Photo Credit. Christine Bricket. CG Photography.
Gymnasts from Atlantic Gymnastics Training Center. Portsmouth, NH
Region 2 Congress. June 18-21
Region 2 Congress. June 18-21. Portland Oregon
Quinn Shannon and I will both be speaking at Region 2 Congress! You should sign up quick before USAG realizes just who they have asked to speak!
Quinn
It should be entertaining to say the least!
I will also be teaching a Safety and Risk Management Course on Thursday at this congress. Make sure you sign up!
This is right before Gym Momentum Training Camp so I will have a lot of great information!
Is GMTC appropriate for Xcel Gymnasts?
I have had more than a few telephone calls and e-mails asking if GYM MOMENTUM TRAINING CAMP is appropriate for Xcel gymnasts and coaches.
The parents and coaches concern was that the gymnasts would overwhelmed. That this camp was really for only for high level optional gymnastics.
Reality is:
The LOWER the level- THE MORE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN!
A Level 5 moving to 6 or a Xcel Bronze moving to Silver will probably learn something new at EACH event and pick up some cool dance moves. A Level 9 moving to Level 10 is definitely going to improve but may only learn one new skill.
A coach expressed their concern that they were intimidated by GYM MOMENTUM COACHES. With Olympians, National Team Coaches, and coaches consistently placing gymnasts at JO Nationals that these coaches would not be able to work with Xcel gymnasts. NOTHING could be further from the truth. What makes my coaching staff so amazing is their ability to connect with gymnasts at all levels. These coaches know and understand the importance of a long term progressions and they know how to take advantage of those “teachable moments”.
If you are looking for a training camp where gymnasts learn the compulsory routines- this is NOT it.
If you are looking for a training camp where gymnasts are thrown for skills they may never compete- this is NOT it.
If you are looking for a training camp where personal coaches are not welcome- this is NOT it.
If you are looking for a training camp where coaches and gymnasts can learn side by side; where the focus is on long term optional development; where there is ample opportunity to have your questions answered- THIS IS IT.
Coaching Thoughts from Iceland
In my apartment here in Iceland I have a TV but there are few shows for me to watch in English. So I watch a lot of sporting events and cooking shows. (I guess my TV experience isn’t that different that when I am back in USA!)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I caught the end an interview with noted chef Bobby Flay. He offered two pearls of wisdom that I found very appropriate for coaches. The first one was to never rest on your laurels, constantly strive to get better, keep an edge. The second was to stress the fundamentals everyday. He reminds his chefs everyday to salt and pepper both sides of the meat. Everything is based on repetition of sound fundamentals. Food for thought and action as you begin your week.
THE JOB OF COACHING?
Watching a variety of different sports while not understanding the commentators gives you time to see more. Watching plays develop, watching what players are doing while they are not involved in a play or rush, and watching how coaches interact with the athletes. What occurred to me is that coaching is not a job it is not an industry! It is a way of life, a lifestyle, a profession. It is fueled by passion and driven by dedication to improving the lives of the athletes we work with work. To adopt this lifestyle is not for the faint of heart or the dilettante. Extrinsic rewards are few, fame and recognition is minimal and fleeting. The joy of coaching is not in the championships and the world-class athletes it is the day-to-day and week to week satisfaction of seeing athletes focus and dedicate themselves to excellence. My greatest accomplishments were not the talented athletes who achieved success at JO Nationals or at the Elite level. It was the marginally talented gymnasts who I was able to get them to believe in themselves, to compete skills that seemed “above their ability” to shave a few tenths of a point in execution and get them to JO Nationals (or even State or Regional Championships depending on the level). No one notices that but you and the athlete, but that is enough. Those are the intrinsic rewards, the things that make it all worthwhile. At the end of the day it is the satisfaction of knowing that you the coach can make a real difference. To those gymnasts- I dedicate my career to you.
My Morning Routine
My mornings generally start the same.
I get up, turn on NPR, make coffee as I scan the headlines then head to the gym to work out. This morning was no different. After I checked the news and weather I checked Facebook. There was a great status posted by one of my FB Friends from Texas.
I’m watching Katy at gymnastics practice and she is all smiles and so incredibly happy. Can you imagine finding your passion at such a young age?
……People gasp and give me “looks” when I tell them how many hours she is at practice….but if their baby says to them what Katy has said to me “if you take gymnastics away from me it’s like taking food or water away” they too would understand my level of support.
To which I commented:
This is the best thing I could possibly have read first thing in the morning. It is something I try to show each gymnast I work with. That they should do this for the love of the sport. This is something I try to teach each coach. That what we teach is WAY MORE than just gymnastics.
And she responded:
Tony I agree and it absolutely matters that her coaches create a healthy environment for her to thrive. What you and Gym Momentum camp do to train coaches makes a difference. See you in Boston!
Thank You Stacy! You made my day!
Happy Holidays!
GYM MOMENTUM TRAINING CAMP PHOTOS
After a LONG fight with computers, websites and internet providers- GYM MOMENTUM TRAINING CAMP individual photos are up.
You can view them all at SYKED PHOTOGRAPHY
Thanks to all who made the camp such a success!
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
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- Possibly a little horrified by the street performer
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- Not as horrified
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- 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.
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- Lining up Before Training with Coach Daire
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- Lining up after Training
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- 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
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.
