the course modelled after the locally known “Advanced Course“. However, this international version was delivered entirely in English and specifically tailored for international attendees as well as English-speaking residents of the Netherlands. Over three consecutive days, the course focused on deepening the understanding and practical application of the ASM. It included exclusive visits to facilities designed according to the ASM principles, providing a unique opportunity to experience the model in real-world settings.
The Programme
The journey began in Amsterdam, where founder René Wormhoudt opened the course with an inspiring session on the philosophy behind the model. As attendees settled in, Yordi Vermaat, Head of the ASM Academy, expanded on this foundation by delving into the essentials of Basic Movement Skills and the ASM-Continuum. The energy in the room was great, as one participant remarked,
"The passion shown by those closest to ASM and those who apply ASM in their daily work is infectious. It’s inspiring to see such commitment to improving people’s health."
Exploring the ASM in Almere
The following day, Almere became the stage for practical exploration. Led by Martijn Postuma, participants toured several state-of-the-art facilities purpose-built to reflect the ASM framework. At the Nobelhorst and the Skills Garden in Almere Haven, they tested their own coordination and adaptability, immersing themselves in movement variation and versatility. Physiotherapist Hidekazu Kuwabara from Japan, found the experience transformative, sharing,
The afternoons were dedicated to deeper learning. At the Topsportcentrum in Almere, founder Prof. Dr. Geert Savelsbergh captivated the group with his sessions on talent development and motor learning. The interplay between research and real-world application deeply resonated with attendees:
Padel and rehabilitation in Zeist
The final day began energetically in Zeist, as attendees immediately applied ASM principles on the padel courts, which were specifically designed according to the ASM principles. This hands-on session was a great way to activate both body and mind, setting the tone for a day focused on the power of movement. The group was then welcomed at the KNVB Campus, where they received a tour of the facilities, including an exclusive visit to the rehabilitation street, an ASM-designed space used by players from the Dutch men’s and women’s national teams. This world-class facility illustrated how elite sport and recovery can be seamlessly integrated with the ASM framework.
Implementation across the border
Later that morning, Dr. Martina Navarro brought an international perspective with her session on implementing ASM in the UK. After lunch, the group reconvened for an in-depth session on the transfers of learning, followed by one final opportunity to apply their new knowledge in practice.
"The ASM framework helps you understand what you’re already doing - or not yet doing— so you can push yourself or your group further," one participant noted, highlighting the course’s unique ability to bridge theory and practice.
As the course came to a close, a celebratory graduation marked the achievement, but the learning didn’t stop there. Many stayed on for the Masters of Movement Masterclass, led by Dr. Joe Eisenmann and Nicole Rodriguez from the USA. Their engaging sessions added another layer of depth, leaving participants eager for more.
Rating the course
The ASM International Course left a lasting impression on all involved, not just for its content but for the connections it fostered. The outstanding feedback—an overall score of 9.3 out of 10 for the course and 9.5 for its teaching team—spoke volumes about its success. “The course is a great mix of theory and practical methods that make well-rounded training fun,” one participant summarised.
Several attendees of this first edition received financial support through the Erasmus+ programme, further promoting international knowledge exchange and professional development.
Save the date!
With enthusiasm still high and a wealth of knowledge shared, the first ASM International Course has set a remarkable precedent. And the good news? The next edition is already scheduled for October 29 to 31, 2025. With momentum building and worldwide interest growing, this second edition promises to be even more impactful.
The countdown has begun. See you there!
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