COACHING ACADEMY

FOR SALE

Women's Gymnastics Study Tour of China/ 2-disc DVD set

I have always admired Chinese gymnastics, both from a technical and an easthetic point of view. I have always been unsatisfied with the explanation that China is a great gymnastics country simply because of its large population. I have always thought that this was not enough of an explanation, so in 2005, I decided to take myself out of my comfort zone as a coach and to visit China to finally learn about their coaching methodolgy and technical approach first hand. I was especially interested in how the Chinese prepare their young gymnasts. I was not really interested in their Juniors and Seniors, because I already knew what they do at that level.

I arranged to visit different training centers as an observer in the summer 2006. It took me a year to organize that trip.

I flew to Beijing and visited a Provincial Training Center, a Sportschool specializing in Gymnastics and their new National Training Center. I also visited a Provincial Training center in KunMing (South Western China) and I attended a Compulsory meet in ZhenZhou (Central China) for little ones.

I would sit during entire practices, film and take notes. I had the opportunity to exchange a little with some coaches through an interpreter and to gain some more perspective on their thoughts about gymnastics training for young ones. My interactions with people were limited because of the language barrier but I did manage to get answers to many of my questions.
Now, you can order the DVDs from this Study Tour.

DVD ORDER INFORMATION-

DVD # 1 is 19:32 long and DVD # 2 is 14:20 long; they are made with IMovie on my trusty Mac computer. They have some on-screen commentaries, slow-motion and voice-over. My 15-page written report accompanies the DVD.

The two DVDs I have produced are now available. The pair sells for $ 69.99 (Cnd) in NTSC format; for $ 79.99 (Cnd) in PAL format; and for $ 89.99 for all other format. Shipping is $ 5.00 (Cnd) and taxes are 5%.

Once your payment has cleared, I will mail the 2-disc DVD set within two (2) weeks. I do not issue refunds. If there is a defect in the DVD copy, I will make new ones and send them.

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER BY E-MAIL, PLEASE FILL OUT AND RETURN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION to championsgymnastics@telus.net & MAIL YOUR MONEY ORDER TO: Michel Arsenault/ 9527-49 St., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6B-2L8

NAME: ______________________________________________________

COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________

NUMBER OF NTSC COPIES: __________ @ ($69.99) = $ ___________

NUMBER OF PAL COPIES: __________ @ ($79.99) = $ ___________

NUMBER OF "OTHER FORMAT" COPIES: __________ @ ($89.99) = $ ___________ (Please specify exactly which region)

You must ad $ 5.00 for shipping & 5% taxes on top of the sub-total.

OR TO ORDER USING PAYPAL:

PLACE YOUR ORDER BY E-MAIL (FILL OUT AND RETURN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION to championsgymnastics@telus.net)

NAME: ______________________________________________________

COMPLETE MAILING ADDRESS: _____________________________________________________________

If ordering for a region other than NTSC or PAL, please specify which Zone or format you require.

PAY BELOW USING PAYPAL-

DVD Zones/ Options

N.T.S.C. $69.99 PAL $79.99 All other formats $89.99

A sample of the DVDs has been posted on YouTube -

CLICK HERE !

COACHING CLINICS & SEMINARS

PROFESSIONAL COACHING SERVICES
1992 BARCELONA OLYMPIC GAMES
CANADIAN TEAM STAFF COACH
Michel Arsenault, ChPC
NCCP level 4
     For your club's professional development needs, Mr. Arsenault is available to provide your staff with one/two day clinics, or long-term interventions in order to help your athletes/coaches reach their maximum potential.
     These clinics can be arranged at your convenience and held in your organization's facility. All athletes and coaches from your club can actively take part in all practical sessions under the direction of Mr. Arsenault.
These clinics can cover topics of your choice and cater to all levels of women's artistic gymnastics.
     You will learn new teaching methods, new techniques and new information on training programs which will improve your athletes' performances at competition.
     For more information or to set up a clinic, call 780-440-0014 or write to:

Mr. Michel Arsenault
9527-49 St., Edmonton, Alberta, T6B-2L8
E-mail: championsgymnastics@telus.net
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ALL CONSULTING SERVICES

FOR FEDERATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS & CLUBS

THE L.E.A.P. PROGRAM (Let's Evaluate Our Athletes Progress)
"The L.E.A.P. Program....Giving young female gymnasts a head-start."

INTRODUCTION: Women's artistic gymnastics has drastically changed in the last ten to fifteen years. Female gymnasts are now required to perform extremely difficult elements and combinations at the international level and recent changes to the F.I.G. Code of Points have not made matters easier.
The preparation of high level and intricate combinations and elements must be the result of careful planning on the part of the coaches. So, now, more than ever, proper basics and proper physical preparation are of paramount importance.

     The L.E.A.P. program was conceived in 1995 by Canadian Olympic coaches Michel Arsenault & Valérie Oudin based on the premise that a gymnast's future is only as solid as her basics. It was created for GYMNASTS OF ALL LEVELS, not just for future elite gymnasts.

The word L.E.A.P. stands for "Let's Evaluate our Athletes' Progress" and came to life in Canada as a result of the obvious need for an evaluation tool for Developmental gymnasts aged 6 to 9 years old. The L.E.A.P. Program recognizes that very few gymnasts ever achieve National or International standards of performance. It also recognizes that proper basics makes gymnastics a safer sport for all gymnasts, regardless of the level that a child reaches.

The L.E.A.P. Program is designed to cater to all levels of Developmental (or pre-competitive) athletes, regardless of the category in which each child ends up competing in. Children between the ages of 6 and 9 need events where they can shine and show their progress.

     The L.E.A.P. Program is comprised of two (2) components: PHYSICAL ABILITY & SKILLS and of four (4) levels: Copper, Bronze, Silver & Gold.

     Each gymnast testing in the L.E.A.P. Program must achieve a certain percentage in each component to be awarded the prestigious L.E.A.P. PIN for each level.


PHYSICAL ABILITY: A series of exercises must be performed by each child.

     Each exercise aims at evaluating the child's level of performance in the areas of strength, power, flexibility, endurance. Each exercise is awarded a certain number of points and each child receives points on the basis of her performance for each exercise.

SKILLS: A list of basic skills must be performed by each child. Each skill aims at evaluating the child's level of performance on vault, bars, beam and floor. Each skill is awarded a certain number of points and each child receives points on the basis of her performance for each skill on each event.

The L.E.A.P. Program is NOT designed as a complete preparation program for female gymnasts. It only attempts at providing coaches with an evaluation tool and with some direction as to which skills are important in any gymnast's basic repertoire.

IN CANADA: The Program was first implemented in Alberta (Canada) in 1996 and it has been in effect ever since. There is a large and ever-growing number of Alberta clubs who are very active in this program.
The Alberta Gymnastics Federation currently boasts over forty (40) specially Certified Evaluators, eight (8) of which are Chief-Evaluators, overlooking all aspects of the program's implementation in Alberta.
     The number of clubs, gymnasts and coaches taking part in the L.E.A.P. evaluations across Alberta has steadily increased over the past few years, and so has interest across Canada. One of the more obvious effects of the L.E.A.P. Program has been the significantly higher level of quality of execution and physical preparation in Alberta female gymnasts. Clubs taking part in the L.E.A.P program have visibly improved.

The L.E.A.P. Reward System is comprehensive and very well structured and it varies slightly from federation to federation. For example, in Alberta, each child receives a certificate, a ribbon at the conclusion of each test, and in the event a child attains a certain percentage in both components of the Copper, Bronze, Silver or Gold levels, she is awarded the prestigious L.E.A.P. PIN !

     A child can pass as many levels in one gymnastics year as her age allows, in accordance to the rules.

The L.E.A.P. Program also has a mascot: Gymmy the Leap Frog !

     If your federation, association or club is interested in knowing more about the L.E.A.P. program, please contact the author, Mr. Michel Arsenault at championsgymnastics@telus.net

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          L.E.A.P. is copyrighted and cannot be replicated, duplicated in part or in whole without prior and written consent by the author.
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THE CALGARY HERALD (Calgary)- Monday February 1, 1999
"L.E.A.P. carries novice gymnasts to new heights"

     - Kim Tse has improved her gymnastics by leaps and bounds. The young gymnast with the University of Calgary gymnastics club is benefiting from a new approach to the sport that preaches preparation over competition in a child's early development.
Let's Evaluate our Athletes' Progress (L.E.A.P.) is a provincewide initiative that the U. of C. club has embraced as a way to successfully, and safely, introducing gymnastics to youngsters without some of the more well-documented ailments and injuries.
     "The Program allows you to spend the time on the initial stuff you should be learning" said Head Coach of the U. of C.'s girl's program, Lisa Jefferies-Smith. "For people who use it, it's going to help their kids in the long run. For the older kids who came up in gymnastics before the program, they were thrown into competition at an early age, and there wasn't a lot of preparation, and there was a lot of stress. And all the young girls have done really well since we introduced the physical preparation program, that was extremely lacking in the past. You can tell the girls here today who didn't have the same kind of physical preparation program." she added. "There's not the good technique, the good execution."

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L.E.A.P. Scoring Program

Purchase the 2008-2012 L.E.A.P. Scoring Program

The NEW 2008-2012 Alberta L.E.A.P. Program is NOW in effect. If your club is planning on hosting a L.E.A.P. Event, you will need to purchase the 2008-2012 L.E.A.P. Scoring Program for accurate and speedy compilation of results.

Please take note that the 2003-2008 L.E.A.P. Scoring program (previous cycle) DOES NOT correspond to the new program; if you use that previous version of the Scoring Program, your results will be innacurate and void in the eyes of the L.E.A.P. Program.

If you are interested in purchasing the 2008-2012 L.E.A.P. SKILLS Scoring Program, it sells for $100.00 and includes the three (3) concerned levels (Copper, Bronze, Silver). If you are interested in purchasing the 2008-2012 L.E.A.P. PHYSICAL ABILITY Scoring Program, it sells for $100.00 and includes all four (4) levels (Copper, Bronze, Silver & Gold).

Payment can be made by cheque ONLY, payable to "Michel Arsenault" and mailed to "Michel Arsenault, 9527-49 St., Edmonton, AB, T6B-2L8". Upon processing of payment, the Program will be e-mailed to you (Please provide us with your e-mail address upon ordering).

This Computer Program is Copyrighted and any duplication of it in part or in whole is strictly forbidden by law. All Rights Reserved/Michel Arsenault 2007.

How to Approach a L.E.A.P. Event ? A guide for Parents & Coaches.

* Are you unsure about how to approach your child's participation in the L.E.A.P. program ?
* Are you apprehensive about the possible results and about your child`s psychology in that regard ?
* Are you unsure as to what to expect from a L.E.A.P. event ?
* Are you worried you will say the wrong thing at the wrong time ?

Don't worry...............we've prepared a document that can help you and your little gymnast better understand the L.E.A.P. program.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE !

Testimonials
"" The Olds Gymnastics Club would like to take this opportunity to thank you for a most informative and enjoyable clinic which you conducted on March 8.
     We want to express our satisfaction with the program you presented, it far exceeded our expectations. Your enthusiasm for the sport of gymnastics is infectious and we have been greatly motivated to reach for new goals and challenges. You have the gift for instructing and reaching people on a personal level. Although you are an Olympic coach (which is evident) you were able to meet the needs of a small town club. Personally, I received numerous phone calls from parents and coaches thanking me for inviting you to Olds and "inspiring" their children to higher levels.
     After the clinic, each person left challenged and eager to return to their own gym to incorporate the newly acquired skills into their own programs. We are grateful that you encouraged us to video tape the clinic, as we are now in possession of one of the most useful instructional aides in our library. Something we will utilize for years to come. Please continue with your dedication to the sport so others may benefit also.

Unequivocally, Ria Holgerson/ President Olds Gym Club ""

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     "" Dear Michel,
Thank you for coming out to Vermilion. It was a great day for us, a super motivator ! We are definitely primed for our season. All the best.

     Sandra Miller/Vermillion Gym Club ""

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     "" Dear Michel and Valerie,

     On behalf of the Norfort Gymnastics Club, I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation and satisfaction for the workshops and training camps you have provided to our coaches over the last three years. Your passion and enthusiasm for gymnastics is most evident and your positive attitude in dealing with all levels of athletes has been motivational and encouraging. The success of our L.E.A.P. and competitive athletes lies in part on the sharing of your exceptional coaching knowledge with our staff and athletes. 
     Please continue with your hard work and dedication in helping others improve in the sport of gymnastics.

     Yours truly,
     Fred Payne/President Norfort Gymnastics Association""

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     "" We have been delighted with the improvement in our coaches and in our athletes since we began our association with CHAMPIONS GYMNASTICS. We have found Michel to be highly professional in all of his dealings with our club. It has been invaluable for us to have access to Michel via email and telephone. He always replies promptly and professionally.
     Becoming associated with CHAMPIONS GYMNASTICS has been one of the best investments our club has made.

     Mr. Pat Lewis
     Chimo Gymnastics Club, Comox, B.C. ""

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     "" I have had the pleasure of working with Michel Arsenault and Valerie Oudin for the past six months. In that time the development of our athletes and coaches has increased tremendously. Through camps/clinics in our own gym and theirs we have been able to meet our goal of developing a national program.
     The CHAMPIONS GYMNASTICS Coaching Academy is professional and I always feel that I am getting exactly what I need. Michel and Valerie have been supportive in giving me the tools I need in order to make the changes in my coaching and our athlete's programs. They share their knowledge/experience selflessly to improve the quality and safety of gymnastics. Through books, handouts, clinics camps, and conversation I have received clear and applicable knowledge.
     The ideas they present are easily implemented into our gym and generally work or are adaptable for all levels, abilities and ages.
     The camps we have held in our gym have been so specific to the environment that I have to work in daily. The unique drills, progressions, complexes and programs that were introduced were specifically adapted to work within the limits of our facility/equipment. They are also willing to work with any age, level and abilities, which has helped all of our athletes. We also had the pleasure of having one of their athletes attend a camp (as a demonstrator), which gave us the visual aspect of what it is we are trying to achieve.
     The camps held at CHAMPIONS GYMNASTICS have been even more helpful in my development as a national level coach. They provide me and my athletes the facility/environment that allows us to safely progress. We also get the opportunity to see and work with higher level athletes which inspires us to work for our goals.
     Every time we leave a camp I have so much confidence that I will be able to make the move into the national stream.
     Overall I could not be any happier with the CHAMPIONS GYMNASTICS Coaching Academy, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who wants measurable improvement in their own gym!

     Megan Conway (Competitive team coach/Chimo Gymnastics, Comox, BC) ""

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   "" Dear Michel and Valerie,

 I just wanted to say thank you once more for having us come and train with you. I am excited to get back in the gym with my kids and work on the areas that we are weak in.( Bars!!!, especially) Every time I go to your gym, I am inspired by how much effort, knowledge and dedication you guys put into your gymnasts and into ours for that matter. It is great to know, that as a young coach striving to be better, there are people like you guys out there that are willing to help!
Thanks so much,

Janna Ball ( University of Calgary Gym Club)
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Michel,
(...) I do realize that this particular program has it's qualities that other countries share, i.e. TOPS (in the USA) etc. (...) Though the technical aspects of this program have been developed through a collaboration of what other countries are doing, it is you that has been behind the wheel, driving this program for Canada, a country in need for something like this so that we can still compete with the countries with such advantages as larger populations etc.
Our club has "leaped" in progression with talented kids simply enjoying L.E.A.P. events and getting to challenge themselves with a quality base to support any future in gymnastics they might desire. Again thanks.....

--Michael Quarress
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" The LEAP course, as it always is, was very informative with lots of information to digest in a weekend. I have been involved with this program for many years, so did not struggle with digesting the information but I am sure those who are completely new to the program learnt a lot this weekend. Michel has always been an excellent course conductor and I have always enjoyed his presentations. Not only is he is extremely knowledgeable but he is approachable, open to suggestion and very eager to teach others. The LEAP course also provided an excellent forum to discuss any situations we may have noticed in the past (that left questions in our minds afterwards) while evaluating at LEAP events. This allowed us all to discuss and ensure that we were all on the same page and following the true philosophy of LEAP." (Heather Luttrell- Horizon Gymnastics Club).