For almost a decade Carlos Yulo excelled under the mentorship of Munehiro Kugimiya. The Japanese coach was instrumental in Yulo carrying on his gymnastics career having moved from the Philippines to Japan and helped him to two world championships along the way. But just less than a year away from the Olympics, Yulo made the surprise decision to part ways with Kugimiya.

The relationship between Carlos Yulo and his longtime coach Munehiro Kugimiya started to show cracks after Yulo’s less-than-stellar performance at last year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Deciding to go their separate ways, Yulo confessed in an interview, “I feel like I’ve outgrown our relationship.”

After Kugimiya’s departure, Yulo trained around the world, before finally tying up with Filipino coach Allen Aldrin Castañeda just before the Paris Olympics. In Paris, Yulo would make history, winning two gold medals and despite their bittersweet ending, both the athlete and his former coach have remained respectful of each other. This was on display once again as new information surrounding Yulo’s family came to light.

After his Paris success, Kugimiya congratulated Yulo and reminded him of a promise. “When the Tokyo Olympics was over, Carlos and I vowed together that if we won gold in Paris, we would bring our gold medals to greet all those who have helped us.” True to the promise, Yulo in his recent Japan tour, Carlos Yulo visited the gymnastics schools and Teikyo Senior High School, as he had promised once. That should count as the melting of the ice between them.

Now, in another development on October 21, KG Management Inc. posted an update on Facebook, revealing Carlos Yulo’s gymnast siblings, Eldrew and Elaiza Yulo are training under Munehiro Kugimiya.

The post read, “JUST IN! The Philippine gymnastics athletes, Eldrew and Elaiza Yulo are currently training in Japan under Coach Munehiro Kugimiya. With Coach Kugimiya being their elder brother’s former long-time coach, it seems like fate that they would be trained by the same person who has contributed in shaping the recognition of gymnastics in the Philippines.”

Kugimiya first began training Yulo when he was 16 and the early years were full of challenges. Yulo arrived in Japan from his home to train under a scholarship program in 2016, but the adjustment to a new culture and language proved to be a difficult one. There was even a time when Yulo considered giving up his dream and Kugimiya even offered him a ticket home to the Philippines.

Yet, he chose to stay and the rest is history. Recalling Yulo’s early days, Kugimiya told Rappler in August, “There were times when I imposed a strict training regimen on him. But Carlos has always been aiming for the gold medal at the Olympics, and he has always been willing to go through any kind of hard practice. I am the best witness to Carlos’ hard work.”

He also witnessed Yulo’s gold medal-winning exploits in Paris and watched him from the sidelines as he was part of the Sri Lanka delegation during the Games. In return, Yulo also remembered his former coach during the Thanksgiving mass organized by the Philippine Embassy in Paris, France. He said, “I wouldn’t have reached this level if it weren’t for my coach. He helped me build a plan, taught me how to train, and also supported me in my education. I am incredibly thankful and grateful to him.”

Now, it is the turn of Yulo’s siblings to be trained by Kugimiya and they will hope to replicate their brother’s success. The Facebook post by KG Management Inc. further stated, “This training camp is led by Coach Kugimiya, in coordination with Japanese company sponsors gathered with the help of KG Management Inc. Coach Kugimiya said, “I hope the two of them can be at ease and train with no worries here.”

This update has got the fans excited and hopeful about the relationship between Yulo and his former coach.

Carlos Yulos fans welcome the Japanese master in his fresh yet usual role

After the disassociation with Carlos Yulo, Munehiro Kugimiya had the offer to join the mentorship role under the Gymnastics Association of Thailand. The 39-year-old coach served the role till the last week of August as per the contract. However, after that, he returned to his usual coaching setup in Japan. He is currently in charge of the continuing Japanese training camp, which is funded by several Japanese businesses. Both Eldrew and Elaiza have joined the camp as trainees. Their mother, Angelica Yulo, has already confirmed the news.

“Yes [they are in a training camp in Japan]. [It’s a] training camp but Coach Mune looked for sponsorship for the kids,” Angelica Yulo confirmed to GMA Integrated News. That gesture has made the fans cherish the moment.

In the stated Facebook post, one fan commented, Thank you coach Munehiro Kugimiya. Despite the fall out with Caloy. You still have the heart to help Filipino athletes. We the Filipino people would like to tell you how much we appreciate your belief and dedication to our athletes”

Additionally, the two may be considered for the LA Olympics in 2028, as announced by Cynthia Carrion-Norton, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP). From that perspective, their appearance in Japan can be the initial stage on that route. Pointing to that, a fan chimed in, Wow ! Another 2 Yulo’s gold medalist! I believe God will help you achieve those goals and gold too! Notably, Carlos Yulo has displayed his yearning to defend his titles in the next Olympics.

So, chances are there to see the trio together in LA. Now, Kugiyama’s entry into the scene has made things more magical. He can set things in place as he did for Carlos Yulo once. 

Another fan mentioned, “I love this Coach Mune the Coach of champions. Under Kugiyama’s tutelage, Yulo became a world champion in the floor exercise (2019) and vault (2021). His siblings will be hoping to emulate the same success.

 This led to another fan pen, God bless you always Eldrew and Elaiza and Coaches. Enjoy your stay in Japan.” Eldrew has won multiple medals in national multi-sport events while Elaiza scored five gold medals during the recent Palarong Pambansa to make his serious bid in the sport. With Kugimiya set to train them, the future is looking bright for them.