The last few days of training were good.  Typhoon “Lupit” is passing by so it’s pretty rainy/windy here but good thing is that we’re always indoors.  In the gym I’m continuing my rehab and conditioning workouts and those are coming along as usual.  I’ve also been able to watch the Japanese guys train so I’ve been able to learn a whole lot that way as well.

One thing that I’ve learned is that they don’t take as many turns as most gymnasts in the US.  However, each turn is done with a purpose.  They put in 100% every time they go up and rarely take any “wasteful” turns.  It’s smart way to train because it takes a whole lot of stress off the body.  These guys also “self-coach.”  Instead of asking the coach after every turn, they take some time to think about what they did and try and fix it.  I think that this is a great method because it allows the athletes to understand their own gymnastics and their own body better.

Another thing I’ve realized is that everyone is really respectful.  It’s part of the culture but it’s really apparent in the gym.  For example, the younger guys says greets all of the older gymnasts when they walk into the gym.  They also have a lot of respect for their training facility.  Today we cleaned the gym after training (we do this twice a week).  No janitors here!

Anyway, I’m glad I came because I’m learning a lot of stuff outside of gymnastics as well.  I can take these things and bring it back to the US.  Soaking everything in for the time being!