President's Award

Ryoji Abe, born in Japan, began his enthusiasm for sports and fitness playing rugby in college. In the 1980s, Abe continued studying coaching and personal training earning a Masters from the Department of Physical Education at the University of Oregon. In the 1990s, Abe focused on working with athletes while educating personal trainers on current best practices provided by the NSCA. In 2001, Abe became an NSCA Japan Board Member supporting NSCA education and promoting its impact within Japan's health and fitness markets. In 2005, Abe became NSCA Japan's Executive Director, further supporting the NSCA's growth and development within sport and fitness communities in Japan. Abe's experience with coaching athletes and working as a personal trainer helped relate to the needs and challenges of NSCA Japan's members. Abe's collaboration with colleagues from the United States has been instrumental in NSCA Japan's growing success. As NSCA's most tenured foreign affiliate since 1991, NSCA Japan serves over 5,700 certified professionals and 7,000 members. Abe's dedication and leadership have led NSCA Japan to be the most successful foreign affiliate in Asia.