Staff

I grew up in San Angelo, Texas, a small town out West. From a young age I’ve always been very active. I played basketball, soccer, volleyball and competed in gymnastics through high school. High School was my first introduction into coaching— I accepted a position at Concho Valley Gymnastics. My interest in developing people continued through my college years. I became a personal trainer, in addition to coaching gymnastics at Concho Valley.

My passion has always been to help people live a happier and healthier life. Once I discovered CrossFit, I saw it as a great vehicle to help me impact and change the lives of others. I have experienced the confidence and results that CrossFit has to offer, and want to help others do the same. Fitness is a life-long process and it is not one that you can do alone. Having the support of a community that shares the same values and goals is one of the most amazing things about CrossFit. I believe that is why people are so drawn and committed to it. I want to be part of cultivating that community and lead people toward achieving their goals and experience the benefits of a happy and healthy life.

I have worked in the fitness industry for 11 years and have been coaching CrossFit since 2011, but it wasn’t until this year that I realized my vision and purpose. I know there are athletes out there who are hungry to compete and focused on developing their skills so they can achieve their dreams as a competitor. Often, this can be a frustrating position—to know where you want to go, but not know how to get there. I want to be that guide—the one who equips athletes with what they need to go out and stand on whatever podium they choose. My goal is to develop and empower. I want to help athletes move more efficiently, build on basic CrossFit movements and introduce the more advanced, technical movements.

My passion for development stems from my journey as an athlete and maturation as a leader. As I continue to develop myself, as a coach and a gym owner, I want to be able to share my knowledge and experiences with CrossFit Jääkarhu athletes. I believe I can impact men and women in Austin. Eventually, I would like to help develop other coaches and athletes around the world.

Michael found CrossFit in the fall of 2008. By early 2009, he was competing in the South Central Hell’s Half-Acre regional qualifier in Ft. Worth. Soon after that he found his calling as a leader, mentor, CrossFitter and Coach.

Fast-forward five years: Coach Winchester has competed in 5 Regionals, 1 CrossFit Games (2012) and has coached a team to the CrossFit Games (2014). He has dedicated his life to learning as much about strength, body movement, conditioning, coaching and the Sport of CrossFit as he can, and he realizes that he has only scratched the surface.

As much as he is a teacher, he is also a student. Coach Winchester doesn’t believe there is “one way to the top”. With that in mind, he continues to develop himself and those around him to strive for excellence and always remember that there is a difference between a job done and a job well done.

If you’re an athlete looking for a gym, a competitor looking for a team or a coach looking to learn, e-mail him at: michael@karhustrength.com

You can find Coach Winchester at CrossFit Jääkarhu, where he will be coaching athletes to be better athletes–and people to be better people.

My Name is Taylor Deering and I’m from Manchaca, Texas

I grew up in a “small-ish” town south of Austin and went to school in an even smaller town, Buda. I was always athletic growing up, I did EVERYTHING—ballet, tap, jazz, gymnastics (now that is ironic and somewhat humorous), soccer, track and had a late start on volleyball. Soccer was my first love, I played club growing up and LOVED it. Spent all the weeknights and weekends at tournaments, eating kiwi at half-time. As I approached the 8th grade I had to make a game time decision on which Club sport I wanted to continue, soccer or volleyball. I chose volleyball….and I would say that it worked out in my favor. I went on and got a Division 1 Scholarship to play in college and completed all 4 years. After graduating I was at a loss and didn’t know what to do with myself. I tried running and it sucked. Then I tried CrossFit, and well here I am 3.5 years later.

I now have been coaching CrossFit for almost 4 years. Time sure does fly by when you’re having fun. Never did I think I would be coaching CrossFit, I’ll tell you that. I can remember watching the games on TV, having NO CLUE what CrossFit was. I remember thinking “I want to be jacked and strong like those women, I want to be out there one day.. I want to do that”. Well shit, I am on my way!

I love coaching anyone who is willing to learn and who is coachable. Being coached is one of the hardest and most vulnerable positions an athlete can be in. If you are willing to listen, learn, experiment with me, accept my coaching style, accept the fact that I WILL be wrong sometimes, but I will always give you 150% of my effort and my knowledge for the athletes best interest, we will get along. That’s all I ask. I love coaching in general, it makes my heart happy to know that I have the ability to change someone’s life when they walk in the door. My “niche” is strongman–I LOVE LIFTING HEAVY AND AWKWARD SHIT. I want to do it all the time. I love coaching people to do things for the first time (tire flips, stones, yokes).

I enjoy eating, sleeping, coffee and the rain. I make necklaces. Brussel sprouts are the most amazing thing that has ever hit this planet. I will compete at the games one day.

A separate passion from coaching and competing in CrossFit is helping others. My lifelong goal is to move to South America, work for myself or with someone else, and help people. Help everyone, feed people, speak to them, walk with them, laugh with them, take their mind off what might be going on that day, give them hope, send them smiles and honestly do whatever I can to change lives.