DAVID D’AMORE
DETAILED • CREATIVE • DRIVEN
Co-Owner – Teaches: all classes
With extensive knowledge and over 10 years of experience in several areas of physical development, Shoshin Movement Studio has become an extension of David’s training ethic and philosophy. Read more about Dave’s story.
Hannah D’Amore
SOCIAL • ARTISTIC • FUN
Co-Owner & Admin
Being David’s partner in both life and business, Hannah aids in the operations side of Shoshin Movement Studio. Hannah works on the administration, marketing, social media and events – all while being a busy mother!
ROSSI POSTLER
WELCOMING • KIND • HAPPY
Teaches: Handstand and Mobility classes
Rossi has gone through our methods to develop impressive advanced handstand skills. She is also an advanced Yoga practitioner who has completed 4 levels and over 500 hours of teacher training under Nicky Knoff.
HOLLY MUIR
DETERMINED • HARD-WORKING • DETAILED
Teaches: Handstand classes
Holly came to us with no handstand at all. Through our methods, she developed a one arm handstand and other advanced skills. Holly applies her knowledge and experience in our handstand classes.
ANNINA STRENGELL
LOYAL • FRIENDLY • COMMITED
Teaches: Cardio classes
Annina, our “pocket rocket”, began our strength classes in 2015.
She has a bunch of skills under her belt, and coaches our cardio classes to make you the fittest version of yourself.
Our Story
2010–2014
Owner and Program Director David D'Amore was originally from Melbourne, Australia.
He began working in the fitness industry in 2010 across various styles of training and gyms.
You can read more about his personal story here.
EARLY 2014
Dave took up a business opportunity and moved to the tropical city of Cairns.
He ran strength and conditioning style classes within a local martial arts gym; but with a twist.
His classes were built on gymnastics style strength, handstand practices, various ground movement and crawling work, mobility and flexibility practices, olympic weightlifting, and the exploration of different movements in a playful setting.
His classes began to gain traction and popularity with his holistic approach, which hadn't been seen in Cairns before.
LATE 2014
Dave decided to put his approach under the one banner, and named the classes Shoshin Movement.
Shoshin 初心 is a Zen Buddhist philosophy and concept of the "beginner's mind", which we still follow true today.
It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject or art, even when at an advanced level — just as a beginner would.
How we relate this to our training is to say that when you are learning a new skill, you will most likely find it difficult at the start — though you should embrace this.
It’s easy to give up when things get hard, but keeping true to the beginner’s mind allows you to focus on enjoying the journey rather than the destination (or your current ability). this is where the most growth and progress is!
2017
It was time to let Shoshin Movement spread its wings and fly!
Dave and his partner Hannah moved the classes to its own facility, becoming the Shoshin Movement Studio.
It was a tiny 75 square meter studio, but it was a perfect start.
It was funny to see up to 25 people crammed into the tiny space for classes, but it did create an awesome vibe!
2019
We moved to a larger facility in the heart of Cairns, which is where we are still situated – 82 Grafton St in the CBD.
This was breath of fresh air, with a nice open space for everyone to train together. Our community grew, as did we as business owners.
2020
We took on some of our hard-working students to join the ranks as coaches. Will Stormont, Holly Muir, Rossi Postler and Annina Strengell joined our team which gave the opportunity to expand our classes and further strengthen our tribe.
Hannah began getting more involved with the business by helping with the administration, social media and events side of things.
By restructuring and refining our classes and programs, we have helped our students push harder and reach their goals. The results have been truly remarkable, and we are proud to have played a part in their success!
PRESENT DAY
We still continue to help the people of Cairns by improving their quality of life through better movement, and still being the only 'movement focused' studio in all of North Queensland!
Come and see how we stand out from the rest by visiting our studio and experiencing our unique approach to fitness.