MF Academy coaches implement non-angry training for Ami Nakai

Coaches at MF Academy, Kensuke Nakaniwa and Shinzo Ikegami, are gaining attention for their “non-angry coaching” style used to train figure skater Ami Nakai, a bronze medalist at the Milano Cortina Olympics.

Moving away from traditional high-pressure methods that often diminish a skater's brightness, the coaches focus on fostering autonomy, effort, and imagination. Instead of using intimidation, they provide logical, objective roadmaps for improvement, such as specific weekly or monthly goals. This approach encourages athletes to take ownership of their progress, with Nakaniwa noting that the ultimate decision to follow through lies with the athlete.

The coaches emphasize that understanding the negative impact of anger on a person's mental and physical abilities is crucial for effective leadership. They suggest that instead of reacting reflexively, leaders should listen and propose constructive plans to unlock an individual's potential, a philosophy that holds relevance beyond sports and into general professional environments.