Dr Stefan Kolimechkov, PhD
Founder and Director of Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics AcademyStefan brings together coaching experience since 2008, a lifetime in gymnastics and doctoral research in physical education. At KCGA, that experience becomes a clear programme, thoughtful teaching and consistent standards for children and adults.
Gymnast. Coach. Researcher.
These are not separate chapters. Each perspective informs how Stefan understands progress, teaches movement and leads KCGA.
Gymnast
Stefan began gymnastics in Bulgaria, competed nationally and continues to train and compete at Masters level. Remaining an active gymnast keeps him close to the realities of learning, preparation, setbacks and meaningful progress.
Coach
Since 2008, his coaching has included clubs, schools, private lessons and academy leadership across Bulgaria and London. He has worked with children, adults, beginners, performers and competitive gymnasts.
Researcher
His academic work spans physical education, fitness, health and gymnastics. Doctoral study and peer-reviewed research provide a disciplined way to question, evaluate and improve practice without losing the human side of coaching.
What this means for KCGA gymnasts and families
Qualifications are useful only when they improve the experience in the gym. Stefan’s role is to turn knowledge into a programme that coaches can deliver clearly and gymnasts can experience positively.
Skills in a clear order
Gymnastics skills are broken into purposeful stages so that foundations, readiness and individual development guide the next challenge.
Technique with understanding
Coaches explain, demonstrate and adapt—not simply ask for repetition—helping gymnasts understand how movement should feel.
One academy framework
Programme design and coach mentoring help maintain shared expectations across KCGA’s team, locations and different lesson formats.
Progress beyond one skill
Confidence, movement quality and a lasting relationship with physical activity matter alongside the gymnastics skill being learned today.
Building a strong academy—not a one-person club
Stefan founded Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy in 2022 after years of coaching through clubs, schools and private practice in London. His responsibility now extends beyond the sessions he teaches personally.
He designs and reviews the programme, mentors KCGA coaches and helps maintain a consistent approach as the academy develops. This creates continuity for families while allowing a qualified team to bring its own complementary strengths.
- Programme design and progression planning
- Coach mentoring and professional development
- Quality standards across locations and services
- Active involvement in coaching and private lessons
- Research and educational resources for the wider gymnastics community
“My role is not only to teach gymnastics. It is to build an academy in which thoughtful coaching can remain consistent as the team and community grow—and to make useful gymnastics knowledge accessible beyond the gym.”
That wider contribution includes peer-reviewed scientific publications and editorial leadership of Kensington Gymnastics Magazine, which brings research, coaching experience and cultural context into clear, practical guidance for London families.
Meet the KCGA teamStill learning through gymnastics
Stefan’s relationship with gymnastics did not end when he became a coach. He continues to train and compete as a Masters gymnast, bringing current experience of preparation, performance and physical adaptation back into his coaching.
That continuing practice supports empathy. It reinforces the value of patient progression and the understanding that meaningful improvement rarely follows a perfectly straight line.
Selected competition moments
A concise visual record of continued training, competition and Masters representation.
Research with a practical purpose
Stefan completed his PhD in Physical Education in 2018. His doctoral thesis examined nutrition and physical fitness in primary school children engaged in artistic gymnastics—work directly connected to children’s development, health and the practical realities of gymnastics participation.
He has authored peer-reviewed work and presented research at some of the most prestigious international meetings, including the European College of Sport Science and the American College of Sports Medicine.
Research does not provide a script for every gymnast. It provides a more rigorous way to examine assumptions, interpret evidence and make better-informed programme decisions.
Research presented internationally
Selected appearances showing the continuity and international reach of Stefan’s academic work.
Performance, research and a defining academic milestone
Watch three moments that reveal the breadth of experience behind KCGA—from competitive gymnastics and a defining academic milestone to research presented on an international stage.
Men’s London Open
A competition performance showing the active gymnastics experience that continues to inform Stefan’s coaching.
Official PhD defence
Selected moments from the successful doctoral defence at the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria.
Elite rhythmic gymnastics research
A conference presentation examining body composition and nutrient intake in Olympic and elite rhythmic gymnasts.
Qualifications that support the work
The main profile remains readable while the underlying evidence stays available for parents, professionals and organisations that wish to verify it.
Qualified Teacher Status
QTS for teaching in schools in England, awarded by the Department for Education.
British Gymnastics Level 3
UK coaching qualification in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, awarded by British Gymnastics.
Doctor of Philosophy
PhD in Physical Education, with UK comparability confirmed through the recognised qualification service.
A coaching journey across Bulgaria and London
KCGA was built from experience gathered in different environments. The dedicated Coaching Journey preserves the detailed record, photographs, performances and historical context.
-
2008–2012 · SOFIA
Levski–Spartak 08 Gymnastics Club
Coaching boys’ squads through training and competition cycles, organising family gymnastics shows and learning within a traditional competitive club environment.
-
2013–2022 · LONDON
Clubs, schools and private coaching
Work included Elite Gymnastics Academy, St Edmund’s Primary School and STK SPORT, spanning children’s gymnastics, school participation and individual coaching.
-
2022–PRESENT · KCGA
From experience to academy leadership
Stefan founded KCGA to bring these lessons into one consistent programme for children, adults and private clients across central and west London.
“I want every gymnast to leave a session feeling that progress is possible—and that the work required to achieve it can be positive, thoughtful and rewarding.”
Stefan remains actively involved in KCGA through programme leadership, coach mentoring and coaching. His work is supported by the wider KCGA team and its shared professional standards.
See the people behind KCGAFind the right route into KCGA
Explore the services shaped by KCGA’s founder-led programme and delivered by the academy’s qualified coaching team.
Children’s group classes
Progressive gymnastics foundations that support skill, confidence and a lasting enjoyment of movement.
Explore children’s classesAdult gymnastics
A welcoming route for beginners and returning gymnasts to develop real skills, strength and confidence.
Explore adult classesOne-to-one coaching
Focused support adapted to the individual gymnast’s experience, goals and carefully planned next steps.
Explore private coachingReady to find the right gymnastics programme?
Tell us whether you are enquiring for your child or yourself, your experience and preferred location. The KCGA team will guide you towards the most suitable option.