Movement Study: From Drill to Competition

Tonde Katiyo

Amin Abbasi

Morning Session: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

• Day 1 AM: Movement framework + drill-to-set translation

• Day 2 AM: Calibration + fairness/clarity + level targeting

Afternoon session 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

• Day 1 PM: Practical setting block + forerun process/feedback loops

• Day 2 PM: Time-boxed simulation (comp-style constraints) + review and takeaways
  

Tonde Katiyo is an internationally renowned route setter whose career spans multiple continents. Born in Paris and raised in Zimbabwe, he began climbing at age 12 before moving to Canada to study art and earn his first route setting certification. Since then, Tonde has set routes for climbing gyms and competitions around the world.

With experience at 13 international competitions and more than 30 national events, he is one of the most experienced route setters globally. Beyond setting, Tonde has led route setting instruction courses worldwide since 2009. Known for his calm presence and eye for movement and aesthetics, he favors dynamic climbing, creative use of volumes, and the “silent partnership” between setter and climber. He is also a coach, father, and longtime advocate for thoughtful, fair, and progressive route setting that helps shape the future of climbing.