MGA Gymnastics Apopka

https://open.substack.com/pub/briankeithshrewsbury/p/embracing-criticism-the-path-to-excellence?r=1w93ub&utm_medium=ios

Embracing Criticism: The Path to Excellence in Gymnastics By Brian Keith Shrewsbury (Coach Brian)

Supporting Your Child’s Gymnastics Journey: A Parent’s Positive Role
By Coach Brian

At MGA Gymnastics, we celebrate the beginning of every child’s gymnastics journey. It’s a time filled with growth in strength, confidence, discipline, and pure joy. Parents are a key part of making it a truly positive experience.

Moms and dads, we warmly invite you to stay and watch! Your supportive presence makes a big difference. Cheer them on with smiles, thumbs up, or a fun “raise the roof” from the sidelines. This kind of positive, passive encouragement helps your child thrive without distraction.

We encourage you to ask questions! Great coaches and staff are here to help you understand every step of the journey. If any concern comes up, please speak with management so we can address it right away.
Your questions are always welcomed and hopefully answered.

This journey is all about your child. When parents and coaches partner together with positivity and open communication, kids flourish into confident, resilient athletes.

We’re excited to help your family every step of the way.

Let’s do this!
Coach Brian Keith Shrewsbury,
MGA Gymnastics

This is Coach Brian’s Dad, Coach Kellen’s, Jasmines and Coach Drakes grandad. All who knew him and all who want to support our family are welcome to attend his memorium at The Cross Church.

https://obituaries.nationalcremation.com/obituaries/the-villages-fl/jerry-shrewsbury-12901800

In Memoriam: Jerry Burroughs Shrewsbury, Founding Father of MGA Gymnastics

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that MGA Gymnastics announces the passing of our beloved founder, Jerry Burroughs Shrewsbury, who peacefully left us on May 26, 2026, at the age of 85.
Born on February 16, 1941, in Washington, D.C., Jerry was a man of vision, dedication, and unwavering passion. Alongside his wife, Dr. Carolyn B. Shrewsbury, he co-founded Royal T’s Gymnastics Center more than six decades ago. What began as a shared dream rooted in their mutual love for acrobatics and gymnastics has grown into the thriving institution we know today as MGA Gymnastics.

Jerry’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for everything MGA represents. He believed in creating a space where young athletes could develop not only physical strength, discipline, and skill, but also confidence, character, and a lifelong love for movement. Under his and Carolyn’s leadership, generations of gymnasts have trained, competed, and succeeded—many going on to achieve remarkable accomplishments both in the sport and in life.

A lifelong educator with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from the University of Maryland and Bowie State College, Jerry brought his experience as a teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and Director of the Howard B. Owens Science Center in Prince George’s County, Maryland, into the gymnastics world. His understanding of child development and his military-honed discipline (having served six years in the United States Army National Reserves as SP5) helped shape a program that emphasizes safety, respect, hard work, and joy.

Beyond the gym, Jerry was known for his warmth, quick wit, signature duck calls and whistles that always brought smiles, and his generous heart. He was an avid world traveler with Carolyn, a passionate collector, and a man of deep Christian faith. His legacy lives on not only through the walls of MGA Gymnastics but through the countless lives he touched—athletes, families, coaches, and friends.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Dr. Carolyn B. Shrewsbury, his children Lora Jean White and Brian Keith Shrewsbury, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and an extended family that carries forward his values.

As we reflect on the incredible journey of MGA Gymnastics, we honor Jerry Burroughs Shrewsbury as our founding father—the man whose dream and determination made it all possible. His spirit will continue to inspire every flip, every routine, and every young athlete who walks through our doors.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at The Cross Church, 4425 N Highway 19A, Mt. Dora, FL 32757. We encourage our MGA family to attend and celebrate a life beautifully lived.
Thank you, Jerry, for the legacy you built. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and eternally part of the heart of MGA Gymnastics. 💙

Title: Reclaiming Childhood: Why Gymnastics Beats Screens
By Coach Brian Keith Shrewsbury

Remember when neighborhoods echoed with laughter? Kids raced bikes, played tag on sidewalks, splashed through sprinklers, or headed to the pool with friends. Parents sat on porches after work, chatting with neighbors while keeping an eye on the block. Children played until the streetlights flickered on, then came home tired, hungry, and happy for a family dinner around the table.

Today, many kids sit indoors, glued to tablets and phones. Family meals often include everyone scrolling instead of connecting. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

At MGA Gymnastics, we offer a joyful, healthy alternative that gets kids moving, building real friendships, and developing confidence in a positive, screen-free environment.

The Power of Real Play

After school, during long summer days, or in the shorter winter afternoons, our classes provide the perfect outlet. A 4:00 or 5:00 PM session lets your child burn energy, learn new skills, and still make it home in time for dinner—tired, hungry, and more present.

For older children and teens, our evening classes are an excellent way to stay active and engaged. Instead of endless social media scrolling, drama, and comparison, they challenge their bodies and minds in a wholesome atmosphere. They make genuine face-to-face friends, expend energy positively, and grow stronger physically and mentally.

Our experienced coaches serve as nurturing mentors who help build self-esteem, resilience, and character—far better than any online influencer.

Come Experience the Difference

At MGA Gymnastics, kids talk, laugh, cheer for each other, and gather around the chalk box. They tumble, flip, and fly high in the most natural way possible—using their own strength, balance, and courage. We’re not just teaching gymnastics. We’re helping restore a healthier, more connected childhood.

Give us a try. Bring your child for a class and watch them light up with excitement and pride. You might just find your family reclaiming some of those golden moments from the past—real play, real growth, and real memories.

A Word of Encouragement

“Physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8
This verse reminds us that caring for our children’s bodies through healthy activity is worthwhile and honors the way God designed us.

Recommended Reads

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt – A powerful look at how smartphones and social media are harming children’s mental health and what we can do about it.

Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv – Explores the importance of nature and active play for children’s development and well-being.

New permanent addition, Open Gyms on Tuesday and Thursday from now on staring June 2nd. Please come and have fun, bring your family, friends, and complete strangers if you would like. See you real soon.

10 DAYS until Summer Camp! Register now to get the weeks you need!
Register Here: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/flmga/page/class-registration?progId=6923

The Free Animal Demonstration from The Care Foundation in Apopka.

Coaches and Kids working together @ The Safari Games MGA Gymnastics