All about Bivin

Bivin Poole's approach to English teaching, which combines life coaching, is a little unconventional - like the man.

It's difficult to capture the presence, charisma and character of a man like Bivin Poole because his stories and amibitions stretch far beyond this page. Bivin has always been ahead of his time. Before the boom of life coaching, in the late 90s, Bivin explored a therapy examining the whole person and teamed psychological development with physical fitness. Rather than looking solely at a person's mind or body, Bivin's interest lies in discovering the whole person. Now with the Western World embracing the notion of life coaches - employing them to assist and advise them in all areas of life, here in Japan, Bivin is offering people a chance to discover their purpose in life while they get fit and learn English. While some may describe Bivin's teaching style as unconventional, Bivin has made it his business to help people discover themselves and their potential while learning English.

Bivin Poole was born in Miami, Florida and bred in the bible belt in Texas (his parents were preachers and he grew up in the church). From there he went on to gain a football scholarship in college where he studied communication. After his studies he entered the fitness industry becoming a personal trainer and an aerobics instructor. It was during this time that he realised his passion for public speaking. Growing tired of being in the fitness industry full time Bivin decided to combine his passion for communicating with his interest in fitness.He followed love to Japan ten years ago and since then has been encouraging and motivating people using his tools of communication and exercise. Throughout his whole life Bivin has maintained a desire to encourage and support those around him. It is this desire that his driven him to opening up his own business.

Bivins Plus is, as the name suggests, English plus a bit extra. The concept involves English training, public speaking, personal development plus health and fitness. Bivin believes “people have a need for more than just English lessons”and that's exactly what he offers.

“A lot of stuff out there tears you down, we need to do a lot of stuff to build each other up”, says Bivin. He sets out to “help people focus on their goals” by “bringing to light what they want and what they need”. Rather than focusing on language alone, Bivin prefers to focus on helping people realise their goals. His role can be described more as a coach who supports his students in fulfilling their goals by devising action plans to set the wheels in motion. Students or clients of Bivin's are encouraged to grow from life's lessons, “I believe life experience is the teacher”, he says.

Within the framework of helping people to “get their lives up and moving” Bivin assists people in setting thirty-day challenges. This is a time of action where goal setting is no longer a dream but a reality. Bivin regularly sets himself goals and acts on those during thirty-day challenges, it was during one of these periods when Bivin set up and established his business.

Waking up at 4:30 every morning Bivin reads, meditates and listens to motivational tapes. He gathers inspiration from motivators such as Tony Robins, Les Brown and Rick Warne. This is his personal time where he gathers his energy for the day ahead. That energy is spent on promoting and developing his business, encouraging and teaching clients, and being a positive influence to those around him. From humble beginnings Bivin Poole has realised his passion and turned it into a career. He has successfully built his business around his childhood dream “I always wanted to encourage people”.

Text: Melanie Davies • Photos: Bivins Eikawa