How it all began
2013: It was a steaming New York City summer day when Julian (they/them) walked into their first fitness martial arts class at ILoveKickboxing. They were filled with nerves, not knowing what to expect - luckily Gillian (she/her) was teaching. Gillian’s teaching style gave Julian confidence and they walked out the door feeling empowered. Gillian went on to teach at different studios and Julian became an instructor with ILKB and later moved to Houston. Little did they know, their paths would cross again…
Los Angeles, 2019: The pair are reunited when Julian took Gillian’s Pilates class in Silverlake. Afterwards, they spent hours in a nearby cafe discussing their dreams of championing human rights and fighting oppression against LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
Soon after their meeting, the COVID-19 pandemic hits and Black Lives Matter protests erupt all over the country. Faced with the threat of houselessness, Gillian had spend the first few months of quarantine researching a way to establish and operate a regenerative homestead. Julian was ready to tackle the shame-inducing tactics of the fitness industry. A hopeful conversation between two friends has now grown into Movement Program, emotional support group, and so much more.
So Divine Chaos was born…
Gillian and Julian are humanitarians first, trainers second. They have created a Movement Program inspired by the principles of yoga, Pilates, and martial arts for body liberation. Through this program, they will transform the fitness industry’s foundation of body domination while making fitness, health, and wellness accessible to all. All proceeds from their classes and events will go towards funding a homestead, trauma recovery center to serve the local community in Quintana Roo, México, Divine Chaos Movement’s new home and beyond.
