Specialties
GYMNASTIC Supplies: We stock a wide variety of gymnastic Handgrips, Shoes, Gym Chalk (FYI: Frank Endo chalk is a well-known brand used by Rock Climbers), girl's Leotards, boy's Pants, Shorts, & Jerseys, Wrist & Ankle Supports, Books, Videos, Athletic Tape, Tumbling Mats, Practice Beams, and all kinds of Accessories. Note to customers in the Los Angeles area: We are the ONLY Gymnastic supply store that you can drive to, unless you are willing to drive outside of California! WRESTLING Gear: Singlets, Shoes, Knee Pads, Ear Guards, Mat Tape, Mat Cleaner, and Accessories. CAPEZIO Brand Dance Shoes: We carry Capezio Shoe Styles that are used by West Coast Swing dancers and DanSneakers that are favored by Line Dancers.
History
Established in 1958.
Frank Endo started his gymnastic supply business by importing a canvas upper / rubber sole shoe specially made for use in gymnastics. Later he designed a "basic handgrip" which still exists today (Our style B). He would get invited by local school teams to show 8mm movies he took of gymnastic competitions at the Olympic Games. Afterwards, he would set up a table and sell shoes and grips to the gymnasts. He started offering chalk to the gyms, and eventually stocked virtually all the gear a gymnast needs. The company grew, adding wrestling supplies, and needed more space. Frank moved the business to its current location, and asked Rich to join him. After the 1984 L.A. Olympics, business increased, prompting Frank to have Doug leave his engineering career and help him and Rich. Capezio dance shoes were added (Doug is also a dance teacher). Frank never "retired" because he loved gymnastics so much; he passed away in 2005. Doug and Rich are still continuing their father's legacy!
Meet the Business Owner: Doug E.
Graduated Calif. State University Long Beach with a BA degree in electronics. Worked for Xerox, first as a field Tech Rep, later as an engineer for high-volume laser printers. Before leaving Xerox, his dance classes started up, which still continue today (see: Doug Endo's West Coast Swing Dance Classes). Joined the Frank Endo Company in 1989. Implemented new telephone system, fax machine, computer, credit card terminal, etc. because of his experience at Xerox. Performs all duties from signing checks and helping customers to property upkeep, since it's a family business. Currently, Doug maintains the company website, and processes all the online orders.