"Father of Gymnastics"
Retrieved from Wikipedia
Friedrich Ludwig Jahn was born on August 11, 1778 in Lanz, Brandenburg. He passed away on October 15, 1852. He studied philology, the study of language in written historical sources, and theology, the study of systematic and rational concepts of God and religious truths, at the University of Greifswald. He is known as Turnvater Jahn, or "father of gymnastics" Jahn. He joined the Prussian army in 1806. After seeing the humiliation Napoleon caused his native home, he wanted to restore the hopes of people in his country. He believed he could increase their physicality and morality by gymnastics. Germany has a very militaristic view on life and likes to have a strict routine. Gymnastics fit this view point well, and was adopted into German every day life. I believe studying philology and theology helped him implement his program because he knew how language can affect a large amount of people. He helped apply these principles to start the turnverein movement. He promoted the parallel bars, rings, and high bar into international competition (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Ludwig_Jahn).
He founded the turnverein gymnastics club movement in Germany in 1811. Begin clip- In these gyms included "horizontal bar, parallel bars, side horse, and vaulting horse" -End clip (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/610381/turnverein) These gyms were also used to prepare German youth for battle, primarily against France because Napoleon had occupied large portions of Germany. The youth were supposed to have a patriotic spirit and love for Germany. It is important to note that during this time, only boys and men were allowed instruction because he wanted to emphasize being ready for war. In 1816, Jahn published a book called Deutsche Turnkunst, or German Gymnastics. It was a guide on how to create public athletic fields and to practice sports. When someone became of member in this gymnastics movement they not only participated in gymnastics, but went to festivals, got to know Germany, sang and read patriotic songs. Being clip- By 1819, there was around 12,000 members in 150 gymnastic associations- End clip (http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/08__Culture__Sports__Events/06/05/Feature__5__Gymnastics.html).
Friedrich Ludwig Jahn was very outspoken and often was in trouble with the authorities, and because of this is 1819 when his gymnastic association was starting to boom, he was arrested. He had to stay in semi-confinement until 1824. He was supposed to be imprisoned for two years during this time, but in 1825, the sentence was reversed, however, he had to live further than 10 miles away from Berlin.
(Patriotism to Germany and representing the movement of gymnastics)
Retrieved from http://www.germany.info/Vertretung/usa/en/08__Culture__Sports__Events/06/05/Feature__5__Gymnastics.html
The Effect Gymnastics Had in Germany and other Countries- During the German state revolution of 1848, many turnverein members were forced to leave Germany after driving to revolt against the monarchy government. Some turnvereins went to countries such as the now Czech Republic and the United States. In Bohemia (now Czech Republic), Sokois were formed. These are similar to the turnverein clubs except in Bohemia, social and community aspects were emphasized instead of nationalism. In Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1848, American Turners was founded. The American locations were less nationalistic and more for pleasure and well-being. There are other locations now such as in Northwest Chicago. Begin clip- Northwest Chicago club's history started in February 12, 1956 when there was a legal agreement signing to form the American Turners-Northwest Chicago. At this location in Illinois, there is over 10,000 square feet for gymnastics -End clip (http://www.northwestturners.org/aboutus/briefhistory). Compared to Germany, these gymnastics clubs were not political. Friedrich Ludwig Jahn implemented gymnastics as a political tool to start a group full of strong youth, whereas, the clubs, especially in the United States were for used for social and community engagement. Today in Germany, women are now participating in gymnastics. At first when the gymnastics movement started, women were seen as the weaker sex and could potentially be harmed by participating in gymnastics. In 1897, around 3 percent of gymnastic members were women in Germany, but in 2008, nearly 70 percent were women. In total, the Association of German Gymnasts has over 5 million members from a wide variety of ages. Gymnastics contributes significantly to the well-being of society where people can get away from work to spend time exercising.
He is very well known around the world. There is even a memorial for Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in St. Louis, Missouri at Forest Park (seen below). There are other memorials in Germany, in Vienna, Austria at Inwood Park, and in Mount Auburn neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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