Dr Stefan Kolimechkov
Founder & Director of Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy
Where lifelong coaching experience meets scientific research.
Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy was created to offer families something rare: a boutique gymnastics programme designed by a lifelong gymnast, experienced coach, and active sports science researcher.
My work brings together practical coaching, academic research, and long-term thinking — so children are taught not just skills, but how to move well, safely, and confidently for life.
Key credentials
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Lifelong gymnast and active Masters competitor
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Over 20 years of coaching experience
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PhD-qualified sport scientist and published researcher
A Rare Combination in Gymnastics
In gymnastics, it is common to find excellent former athletes who coach. It is less common to find coaches with deep academic training. It is rarer still to find someone actively shaping the scientific understanding of gymnastics and physical fitness while working on the gym floor.
My career has developed across all three areas at once:
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As a gymnast, training and competing from childhood through to Masters level
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As a coach, working with children, adults, and families for over two decades
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As a researcher, publishing peer-reviewed studies in physical education, fitness, and health
This combination directly informs how KCGA operates — from class structure and progression, to safeguarding, communication, and long-term development.
What This Means for Your Child
A science-informed programme does not mean complicated or rigid. It means thoughtful decisions, consistency, and care — all of which children feel immediately.
Structured Progression
Children follow clear, age-appropriate progressions that respect physical development and individual readiness.
Technique Before Speed
We prioritise strong foundations to reduce injury risk and build lasting confidence.
Small Groups, Real Attention
Our boutique group sizes allow coaches to observe, adjust, and support each child properly.
Consistency Across Locations
Whether in Kensington, Chelsea, or Knightsbridge, children experience the same standards and philosophy.
Long-Term Thinking
The goal is not short-term performance, but strong, capable children who enjoy movement for life.
A Lifelong Gymnast
I began gymnastics in Bulgaria and competed at national level before continuing my journey in the UK. Unlike many coaches who step away from performance, I continue to train and compete as a Masters gymnast.
This ongoing involvement shapes how I coach and design programmes — with empathy for the training process, respect for progression, and a deep understanding of how bodies adapt over time.
Competitive & Performance Background
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National-level competitions in Bulgaria
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Masters gymnastics competitions in the UK
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Selected performances featured in the gallery below
In 2023, Stefan was awarded the bronze medal, and in 2024 he won the gold medal at the Adult Gymnastics British Championships in his age category (30+ for master’s athletes). In 2024, Stefan was also part of the GB Gymnastics Team for masters athletes, and he took part at the 2024 Master’s Gymnastics World Cup in Cambridge, MA, USA, where he helped the team to rank 4th. Stefan also ranked 12th on the Rings as an individual representing the Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy.
Academic Credentials & Research
My academic work focuses on physical education, fitness, and how structured training influences health, performance, and ageing. I completed my PhD in physical education and continue to contribute to research in the UK.
This work informs KCGA’s programme design and reinforces the importance of evidence-based practice in children’s sport.
Educational background
Bachelor of Arts
Sport and Physical Education
I completed my education in Bulgaria with remarkable success. During my Bachelor’s degree at the National Sports Academy, I received high praise for my exceptional coursework presentation. Professor Nikola Hadjiev PhD, DSc, a distinguished figure in the gymnastics world, commended the work for its clarity and engaging delivery, awarding it the highest possible mark and recognizing my potential. In 2011, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in two majors: Sports and Physical Education.
Master of Arts
Physical Education
In 2012, I pursued a Master’s degree in Physical Education, focusing my research on the nutritional habits of young gymnasts. Under the guidance of Dr. Lubomir Petrov, I successfully completed my dissertation, earning the highest possible grade. My academic achievements, including a GPA of 5.94 and 62 credits, led being awarded a Master’s degree from the renowned institution, The National Sports Academy in Bulgaria, which is known for its high-quality physical education programmes that meet European standards.
Doctor of Philosophy
Pedagogy of Physical Education
In 2013, I moved to London and started working as a gymnastics coach. In 2015, I started a distance learning PhD programme in Physical Education at the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria while living and working in London. I focused my research on the physical development and nutrition of young gymnasts. Throughout my PhD programme, I published in international journals, presented at prestigious conferences, and earned several professional certifications. My dedication and achievements culminated in the successful defence of my doctoral thesis in 2018, earning the title of Doctor of Philosophy.
In 2018, at the age of 30, I was officially admitted to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, which has been one of my greatest achievements in life. The video below contains unique moments from my PhD defence at the National Sports Academy in Bulgaria.
Publications & Research Output
As part of my scientific interests, I presented research related to gymnastics at one of the biggest conferences in the world, including the ECSS congress, ACSM annual meeting, BASES conference, and others. Probably, one of the most important presentation was the one given at the 2019 ECSS Congress in Prague, in which I presented findings from a study on body composition and nutrient intake of elite rhythmic gymnasts from Bulgaria. The participants of this study consisted of a unique sample of world-class competitors, bronze medallists from the 2016 Olympic games in Rio, and gold medallists from World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. You can watch a video of my presentation below.
Academic highlights
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PhD in Physical Education & Sport with publications in peer-reviewed journals.
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Research presented internationally at scientific conferences.
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Ongoing collaboration between coaching practice and research, ensuring KCGA’s methods remain current and rigorous.
View my articles on Google Scholar. I presented my research work around the world (check the gallery below).
Want the full academic record?
Explore my publications and conference papers here: Publications & Research, or request a summary relevant to your child’s goals.
Dr Stefan Kolimechkov
Founder & Director, Kensington & Chelsea Gymnastics Academy Ltd
Nationality: British & Bulgarian
Based in: London, United Kingdom
Education: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physical Education
Professional Focus: Programme leadership, coach development, applied sport science, and long-term physical development
Affiliations & Work: Coaching, academic research, and professional practice in gymnastics and physical fitness
Personal website: www.stk-sport.co.uk
My Role at KCGA
As Founder & Director, my role is to design and oversee KCGA’s programme, mentor coaches, ensure safeguarding standards, and maintain consistency across locations.
I remain actively involved through:
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Programme leadership and quality assurance
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Coach training and supervision
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Private 1:1 coaching
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Ongoing research and professional development
This structure allows KCGA to remain personal, consistent, and sustainable — without relying on one individual to be present in every class.
Professional Standards & Recognition
KCGA operates within recognised professional, educational, and regulatory frameworks, informed by my formal training and verified qualifications. The certifications below reflect compliance with national standards in coaching, education, and academic research.
Together, they underpin the academy’s commitment to safe practice, high-quality teaching, and evidence-based programme design.
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British Gymnastics coaching qualifications
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Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
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Professional memberships and affiliations (MCIMSPA, Chartered; ECSS Fellow; ACSM Member)
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Safeguarding and compliance credentials
Qualified Teacher Status
I hold a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in schools in England, awarded by the Department for Education in the UK in 2014.
Gymnastics Coach
I hold the Level 3 UK Coaching Qualification in Gymnastics, awarded by British Gymnastics in 2018.
Doctor of Philosophy
I possess a Bachelor’s degree in Sports, as well as a Master’s degree and a PhD in Physical Education (with a Doctoral thesis on the benefits of gymnastics at primary school age).
I continued my higher education in the United Kingdom. In line with my short and long-term goals, interests, and passion for research, I took the decision to pursue a second PhD. I am currently an MPhil/PhD postgraduate research student at the University of Greenwich, London. My project explorers the effectiveness of microcurrent electrical stimulation and resistance exercise on counteracting the loss of muscle mass and strength which accompanies ageing.
Coaching & Professional Background
Over more than two decades, my coaching work has spanned grassroots clubs, schools, private training, and academy leadership across Bulgaria and the United Kingdom. I have worked with hundreds of children, supported gymnasts in club and national competitions, and collaborated with schools and institutions alongside my academic research.
This professional journey — from coaching in Bulgaria, to building experience across London, to founding KCGA — forms the practical foundation behind the academy’s programme and values.
A Personal Note
KCGA was built for families who value care, structure, and thoughtful coaching. My goal has always been to create an academy where children feel supported, challenged, and proud of what they can achieve.
If you are looking for a boutique gymnastics academy in Kensington, Chelsea, or Knightsbridge, we would be delighted to welcome you.