Yoshi Takei Took Gymnastics Career to a Higher Level

Yoshiaki “Yoshi” Takei (’72), a former intercollegiate gymnast, showed the ability to overcome both.

Takei is a professor of kinesiology and physical education at Northern Illinois University whose research on the biomechanics of gymnasts has made him a leader in this field, including being a co-author of a Training Manual for the Practice of Exercise Physiology.

Takei was recruited from Japan to compete as a member of the Georgia Southern men’s gymnastics team under coach Ron Oertley in 1970. During his tenure, Takei won all-around first place in the National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Gymnastics Championships in 1970, 1971 and 1973 and a second in 1972.

Takei won his first AAU championship within a week of arriving in the U.S. He said Oertley was an “energetic, humorous coach,” who joked with other coaches that, although he had only coached Takei for a week, he was able to make him into a champion gymnast. “I enjoyed being supported by him,” Takei said.

Wins were not rare occurrences for Takei. He won 17 total event titles in floor exercises, still rings, parallel bars and high bar events. He also won five championships at other prestigious meets in the United States.

Takei narrowly missed being a part of the U.S. Olympic team. In 1971, the collegiate AAU championship was combined with the Olympic Trials. Although Takei competed and won the men’s all around competition, his U.S. citizenship had not passed and places 2-8 qualified for the Olympics instead.

Takei was successful in the classroom as well as the arena, showing a proclivity for achievement in education, both as a teacher and student. He had to manage his time wisely to teach basic P.E. classes, to compete, and be a student. But attending classes required a better understanding of the English language.

“I had a very difficult time taking notes, working with the English language and teaching,” said Takei. “But I had outstanding professors who helped me, and my coaches and teammates helped as well.”

After graduating from Georgia Southern with a Master of Science for Teachers degree in 1972, Takei wanted to pursue further education.

He continued his academic career at California State University, taking night classes, coaching and teaching. He earned a master’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in exercise physiology. In 1983, he completed his Ph.D. in physical education with a specialization in biomechanics and a sub-specialization in exercise physiology at the University of Southern California.

Takei credits his experience at Georgia Southern with helping him develop his work ethic and time management skills. Although school was demanding, the help from his teammates, professors and coach and his dedication pushed him to succeed. Refusing to let a language barrier hinder his progress, Takei overcame the obstacles to become a champion gymnast and a leading scholar in his field.

— Rachel Sale