Japan Sports Agency Commissioned Project: JSC/JOC/NF Use Nishigaoka High Performance Center and Other Facilities for Collaboration Project (Gymnastics, Finland)

Time Period: 17th to 26th Feb., 2019
Region: Tokyo, Japan
Sport/Programme Category: Gymnastics
Implementer: Japan Sport Council
Japanese Olympic Committee
Japan Gymnastics Association
Co-Implementer: FINNISH GYMNASTICS FEDERATION SVOLI
Number of Individual Beneficiaries: 10 people
(4 coaches, 6 gymnasts)

Last year, Japanese male junior national athletes (U15) were invited to Finland and participated in a 10 day training camp, where the Finnish athletes learned about the efforts and attitudes of the Japanese athletes and the ways of thinking of these junior athletes. This year the Finnish team wished to travel to Japan to learn even more and formulated a plan. Finland has lost some of its former strength as a European leader in gymnastics in recent years, and this plan was carried out with the intention of learning the training techniques of Japanese junior athletes and enhancing the skills of athletes in preparation for the Olympics.

Training sessions: morning 9:00 - 12:00, afternoon 14:30 - 18:30
Training details: As described below
Morning: Flexibility training and warm up with consideration to the unique characteristics of gymnasts, tumbling trampoline (30 minutes), floor exercise and basic vault skills (60 minutes)
Afternoon: Warm up (30 minutes), floor exercise, pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel bars, and horizontal bars (120 minutes; 2 to 3 apparatus selected each day), cooldown (20 minutes)

Notes:
-Participants learned how to develop their bodies according to the sports characteristics (specificities) of gymnastics, improve flexibility, acquire basic skills using a trampoline, and phased coaching techniques.
-A lecture on the importance of flexibility, which is especially necessary for gymnasts.
-The coaches gave advice on the prevention of joint injuries that may occur during growth periods, which is unique to junior athletes.

See below for the Japanese version.
http://www.sftlegacy.jpnsport.go.jp/wp/jp/20190418-3/

Matti Parojärvi
Finland Junior Gymnastics National Team Head Coach:

Feedback from Participant :

This was our first joint training camp with Japan, and it was quite wonderful to participate and learn various techniques and considerations. The NTC Training Centre has first-class facilities, and it is clear at a glance that it is a facility for top athletes. The quality of the lodging facilities was also very high, and all the participants were fully satisfied, including the nutritious meals. The large bath became a favourite spot for the athletes. I was impressed by the full line-up and high quality of facilities in the training area. Everything needed for training was available. In addition, during the training sessions, the Japanese coaches provided a lot of good advice and made us feel welcome. I am very grateful to the Japanese athletes for allowing the Finnish athletes to participate in training with them, and to the coaches for their kind advice. It is no exaggeration to say that overall, the training camp itself and the various arrangements were flawless. On behalf of the gymnasts, coaches, and the Finnish Gymnastics Association, I would like to express my gratitude for this joint training camp sponsored by the Japan Gymnastics Association, and I sincerely hope that this friendly relationship will continue into the future. Conveyed with heartfelt gratitude.