Michael Jaye, B.I.T.A. Advanced Senior Coach and British Ice Skating Association (B.I.S.) Performance Coach Level 3, coaching at the Olympic size Guildford Ice Rink in The Spectrum.
Michael’s strengths lie in his technical understanding and execution and his attention to detail, his commitment and his loyalty to his students. These qualities, combined with his awareness of the developing skater both as an artist and elite athlete, make him a highly respected coach.
Michael began skating at the age of 13 when he donned a pair of hockey skates to enjoy the speed and tricks of the sport. He was quickly converted to the skills of figure skating, and recruited on to the skating courses at Richmond Ice Rink. He never looked back!
Under the tutelage of Betty Callaway, MBE, who went on to coach Torvill and Dean, Michael competed at both Junior and Senior British Championships within just three years. When Betty left Richmond to become Germany’s National Coach, Michael and Krysia, his sister partner, transfered to Queens.
There Gladys Hogg, MBE, soon had Michael and Krysia competing in the British Ice Dance Championships. And after that the successful brother and sister team went on to represent Great Britain at an international level.
Michael has trained alongside many famous skaters including Olympic Champion John Curry.
At just 24 Michael decided to turn professional and has coached at Streatham, with Jimmy Young, at Queens where he was Assistant Manager, at Birmingham, Slough and at Southampton Ice Rink.
His portfolio of students is broad, with Michael working with skaters of all ages and abilities, from those taking their first steps away from the barrier to ice dancers to those wanting to improve their ice hockey skills and, of course, his freestyle skaters, many of whom compete, some at IJS level!
In the last few years Michael has had students pass Level 10 field moves, the IJS junior test and achieve Podium, Silver, at the Novice Championships.
Michael has also directed, choreographed and performed in shows and pantomime. He worked for many years as part of the team for the Basingstoke Christmas Ice Shows, taking time out to enjoy the fun side of skating!
“I am proud of the friendships that have developed amongst the skaters, and parents, of Team Jaye, and of the support they offer each too.” Michael Jaye