Ep 112- What Is Metastability? Making Theory Practical with Alan Dunton

Written By Javier Miller-Estrada

Alan Dunton is a lecturer in Coaching Science and Skill Acquisition at Munster Technological University (MTU) in Cork, Ireland. A former Taekwondo athlete and coach, Alan has spent his career exploring how people learn, adapt, and perform skill under dynamic conditions. In this conversation, we unpack metastability — what it means, how to design for it, and why adaptability is the hallmark of expert performance.

In This Episode:

  • Alan’s background in Taekwondo and how it shaped his approach to coaching

  • Understanding metastability: from theory to practical application

  • Exploration vs. stability — what do athletes really need?

  • Designing training environments for adaptability

  • The launch of the new MSc in Skill Acquisition for Sport at MTU

This episode is heavy and theory AND applied information, and I know you will benefit from giving this a listen!

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Referenced Links:

Javier Miller-Estrada
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Ep111- Why Exploration Beats Perfection: 25 years of Coaching Fighters w/ Adam Singer