Kazuki came to the United States with his wife in 1984 with nothing more than a single suitcase, broken English, and a passion for the sport of gymnastics. In his home country of Japan, Kazuki was a national level gymnast, and this trip to the US to coach gymnastics was not supposed to last longer than a year. That first year quickly passed, and after a few turn of events (which included the birth of his son and daughter), he and his wife decided to make the US their new home. 

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​During his coaching career, he was an inspiration to many, including his son, Sho. Sho would eventually develop into a national champion, as well as a competitor on the international stage. Kazuki would also eventually become a part of the US National Coaching Staff, coaching dozens of athletes - many would go on to make the US National Team and compete at the collegiate level. 

While his time on earth was cut short due to a sudden illness, his legacy and his memories continue to live on. The Kazuki Nakamori Invitational is dedicated to all of the parents and coaches who continue to love and support their athletes' pursuit of excellence in this amazing sport of gymnastics.