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1. Emphasize Fun and Enjoyment
Supporting your young gymnast is about encouragement, balance, and positive reinforcement. Focus on fun, celebrate effort, foster healthy habits, and communicate openly—with your child and their coaches—to help them thrive in gymnastics and beyond.  The Critical Importance of Alcohol-free
Living for Young Athletes By: Anonymous The Critical Importance of Alcohol-Free Living for Young Athletes: Why Parents Must Lead by ExampleAlcohol is a substance that affects nearly every organ and system in the human body, with both immediate and long-term consequences. For children and teenagers—especially those involved in sports—the stakes are even higher. The decision to avoid alcohol is not just about following rules; it’s about safeguarding health, maximizing athletic potential, and building a foundation for lifelong well-being. Parents play a pivotal role in this journey, both through guidance and by setting a powerful example. The Dangers of Alcohol: What Every Young Athlete Should KnowShort-Term Effects
Why Young Athletes Must Stay Alcohol-FreeFor children and teens in sports, the negative effects of alcohol are magnified. Their bodies and brains are still developing, and alcohol can disrupt growth, impair learning, and set the stage for lifelong health problems. Athletic performance depends on physical health, mental sharpness, and emotional stability—all of which are undermined by alcohol use. The Role of Parents: Leading by ExampleChildren learn most powerfully from what they see at home. When parents model healthy, alcohol-free living, they send a clear message: You don’t need alcohol to have fun, handle stress, or fit in.This example is especially important for young athletes, who may face peer pressure or see alcohol glamorized in media and culture. How Parents Can Help
ConclusionAlcohol is a powerful chemical that can negatively affect almost every part of the body. For young athletes, the risks are even greater, threatening not just their sports careers but their overall health and future. Parents have the unique opportunity—and responsibility—to guide their children by example, fostering habits that will help them grow up healthy, strong, and successful both on and off the field.
Reflections on Meeting Extraordinary Gymnasts:
Dominique Dawes and Chany Humphrey By Brian Keith Shrewsbury Throughout my long career as a gymnastics coach, I’ve had the privilege of crossing paths with many talented athletes and remarkable individuals. Among them, two stand out in my memory as both extraordinary gymnasts and wonderful people—both of whom I was fortunate to meet briefly, but who left a lasting impression. Dominique Dawes: A Star in the Making One of my favorite Olympic-level female gymnasts is Dominique Dawes. I first met her when she was about twelve years old, training under the legendary Kelli Hill at Hills Gymnastics Center in Gaithersburg. The occasion was the United States Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs (USAIGC) National Competition—I believe it took place in Atlanta, Georgia, when I was around twenty. This was my first national competition as a team coach, and I felt both excited and a little awestruck. During the event’s banquet, I had the honor of sitting at the same table as Dominique and her coach. Even at such a young age, Dominique was intelligent, polite, and soft-spoken. She was a bit shy in person, but once she stepped onto the floor, her presence was electrifying. Her routine, set to the classic “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” was a crowd-pleaser and brought joy to everyone watching. She was one of the first gymnasts I saw perform a bounding tumbling pass—something like a round-off, back handspring, double pike, into a straddle jump, punch front, and then another round-off, back handspring, double back. Her skills were far beyond her years, and while she was still developing on bars at the time, her talent across all events was undeniable. Watching her perform was a true delight, and I felt blessed to have met someone who was not only gifted but also so genuine. Chany Humphrey: Strength and Humility The second standout athlete I met was Chany Humphrey. I had the opportunity to meet him when I was about twenty-five, during my time at International Gymnastics Camp in Pennsylvania. Chany was there as a celebrity coach and gymnast, and the camp was buzzing with excitement. He was incredibly kind and generous, always willing to chat, sign autographs, and inspire the next generation of gymnasts. At the time, Chany was contemplating another Olympic run while also beginning medical school—an impressive feat! He stood out not just for his height (unusually tall for a gymnast) and his powerful build, but for his exceptional skills on rings. His arm and chest strength were remarkable, and his performances on all six men’s events left both students and coaches in awe. But what truly set Chany apart was his personality: humble, polite, and wonderful with kids. He was a role model in every sense. A Life Blessed by Greatness Over the years, I’ve met many Olympians and incredible coaches in the world of gymnastics. Each encounter has been a learning experience and a blessing. But meeting Dominique Dawes and Chany Humphrey stands out as a highlight—not just because of their extraordinary talent, but because of the wonderful people they are. Their humility, kindness, and dedication to their sport and to others have inspired me and countless others. I feel truly fortunate to have witnessed their greatness, both as athletes and as human beings. A World With No iPhones...Would It Be A Better World?
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury As a gymnastics coach in today’s technology-driven world, I face the unique challenge of capturing and maintaining children’s attention. With tablets, iPhones, and video games so readily available, it can be difficult to compete with the constant stimulation these devices provide. I often hear my students ask, “Are we done? Can I go get my phone? Can I see your phone, please?” At times, it feels discouraging to realize that all the knowledge and skills I want to share must be delivered in brief moments—almost like commercials between the main event of their lives, which seems to be spent online. It can be disheartening to see children so invested in their digital worlds that the real world around them feels less important or even “fake” by comparison. The skills I teach sometimes seem to hold little relevance for them, and their focus can be fleeting. However, there are moments when I do manage to capture their imaginations. When this happens, the children light up with excitement and begin to understand the joy of accomplishment. They experience the fun of being present, working hard, and achieving something new. When children start to feel the sense of achievement and challenge that comes with sports—and when they see their friends working on skills alongside them—they become transformed. They are suddenly full of energy, excitement, and wonder. These moments, although sometimes brief, are incredibly rewarding and show the true value of what we do as coaches. Of course, the pull of the digital world is strong. When conversations turn to online entertainment, it’s easy for students to become distracted and lose focus, bonding over their shared experiences in the virtual world. To help maintain a positive and productive environment, I have found it necessary to ban iPhones and tablets during practice. I am also careful about how and when I use my own phone around the kids, ensuring that my actions set a good example. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. Every time I see a child’s face light up with pride after mastering a new skill, I am reminded of the lasting impact that real-world experiences can have. My goal is to help my students discover the joy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment that comes from being present, working hard, and connecting with others in person. In a world full of digital distractions, these moments matter more than ever. Our Christian Family Values: The Heart of Our Business
By Coach Brian Keith Shrewsbury At MGA Gymnastics we believe that a business is more than just a place to buy products or services—it’s a community built on trust, care, and purpose. As a Christian family-run business, our faith inspires us to hold ourselves to the highest standards, not just in what we do, but in how we do it. We want to share with you the values that guide every decision, interaction, and service we provide. Honesty We promise to always tell the truth and keep our word. Whether it’s a product recommendation or a service commitment, you can trust that we will be open and transparent with you. Integrity Doing the right thing matters to us, even when no one is watching. We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our actions match our words. Respect Every person who walks through our doors—customers, employees, or partners—is treated with kindness and dignity. We value your opinions, your time, and your trust. Cleanliness A welcoming environment matters. We keep our business, products, and workspaces neat, clean, and inviting, so you always feel comfortable and cared for. Professionalism From how we dress to how we serve, professionalism is a cornerstone of our business. We act responsibly and strive to provide excellent service at all times. Service Our faith teaches us to put others first. We look for ways to help, support, and serve our customers and our community, going the extra mile whenever we can. Generosity We believe in sharing our blessings. Whether it’s supporting local charities, giving back to those in need, or simply offering a helping hand, generosity is at the heart of what we do. Humility We know we’re not perfect. We admit our mistakes, learn from them, and value everyone’s contribution—customers and team members alike. Faith Above all, we strive to honor God in everything we do. Our actions and attitudes are guided by our Christian beliefs, and we hope you feel that difference every time you interact with us. Thank you for being part of our community. We are grateful for your trust and support, and we are committed to serving you with the same love, respect, and care that our faith calls us to show. If you ever have questions about our philosophy or how we do business, please ask—we’re always happy to share. MGA Gymnastics Family  Kids Addicted to their Online World
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury As a gymnastics coach in today’s technology-driven world, I face the unique challenge of capturing and maintaining children’s attention. With tablets, iPhones, and video games so readily available, it can be difficult to compete with the constant stimulation these devices provide. I often hear my students ask, “Are we done? Can I go get my phone? Can I see your phone, please?” At times, it feels discouraging to realize that all the knowledge and skills I want to share must be delivered in brief moments—almost like commercials between the main event of their lives, which seems to be spent online. It can be disheartening to see children so invested in their digital worlds that the real world around them feels less important or even “fake” by comparison. The skills I teach sometimes seem to hold little relevance for them, and their focus can be fleeting. However, there are moments when I do manage to capture their imaginations. When this happens, the children light up with excitement and begin to understand the joy of accomplishment. They experience the fun of being present, working hard, and achieving something new. When children start to feel the sense of achievement and challenge that comes with sports—and when they see their friends working on skills alongside them—they become transformed. They are suddenly full of energy, excitement, and wonder. These moments, although sometimes brief, are incredibly rewarding and show the true value of what we do as coaches. Of course, the pull of the digital world is strong. When conversations turn to online entertainment, it’s easy for students to become distracted and lose focus, bonding over their shared experiences in the virtual world. To help maintain a positive and productive environment, I have found it necessary to ban iPhones and tablets during practice. I am also careful about how and when I use my own phone around the kids, ensuring that my actions set a good example. Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic. Every time I see a child’s face light up with pride after mastering a new skill, I am reminded of the lasting impact that real-world experiences can have. My goal is to help my students discover the joy, confidence, and sense of accomplishment that comes from being present, working hard, and connecting with others in person. In a world full of digital distractions, these moments matter more than ever.  Trading Faith for Phones
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury We are living in a time when many of us would sooner part with our faith in God than give up our iPhones. For countless people, the thought of losing their devices is more distressing than the idea of losing their spiritual core values. Our children’s minds are being shaped by what they see and hear online, yet too often, we ignore the dangers and lessons the digital world is teaching them—lessons that may run counter to the values we hold dear. Children are bombarded with manipulative messages such as, “Please like and subscribe to this channel or you do not love your parents,” or even more disturbing threats: “Your parents will be killed,” or “A spider will be in your bed tonight.” These awful tactics are being used to scare and manipulate our children, helping “evil people to make money and gain influence.” Instead of facing the truth of the world around us, many of us choose to escape into endless scrolling, numbing ourselves with content and distractions. Parents are watching videos on their screens while missing out on the real, unrepeatable moments—like watching their own children play sports or learn and grow. As one observer put it, “Porn has replaced real physical relationships between husband and wife. OnlyFans has replaced people making money in real ways that embolden their feelings of accomplishment. Instead, people make money out of corrupting their bodies and souls.” This isn’t a problem that’s slowly developing; it’s already here. The majority of people are addicted to their phones, and while they are absorbed by their screens, the world is changing in profound ways. “Streets are empty, children do not play outside. Restaurants are filled with hunched-over people staring at their phones, and the once fun time with family eating out at a restaurant has become a silent endeavor of ignoring each other.” By the time we look up from our phones, we may find that the world we thought we knew has become something entirely different—less connected, less compassionate, and less grounded in truth. Our conversations now revolve around, “Did you see that video?” Jokes are repeated from online sources, often “disturbing and crude,” and even our children are exposed to “naked bodies, artificial relationships, and sex that is impossible and loveless.” And it’s only accelerating. Soon, we may not even need to pick up a device; the internet, powered by advancing technology, could become a seamless part of our minds—“always on, always influencing, always directing our thoughts, feelings, and actions.” Even the people doing jobs today may be replaced by robots. “Our children may be driven to school by them, served dinner by them, and even bathed and put to bed by them.” There may come a time when “our children grow attached to entities they call ‘mom’ and ‘dad,’ rather than real people.”The risk is that we become so intertwined with our technology that we lose the ability to step back, reflect, and choose for ourselves. A Call to Awareness This is a wake-up call. If we don’t reclaim our attention, our values, and our relationships now, we may wake up in a world where we are no longer free to do so. The time to act is now: to set boundaries, to be present with our loved ones, to teach our children well, and to put faith and truth above convenience and distraction. Let us choose to be present, to seek truth, and to put God and genuine human connection at the center of our lives—before it’s too late.  “Becoming a Champion is not Luck… it's a blessing!”
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury Becoming a champion, in any arena, demands relentless effort. As a gymnastics coach, I've had the privilege of guiding thousands of young men, instilling in them the discipline to hone their abilities, no matter their initial talent, to their absolute peak. I believe God blesses each of us with unique gifts, presents from above. And with these blessings comes an expectation: that we labor diligently, using these talents to become the fullest expression of ourselves. He delights in witnessing our achievements, knowing we're seizing the opportunities He's provided, embracing the very blessings bestowed upon us to experience life to its absolute fullest. I've seen it time and again in my students: their ultimate downfall wasn't a lack of talent, but a lack of perseverance when times got tough. They often relied on their natural ability to simply "get by," to outshine their teammates, and to remain at the top of the heap. I teach athletes a different lesson: there's no one else to beat. Your true competition is yourself. Set your own goals, chase the heights you dream of, not those dictated by others. This way, you can soar to the greatest heights God intends for you, while simultaneously inspiring those around you to achieve their own remarkable ascent. Becoming a champion is never about luck; luck doesn't exist in that equation. Talent is a profound blessing, and as such, it demands to be nourished and cherished. Not everyone is born with immense natural gifts, and sometimes, the journey itself is about searching for what you have been blessed with. No matter what that talent is, no matter what that passion ignites within you, its realization will always come with hard work, unwavering dedication to seize every single advantage of that gift, and the relentless drive to soar beyond all your dreams to become the true champion you inherently know you can be. |
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Serving communities for over 60 years.MGA, a Christian family-owned business, began in 1964 as a small gymnastics and dance studio near Washington, D.C. Today, with God's grace, we maintain the same warm, welcoming atmosphere at our two locations in Upper Marlboro, MD, and Apopka, FL. We cherish our values and warmly welcome students from all backgrounds. Our mission is to provide a positive, uplifting environment where everyone can grow and thrive, inspired by 1 John 4:19: "We love because He first loved us." |
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