For Back (Also great for Leg Drive for Vault) [Read more…]
Gym Momentum Training Camp Review
This year we hosted Gym Momentum Camp at Yellow Jackets Gymnastics in Boston. I was more than a little nervous because of new location and all the logistics that went into it.
The ENTIRE Korman family and the staff at Yellow Jackets were terrific hosts. There was not one thing that I ever wanted or needed that was not taken care of.
The gymnasts and their coaches as well as Gym Momentum staff all stayed at a local hotel. Accommodations were great and the hotel was in a very convenient locations.
My goal was to deliver quality instruction for BOTH gymnasts and Coaches. We were full with over 100 gymnasts and 30 plus coaches attending . The energy was incredible.
Gymnasts attending camp were from:
New Hampshire
Maine
Massachusetts
New York
Texas
Connecticut
New Brunswick, Canada
Newfoundland, Canada
Alberta, Canada
Argentina
Reykjavik, Iceland
I pride myself at putting together a world class staff. 
As I said, I think the energy and enthusiasm that my staff had really was infectious to all the coaches and gymnasts. Each day we had 5 rotation in the morning (Olympic events plus dance) and 5 Rotations in the afternoon (Olympic events plus photo shoot) then a 45 minute open workout.
As a coach- I always was frustrated when gymnasts from my club attended a camp were were thrown for skills they either were not ready for or that were not taught in a progressive manner. Gym Momentum staff worked closely with all visiting coaches so that they knew what drill we were doing and what was the next step. Each night we had a Q and A session with coaches to answer any questions they might have and share our philosophy.
I believe the comments made by coaches that attended say it all:
Hi Tony,
I need to let you know that this was such a great experience for all my kids, staff and parents. Thank you for putting something together that was fun, educational for the kids & coaches, and that fired up my girls so much that we’ve added on an extra practice for this week.
As you know, we’ve been rebuilding and restructuring. Every year gets better, and opportunities like this are such a blessing. We had eyes, ears, and minds open all weekend, coaches & kids, and will 200% be back next year.
Amazing job, please take a moment and be proud of your and the staff’s hard work, and (maybe) take a nap!! We’ll see you at congress!
—
Sincerely,Samantha Kelley
Jean’s Gymnastics Director of Operations
Tony
I have to say that Gym Momentum has been by far the best training camp that my team has been to. It was well rounded with education for myself and for my athletes, and there is nothing better than that. Your staff, as well as yourself, were extremely approachable, helpful and knowledgeable. We are all ready to attack this summer’s training with gusto! 🙂
Jayne Geddes
River Valley Gymnastics, Canada
GYMNASTS ARRIVING
A couple VERY Tired girls arriving from Argentina
GYM PHOTOS THANKS TO REBECCA SYKES. ALL INDIVIDUAL PHOTOS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SYKED PHOTOGRAPHY
After Gym Momentum Camp We toured Boston’s Famous Quincey Market and Faneuil Hall
-
- Possibly a little horrified by the street performer
-
- Not as horrified
-
- OK- He turned out to be a nice guy
Monday Everyone that was around went up to TAKE FLIGHT AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK
Some Gymnasts from Texas, Canada and Iceland walk into a gym… Gym Momentum had some gymnasts extend their stay to be trained at Atlantic Gymnastics in Portsmouth.
-
- Lining up Before Training with Coach Daire
-
- Lining up after Training
-
- NOT REAL BROTHERS. But we do share a brain
What do Gym Momentum Gymnasts do when not in the gym?
GO BRIDGE JUMPING!!
And we have to EAT. BBQ at Gym Momentum World Head Quarters
I will continue to Update this page as I get in more videos and photos.
Character
Canadians turn to USAG Junior Olympic Program.
GYMNASTICS BC WILL BEGIN USING USAG JO PROGRAM
As of September 1, 2014, Gymnastics BC will use the USA Junior Olympic Program (JO) for its provincial level competitive categories. JO will replace the Canadian Provincial Program (CPP), GYMSTART and KIP. Interclub and Performance Plus will continue to be offered, but the athletes will now also have the option to easily transition to the JO program levels 1 and 2.
Fear Not My Canadian Friends!
The JO program. Is pretty basic and straight forward. One of the biggest benefits is that it is fairly easy for parents to understand. SAVING YOU COUNTLESS PHONE CALLS AND E-MAILS.
JOB POSTING- Coach Gymnastics in ICELAND
I had the opportunity to travel to Iceland in April. I LOVED IT and I plan to go back.
Stjarnan Gymnastics Club is currently looking for a coach. This is a beautifully outfitted club.
If you have any questions about living in Iceland, please feel free to e-mail me.
Gym Momentum Camp Schedule
Gym Momentum Camp Schedule
You Coaches:
Your Host- Brian Korman!
VAULT- Vasko Vetzev, Matt Yellis
BARS- Daire Oceallag, Rebecca Sykes and (Tony )
Beam- Carly Meyer, Jamie Donkin
Floor- Rick McCharles, James, (Tony)
Dance- The coach from Yellowjackets whose name I cannot remember!
Schedule
Thursday Arrival.
5:30- 7:30 Orientation and Open training with staff.
Friday
8:45 Arrive at Gym
9:00- 9:20 Warm up
9:20-12:15 Training (5 , 35 minute events)
12:15-1:30 Lunch and Rest. Lunch will be provided at the gym for all coaches and gymnasts.
1:30-1:50 Warm up
1:50- 4:45 Training (5, 35 minute events)
4:45-5:30 open Training
Dinner on your own
Saturday
8:45 Arrive at Gym
9:00- 9:20 Warm up
9:20-12:15 Training (5 , 35 minute events)
12:15-1:30 Lunch and Rest. Lunch will be provided at the gym for all coaches and gymnasts.
1:30-1:50 Warm up
1:50- 4:45 Training (5, 35 minute events)
4:45-5:30 open Training
Pizza Dinner at gym- Still trying to figure out an evening activity.
Sunday
8:45 Arrive at Gym
9:00- 9:20 Warm up
9:20-12:15 Training (5 , 35 minute events)
I will have a small LIMITED number of Gym Momentum Leotards and Shorts for sale.
Clubs that are around Sunday afternoon- we are planning a Trip to Faneuil Hall Market Place in Boston
On Monday I can organize a trip to TAKE FLIGHT AERIAL ADVENTURE in Maine before we get you to airport.
Where am I and What am I doing?
I have a pretty busy congress and clinic schedule coming up. I received an e-mail yesterday wanting to know WHAT lectures I was doing and WHERE was I doing them.
Here is my schedule- If you HAVEN’T yet registered for one of these congresses or clinics- HOW COME?
If you have any questions that you want to make sure I answer- please do not hesitate to contact me!
Region 4 Congress- Cedar Rapids
June 12
- – Safety and Risk Management
June 13
- – Coaches as Educators (HOW CAN YOU BE A BETTER TEACHER?)
- – Clear Hip Circles and Giants (I will also cover Toe on Handstand)
- – Vault Bridge between Compulsory and Optional (optional drills to do with compulsory gymnasts)
June 14
- – Yurchenko Vaulting 1 (from beginning to first flip)
- – Yurchenko Vaulting 1 (Now that you can flip- what do you do?)
- – Release Moves
June 17
- – Everyday Basics on Floor (a daily plan for basic tumbling. What to do and WHY)
- – Vault Bridge between Compulsory and Optional
- – ABC of Bars. (Today’s Drills tomorrows skills. )
June 18
- – Panel Discussion , (answering those questions which I have brought up in the past)
- – 5 Skills Every Gymnast Needs on Bars
- – Keeping Fitness Fun (Hands on). Fun games!!!!
June 20
- – Building a Team out of your staff (Staff management and motivation)
- – Improve your VAULTING eye. (Judges)
- – Keeping Fitness Fun
- – Release Moves
- – Vault Bridge between Compulsory and Optional (optional drills to do with compulsory gymnasts)
June 21
- – Yurchenko Vaulting 1 (from Beginning to first flip)
GYM MOMENTUM TRAINING CAMP BOSTON
June 26-29
Region 6 Congress. Providence, RI
August 1
- – Vault Bridge between Compulsory and Optional (optional drills to do with compulsory gymnasts)
- – Keeping Fitness Fun
August 2
- Yurchenko Vaulting 1 (from Beginning to first flip)
- Yurchenko Vaulting 2 (Now you can flip- what do you do?)
- Building a Team out of your staff (Staff management and motivation)
August 3
- – ABC of Bars. (Today’s Drills tomorrows skills. )
- – USAG W200
Kidsport Gymnastics Team Camp. Winona Minnesota
August 7-10
National Congress Pittsburgh, PA
August 21
- – School Age Vault.
- – Warm Ups and Wind Downs w/Jayne Marisco. (fun things to get your classes going!)
August 22
- – Hands on Spotting: Women’s Optional Skills Part 1
August 23
- Hands On Spotting-Optional Skills Part 2
TENTATIVE
September 8-22. Training Camp in Iceland.
It is a pretty crazy schedule and it will fill in even more. If you would like me to do a clinic for you at your gym, PLEASE, do not wait too long. I have very few open dates.
If you are coming to one of my lectures, courses or clinics- I have things scheduled pretty tight and I do not know if I have actually scheduled time to EAT. Please bring me a cookie or a piece of fruit.
Thank You!!!!!!!!!
As many people know I have just returned from pretty much a month on the road.
I was in Iceland for a 2 week training camp and then in Italy to mostly visit friends and family. Sandwiched between these 2 trips I hosted our Xcel State Championships.
Returning from Italy I had my gym show at one of my gyms and now I am busy writing and organizing all my lectures for Region 4 Congress, Gymcon and Region 8 Congress which will have me on the road for 10 days beginning next week.
This morning I was at my Portsmouth gym working on Gym Momentum Camp stuff and decided to run out for a coffee.
I am a creature of habit and I headed to my favorite Cafe Breaking New Grounds (It’s not about the coffee). When I went in, they said there was a GIFT CARD for me. They said someone had called in and bought me a Gift Card.
I figured it was one of my friends or family.
It was from Dave Peterson from Cal Sports in San Jose complimenting me and thanking me for a recent article.
“Great Article” “Perfectly Placed” “Going to share it with my team”
and
“Thanks”
Dave- Thank you! You made my day!!
What was the BEST food you ever had at a gymnastics competition?
Lets face it, when we have LONG weekend of competitions, whether it is an invitational or a State Championship we eat HORRIBLE. What ever there is available for coaches we will eat it. Pizza, trays of lasagna, or maybe a sandwich may make your day. The food just has to be “ready” to keep us happy.
This weekend I hosted our Excel State Championship. I was busy doing last minute set up and arrangements when I had a break to go grab a cup of coffee. I walked into the hospitality room to and was immediately greeted by SALLY from COMPETITION CATERING. She asked if I would like a veggie omelet and maybe some home fries. This was not a made- ahead twice warmed up -rubbery disaster. We are talking FRESH and GOOD (and she remembered from a previous meet that I am an infrequent meat-eater).
I was feeling pretty special until I saw that this was how she greeted every coach and judge that came in. She was making omelets to order. Remembering what some had ordered in the past.
I heard lunch was quite amazing. I did not get a chance to get in there as I was busy running between Awards in the auditorium and competition in the gym. As I was setting up and getting ready for the next session, Sally shows up with WARM cookies and milk!
Many of the coaches popped into the hospitality room to have dinner before they left. It gave coaches and judges a chance to unwind between competitions or refuel as they headed home.
My daughter is a gymnast and over the years I have seen how the judges and coaches eat. I’ve seen coaches also go without eating since it is difficult for them to get to hospitality while their kids are warming up or competing. Since I have been involved with restaurants and food service my entire adult life, I saw an opportunity. I really just want the competitions to run smoothly and to see the coaches and judges happy! Call it an ulterior motive but I think a HAPPY JUDGE gives Higher scores! “
If you are hosting a competition ANYWHERE throughout New York or New England and you are looking for a way to keep the judges and coaches happy (at roughly the SAME PRICE as you would normally spend) contact me and I will be happy to get you in touch.
Steak Tips for Lunch for the coaches and Judges
A happy (and well fed) meet director
Sally is able to stay on site and cater the entire event. She will keep your hospitality room running, with fresh hot food available all day. She is Servsafe certified and able to work with or with out facilities. Having her at my meet relieved me of a great deal of stress and kept the judges and coaches VERY happy.
Do you have a gymnastics PROGRAM? Part 3
I just finished a pretty busy spring where I have been coaching at The International Challenge part of Gym Nix International. A Training Camp in Whitehorse in the Yukon, The University of Calgary International Cup and most recently in Iceland.
At Gymnix there were teams from Canada, US, Sweden, France, Belgium, and Wales.
Some pretty fantastic gymnastics. What was apparent with these gyms was that they a program and a system to become successful. Whether it was Liukin and WOGA or the Team from Manitoba. They had a plan and a system. They nurtured the gymnasts, taught them gymnastics, taught them how to compete. They new where they were and they knew where they were going.
One of the clubs I consult with KIDSPORT from Minnesota was there. It was their gymnast (Lexy) first International competition. Rob knew what Lexy’s basic bar routine was going to be years ago. There were adjustments (A Comenecci as opposed to a Gienger. A full out as opposed to double lay out) but he had a plan. Watching his videos of 5 kids in a row NAIL triple fulls, and 3 kids in a row do a full in or full out, he obviously has a plan and knows not only what he wants from the group but he also makes wise skill selection for the individuals.
Any one can get lucky with a talented kid walking into their gym. BUT- what are you going to do with it? How many kids in a population show above average talent? 1 in 10? 1 in 20? 1 in 100?
How many kids show that SPECIAL thing to bring them to the top? 1 in 1000? 1 in 10,000?
You need to make your gym a magnet for talent. The only way to do that is to:
- take the mediocre kid and make them AVERAGE
- The average kid and make them GOOD
- The good kid and make them GREAT
- And the Great kid and make the AMAZING.
Talk is Cheap
It is so easy to talk about excellence, winning, commitment and leadership but what actions are you actually taking to achieve those things? What is your specific action plan? Who is going to help and guide you? What changes do you need to make to be the best you can be? What are you willing to sacrifice? Stop talking about it and do something now.
The path to EXCELLENCE is paved with good intentions – turn the intentions into action!
Characteristics of a Sound Training Program
In all my travels I have been getting requests to evaluate their training programs. Rather than specifically evaluate any program I think it is better to describe the characteristics of a sound program and you can use this to evaluate and draw your own conclusions.
Technique- You can not argue with physics and mechanics. Our bodies and the equipment react to certain constants and constraints. As I have said before- the technique you teach needs to become your religion.
Progression – You should be able to see clear definitive progression both inter and intra workout. In addition the progression should take into account training age.
Clearly Defined Goals – A sound program starts with the end in mind and clearly works toward that end.
Training is a means to an end – Training should not be an end unto itself.
Individual – A sound training program fits the individual and takes into account trainability and recoverability. Not Every drill is going to work with every gymnast. Not every skill is appropriate for every gymnast.
Beyond the Exercise – It is always more than an exercise or a drill. The drill or exercise is a means to an end.
Can Do – A sound program will focus on what the athlete can do, not what they can’t do. Optimize the strengths and minimize the weaknesses.
Risk – Manage risk by weighing the risk:return ratio of the training methods.
Variation – Incorporate programmed systematic variations to insure continual adaptation.
Spectrum – Incorporate a spectrum of methods that insure all systems are trained all the time.
Basics – Never stray far from the basics, no gimmicks, no fads and no quick fixes.
