This viewpoint is expressed by Mr. Isao Yoneda, who serves as the coach of the Tokushukai Gymnastics Club and is also a gold medalist from the Athens Olympics. Top athletes often state that by the time they become professionals, there is very little difference in terms of technical skills. So, what sets apart the performance of top athletes? According to Mr. Yoneda, the differentiating factor is the “mental aspect” that arises from one’s approach to things. In critical moments that determine victory, the attribute that provides strength when one feels overwhelmed by such pressure is the “human ability” to inspire and bring joy to others. He claims that his conviction transformed through our company’s courses. For the education of this “mindset” and to further enhance the team’s unity, the Tokushukai Gymnastics Club has introduced our team-oriented training since 2015 and continues to hold it twice a year.
https://taisou.tokushukai.jp/club/

What coaches and managers have prioritized when facing athletes is to engage with them sincerely and genuinely. By communicating in straightforward language, the feelings of genuinely caring for the other person are conveyed, leading to the growth of autonomy in the athletes. At the Tokushukai Gymnastics Club, they value an approach based on Choice Theory Psychology, where clarifying one’s desires leads to changes in autonomy and motivation. As a result, each individual gains confidence in their own being and acquires a mindset that allows them to compete naturally and authentically.

The goal of Tokushukai Gymnastics Club is to be “the strongest and greatest team that captivates the world.” This is not just about being strong; it is also about having a team where everyone is deeply connected by strong bonds and supported by those around them—a team with true human strength. For this reason, the focus is not just on training for athletic skills, but also on strengthening personal qualities: what values are important and how one should live. While aiming for the Olympics is certainly a goal, they are also committed to daily training to become a team that represents Japan and captivates the world.

On December 11, 2022, at the Sando Dome in Fukui, the Tokushukai Gymnastics Club clinched the title of Japan’s number one men’s gymnastics team for the first time in 15 years during the 76th All-Japan Gymnastics Team Championships. Led by athletes like Takeru Kitazono, who won a silver medal in the team event at the Tokyo Olympics, and Takaaki Sugino, the team united to deliver flawless performances, recording the highest scores in three out of the six events. They achieved a total score of 258.262, establishing a nearly five-point lead over second-place Central Sports and capturing a major crown.

Since his appointment as the head coach, Mr. Yoneda has emphasized education in “mindset,” an approach we have continually supported. As the educational partner of the Tokushukai Gymnastics Club, which continues to aim for the pinnacle of the world stage, we will keep providing our support.

For an interview article detailing the behind-the-scenes organizational transformations that led to the club’s first championship title in 15 years, please see here.
https://leaders-lounge.achievement.co.jp/archives/5929