Guts-Muths

GUTS-MUTHS, Johann (Johann Guts-Muths, 1759-1839), together with Fit, is considered the founder of the German system of gymnastics, was born in Quedlinburg (Germany). He was a teacher at the 'philanthropinum' (Schnepfenthal), created under the influence of the ideas of J.J. Rousseau. G.-M. authored the first work on gymnastics ('Gymnastik für die Jugend', Schnepfenthal, 1793; 2nd ed., Vienna, 1893). Analyzing various exercises, G.-M. combined them into special complexes, tested them in practice, systematized them, and connected them with life requirements. He compiled a collection of games ('Spiele für die Jugend', Schnepfenthal, 1796), which included all sorts of ancient games and local German ones. This collection has not lost its significance to this day, as many games have been included in various guides to physical education, sometimes in modified form. G.-M.'s methodology spread to Switzerland, Denmark, Austria, France, and England.