Which coach(es) could Mao choose for the next season?

[Bennett]

It is absolutely shocking for me to hear that Mao decided to leave RA coach and prepare for Worlds by herself. Then she will decide which coaches to pick for the next season(s), according to the report. According to the report, the reason for leaving RA is NOT that they had conflicts over training or any of that sort. Language and foreign environment are cited as the main reasons for this decision. She also now has a very good rink to practice at her own school that is built for her and other top skaters. The report says that she would like to have a coach(es) who could take care of her up until 2010. It is also said that they want to have someone who can provide exclusive coaching, according to the report.

http://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/sports/news/CK2008022702090770.html

Which coach(es) may Mao choose for the next season? Any predictions?

 

[ks777]

I am guessing Tarasova.

 

[Bennett]

I am guessing Tarasova.

I think that TT would be great for Mao. She used a translator, too. But would she move to Japan for her? she has to drop all her students and her own family life back home. Japan and Russia are so different culturally and socially. It would be so much more difficult for older Ms. Tarasova than for Mao to adjust.

My guess is that they would have a Japanese coach in Aichi prefecture so that she/he doesn't need to relocate.

But if it is really true that they want to have a coach who could provide exclusive coaching for her, the decision would be difficult for ANY coach. Is it really possible? I've never heard of any coach who has only one student.

 

[Wrlmy]

Tarasova probably doesn't move around any more. Mr. Sato is probably too busy with Yukari Nakano and many other Japanese skaters. If Mao chooses Morozov, wouldn't it give him enough motivation to relocate to Japan given that three of his main students are Japanese? He surely addressed flip issue with Miki, which has suceeded. If nothing else works out, she can go back to Yamada and have a few occasional sessions with Tarasova. I think that will be more than enough for Mao.

 

[Bennett]

Tarasova probably doesn't move around any more. Mr. Sato is probably too busy with Yukari Nakano and many other Japanese skaters. If Mao chooses Morozov, wouldn't it give him enough motivation to relocate to Japan given that three of his main students are Japanese? He surely addressed flip issue with Miki, which has suceeded. If nothing else works out, she can go back to Yamada and have a few occasional sessions with Tarasova. I think that will be more than enough for Mao.

I agree that Morosov may be a practical choice given he's already gotten Miki and Daisuke. But I would still wonder if the man with such a strong ego would relocate only for his students. For Russians, moving to Japan would mean so much different from moving to European countries or to the US. Another thing is that Mr. Morosov does not seem to match Mao's style. She dropped his SP last season. Mao is better at traditional, classical music than dramatic movie music which Morosov is good at. Another thing is the rival relationship with Miki. Although they seem to be very good friends, it would not be viable to have his two students strive for OGM which is only one.

 

[vlaurend]

Morozov also has a daughter with whom he shares custody with his ex. If he moved to Japan, he wouldn't see her so I really don't think it's going to happen. I would expect Mao to end up with a Japanese coach who knows his/her way around the Japanese federation and with whom she can communicate well. She can go to anyone she likes--anywhere she likes--for choreography.

 

[Wrlmy]

Morosov ruled out, only major "unemployed" coaches I can think of are Pam Gregory and John Nicks. Oh well.

 

[fumie_fumie]

Adding to the list of eligible coaches:

Liz Manly started her coaching career and is looking to teach an elite skater.

Liz had the same problem when she moved to US. She found herself battling with homesickness and a minor case of culture shock (not that there is a huge cultural difference between Canada and US. Compared to Japan and US, it is practically nothing). Nonetheless, I am sure that she can relate to Mao.

I think the trick is moving to somewhere where you have a support system. Yu-na made a smart move by choosing Toronto, a city that has the largest size Korean community in Canada. Having said that, I know it is a bit of a generalization, but I personally find most North East Asians are the city people, they are having a bit of hard time adapting to a small, mid-sized community in NA. Lake Arrowhead wasn't such a good choice for Mao, although Jeffrey loves the seclusion that the location provides.

 

[Bennett]

There are lots of Japanese ppl and lots of Japanese restaurants in the city of LA. If she lived in Torrance, I am sure that she would have been more comfortable. Besides, I feel that she might have enjoyed more urban city like LA or NY better than her training site because Nagoya where she is from is a big city. Being from Tokyo myself, I personally find European cities more comfortable whereas cities like LA are so vast and spreadout and difficult to get around.
Yet, I guess missing out the school environment and family may be a big part for her wherever in the US or other foreign country she goes. Perhaps she couldn't really have social networks other than the skating circle in Lake Arrowhead and Russia. I wish she could have attended some sort of international school there though. That would have made a big difference.

 

[ks777]

Adding to the list of eligible coaches:

Liz Manly started her coaching career and is looking to teach an elite skater.

Liz had the same problem when she moved to US. She found herself battling with homesickness and a minor case of culture shock (not that there is a huge cultural difference between Canada and US. Compared to Japan and US, it is practically nothing). Nonetheless, I am sure that she can relate to Mao.

I think the trick is moving to somewhere where you have a support system. Yu-na made a smart move by choosing Toronto, a city that has the largest size Korean community in Canada. Having said that, I know it is a bit of a generalization, but I personally find most North East Asians are the city people, they are having a bit of hard time adapting to a small, mid-sized community in NA. Lake Arrowhead wasn't such a good choice for Mao, although Jeffrey loves the seclusion that the location provides.

that's funny that Manley was home sick when she lived in the US. I live in the US but I might get home sick if I move to Canada, especially after watching this video.. I mean who would think of suck thing besides canadians? I would have never thought of making a treadmill bike...
http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=U8eHUOGvxhI

 

[ks777]

There are lots of Japanese ppl and lots of Japanese restaurants in the city of LA. If she lived in Torrance, I am sure that she would have been more comfortable. Besides, I feel that she might have enjoyed more urban city like LA or NY better than her training site because Nagoya where she is from is a big city. Being from Tokyo myself, I personally find European cities more comfortable whereas cities like LA are so vast and spreadout and difficult to get around.
Yet, I guess missing out the school environment and family may be a big part for her wherever in the US or other foreign country she goes. Perhaps she couldn't really have social network other than skating circle in Lake Arrowhead and Russia.

Too bad, Mao could have joined this board and could have socialized with us.
I been to Lake Arrowhead once and I wouldn't mind living there. It's a beautiful town. I went there for a bible camp. I grew up in a small town in Wakayama, Japan so I feel more comfortable in a small town.

 

[Tinymavy15]

Mao worked with tatiana T. over the summer. I think it would be a great move if she switched to terosova permanently. her short program is a work of art and tatiaina brings out the best in almost every skater she works with.

 

[Ptichka]

Mao worked with tatiana T. over the summer. I think it would be a great move if she switched to terosova permanently. her short program is a work of art and tatiaina brings out the best in almost every skater she works with.

Do you suggest that Mao actually move to Russia? I don't see TT moving to Japan. Nor do I see Morozov doing it either.

 

[mars]

I think if location is not a problem, then she should either work with Callaghan or Lee Barkell for jump technique, and John Nicks to polish up her movement, and continue working with Tarasova on her artistry.

 

[Bennett]

Do you suggest that Mao actually move to Russia? I don't see TT moving to Japan. Nor do I see Morozov doing it either.

Moving to Russia would be even more difficult for Mao than moving to the US both culturally and linguistically.

 

[champs]

What has Michelle been up to lately? Studying?
If she's bored to death without being invloved in the world of competitive skating, then hey, why not visit Mao in Japan and give her a ...well, just a thought, maybe I'm drunk

 

[Ptichka]

I think if location is not a problem, then she should either work with Callaghan or Lee Barkell for jump technique, and John Nicks to polish up her movement, and continue working with Tarasova on her artistry.

Well, training with both Callaghan and Tarasova in the same season certainly worked for Arakawa!

Moving to Russia would be even more difficult for Mao than moving to the US both culturally and linguistically.

ITA

 

[Bennett]

I somehow have a feeling that she might have a technical coach at home and keep the tie with TT for artistic development by having summer sessions with her in Russia. JMO.

 

[Spun Silver]

I think she should work with Midori Ito and Shiz. Why not?

 

[ks777]

How about John Nicks and Sasah? John is in charge of jumps and steps, and Sasha is in charge of spirals, spins and costumes.

I am pretty sure that Mao will end up with Tarasova thought.