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Heaven's Gym #1 is located just inside the Pearly Gates. Old-timers like George Brosius and his friends train there. If we listen, they will speak. Thomas--I'm looking for George Brosius. Koehler--He's my uncle. Thomas--Then you must be LTC Herman J. Koehler. Koehler--I am indeed. I'm all but forgotten on earth. What do you know of my life? Thomas--You were a German-American born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 14, 1859. You spent your youth practicing German gymnastics, and you were a member of the first American gymnastics team ever to compete abroad. Your uncle George Brosius was the coach. You graduated from the Milwaukee Normal School of Physical Training in 1882 while your Uncle Brosius was Technical Director there. You are known as the "Father of Army Physical Training" because you were Master of the Sword at West Point Military Academy from 1885-1923. You were a genius. The Board of Visitors reported of you in 1899 that: We confess that it was exceedingly difficult to believe that the gymnastic exercises performed by the fourth class could be the result of only one year of practice under instruction by Professor Koehler. The feats of agility were simply wonderful; they are valuable chiefly as evidence of sound muscular, trained bodies.Military personnel always filled West Point positions at that time. You must have been extremely skilled to overcome that tradition. You were known to be demanding, just and a gifted teacher. Your nickname was "Square Deal Koehler." Koehler--Actually, my Uncle Brosius was first invited to apply. He was much more qualified but declined and recommended me. Here he comes. Thomas--Hi Coach. You must have been very proud of your nephew. Brosius--Herman was one of the best, but many other great Turner gymnastics teachers went on to influence the development of physical education throughout the United States until the "Battle of the Systems" signaled the beginning of the end for quality physical training. Thomas--How would you describe your methods? Brosius--Here comes another one of my students, Henrich Metztner. Henrich, tell this pilgrim a bit about our methods. Thomas--Are you the Henrich Metzner who spoke in defense of German gymnastics at the Boston Physical Training Conference in 1889? Metzner--I felt outnumbered in Boston that day. The Swedish system dominated in that part of the country. In our system, we progressed from simple and easy movements to the more difficult and complex at a rate that prevented fear of danger or harm to the body. Our equipment was not complicated or expensive. We trained on-the-ground, off-the-ground and taught martial skills including fencing. We aimed not only to develop muscles, limbs and organs, but also to promote courage, self-reliance and a sense of civic responsibility. Our motto was "Mens Sana in Corpore Sano." Is anything left of our efforts? Thomas--Lateat scintillula forsan. Brosius-What a shame.
Ed Thomas is the Iowa K-12 Health and Physical Education Consultant. Email ed.Thomas@ed.state.ia.us. Website http://www.ihpra.org/. Online resources
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