Most students do not find themselves attempting cartwheels during class time. In KNPE 209L: Tumbling, however, that is exactly what students do.

KNPE 209L is designed to teach physical education students the basics in tumbling. In addition, students also learn safety techniques, proper tumbling procedures and the correct way to demonstrate and teach these principles.

Students start classes with basic conditioning exercises that help develop flexibility, speed, balance and strength. The class learns proper spotting procedure in addition to learning tumbling skills like cartwheels, headstands and handsprings. The syllabus says students will learn anatomical principles that are vital to teaching tumbling skills.

Some students such as Danielle Maslanka, a junior physical education major, feels the class is reminiscent of past days.

“It’s like being a little kid again,” Maslanka said.

The class instructor, Yoshiaki Takei, who is also a professor of biomechanics, has studied tumbling and gymnastics for a long time. Takei, who came to America in 1970 as an undergraduate student, placed first place in the Olympic Trial in 1972. However, he could not represent the United States because he had not attained citizenship yet. Takei has served as a NCAA Division I coach and judge.

KNPE 209L is an eight week course and Takei believes that students can learn a lot of material within the class’s duration.

“Most students come to this course with practically no experience in tumbling,” Takei said.

Takei said that after the eight week program, students are able to demonstrate and teach the basic skills. He thinks most students enjoy the class.

“I try to make this course a lot of fun and entertaining for the students,” Takei said.

Gary Conrad, a junior physical education major finds the class to be a welcome change from his regular classes.

“I have never done anything like tumbling in any other school program,” Conrad said.

Jenna Vucic, a junior health major, also finds the class to be a pleasant change from her regular class schedule.

“All my other classes are stressful,” Vucic said.