The KCGA Academy
Children’s Gymnastics Development & Trusted Parent Guides for London Families
The KCGA Academy is a trusted knowledge hub for parents who want to make informed decisions about their child’s physical development through gymnastics.
Created by Dr Stefan Kolimechkov and the coaching team at Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy, the Academy brings together expert-led guidance on children’s gymnastics development, safety, confidence, flexibility, strength, and long-term health – grounded in scientific research and real-world coaching experience in London.
Whether you are exploring gymnastics for the first time or looking to better understand how movement, coordination, and confidence develop during the primary school years, the KCGA Academy is designed to support thoughtful London families who value quality, care, and evidence-based practice.
What you’ll find in the KCGA Academy
✅ Parent Guides & Practical Advice
Clear, considered guidance to help parents support healthy physical development at home and in class.
✅ Research-Backed Insights
Accessible explanations of scientific research on children’s movement, coordination, flexibility, strength, and long-term wellbeing.
✅ Expert Talks & Videos
Selected educational resources from experienced coaches and researchers, made relevant for London families.
All KCGA Academy resources are written or reviewed by experienced coaches and researchers, reflecting KCGA’s commitment to safe, ethical, and child-centred gymnastics.
Here, you’ll find much more than blog posts. The KCGA Academy brings together carefully curated resources designed to help parents understand, support, and guide their child’s development through gymnastics.
Within the Academy, you’ll find:
• Expert tips to help your child progress safely and confidently, both at home and in class.
• Research-backed articles based on peer-reviewed studies by Dr Stefan Kolimechkov and invited experts, translated into practical guidance for parents.
• Presentations from international conferences (including ACSM, ECSS, and others), adapted into clear, parent-friendly insights.
• Broader health and lifestyle guidance, connecting gymnastics with nutrition, physical activity, and lifelong wellbeing.
The aim of the KCGA Academy is to be a trusted reference point for parents in London — a place to learn, explore, and find reliable answers about children’s gymnastics development, all in one place.
Gymnastics Tips for Parents
Practical advice you can use at home or in class. From posture and body alignment to fun progressions, these tips help your child develop confidence, coordination, and good movement habits.
Science-Based Articles
Gymnastics knowledge you can trust. Based on peer-reviewed research by Dr Stefan Kolimechkov and colleagues, these articles translate scientific findings into clear, parent-friendly guidance.
Presentations & Conferences
Global expertise, shared locally. Explore selected talks and presentations delivered at international conferences such as ACSM and ECSS, adapted for parents and young gymnasts.
Gymnastics & Beyond
Gymnastics is only the beginning. Discover how sport connects with health, nutrition, physical education, and lifelong wellbeing for children and families.
Start Exploring the Academy
Below you’ll find our latest articles, tips, and educational resources. Each piece is written to offer practical advice, scientific insight, or thoughtful guidance to support your child’s gymnastics journey in London.
Whether you’re looking for simple ways to support your child at home or you’d like to explore the science behind movement and development, the Academy is here to help — free to access, regularly updated, and written with care.
👉 Choose a post that interests you, or browse by category above.
Our Latest Resources
Browse our newest science-based gymnastics articles, tips, and presentations, trusted by London parents who want the very best for their children.
The Handstand: A Four Stage Training Model
The Handstand: A Four Stage Training Modelby Valentin UzunovKensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy is thrilled to share an insightful article on handstand training with all of you! We're incredibly fortunate to have a special guest contributor and a good friend,...
Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index for ChildrenThis article focuses on one of the most applied methods for assessing weight and nutritional status in children, the Body Mass Index (BMI). Although the BMI value is calculated the same way for children and adults, the criteria used to...
Aerobic Fitness Norms
Aerobic Fitness NormsAssessing Children's Aerobic Fitness by using sports software with international norms At Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy, we take a holistic approach to developing young athletes. While strength, flexibility, and coordination are...
Handgrip Strength Norms
Handgrip Strength NormsBoost Your Gymnast's Isometric Strength with the Handgrip Strength Test! Understanding your child's progress is essential for their development. Handgrip strength is a key indicator of their physical abilities. Let's dive into how you can...
Standing Long Jump Norms
Standing Long Jump NormsBoost Your Gymnast's Explosive Strength with the Standing Long Jump! Discover the Power of the Standing Long Jump for Your Child's Fitness Journey. As a parent, you want the best for your child's health and well-being. That's why I'm excited to...
Why Gymnastics?
The Benefits of Gymnastics for ChildrenOn this page, coach Stefan outlines some of the benefits of gymnastics for children based on his extensive experience in the field. So, why gymnastics? Well, first of all, gymnastics is fun... just look at one of Stefan's...