I chose Chris to build my Cyr Wheel because of his reputation and influence on the Flow Arts community. This is a large statement considering that I had various local builders to choose from, yet decided the extra $400 cost meant I was getting a superior product. Though he seems to be a nice guy, purchasing a wheel from Chris was extremely frustrating. Not only was his word unreliable, but he treated my order like one of those pesky favors you wish you hadn't committed to. Something tells me he wouldn't treat anyone this way, face-to-face. The full length story is an arduous journey that I don't wish on any of you, so I will speed it up. Basically, while Chris was prepping for his annual Burning Man trip, he got distracted and mailed me the wrong wheel by mistake (I suppose it belonged to Shaquille O'Neal since it towered over me). Instead of tracking down the other customer and reuniting us with our proper wheels, he proposed building me ANOTHER WHEEL from scratch. I was skeptical and asked for a refund. He assured me that he was a "man of honor" and that he would do the right thing. I agreed to wait ONE month for the new wheel. That "one month" turned into nearly 3 months (Sept 02-Nov 22) of spotty communication with so many missed deadlines that I completely lost track... and eventually surrendered. If you take anything away from this, let it be that I waited nearly 7 months for my order. All that said, the proper wheel is built well and I am very happy with it. I just have never experienced negligence like this before and I hope it doesn't happen to anybody else. read more

I found Chris when I decided to try a new activity...The Zig. I was a little scared at first (the zig is pretty big and intimidating). Chris is a WONDERFUL coach. He is always encouraging and helpful. He made me feel like I was learning quickly and he never got frustrated or seemed annoyed when I had trouble doing a skill. Chris has a great way of teaching through positive reinforcement--some other coaches and trainers I have worked with have made me feel like a failure if I couldn't do something--not Chris. He has so much passion for what he is teaching it makes you love the sport even more. I have learned multiple skills from him from Zig to acro to the flying rings down at the beach in Santa Monica. If you have the opportunity to learn from Chris TAKE IT! You will be happy that you did! You will also be a stronger and more positive person because of it. read more

I treasure the time spent training with Chris on the zig. I do not come from an acro, aerial or dance background, but I felt instantly welcomed. I took part in a workshop and he fostered a real sense of community among the participants. He was careful to make sure everyone had individual attention and was consistently positive as he celebrated our budding skills. As a novice, the greatest gift he has gave me was to help me feel comfortable so far out of my comfort zone. Each day I left the workshop energized and passionate about returning. He is a gifted teacher and I look forward to learning from him again! read more

Chris is a phenomenal instructor. His Acro Yoga class at Veda Yoga was my first exposure to Acro and now I'm completely hooked. He always challenges me to push myself beyond what I realize my body is capable of. The results never cease to amaze me. Thank you for always showing me what I'm made of, Chris! read more

What a sweetheart! I saw a video online of a woman dancing with a cyr wheel, I was so fascinated by it! I asked around on where I could learn this amazing craft and was very quickly pointed in Chris's direction. Obviously it looks a lot easier than it is, but he was so patient and gentle with me i didnt feel overwhelmed at all. He took care of everything from finding a room for us to train in, to bringing a wheel fitted perfectly to my size. I had so much fun, I couldnt stop laughing. I got quite a rush from the whole experience. His style of teaching is very dynamic so I didnt get bored focusing on one move. His explanations were very clear so i was able to catch on rather quickly. I was manipulating the wheel in no time. Its amazing what a little faith and control can get you, honestly its kind of like learning a magic trick. Just toss the wheel to the left and it will find its way around you behind your back and back into your hands with minimal effort, a very boomerang like effect. I felt like a little kid. Spinning around is so much fun and the more advanced moves are almost like break dancing on crack, youve never seen windmills like this before! Truly a beautiful tool. He also makes his own wheels so this man is a one stop shop for this art form. The wheel is a lot of fun, but its also pretty heavy so this is a full body workout, I was so sore the next day. Its great when you can be so distracted by how much fun you are having so the workout goes by faster than you want it to. I hope to take many more lessons in the future and will definitely be doing it with Chris, he really loves the craft and wants to share his passion with others and its easy to understand why once you've tried it. read more

My experience with Chris Filkins has been nothing but positive. He handcrafted a cyr wheel (roue simple in case someone is searching for those terms) for me, helping me pick out just the right weight for my level of strength and agility. It's beautiful and perfect and I love it! Over the past few months, he's been helping me rehab using the cyr. I have trouble walking distances and up stairs, and his patient tutelage has been the best physical therapy I've ever experienced. For the first time in five years, I did a plane trip, with stopovers, and didn't use the wheelchair. That's huge! I owe it all to Chris. Not just for circus people, I think that the wheel can become a super rehab machine. It's a full-body workout that's low impact and it's wicked fun! read more

A friend of mine that had an experience with Chris had his review deleted. But from what I've gathered it was not a pleasant experience. He had ordered a roue cyr from Chris and it had taken 7 months to get the actual sized wheel. The first wheel that was sent was marginally (7 inches larger) - when my friend tried to return it - Chris became defensive and kept saying he would get the job done, but had kept procrastinating the job further and further. read more

Such a knowledgeable and well-rounded human being. I have been taking his west side Acro classes for about six months now. Not only has it taking me to the next level with acrobatics, but I have learned multiple styles that are happening around the world. I gained a really good friend and mentor. Definitely someone you should get to know! read more

I've gone to about 4 of Chris's Acro Yoga classes at Laughing Frog studio on Friday's. I really like the way Chris teaches, he breaks things down step by step so you can work your way up to more advanced moves. He really expresses the importance of good spotting in his classes as well. I've been to other classes where spotting wasn't emphasized and people were injured. Chris always makes me feel comfortable even if a move is too advanced for me, he will show easier alternatives. Thanks Chris and I look forward to the next class! read more

Christopher is awesome!! He knows what he's doing and he's a great teacher. I've learned so much from him in a very short time. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to learn Cyr or Acro yoga. read more

Not only is Chris talented with his own skills on the Roue Cyr, the Zig, and AcroYoga, but he's also a great at instructing in all three. I've had instruction from Chris over the years. First was the Roue Cyr. It's a unique wheel and seems simple until you step into it. A whole new world opens up once you place your hands and feet onto it and Chris is able to help brake it down in a manner that anyone can grasp. I've always felt encouraged with his patience and feeling like I'm moving forward, even if I'm making mistakes. Then came the beast of the Zig! Oh the magical Zig she is and Chris's love of this magical creature comes alive when he speaks about it. I have had so much fun training on this creature and learning it's abilities as well as my own and how to keep up. Again, his encouragement and skill set is important with this because of what you are working with. This is a heavy piece of equipment and not to be messed around with those who do not have experience. Chris has taken the time to learn and really break down the components of the Zig and has passed on this skill to many. And lastly comes my favorite.... Acro (AcroYoga). Chris's skills in this area have grown incredibly and I'm honored to learn what he has to pass on. He is a trusty base and a willing flyer as well. It's important to have knowledge from both perspectives and Chris is able to break moves down in a way that you can grasp. Again, encouragement and patience are key here with Chris. Even if you've done it wrong, it's ok. Let's try it again. Chris is good at what he does and passionate about it. Working with him, you can see that he wants to pass that on and for you to have fun. read more

I have been studying and playing with acro-yoga for just over a year now and Chris' classes, his patient and informed instruction and playful, funny and fun attitude have been instrumental in my learning curve and my willingness to stick with a practice that can be very frustrating (though always fun and challenging) at times. He is as much a student, as he is a teacher and innovator and his love and passion for the sport/practice of acro is what makes learning from him so much fun. read more

Chris is an incredible coach and teacher- so patient, so clear, and so positive. I could learn anything from him. He breaks what he is teaching down into simple steps and gives you space to explore, make mistakes and ultimately, to succeed. I studied zig and cyr wheel with him and enjoyed every minute of it. It was so much fun! Thanks, Chris! read more

I have the great pleasure of being Chris's talent manager & retreat producer. He has worked on many projects with me from Acro-Yoga retreats, traveling rings camps to Cyr Wheel gigs. I have even hired him for my circus production as our rigger! Chris is multi-talented outside of athletics, super skilled within & has the propensity for details thus making him a very quick learner & incredible teacher. I have taken classes with he & his Acro partner Ahni. Even when I was being as clutsy as a bull in a China Shop, they found a way for me to do it more gracefully! You will always feel safe around Chris! read more

As someone who has worked with several coaches and trainers throughout my life, I can't tell you what a treat it is to work with Chris! I always look forward to the challenge, progress and joyous learning experience that awaits each session or class! He was the gateway to my obsession/addiction to AcroYoga for which I will forever be appreciative. I had been in search of someone to teach me Cyr wheel, but when I found Chris' credentials I presented him with a long list of things I was eager to learn! We began with a private AcroYoga session in which I fell madly in love with the art/sport and decided it was the perfect way to fill the longing for my gymnastics days! Having had the opportunity to learn from Chris in both one on one and class environments I am impressed with how he adapts to the environment, skill levels, various personalities and learning styles that are present. As an incredibly talented athlete, and acrobat in his own right, his passion and dedication are infectious and inspiring! Chris teaches in progressions which accommodate the beginner and can be taken to advanced levels. He focuses on technique and guides his students through a strong solid foundation to build upon and develop a safe, fun and well rounded practice. It is rare to find a teacher who is able to create a harmonious balance between pushing you to your max, being supportive and encouraging while honing in on technique and fine tuning skills, and Chris does this really well! I'm always grateful that he shows me what is possible and how to train to reach my highest potential even when I doubt myself. If you are looking for someone to challenge you, while fostering creativity and play, I highly recommend you seek out a class or private training with Chris! read more

Chris has a masterful L-based acro practice of his own, honed over many years, and he is a very effective teacher of this style, including many "washing machines" (some of which are his own creative inventions). He is careful, patient, observant, and knowledgeable, and is a skillful group/class teacher as well as private instructor. As a medium-sized guy himself, he also demonstrates than an acro base does not have to be a big giant "strongman" type -- technique comes first. An added benefit of his classes (administered through Westside Acro on Facebook) is that the curriculum for the class is always posted well in advance. read more