Tulsa World

Tulsa World of Gymnastics offers a variety of classes during the school year (August through May) as well as a summer session. Enrollment during the school year is usually between 1,150-1,200 students. "Most of our students, boys and girls, are in the age range of two to eight years old," says Miller. "We don't offer a competitive program for boys, but as the girls get older, those who have decided to pursue it as a sport move into the competitive program. Of course, the amount of time they put in increases and this is when you really see the development of time management skills." "When you are putting in the time training for a competition and balancing a full academic schedule you have to be able to plan and organize your time well to get everything done," adds Isler. "This teaches you to schedule your time in order to meet your responsibilities." With the start of the world's most elite competition, the Olympics, less than one month away, gymnastics is bound to attract a great deal of attention. "Gymnastics is the most-watched sport in the Olympics," says Bradshaw. "These gymnasts are incredible to watch and are extremely rare. They train seven hours a day, seven days a week. Many people are under the impression that we do this at Tulsa World of Gymnastics, but we don't. We love the sport and we have an excellent competitive team that competes regionally. We do very well in competitions with putting in three days a week for three hours a day. We don't over train the body." She emphasizes the importance of family first: "All of our students need quality family time, study time and play time. Our preschoolers attend class for one hour one day a week. This is enough to build a good foundation." Speaking of competition, Tulsa World of Gymnastics is hosting the "Tulsa World Invitational" on Jan. 23-25, 2009. "We've rented and contracted the Spirit Bank Events Center," says Bradshaw, "It's a very big event for us. We've hosted competitions before but this is the first time we've done one on such a large scale. As an invitational, teams can self-enter starting at level one all the way up to level ten. It will be great for our program and for our region. It will also provide our kids the opportunity to compete in a fabulous new facility, they'll feel like they're at the Olympics!" With over 32 years experience in the sport of gymnastics, Bradshaw has what it takes to organize and host such an event. It's more than the experience she values however. "For over 32 years we've provided a real quality family-centered program that allows children to develop their physical ability in a safe atmosphere, receive excellent individualized training, and learn very important and necessary life skills that they can carry with all of their lives. It's very gratifying to see how well our students succeed in gymnastics and other sports, and in life," she says. Tulsa World of Gymnastics is located at 7020 E. 38th St. in Tulsa. For information about classes, schedules and rates call (918) 664-8683 or visit www.tulsagymnastics.com.