A visit to Coach Sommer...

[Guest Ido Portal]

I got into email contact with Coach Sommer more than 5 years ago, after a release of one of his first articles on gymnastics strength and conditioning. Coach Sommer is a genius in his field of expertise and he was just the man I was searching for, as his methodological approach to gymnastics training is the equivalent of my own work in Capoeira. Coach Sommer is in the business of creating champions, and he has done so successfully in the last 30 years. He has a huge knowledge base and a clear understanding of what it takes to achieve those amazing feats demonstrated in modern gymnastics.

What I didn't know about him (Since I've never met him in person) was the person that he is.

Coach Sommer received me in his beautiful home. He introduced me to his lovely wife and two daughters. I was given a comfortable room to rest in, and we went to eat something at a local Asian restaurant. I could never spend a dime when I was with the coach. He wouldn't hear of it. When we got back home, and after hearing it was my birthday, he insisted on buying me a present. Since I was so impressed with his new digital camera, he decided to buy me one. He went online and ordered me a new camera. The memory card that comes with the camera wasn't good enough in his eyes, so he went on and bought me the best 4 Gb memory card available. My objection was firmly denied and he just wouldn't hear of it. I was getting this present.

We went on to talk shop before going to his gym. Coach was unbelievably generous with his knowledge, going through many details of gymnastics training and preparations, quoting known figures in the gymnastics coaching world and giving credit to each one of them from whom he borrowed something. His understanding of the gymnastics strength, conditioning, flexibility and technical aspects is amazing and unparalleled. Coach Sommer brings his knowledge from speaking with Chinese, Russian, Romanian and other countries coaches and gymnasts. He never refused to answer a question or share a detail.

I was given a copy of Coach Sommer's book. Let me tell you, this thing is amazing. This book will change the BW training world. It is so detailed and full of knowledge, everyone is up for a treat. And I don't mean everyone - common people. Head gymnastics coaches of countries like Russia, Romania, USA, Belarus and others should buy this book. It incorporates knowledge from many sources and with a special detail you cannot find elsewhere.

We went on to visit coach's facility. When we entered, his athletes, from far away noticed us entering the gym. They ran quickly towards us, standing in a line, receiving us with honor. I could see right away, this was a man who knows his job. His athletes have nothing but the highest respect towards him.

The boys were amazingly buffed and strong. Even though not even one of them was above the age of 15, they looked strong and muscular, able to support the heavy duty training of high end gymnastics. Injuries are very rare here. Coach's physical preparation creates bullet proof athletes, and he places high importance on this aspect in the training process.

I was then taken through the complete warm up the coach uses with his athletes. It is amazing, and full of thinking and detail. The warm up alone is priceless, and will be detailed in one of coach's future books.

They went through a couple of stages: shoulders, wrists, ankles, legs and hips, elbows, knees and back. Everything is covered and active flexibility is emphasized where possible, and it is possible in every joint.

We went on to some floor work. His athletes are impressive, working through the progression. I also saw some high bar and pommel work.

We went into the rings. His athletes are amazingly gifted in this area, as expected. I saw some impressive feats of strength, and not by one or two exceptional athletes, but by all of them.

I then got a taste of the 'power levers', Coach Sommer's invention that allows you to work any rings straight arm work gradually and safely. Let me tell you, this thing is amazing. You do not feel any stress on the elbow; there is no skin tears like when working with the straps and you are able to concentrate on the prime movers and do quality work. I can't wait to get a hold of my own pair of the 'power levers'. They are an amazing invention.

After finishing the workout, we went to eat, and again, the best food on the menu was ordered for me, and paying was not an option. I ate a good Salmon on the grill with some broccoli and we went on to 'Trader Joes', since Adela insisted I should take some snacks for my trip. They spoiled me with a full jar of good organic coffee, beef jerky and organic almonds. Back home we got into another training related conversation. The knowledge shared by coach was priceless. Coach Sommer and his wife Adela were staying up late because of me, since I was waiting for my flight really early the next day. I was willing to let them sleep and go by myself to the airport, but they wouldn't hear of it. Coach made sure a shuttle came and took me to the airport. He did not let me pay the fee for the shuttle, and even tipped the driver in advance. I gave Coach Sommer a hug and said to good bye, this is the first time I've met coach in person, but after only one day together, he made me feel part of his family.

Thank you coach. It was an honor to be received in your home.

This was posted also in my blog:

http://idoportal.blogspot.com

[Scott Malin]

I hope this gets stickied for all the future new users of this forum. Though I've never met Coach my parents live about three miles from his facility and he certainly has a reputation here. You won't hear of many men being described as capable and insightful while being approachable. Particularly not with those I've met who work with elite athletes. Cheers to him!

Ido--not to derail a topic, but did your workshops in Flag go well? I've been caught between finals and commuting to Mesa the past couple weeks and was not able to attend.

[Alex]

Thanks for the share, with the little amount of contact I've had with the Coach I've noticed how generous he is with his knowledge, time and detailing.

[Guest cklbwe]

Coach Sommer just activated my account. My first visit and I saw this thread. I don't know what else to say but more respect.

[Blairbob]

Pure awesomeness. Nothing more needs to be said.

[LkBurn]

I believe his new name should be "Saint Christopher A Sommer"

Anyone else agree?

[Coach Sommer]

Gentlemen,

I appreciate it, but I am simply a coach and teacher who is lucky enough to be able to spend my time doing what I am passionate about and then fortunate enough to be able to share it with others of a like mind.

After so many years of correspondence, it was truly a pleasure to have the opportunity of "talking shop" with Ido and having him as a guest in our home. Whatever small tokens that my family and I were able to bestow upon Ido were our pleasure.

I encourage all of you to peruse Ido's blog listed above. In addition the following link will give you a chance to see Ido's acrobatic skills in action:

As you can see, he is a very accomplished athlete, as well as quite a talented teacher; one of his students is currently the reigning women's world champion in capoeira.

Yours in Fitness,

Coach Sommer