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Level 1 · Static Hold
the first solid hold

Build your first solid handstand.

Start from the beginning, learn the position in the right order, and build the strength and control to hold it with confidence.

A structured beginner course for people starting from zero — or rebuilding after years of random drills.

12handstand progressions 3training stages 5training programs 3camera angles per exercise lifetime access
where it sits on the method
Level 1Static Hold
Level 2Rebalancing
Level 3Transition
Complete Course · the whole method, in order
beyond the methodLevel 4 · ExpertOne Arm
AoH Level 1 — Static Hold

Not sure this is your level? Take a test →

i · Is this the right start?

Right for your level?

Find your levelAnswer 9 checks honestly. It names where to start.
Take a test →

·You are new to handstands.
·You have tried before but never had a clear progression.
·You can kick up but do not yet own a consistent, correctly aligned hold.
·You want a method you can follow instead of a collection of random drills.
·You are willing to build the position patiently and precisely.

·You already have a reliable wall handstand and your main challenge is rebalancing.
·You want the complete Levels 1–3 path in one purchase.
ii · What the course teaches

Build the position before you chase the balance.

Level 1 gives you the foundations that make later handstand work possible: handstand-specific warm-up, the scissors-jump entry, shoulder strength and core stability, alignment and body-line awareness, wall progressions, and controlled practice structure with written instructions and multiple camera angles.

The point is not to collect more drills. It is to understand the position, practise it in the correct order, and build a base you can trust.

iii · What you learn

The order this level follows.

01 · Prepare

Warm-up & awareness

Establish the warm-up, body awareness, shoulder action and basic positions.

02 · Build

Strength & alignment

Develop the strength, alignment and wall control needed to stay organised upside down.

03 · Hold & Explore

Consolidate & balance

Consolidate the static hold and begin the foundations of free balancing.

iv · What's included

Everything you need for Level 1.

·3 training stages — a clear order from day one
·5 structured training programs — follow, don't design
·Step-by-step progressions — nothing skipped
·3 camera angles — per exercise, where available
·Written instructions — for every drill
·Entry & warm-up guidance — how to get up safely, every session
·Shoulder & core conditioning — the strength that holds the line
·Lifetime access — instant start, revisit forever
v · Why AoH

The first level of a method, not a random drill library.

The AoH Method treats the handstand as a skill to be understood and trained — not a trick to be repeated until something works. Level 1 introduces the standards that continue through the full pathway.

AlignmentStabilityMindsetRespect for the craft

Miguel Sant'ana · Art of Handstands · since 2011

vi · Your place in the pathway

Where this fits in the order.

Level 1

Static Hold

the first solid hold
Level 2

Rebalancing

saving the handstand
Level 3

Transition

entries, exits, flow
—

Complete Course

Most popularthe whole method, in order
beyond the methodLevel 4 · Expert — advanced shapesOne Arm — the flagship
vii · What’s the difference?
Level 1AoH CompleteMost popular
what it is
The first solid hold. A simplified first step.
The whole method, in one order.
education
Body positioning.hand placement and fingertips · eye gaze and core · shoulder positioning · the training approach: the start and finish at the wall, common mistakes
Three full phases before you train.start here · the mindset · the standard · the 7 cues · the activation · types of free balancing · the three weak areas · saving the handstand: positional resiliency, control strategies, break positions, handstand layers · the Ritual · kicking up · bailing out · wrist and shoulder health · training guidelines · how the blocks work · the progressions libraryInside the training: the gates and your benchmarks.
handstand progressions
12
8163 wall · 9 kick-up · 9 bail-out
getting up
The scissor-jump entry.
The jump up, broken down step by step.
bail-outs
—
✓ both ways, at the wall and in the room
where it ends
A steady hold at the wall, first seconds off it.
Off the wall, with benchmarks.
programs
5
14
try it first
—
Module One free
Individual Bundle

Levels 1 · 2 · 3 in one

Less than buying the Levels one by one, and Level 3 is waiting when you’re ready for it.

  • Level 1 · Static Holdthe first solid hold
    12progressions
  • Level 2 · Rebalancingdynamic progressions
    11progressions
  • Level 3 · Transitionshapes, jumps and entries
    26progressions
Get the Individual Bundle →One payment · lifetime access to every course inside
Start with Level 1

Build the foundation the right way.

One-time payment · Lifetime access

Not sure this is your level? Take a test →

Want more than Level 1? See how the Bundles compare across the full AoH pathway.

Before you start

Quick questions.

Do I need previous handstand experience?

No. Level 1 is designed to start from the beginning. It is also suitable for people who have trained before but want to rebuild with a clearer method.

How much time should I train?

Consistency matters more than long sessions. Follow the programme guidance and practise at a sustainable frequency.

What equipment do I need?

A clear floor area and a suitable wall are the essential starting points.

Is Level 2 included?

No. Level 2 is the next separate stage of the AoH pathway. The Complete Course provides a broader route through the relevant levels.

How long do I have access?

Lifetime access, subject to the exact LearnWorlds offer and terms.

Secure checkout · instant access after payment · lifetime access.
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Not sure this is your level? Take a test or write to info@artofhandstands.com — it comes straight to Miguel.
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