“Coach Holland gave me the foundation that helped me excel in college golf — and mirrors what I now teach as a certified TPI pro.”
- Received individualized strength and mobility programming during high school to prepare for college golf
- Gained a competitive edge entering college thanks to sport-specific training
- Now holds the highest golf fitness certification through the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)
- Recognizes Coach Michael’s early training methods as aligned with elite TPI principles
- Recommends Michael to any athlete seeking long-term, performance-driven results in their sport
“Michael helped me heal, train smarter, and return stronger — without pain or overtraining.”
- Sidelined by shin splints during high school cross country season
- Avoided reinjury and improved performance using deep water running protocols
- Training simulated land-based workouts while removing joint stress
- Gained speed, lightness, and strength through strategic aquatic resistance
- Introduced to Qigong for balance, discipline, focus, and overall wellness
- Developed a sustainable, injury-free approach to running and athletic growth
- Grateful for Michael’s personalized training rooted in ancient wisdom and modern science
“I was told surgery was inevitable — but Michael’s approach helped me recover fully and perform better than ever.”
- Former collegiate athlete with a history of injuries and a severe grade 3 ankle sprain
- Was advised to undergo surgery, but recovered fully without it through Michael’s program
- Gained a deeper understanding of how prior injuries were interconnected
- Followed Michael’s RRIP framework: Regression, Recovery, Integration, Progression
- Saw improvements in performance, injury prevention, and stress management
- Benefited from a truly comprehensive program that addressed physical, mental, and nutritional health
- Now equipped with sustainable tools to train smarter and avoid reinjury
“Michael’s focused, holistic approach helped me recover quickly and exceed expectations after double knee replacement surgery.”
- Worked with Michael for 3+ years with a focus on long-term health and movement
- Underwent total knee replacement on both knees due to years of distance running
- Prepared pre-surgery and rehabbed post-surgery under Michael’s guidance
- Healed faster than expected and returned to activity quickly with minimal complications
- Credits Michael’s integrated, personalized care as instrumental to her successful recovery
- Former CEO, Anita Borg Institute, and strong advocate for holistic coaching approaches
“I went from a 10 handicap to a 2, became the top player on my team, and now I’m walking on at Cornell — thanks to Coach Michael.”
- Began training junior year of high school to improve golf performance
- Recovered from tendinitis in his left wrist through progressive strength and mobility work
- Lowered golf handicap from 10 to 2 while gaining strength and losing excess weight
- Reached #1 spot on his high school team by senior year
- Learned powerful mental training tools, including mindfulness-based techniques and visual drills
- Inspired by Michael’s support to pursue a healthier, more focused lifestyle on and off the course
- Preparing to walk on to the golf team at Cornell University
“Coach Michael’s program took me from injury and pain to completing my first Half Ironman — pain-free, confident, and stronger in every way.”
- 15-year fitness professional seeking smart endurance training and injury recovery
- Struggled with iliotibial stress syndrome that made running painful and unsustainable
- Rebuilt performance using deep water running, strategic stretching, and strength programming
- Completed his first Half Ironman with no reinjury thanks to Michael’s system
- Gained not only physical results, but mental and spiritual strength through Michael’s coaching
- Praises Michael’s rare combination of knowledge, empathy, and belief in his athletes
“Michael’s mind-body-soul approach helped me reach my full potential — on the field and in life.”
- Began training with Michael in 2013 during sophomore year of college
- Overcame injuries using Eastern healing modalities when Western medicine fell short
- Became an NAIA All-American quarterback and earned a degree in Exercise Science
- Practiced Qigong and other holistic movement techniques to stay injury-free and mentally sharp
- Gained strength, resilience, and harmony through Michael’s integrated training system
- Continues to use CAT principles and Qigong daily to stay healthy, focused, and fit
“Michael’s gentle yet powerful approach helped me achieve my dream — a half marathon in just a few months.”
- Trained with Michael to prepare for his first half marathon
- Achieved his goal in just a few months through a personalized, integrated training plan
- Benefited from a blend of running programming, pool therapy, and stretching sessions
- Gained physical confidence and endurance, along with nutritional and spiritual support
- Praises Michael’s unique ability to combine sports science with mindfulness and care
- Describes the experience as transformative and life-changing
“I went from injury to running faster than ever — thanks to Coach Michael’s care for both body and spirit.”
- Suffered a serious groin strain late in senior year, preventing 200m competition
- Rebuilt strength, confidence, and pain-free movement in just one summer
- Progressed from walking to full-speed running through holistic training and guided recovery
- Ran faster than before injury and earned a spot at UC San Diego for collegiate athletics
- Credits Michael’s comprehensive support — physical healing and emotional restoration
- Personal best in 200m: 21.86
Qigong has provided me with a mental framework with which to face the day and its unexpected events with a greater degree of calmness. I would like to share with you what has for me been a very unexpected benefit. I was a competitive swimmer for many years through high school and college. I realized recently, after one of our sessions, that the practice of Qigong has improved how I breathe when I swim the crawl. As a result of the Qigong you taught me, and the specific breathing patterns I learned in the process, I was automatically using those same breathing patterns while swimming. I am now able to swim much more easily and efficiently—and it has enabled me to swim for a significantly longer time. Many thanks! Read more
“Michael respects the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — and progresses each client with intelligence and care.”
- Embraced a holistic journey including Qi Gong, nutritional guidance, and bodywork
- Experienced recovery and performance gains through modalities like massage, trigger point therapy, and Muscle Activation Technique
- Progressed to dynamic TRX Suspension workouts customized to current ability and wellness goals
- Appreciates Michael’s continuous evolution as a coach and his client-first, whole-person philosophy
- Feels inspired to pursue wellness with greater depth and purpose thanks to his mentorship
“Coach Holland helped me realize I have the potential to be a competitive runner — and taught me how to run with purpose and awareness.”
- Former collegiate cross country runner seeking renewed performance and personal growth
- Gained a deep understanding of proper running form and sustainable training practices
- Learned to nourish both body and mind for long-term success and recovery
- Now training for the Nike Women’s Full Marathon with the goal of qualifying for Boston
- Credits Michael’s holistic coaching for awakening her potential and reigniting her competitive spirit
“Michael coached me from injury and deconditioning to my fastest race times — pain-free, and Olympic Trials-ready.”
- Former competitive runner who returned to training after injury and time off
- Rehabbed, trained, and performed under Michael’s guidance with zero reinjury
- Qualified for the Olympic Trials Marathon at the Boston Marathon
- Achieved personal bests across multiple races:
- Sacramento Marathon – 2:46
- San Francisco Half Marathon – 1:09
- Boston Marathon – 2:36
- Credits Michael’s customized, injury-preventive programming for sustained success
“After just a couple of months, I’m at my ideal weight and hiking pain-free — looking forward to doing triathlons again with my daughter!”
- Lost weight and returned to his ideal body composition after nearly 10 years
- Gained strength and mobility through targeted stretching, deep water running, and nutritional changes
- Resumed hiking the challenging PG&E Trail at Rancho San Antonio (8 miles) with no knee pain
- Knee continues to grow stronger each week under Michael’s guidance
- Feeling energized and preparing to return to triathlon racing alongside his daughter (37 years younger)
- Describes the transformation as physically and emotionally empowering
“Michael brings the missing link in coaching — respect, attention to detail, and empowerment for young athletes.”
- Michael quickly built a relationship of mutual respect and trust with Jeremy, age 12
- Focused on Jeremy’s story, current needs, and long-term athletic development
- Provided detailed, repeatable coaching on body mechanics that transferred across sports
- Helped Jeremy access and express his natural athletic ability with more confidence
- Recognized for delivering a rare blend of coaching that honors both athlete and person
- Described as the “missing link in coaching and training” by a seasoned, supportive parent