One of those most influential on my coaching career was Hideo Mizoguchi .
I spent much of the past weekend at R2R with “Mizo†and we had a chance to catch up on old times.
Mizo was an up-and-coming talent when Japan ruled the world of Men’s gymnastics. An injury cut short his competitive aspirations and, as a result, he moved to Oregon for University.
There he quickly rose to prominence as a coach, especially for his part in the development of 1984 Olympians Traci Talavera and Julianne McNamara, two of my favourite, innovative gymnasts of all time.
In those days Canadian clubs, including my own, sent kids to Mizo’s gym for summer camp.
When Mizo was named USA Gymnastics Technical Director for the Junior Olympic National Program, a post he held for 10yrs, Mizo continued to invite Canadians to participate at National Team events in Colorado Springs, a huge boost to our development at that time.
What is he doing now?
Mizo and his wife Kellie are running Champions Gymnastics in Katy, Texas. His gym was custom built as part of a shopping centre, a most unique model and one that is working very well. They host the Ricky Deci Invitational each year.
I recommend his Strength Development for Men’s Gymnastics video available from GymSmarts. (Click Men’s Gymnastics to get to it.)
Video sample.
Gymnastics Coaching.com 