ABOUT JAMES
More than a coach.
For more than 20 years I've been helping people discover what they're capable of through gymnastics.
From preschool sessions to international performance programmes, my goal has always remained the same - to create an environment where every gymnast feels supported, challenged and inspired to become the very best version of themselves.
It all starts with one belief.
"A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life."
John Wooden
That quote has shaped my coaching journey for over two decades.
Every child, adult and family who walks through our doors deserves to feel valued, understood and supported. While gymnastics teaches strength, coordination and resilience, I believe its greatest impact is helping people grow in confidence, develop character and realise their own potential.
That's why Mynydd Du Gymnastics exists.
Not simply to teach gymnastics, but to build a community where people can thrive.
Our Philosophy
To create a safe, supportive, empathetic and knowledgeable environment where every gymnast can follow their own journey towards success, while developing confidence, self-awareness and a lifelong love of movement.
WHY I COACH
At Mynydd Du Gymnastics, our values shape everything we do. They influence how we coach, how we support our gymnasts, and how we build a community that families are proud to be part of.
Understanding every individual and creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.
Applying the principles of high-performance coaching in a way that's engaging, enjoyable and accessible to everyone.
Building relationships that extend beyond gymnastics and creating a club where every family feels they belong.
Creating a lasting, positive impact across North Wales through outstanding coaching, opportunity and community.
Experience that spans every level
For over 20 years I've been fortunate enough to coach across every level of gymnastics.
From introducing toddlers to movement, to developing national finalists and working alongside Olympic and Commonwealth athletes, every experience has shaped the coach I am today.
Highlights include:
✔ Over 20 years coaching experience
✔ British Gymnastics High Performance Coach
✔ National Judge
✔ Former Deputy Head of Men's Artistic Gymnastics at Huntingdon Gymnastics Club
✔ Experience coaching British and Welsh Squad gymnasts
✔ Former owner of Plymouth Community Gymnastics Club
✔ Coach of gymnasts who have medalled at British National Finals and the English Championships
✔ Experience coaching preschool, recreational, performance and adult gymnastics
✔ Extensive experience supporting children with ADHD and Autism
Qualifications & Professional Development
Learning never stops.
I'm passionate about continually developing as both a coach and a leader so I can provide the very best environment for every gymnast.
Some of my qualifications include:
✔ British Gymnastics High Performance Coach
✔ Professional Practice in High Performance Coaching (PPiHPC)
✔ British Gymnastics Level 4 Senior Club Coach
✔ National Judge
✔ Safeguarding & Protecting Children
✔ Emergency First Aid at Work
✔ Equality & Diversity
✔ BA (Hons) Design
These qualifications help shape not only how I coach gymnastics, but how I build positive, supportive environments where people can thrive.
Coaching beyond gymnastics
One of the things I'm most proud of isn't a medal or a qualification.
It's seeing people leave the gym more confident than when they arrived.
Throughout my career I've loved mentoring coaches, supporting families and helping young people overcome challenges both inside and outside the gym.
I've worked with children of all abilities, including many with ADHD and Autism, and I've seen first-hand how powerful gymnastics can be in developing confidence, resilience and life skills that extend far beyond sport.
That's the impact I hope Mynydd Du Gymnastics will continue to have across North Wales.
James’s Coaching Highlights
Years of coaching experience, athlete development and competitive success at Regional, National and British Championship level.
One of my gymnasts won National Club Grades Level 2.
Coached and developed two gymnasts to enter and compete at the British Championships.
One gymnast competed as part of the East Region at National Finals.
Four gymnasts competed at National Finals as part of the East Region, with one achieving a top-six position.
Five gymnasts competed at National Finals as part of the East Region, with one achieving a top-six position.
One gymnast qualified for the British Championships at U14 level.
Five gymnasts competed at National Finals, achieving two top-six positions and one medal.
Two gymnasts qualified for and competed at the British Championships at U14 and U16 level.
Four gymnasts competed at National Finals, achieving three top-six positions.
One gymnast won silver on Pommel at the English Championships U16.
One gymnast competed at the Welsh Championships, including a national floor medallist at U18.
Two gymnasts competed at National Finals.
Gymnast won National Setworks Level 6.
Five Welsh boys competed in the Welsh National Championships, with one winning silver at U12 AA.
One gymnast competed at the British Championships.
Ready to join the Mynydd Du community?
Whether you're looking for your child's very first gymnastics class or hoping to take your performance to the next level, we'd love to welcome you.