Overview

• On Oct. 9 at MAO RINK in Tachikawa, Asada invited media to observe and personally coached the inaugural class for about an hour.
• She delivered detailed, real-time corrections on skating, jumps and performance, telling students “don’t look down,” “go faster,” and to hold their final pose for three seconds.
• Asada said the work feels rewarding and fun and emphasized watching each child closely and teaching carefully.
• The academy’s first group is ages 5 through third grade, and Asada chiefly leads on-ice instruction alongside cross-training in dance, ballet and off-ice conditioning with coach Yura Matsuda.
• Reporting notes the intake was chosen with an emphasis on coaches’ sensibilities, reflecting the program’s individualized approach since its August launch.