Sunrise Gymnastics Academy

I had previously done a parent/child class and was very pleased. The instructor was wonderful. We took a break and returned when my child was 3 and could go into a class without me. The class sizes are small 3-4 kids but the instruction is mediocre at best. The teacher demonstrates things to do at each station; approximately 4-5 skills for the kids to remember and then turns them loose to perform these on their own. I feel it is difficult for children to retain proper form and safety when they are shown so many things at once. The teacher will walk around to help but for the money this place charges, I would expect more. One teacher even told me that she "didn't have time to work with my child" and asked me if my child knew their feet from their hands. She said they had trouble comprehending. Well, my child is 3, and this is a different environment. Maybe if they had helped a little more??? I don't think this is a positive atmosphere for children to thrive. All about $$$$$$

I was sad to see the former review by the other gym mother who was unhappy with her service at Sunrise. When I read that, I felt I had to share my experiences at "the gym" both now and throughout the years. As I could write a book about my life at Sunrise, I will try to be brief. I started my life at Sunrise somewhere around the age of 6 or 7 - back when they were still at the old Sylvania Racquet Club out on Centennial Road. Over the years, I worked my way up through the lower team levels to the upper team levels, to the most advanced level at the time (prior to college). Through my hard work, dedication, and just as - if not more importantly - all the hard work, dedication, love, compassion, caring, concern, - and so much more - of my coaches, I obtained a full ride scholarship to The University of Iowa where I went on to study Biochemistry and then went on to medical school and to practice medicine as an Ob/Gyn in the Navy for 8 years, before going into private practice when my husband and I moved back to NW Ohio. Before going further, I have to say that Yusaku and Sherry (the owners of Sunrise, for those who are not aware), and my former coaches for years, were like second parents to me. I think I spent more time with Yusaku than I spent with my own dad growing up and at times actually caught myself calling him, "Dad." And he cared enough about me to be my dad. That is how much the people at Sunrise care about your children. My son has now started on the Jr. Boys team at Sunrise and I he LOVES it and he LOVES his coaches and LOVES going to the gym. I know why. I lived there myself. 3 and a half hours every day, 4-5 days a week, with my second (or first?) family. And the people who are coaching him were gymnasts who "grew-up" with me in the gym who came back to coach because they love it so much they can't get it out of their blood. It is all a big family - everyone looks out for and takes care of and loves and respects each other. It is an awesome place for kids to grow in love and discipline. Sunrise focuses on more than just the sport - they focus on discipline, respect, self-care, self-respect, respect of others, time management, focus on schoolwork as well as sport, and so much more. I wish all kids could have the "Sunrise Experience" - the world would be a better place. Thanks, Yusaku and Sherry - for everything.....