Thomas Kurtz

is the author of Stretching Scientifically, Secrets of Stretching, and Science of Sports Training and co-author of Basic Instincts of Self-Defense.

Tom Kurtz, age 40, kicks cold and
does a split with no warm-up

Before coming to the U.S.A., Thomas Kurtz studied physical education at AWF (University School of Physical Education)  in Warsaw, one of the top East European institutions that prepare coaches, instructors, teachers of physical education, and rehabilitation specialists.

While still a student, he was appointed assistant coach of the students' judo team. As a part of studies' requirements, Kurtz competed in several Olympic sports, including swimming, gymnastics, and track and field events. This gave him athletic versatility which shows itself now in his expertise in the field of sports methodology and physical education, an expertise evident in his work with his students, as well as in his books.

Recent Accomplishments

Translated from Polish to English book by Tadeusz Starzynski and Henryk Sozanski, Ph.D., on developing explosive power and jumping ability. This book titled Explosive Power and Jumping Ability for All Sports: Atlas of Exercises is available from Stadion Publishing since April of 1999.

Thomas Kurtz's role was far more important than simply serving as a translator from Polish to English. Mr. Kurtz took an active role. In many conversations with the authors, he clarified key concepts, pointed to recent research that bore on the issues, and adapted certain ideas to be more familiar to English-speaking athletes and coaches.