We had the good fortune of connecting with Dante Liberato and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dante, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Growing up, I always wanted to be of service to others and create a lasting impact in my community. To be honest, the opportunity fell into my lap to build my own business. Through years of networking, offering my craft free of charge and focusing around truly helping other humans realize their potential, I had enough support and encouragement to step into a brick and mortar location without much tension or pressure. Now, I get to live the way I want to – creating my own curriculum for students and taking time away from the gym when I need it. Creating this loose, organic lifestyle is now my main motivator for remaining my own boss.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ayurveda Somatics is the only martial arts gym that I am aware of that offers a mindful and conscious approach to violence and MMA while also holding containers for psychotherapy, yoga, ecstatic dance, Steel Mace Flow and psychedelic education.
It certainly wasn’t easy arriving here. Recently I held a grief ceremony where I was surrounded by loved ones and was able to be held in my process of letting my goals as a pro athlete wash away. I had to step away from my selfish desires and step into my true calling, being a coach. I thought since age 8 that I would be a professional fighter and live my life in that realm. Letting that version of myself go was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but was the most necessary piece of this next season of life.
I will say my time as a competitor is what allowed me to receive the trust that I do in holding space for others as they develop their own martial arts skills. Through years and years of injury, I realized it was time to step away from competition – I had to listen to my body if I wanted to remain healthy and now that is what I encourage others to do through my practice.
I feel what I needed as a young man was a safe place to express myself, grow and learn, while also becoming stronger and being held/supported by mentors in the community. That is what I hope to offer others through running a gym.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado and Manitou Springs (where I live) are some of the most amazing places I’ve been able to live. With garden of the gods, red rock, open space and pikes peak in our backyard, it’s hard to decide what trails I would show someone first. One of my favorite activities is a long run through the woods, connecting some of these amazing state parks, and wild places. bringing along a minimalist fishing kit and catching some trout for dinner before going home is another great way to spend the day. A breakfast burrito from Toasted, my favorite restaurant in Manitou would be my go to spot, perhaps followed by some time at the penny arcade or exploring one of the many museums on the west side. If the weather is nice, checking out an Alpine reservoir for some paddle boarding or kayaking is another fantastic way to spend an afternoon with good people.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aaron Ewton, a local restaurant and business owner made a huge impact on me as a young coach. He had so much trust in my process as a trainer that he helped me build my location from the ground up and also quite literally built my business with all the referrals he brought in. Tara Behr, a local psychotherapist was another integral part of my growth as a leader and my stepping away from a toxic, competing environment. She helped me find my worth as a human and without that I trust my process would’ve been decelerated exponentially. Ren Thorpe, my beloved and now fellow coach/ business partner also has encouraged me and helped build processes around my ideas that make this dream into reality. Kenny Stahl, a local medicine man and ceremonialist has taken me under his wing and shown me I am much more than just a professional athlete like I once thought.
Website: Www.ayurvedasomatics.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ayurveda.somatics?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ayurveda-Somatics-COS/100094020707382/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Lauren Thorpe