AJ cantanzaro “moto x training”

8/19/2026 8:44am

I,d skip the 1 arm lesson, the DBP is dead until 8k . Then quicker than light hit of 18.8 ft lbs of torque then builds up in a hyper rush. Great engine for starts . Dr Rachel just called & Said 5 of 7 ribs are displaced yet.  From 6-27 oh come on, 

1
8
jg791
Posts
27
Joined
4/11/2023
Location
Lexington, KY, USA
8/19/2026 9:00am
Kyle978 wrote:
He did a 1-day class at my buddies track down the road from me earlier this year, and I was really curious what it was all...

He did a 1-day class at my buddies track down the road from me earlier this year, and I was really curious what it was all about. So I skipped work and joined the course, paid full-price. 

Overall, what AJ teaches and his theory on riding is correct. I talked with him quite a bit, he’s a smart guy and seems to be constantly learning more and expanding his theories. 

With that said, the structure of the classes does not work. There were 24 riders from 65 beginners, to olddd dudes almost looping out their 450’s and stalling, to A/B riders. How do you position the conversation to make sense to an 8-year old ADHD kid who’s licking the paint off his frame, a 60-year old who is barely able to get around the track, and an 18-year old A rider that thinks he knows everything already?

It started with everyone putting their bikes on a stand and him going over body positioning for over an hour. I don’t think anyone paid attention after 15 minutes. 

Then a short warm up with full laps, and then he began section work. The first section took us to lunch, and after the lunch break there was only time for one more section. With 24 riders of different age and skill level, the conversation wasn’t tailored to really anyone. Just kind of general discussion about what some specific riders were doing wrong. 

Again, the guy knows his shit. But I don’t think the business model makes sense. They need to charge more for less riders, or do multiple days split up for different bike size and skill levels. 

Everything AJ said and taught made sense and was legit. But applying it to all those people? Seems like a tall order, IMO. 

I had the exact same experience. AJ himself is actually really nice and clearly a smart guy, but I would never pay money for their class again. It was exactly as you describe: "bike stand drills", an unstructured ride with all groups and then a couple of shout outs about what he saw a few random people (out of like 30) doing in various corners. I think the class is also a sales funnel to get people in the MotoAcademy app to get recurring revenue. I do not find the app particularly helpful beyond a few technique videos that are just like the modern Gary Semics or Ryno DVD's.

My $0.02, Joe Public motocross training in this country is not good. In road racing/track day stuff you have a lot of schools that are really good (California Superbike, YCRS, etc.) that come to a track near you, have coaches that watch you individually and help a lot. I feel like motocross stuff is mostly "random guy wants to make a quick buck". I haven't tried the MX Factory classes yet so maybe they're better (I did like their online technique masterclass). I've had the best luck finding a local retired pro and doing 1:1 sessions.

This is ironic because motocross is one of the hardest things you can do in motorsport, and all the best guys are hyper-focused on technique. We'd probably cut a lot injuries/deaths if there was a more focused training school available to the general public.

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8/19/2026 10:59am

Part of what AJ concentrates on is being a safer through proper technique. I think most of us do not have the patience to turn proper technique into muscle memory ( I know I don't ). I don't think I have ever heard him say, do what I teach and you will be the fastest guy on the planet. I have heard him say..apply the things I teach and you will be safer,smoother and have more fun. If you read between the lines and do those things you will become faster. I have taken a few classes with AJ. He is a genuine guy that has alot of knowledge and is a damn good teacher. He can articulate what he is trying to get across with words and by demonstration. Do I agree the classes could be a little smaller? Maybe..But the times I was there he broke it down between more and less experienced riders and he had 2 coaching assistants and it was fine. If you are an intermediate rider or above I am betting 1 on 1 with AJ or if you got say 3 guys and had a day with him it would be worth the money. Just my .02 cents. 

4
msp332
Posts
402
Joined
10/29/2014
Location
San Mateo, CA, USA
8/19/2026 11:08am

Vehemently disagree. And I'd love to see what you think is the right way, Vital.

Technique tips are helpful but in a very limited way - how much faster can you get by watching videos on the couch? I don't subscribe to gym workout routine programs or riding technique programs. I do read about technique and exercises, I do watch videos of discussions and demonstrations just as Gary Bailey has been doing for 52 years. But read/watch/listen is massively inferior to practice and feedback.

I've never done a class with more than 6 people. I wouldn't expect to get the same value from larger classes. But I have found small classes massively helpful. The feedback is what I find incredibly valuable. For example, I might think I'm looking far enough ahead, but until someone who really knows what to watch calls me out for not doing it - I'll never know. 

I don't think you can get what you're seeking without individual attention and feedback. What are you expecting?

1
4

The Shop

8/19/2026 4:24pm
Kyle978 wrote:
He did a 1-day class at my buddies track down the road from me earlier this year, and I was really curious what it was all...

He did a 1-day class at my buddies track down the road from me earlier this year, and I was really curious what it was all about. So I skipped work and joined the course, paid full-price. 

Overall, what AJ teaches and his theory on riding is correct. I talked with him quite a bit, he’s a smart guy and seems to be constantly learning more and expanding his theories. 

With that said, the structure of the classes does not work. There were 24 riders from 65 beginners, to olddd dudes almost looping out their 450’s and stalling, to A/B riders. How do you position the conversation to make sense to an 8-year old ADHD kid who’s licking the paint off his frame, a 60-year old who is barely able to get around the track, and an 18-year old A rider that thinks he knows everything already?

It started with everyone putting their bikes on a stand and him going over body positioning for over an hour. I don’t think anyone paid attention after 15 minutes. 

Then a short warm up with full laps, and then he began section work. The first section took us to lunch, and after the lunch break there was only time for one more section. With 24 riders of different age and skill level, the conversation wasn’t tailored to really anyone. Just kind of general discussion about what some specific riders were doing wrong. 

Again, the guy knows his shit. But I don’t think the business model makes sense. They need to charge more for less riders, or do multiple days split up for different bike size and skill levels. 

Everything AJ said and taught made sense and was legit. But applying it to all those people? Seems like a tall order, IMO. 

jg791 wrote:
I had the exact same experience. AJ himself is actually really nice and clearly a smart guy, but I would never pay money for their class...

I had the exact same experience. AJ himself is actually really nice and clearly a smart guy, but I would never pay money for their class again. It was exactly as you describe: "bike stand drills", an unstructured ride with all groups and then a couple of shout outs about what he saw a few random people (out of like 30) doing in various corners. I think the class is also a sales funnel to get people in the MotoAcademy app to get recurring revenue. I do not find the app particularly helpful beyond a few technique videos that are just like the modern Gary Semics or Ryno DVD's.

My $0.02, Joe Public motocross training in this country is not good. In road racing/track day stuff you have a lot of schools that are really good (California Superbike, YCRS, etc.) that come to a track near you, have coaches that watch you individually and help a lot. I feel like motocross stuff is mostly "random guy wants to make a quick buck". I haven't tried the MX Factory classes yet so maybe they're better (I did like their online technique masterclass). I've had the best luck finding a local retired pro and doing 1:1 sessions.

This is ironic because motocross is one of the hardest things you can do in motorsport, and all the best guys are hyper-focused on technique. We'd probably cut a lot injuries/deaths if there was a more focused training school available to the general public.

I bought Semic,s videos thinking there’s a secret to it all.  I found myself thinking about technique instead of naturally doing it & being slower.  I was on the balls of my feet day 1& good technique.  I just looked at riders with similar height & build . Jmb was the biggest influence, I then modified his style , he rode tall on the bike. I bent my knees to get closer to the bike , arch my back , elbows more out, etc.  Damon Huffman yrs later I mimicked his style mixed with Bradshaw a little.  Best style there is , I,m good at watching someone then doing it the same. That’s probably from bball , a coach shows you a move then you hv to replicate it . And get it quick or he goes bananas.  Lol Perfect technique your in more control & your going much faster .  You also hit the ground much harder then.  Injuries r much worse than a rider with bad technique. 

6
DaveNoones
Posts
200
Joined
6/3/2024
Location
Edwardsville, IL, USA
1 day ago
motoBalls wrote:
AJ is obviously a talented rider and knows how to ride. However I feel like his lessons are way too rigid and he acts like you’re...

AJ is obviously a talented rider and knows how to ride. However I feel like his lessons are way too rigid and he acts like you’re supposed to have your ass straight up in the air and head on the bar pad everywhere. You can see it in his training videos of some of his riders who are obviously beginners riding around in that tight rigid position he forces upon them. I’ve also heard him say some pretty stupid stuff that will get someone hurt like “always case a jump with your front wheel” like in some circumstances, yeah, but not every time. IMO it seems like he came up with this “curriculum” and is too far down the line to change it. I don’t think he is a good trainer at all. He’s in it for social media and clicks. I wanted to see if anyone else agrees. Every time I see someone whose just getting into the sport asking for advice I see the comments, “go check out aj cantanzaro he’s the best” and I really don’t think he is. 

"I'ts all about unlocking your hips"

He rides like a girl with his ass out for the taking and head/neck cocked up

Looks goofy, all he needs is guyliner.

2
3
mshea397
Posts
160
Joined
12/18/2018
Location
Prior Lake, MN, USA
Fantasy
1 day ago

After being self-taught for 40 years, I had the time and I took his class.  Yes, there were a lot of students, but during the group briefings, there were a lot of little details that I could pick up.  I very much found it to be a good experience and it improved my riding.  As noted above, more direct focus and feedback would have been great, but I still picked up a lot.  I did nudge my way to the front on one of the drills and asked him to observe me through a section and I was able to get the personal feedback.  Overall, B+ and worth it.  

1
LLOYD22
Posts
595
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Scranton, IA, USA
1 day ago

I’ve done his class with Mitchell.  I’d definitely pay more for less riders and a more one on one experience,  I gained knowledge but I’m going to be honest it didn’t make a better rider simply because the coach had very little time to watch you one on one to see if you are doing it correctly.  What you feel and what you actually look like are very different I’ve found out.

1 day ago
yak651 wrote:

He should buy and open a training facility instead of traveling to teach his classes…

I stopped watching his stuff after that whole fiasco fell through, i watch the occasional videos that pop up on my feed though.

1 day ago

It’s a money grab. He’s a know it all kook imo 

3
cwel11
Posts
2756
Joined
12/4/2019
Location
Orangeville, PA, USA
1 day ago Edited Date/Time 1 day ago

We’ve done more than a few training classes with Ronnie Stewart (can’t recommend enough) as well as some other local pros and all were more beneficial than a day with AJ. Not hating on the guy personally but just was more of a “watch me go do this section, then you go do it like that”. Ok cool man, will do 🤦🏼‍♂️ 

8500rpm
Posts
576
Joined
12/31/2020
Location
SE
1 day ago
motoBalls wrote:
AJ is obviously a talented rider and knows how to ride. However I feel like his lessons are way too rigid and he acts like you’re...

AJ is obviously a talented rider and knows how to ride. However I feel like his lessons are way too rigid and he acts like you’re supposed to have your ass straight up in the air and head on the bar pad everywhere. You can see it in his training videos of some of his riders who are obviously beginners riding around in that tight rigid position he forces upon them. I’ve also heard him say some pretty stupid stuff that will get someone hurt like “always case a jump with your front wheel” like in some circumstances, yeah, but not every time. IMO it seems like he came up with this “curriculum” and is too far down the line to change it. I don’t think he is a good trainer at all. He’s in it for social media and clicks. I wanted to see if anyone else agrees. Every time I see someone whose just getting into the sport asking for advice I see the comments, “go check out aj cantanzaro he’s the best” and I really don’t think he is. 

Tumic wrote:
I have never trained with him since I live on the other side of the world, but I have trained kids my self and had multiple...

I have never trained with him since I live on the other side of the world, but I have trained kids my self and had multiple schools and camps in both motocross and enduro for close to 20 years now.


The thing is that you need to over exaggerate most things to get the riders to do it correctly.

If a rider stand with really bent knees, you need to tell him to lock them and he will hopefully get the legs straight at least. If you just tell him to straighten them, he will do something in between bent and straight but he thinks that he is doing it correctly.

I have not seen something about his training that sticks out in a negative way for me other than his large groups and that he uses his stark varg to ride on while speaking to the group.

In my world it’s better to be standing still with your helmet off (and all the other riders to) so you can keep eye contact with everyone and make sure that they listen. Then you show, and after that you can talk a little more.

And as someone else said, just because you are good at something doesn’t mean that you are good at teaching. Many pro’s don’t have a clue on how to communicate with a group in a constructive way how you should do something.

The main thing is that you know what you are teaching and understand how to deliver it. Or do you guys thing that RC’s mom is a badass on the bike?. 

I feel that AJ get unnecessary amount of shit on the internet. Some is probably deserved but certainly not all of it..

 

So right... Natural talent many times doesn't translate to a good teacher. Different sport, but did ski racing when young. My brother had much more natural talent but he had no clue what he was as doing, he couldn't explain...but he was better and faster than me but I for sure was the better ski instructor. 

1
dirtcan
Posts
157
Joined
2/17/2022
Location
Sherbrooke, QC, CA
23 hours ago Edited Date/Time 23 hours ago

Never took one of his class, but his early videos called private lessons were very helpful to me beause he started posting them at the same time I started riding. Help me a ton to start with the right basic fundamentals, which are still far from perfect in my case. On most practice days, I still take 10-15 minutes on the intermediate track to do the one-handed drill. I slowly stopped watching his stuff as they moved less and less toward riding and more toward the influencer/self-fellatio style. Now everytime his stuff pop-ups, I can't hit skip fast enough. I took a few one on one lessons over the years, and one of the most helpful thing an instructor did was filmed me. You can be told to do a certain thing or be in a certain position and think you are actually doing it. But then you see yourself and you're like "damn that was not it at all"!

1
sandtrack315
Posts
2853
Joined
7/19/2013
Location
Philadelphia, PA, USA
23 hours ago

Not sure if he does it anymore but in his app you used to be able to send him riding clips and he’d give you feedback. Best bang for your buck training I’ve had. 

1

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