ASEC – Action Sports Environmental Coalition

Some of the big names in Action Sports joined together in a good cause. The best description of their program I’ve seen is a cool movie, surprisingly, on Darryl Hanna’s website:

Dhlovelive.com ASEC video clip

ASEC.jpg

After respecting the environment, I recommend the boys run out and rent Darryl Hanna’s first movie — Summer Lovers. Ooooo.

video – the evolution of dance

Comedian Judson Laipply demonstrates popular dance styles. Funny.

Click PLAY on the video below. Or watch it on YouTube.

Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs (Canada)

H-hibbs.jpgIG Online Interview:
I currently have no issues with the new Code. I think it does allow the gymnasts to be unique, and because we are all trying to throw our most difficult skills, it makes it more exciting and interesting, both to watch and perform.


profile on Gymnastics Canada

One of the first international athletes I’ve heard not grumbling about the new code of points. Perhaps the dissension is beginning to fade.

I still bemoan the loss of Nadia’s perfect 10, one of the great brands of all time.

beach gymnastics






Originally uploaded by TravisPurser.

This photo takes me back to the late 1970s when a group of us made the pilgrimage to the Santa Monica Gym Fest in California. We missed the walk-up registration deadline to compete — probably a good thing.

Schwarzenegger trained at Gold’s Gym, Santa Monica under Joe Weider starting 1968.

These rings are still there! We took kids to Muscle Beach in 2004 (photos).


Santa Monica Gymfest t-shirt is still on sale
though the beach meet is defunct. Buy one from 10.0

Rick McCharles to Australia

GA.jpgThe editor of this blog, Rick McCharles, will be a guest presenter at the Australian National Gymnastics Congress, then tour the country addressing specific topics of interest for each State.

I am booked Jan. 7-29, 2007.

The Australian gymnastics model I’ve admired since touring down under 13-years-ago.

Report – Gymnastics in Australia 1993

When I coached in New Zealand 2002-03 we used the Australian competitive structure. I found it far superior to the Canadian system.

The Aussies love sport and gymnastics. I’m looking forward to the adventure.

Gymnastics Australia

girls in the weight room?

fitnesscentre04.jpgI’ve always recommended female athletes get into the weight room. It is even more beneficial than for the boys!

COACHING THE FEMALE ATHLETE – SPECIFICALLY IN THE WEIGHT ROOM
By Meg Stone, East Tennessee State University

Conclusion

… there should be few differences in the weight programs for women compared to men. Individual differences are more determined by sport specific training than gender.

… it may be necessary to conduct more upper body strength work with the female athlete. Variation does play a key part in the continued improvement of the female athlete.

Full article on USOlympicTeam.com

What’s so great about gymnastics?

A good article detailing why children should do gymnastics.

The author, journalist Nancy Thies Marshall was a 1972 Olympian for the USA, and is the manager of the USA Gymnastics Athlete Wellness Program 2006.

Photo is an old favourite of mine. Can-Am Gym Club from the late ’90s.
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book – Biomechanics of Women’s Gymnastics

This classic book is still valuable today. Superb illustrations. The best description of artistry and technique available. Look for a copy in the library.

Biomechanics of Women’s Gymnastics, G. S. George, 1980. (Or is it 1979?)

I recall when it was first published I bought 10 copies to distribute to coaches in the gym!

It was that ground breaking at the time.

Cirque du Soleil signs Elvis

When the Beatles-inspired LOVE opens in a few days, Cirque will have 13 shows worldwide, five of them based in Las Vegas.

Insiders have told me that LOVE is fantastic. It will be a huge hit.

Just announced are 10 or more Elvis-themed Cirque touring and permanent productions around the world between 2008 & 2021.

CBC Arts: Cirque du Soleil all shook up over Elvis deal

The Cirque will need a lot of acrobatic performers in the coming years!

Everybody loves Elvis.
elvis.jpg