grips..
hi, i would say check out english bull dog grips, or bailie
they look similar to me, although im not for sure if thats what kind you posted in the picture.. hope that helps
where to buy leos
gk- elite sportswear is good, although some of them are a little more pricey.
Rebecca's mom leotards are generally pretty cheap, and snowflake designs has some too.
as eveyonelse has already mentioned, pre-wrap + tape just about the best thing you can do. i have also put vaseline on the rip and a taped a small piece of baloon on top, so it doesnt create friction- just slides around a little bit. it kind of depends where the rip is, but maybe you could try...
brief issues
yes it is a deduction, but im not sure how much they enforce it in lower levels. and no, as long as the gymnast is comfortable without it you do not HAVE to wear briefs. to keep the leo from sliding up - they make products such as Butt Glue which just goes around the edges of the...
backtucks
know how to set is essential when you move on to layouts and twisting. also make sure you learn the basics properlly otherwise it will carry on with you to the next skills. i found this out the hard way and had to go back and re-learn the basics
healing rips
When u go to bed, get a wet teabag and tape it on to the rip as best you can. the next day it will look kinda wierd but it helps dry the rip up faster so it doesnt tear more.
hope that helps, it did for me