Forget the dusty gyms and repetitive sideline chants. In Beijing, kids are trading traditional after-school activities for the high-flying, gravity-defying world of competitive cheerleading. This isn’t your older cousin’s pep squad; it’s a dynamic fusion of elite gymnastics, powerful dance, and theatrical performance, all set to pulsating music and led by the trusty team of instructors at Flips and Kicks.

In the heart of a city known for its ancient traditions, these young athletes are being trained in a sport that is way cooler, far more intense and radically different than anything you’d imagine.

Can you tell us a bit about Flips and Kicks?

Gladly. We have been active on the Beijing market since 2012, working with the majority of the big international schools, such as The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun and Shunyi (BSB SLT and Shunyi), International School of Beijing (ISB), the Canadian School of Beijing (CISB) and Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) to name a few. We’ve also worked with many of the major hotels in Beijing, like the Kerry Centre and Pudong Shangri-La.

We focus on FUN in sports. We believe that if you enjoy sports, you naturally create a positive attitude toward physical activity and the social aspects that come with it – something very important in today’s society.

We focus on gymnastics, martial arts (karate and BJJ) and cheerleading for our own programs. In addition to our own programs, we collaborate with international schools for their ASA programs, where we offer a wide range of activities such as multi-sports (most likely our biggest program), dance, cheerleading, karate, and Brazilian jujitsu.

Currently, we mainly work with ISB and WAB, and we have had a fantastic and positive working relationship with them for over 13 years (time goes fast!). On top of this, we have year-round camps for kids with different themes like sports, theater, stunt work, Dog & Agility camp, Astrid Lindgren’s world with Pippi Longstocking, etc.

What classes do you offer, and what age are the kids who attend?

We offer a wide range of services and classes:

ASA Programs:
– Karate
– Brazilian Jujitsu
– Multi-Sports
– Dance
– Cheerleading
– Action Movie ASA

Our Own Programs:
– Gymnastics at WAB – Mondays 6pm-7.30pm, age 6-15 (divided into age groups)
– Gymnastics at WAB – Sundays 9am-12.30pm, age 3-15 (divided into age groups)
– Karate at ISB – Saturdays 10am-2pm, age 3-adult
– Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at ISB – Tuesdays & Fridays 6pm-9pm (Family BJJ, Kids, and Adults)
– Cheerleading at WAB – Mondays:
• 6pm-7pm (ages 6-11)
• 7pm-8pm (ages 12-15)

In addition, we have year-round camps: Multi-Sports Camps, Dog & Agility Camp, Action Movie Camp, Beach Volleyball Camp, and Astrid Lindgren Camps (drama, acting, storytelling, music).

We’re so excited to hear that you’ve started a cheerleading class! Tell us a bit about it.

Thank you. We are excited as well. We have started cheerleading before, but due to the slow market after Covid and some schedule conflicts, we put it on hold for a while. On request from parents and the community, we have now started up again.

From experience, it takes about six months to get a good program off the ground. But we restarted the program because the parents specifically requested it, so we’ll see how it goes. Some other international schools have a strong cheerleading foundation, and we look forward to catching up with them.

WAB also has a very strong international and American community, so we are happy to offer our services to them. Starting in January, we will also offer cheerleading in the WAB ASA program.

How is the cheerleading class different from gymnastics?

To be honest, they go hand in hand. Much of the skill set is the same – good coordination, flexibility and strength. What you learn in gymnastics you can use in cheerleading and vice versa.

We focus on synchronized cheerleading with and without pompoms, combined with basic acrobatic skills. Pumping up the music and pumping up the crowd is always fun. The competitive aspects between schools are also fun and something we can develop together with the international schools in the near future. That would be very cool.

Cheerleading and gymnastics always do warm-up games together, and it’s always a BLAST.

Are there any misconceptions about cheerleading classes?

I think there are misconceptions about almost all sports, to be honest.

The standard scenario is you try a few classes and quickly conclude it’s “no fun.” But like with many skill sets, it doesn’t become fun until you feel comfortable with your own abilities.

A stereotype for both gymnastics and cheerleading is that they are mainly girl-dominated sports. Boys love gymnastics, to be honest – they just need a good coach and a positive training environment. The same goes for cheerleading.

See it as something fun, something that keeps you healthy and fit, and, most importantly, something where you can have FUN.

What’s the most fun part of cheer practice for the kids?

The benefits are many. New and old friendships are important. Sports should be a social activity, not a task. Team and school spirit matter.

In cheerleading, you have three important parts:

1. Self-development and training
2. Team spirit
3. School spirit

You train to bring energy to both the team and the audience. But like everything worth doing, it’s hard work, too.

If a kid has zero gymnastics/cheerleading experience, do you recommend they start?

ABSOLUTELY. We are open to everyone who wants to train and have fun in a positive environment with top-qualified coaches. You can have zero experience and still develop very positively – both physically and personally.

When are the classes, and how long is each session?

For cheerleading, each class is one hour.

– Ages 6-11: 6pm-7pm
– Ages 12-15: 7pm-8pm

The classes are held in the ES Gym, next to the gymnastics hall.

How can our readers get in touch?

Contact Coach Fredrik to book a tester class or get more information.

Website: www.flipsandkicksplus.com
Phone/WeChat: 13718462044
Email: info@flipsandkicksplus.com

Do you offer a free trial class for kids?

All our programs include a free tester class.

For jingkids readers, we offer a 10 percent discount for all our classes for the next block, as well as for our winter camps.

Offer valid until Dec 15.

Images: Flips and Kicks, Freepik

Feels like we just got back to school, amirite? And it’s already time to enroll in after-school programs?

The international schools in Beijing tend to go their own way when it comes to spring breaks, and this year many removed a break at all to make up for the lost time last winter. But who wants all school and no play? We may not have spring break camps like in other countries, but there sure are a plethora of other ways students can spread their wings beyond the classroom.

Beijing Ducks Youth Rugby Academy

Ages: 12-18, boys and girls
Experience: none necessary
When and Where: Thurs 8-9.30pm Training at Chaoyang Park; Sun 12-2pm Touch Rugby at Olympic Park
WeChat ID: 185 1341 5507 or scan QR code below

ClubFootball Spring Season

Ages: 3-18
Experience: beginners to competitive teams
When and Where: Various times; Chaoyang Park, Olympic Forest Park South & North, Moon River Football Park, also at many schools
WeChat ID: WGQXJuniors

DragonFire Swim & Gymnastics Camp

Ages: Beginner – Level 3
When & Where: CSI-Bally Maquanying and Hongtong Sports, Zhongti Beili Mawuanying Store; Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) and Beijing Jingxi School students eligible for class at their campus.
How: Follow this link for pricing and schedule information. Registration is on the 10 and 26 of each month.

Flips N Kicks

Ages: 3-12+ years
Experience: all levels
When & Where: Saturdays at AAUDREYANNE training studio at GHL and Shunyi Fornia
How: info@flipsandkicksplus.com; Fredrik: 13718462044

Jingwu Kungfu

Ages: 3-6, 7-10, and 11 to 16 years-old
When & Where: Contact for more information
WeChat ID: 13141072677

Little Kickers

Ages: 1.5-3, 4-5, 5-6, and 6-7 years-old
When & Where: Si’de Park and Wangjing 80 Middle Field

PTI Reading Spring Camps

Ages: 4-12 years-old
Experience: all levels of reading
When: Sat & Sun 10am-12pm (4-5 years-old); Sat & Sun 1-3pm (6-12 years-old)
WeChat ID: PERLITAPENGSON21

KEEP READING: Summer Camp Preview: Get the American Overnight Camp Experience Without Leaving China

Images: Canva, courtesy of camps, pexels

Requiring balance, flexibility, coordination, and more, gymnastics is one of the world’s most challenging — and beautiful — sports. Coming from the Greek word for bodily exercise, gymnastics has been around for thousands of years when it was originally used in ancient Greece to develop strength and discipline. Fast-forward 2,500 years and Triple Gymnastics is working to foster these same qualities in children in Beijing.

Founded by a senior sports manager and three masters of children’s sports education and psychology with more than 10 years of experience teaching gymnastics at international schools in Beijing and around the world, Triple Gymnastics is about more than just gymnastics classes. They are also committed to popularizing competitive youth gymnastics and helping schools and other clubs establish their own gymnastics facilities and programmes. The club works with Beijing’s leading international schools, including Dulwich College Beijing, Western Academy of Beijing, Daystar Academy, House of Knowledge, and Beijing City International School, to organize classes, clubs, and competitions.

Triple Gymnastics is all about the three “As”: ability, agility, and assertiveness. Their classes help children to develop healthy minds and bodies, with benefits that last long after they are all grown up. Beyond better coordination and better posture, gymnastics has been proven to increase self-confidence and self-awareness, encourage creativity, and instill an understanding of hard work and disciple. Not to mention the great friends that they will make in their classes!

Any of the above benefits are greatest when children start gymnastics early and Triple Gymnastics offers kindergarten gymnastics classes for children aged 10 months to 3.5 years. In addition to building foundational skills, these classes foster interaction and communication between parent and child.

For older children, Triple Gymnastics offers artistic gymnastics classes for girls aged 5-18 years old, beginner to level six, and artistic gymnastics classes for boys aged 6-16 years old, level two to six, both taught according to Gymnastics Australia and USA Gymnastics standards. 

Girls that reach level three or above have the option to join the Triple Gymnastics competitive team, which practices four times a week. Triple Gymnastics also organizes regular competitions, which frequently attract up to 10 amateur gymnastics teams from clubs and international schools around Beijing, with more than 130 competitors.

In previous years, the Triple Gymnastics team has also traveled to Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore to compete in international competitions. For kids preparing to study abroad, this is also a great way to establish a strong extracurricular activity. 

Of course, a gymnastics class is nothing without a coach and this is another area where Triple Gymnastics stands out. With decades of combined experience, Triple Gymnastics’s teaching team includes international-level gymnastic coaches and experts in early childhood physical development, as well as former Olympic champions who act as specially-invited consultants. Yang Yilin and He Kexin, members of the gold medal-winning Chinese Olympic gymnastics team at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, have both worked with Triple Gymnastics.

Meet three of Triple Gymnastics’s star team below:

Nicole Sun
Eleven years of experience working with international schools and clubs, child psychology expert, former member of the national gymnastics squad, co-founder of Triple Gymnastics.

Winni Wei
Nine years of experience working with international schools and clubs, six years of experience working at a gymnastics club/school in Singapore, former members of the national gymnastics squad.

Lisa Li
Eleven years of experience working with international schools and clubs, sports and nutrition expert, yoga teacher, former member of the national gymnastics squad, co-founder of Triple Gymnastics.

Getting an early start with gymnastics has demonstrable benefits that will last kids a lifetime. If you want to find out more about Triple Gymnastics and the classes and activities they offer, visit their upcoming open day. More details below.

Triple Gymnastics Open Day
Date and time: Sep 1, 10am-Noon
Location: Dulwich College Beijing
Tel/WeChat: 134 3955 4192 (Ricky Zhang)
Email: ricky.zhang@triplegymnastics.com

Triple Gymnastics International School Invitational
Date and time: Dec 2, 9.30am-Noon (low-level group), 1-4.30pm (high-level group)
Location: Dulwich College Beijing (TBD)
Free attendance for spectators
Tel/WeChat: 134 3955 4192 (Ricky Zhang)
Email: ricky.zhang@triplegymnastics.com

For more information, scan the QR code below to follow Triple Gymnastics on WeChat

This post is paid for Triple Gymnastics
Photos courtesy of Triple Gymnastics

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.

Family Fun

Samajam Kids Show -You Are the Show! In Beijing, Fri-Sun until Jul 1
All ages. Samajam Kids Show is a new concept, a participatory musical show, in which all participants receive several musical instruments during the performance. RMB 180-350 (visit this page to buy tickets). 10.30am. Tianqiao Arts Center. (400 610 3721, 1010 3721, ponypiao@aliyun.cn)

America’s Backyard BBQ: AmCham China 2018 Independence Day Party, Jun 30
All ages. AmCham China invites everyone to celebrate American Independence Day on Saturday, June 30 at JW Marriott Hotel’s buffet restaurant, terrace and newly renovated garden. This Saturday backyard BBQ lunch offers America’s best treats and snacks to celebrate the 242nd Independence Day of the US. RMB 550 (adult), RMB 250 (child). For tickets, visit this page. 11am-8pm. JW Marriott.

Little Kickers Beijing Football Trial Class, until Jun 30
Kids 1.5+. These trial sessions take place every Saturday and are play-oriented for kids aged from 1.5 to 5. Everybody is welcome to experience a series of football games in a fun environment. Class times: 9.15-10am (ages 1.5-2.5), 10.15-11am (2.5-3.5), 11.15-noon (3.5-5). Ivy Nursery Sanlitun. (WeChat ID: LK-BJ-10001)

Work Your Body Out

Flowing into Femininity Circle, Jun 27
Adults. When women hold trauma in their bodies, it will be manifested in different ways. When trauma is healed and released, a shift happens in life and we can begin to embody our own truth. Andreia Peres invites women to a morning of love where we will use different techniques to release stagnant energy, connect with the earth, work our primal source of energy, our sexual energy, embody our emotions through intuitive dance and release trauma through drumming therapy. RMB 200. 10.30am-12.30pm. OASIS International Hospital.

Ballet for Fun, Fitness, and Fineness, until Jun 29
Ages 4-7. Prima Ballerina aims to bring passion, fun, and creativity to every class, nurturing each students’ love of the art form through their practice, dedication, and creativity. This form of ballet training breaks through classical teaching methods and builds children’s passion for dance through a variety of games, sounds, and musical styles. The classes take place every Friday and will be taught by Elyn Wang, an ex-soloist ballerina for the National Ballet of China, who has over five years experience teaching children at the National Ballet and at private ballet studios around Beijing. RMB 160-220 per class. 4.30-5.20pm. Prima Ballerina at Beijing Language and Cultural Center for Diplomatic Missions in Sanlitun. (WeChat ID: Elyn0318, 139 1158 8951)

Yoga with Mulang, every Wed and Fri until Jul 13
Adults. Join instructor Mulang for a positive flow yoga class at Ramo on Wednesday and Friday mornings. Bring your own yoga mat and your friends to this fun class. RMB 60 (sign up via the QR code on the poster). 10.30-11.30am. Ramo Restaurant & Bar.

Adult Gymnastics, every Tue and Thu until Jul 19
Adults. Sports Beijing will launch a very interesting program of adult gymnastics, which can help us stretch the body, shape muscles, and enhance physical coordination. This project will combine the gymnastics and yoga, and participants will learn some gymnastics movements like rolls, handstands, and cartwheels. RMB 160 per week (visit this page to register). 1.30-2.30pm. Sports Beijing.

State of the Arts

St. Florian Boys’ Choir at the NCPA, Jun 29
All ages. The St. Florian Boys’ Choir in Austria is one of the world-renowned choirs with the most tradition. Production of sacred music is still one of the most important functions of the boys’ choir. Apart from this, they are also musical ambassadors for Austria everywhere in the world. See them at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) on June 29. RMB 80-400 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA.

Yale Midsummer Night’s Concert, Jun 29
All ages. This chamber concert will feature four representative masterpieces from the Classical, the Romantic, and the Modern period. Experience the whole range of Western classical music from France, Russia, Germany and Austria at an extraordinary evening of chamber music with two Yale alumni and a Yale student. RMB 120, RMB 60 (students). Visit this page for more info. 6.30-8.30pm. Yale Center Beijing.

Art Book in China at M Woods, Jun 29-Jul 6
All ages. Check out abC Art Book Week at M Woods where everybody can find magazines and art from a variety of imprints and artists with special spotlights on Indiemags from Germany, Japanese photo editions from Einstein Studio, and the Desktop Art Fair. See this page to register and see the list of publishers and organizations. Noon-7pm. M Woods.

Learn Henna With Yeyin at Yichang Café, Jul 1
Kids 12+. Yichang Cafe is hosting classes in henna painting, taught by Ye Yin. The last class of the course explores and discusses the infinite possibilities of making home decorations with henna decoration. RMB 300. 2-4pm. Yichang Cafe.

Film and Stage Acting Workshops by Beijing Fringe Theatre, until Jul 7
All ages. Beijing Fringe Theatre offers various acting classes and specialty acting workshops for stage and film, with a focus on monologues, audition, scene work, and accent dilution. The theatre produces live shows, which give actors opportunities to practice and hone the craft of acting. No experience is necessary, but a passion for the world of acting and a desire to learn and succeed is preferred. Contact  137 1791 3029 or info@beijingfringetheatre.org for more information about the time and fees.

Feed Your Mind

Alpha Course – Explore the Big Questions of Life, Jun 27
All ages. Alpha is an opportunity to freely explore your unique questions about life, faith, and God. It is a series of interactive sessions exploring the Christian faith, typically run over eleven weeks. Each talk looks at a different question around faith and is designed to create conversation. The summer season goes from June 20 through August. New guests are welcome to visit until July 11. Free admission but the event is open to foreign passport holders only. Scan the QR code on the poster for more info. 7-9.15pm. Beijing International Christian Fellowship (BICF).

Mindful Mothers, every Wed until Jun 27
Adults. Join the Beijing Mindfulness Center for the Mindful Mother meditation series; three maternal meditations which focus on rejuvenating the woman’s body, mind, and spirit. If you are a first-time expecting mother or a mother of many years, it is essential to maintain your energy and life balance. Join a community of mothers who desire to renew their life source from within. RMB 150 per session. 10-11.30am. Beijing Mindfulness Center, No.44, Qian Yong Kang Hutong, Dongcheng. 北京市东城区前永康胡同44号 (6403 4923, hello@beijingmindfulness.com)

More Events

Caterpillar Chinese Reading Club, every Tue until Jun 26
All ages. The Caterpillar Chinese Reading Club is a book club for those who are English-speaking and trying to learn Chinese, and need some friends! The club invites Chinese learners of all levels and everyone to bring their own learning goals. The session will start with a fluent Chinese community member sharing about a book they recently read and help others practice listening and communication. In the next portion, the group members will share personal goals, and then try and converse about what everyone read and learned in Chinese. Free to attend. From 8pm. Bookworm. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details.

Beijing Coffee Wine Festival, Jun 27-29
Adults. An annual coffee and cocktail event in Beijing, the 2018 Beijing Coffee Wine Festival is a social gathering for coffee and cocktail lovers from around the country. With over 30 popular cafes and bars, the festival-goers can expect a smorgasbord of immersive experiences. Experience classic flavors and new concoctions, intense competitions, exciting activities and promotions all at the 2018 Beijing Coffee and Wine Festival. RMB 20 (visit this page for more info). 9am-5pm. China National Convention Center.

River Blue Documentary Screening, Jun 28
Adults. River Blue, narrated by Jason Priestly, brings awareness to the destruction of some of the world’s most vital rivers through the manufacture of our clothing, but it will also act as a demand for significant change from in the textile industry from top fashion brands. Free admission. For more information, scan the QR code in the image. 7pm. Crossboundaries.

Conscious Africans Cultural Day Event, Jun 29
Adults. Conscious Africans Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization based in Beijing with the sole objective of harnessing the potential and resources of the Africans in China and beyond for the benefit of the motherland. The network celebrates their first anniversary with the best of African culture and razzmatazz. Free admission. Scan the QR code on the poster for more details. 5-10pm. The Bookworm.

British University Pub Quiz, Jun 29
Adults. Ever faced off with friends and colleagues about whose university was best? Now it’s time to show them who’s boss and win the title University Pub Quiz Champion! Get your university team together and come on down to the British Embassy on Friday, June 29 to compete in the ultimate British University Pub Quiz. RMB 50. See poster for more details. The Bell (in the British Embassy). (soasaab@outlook.com).

Didn’t see your event here? Make sure to upload your family-friendly activities on our website. See this page for more info on how to upload your event.

Photos: Courtesy of Yichang Cafe (featured photo) and events organizers.

Rhythmic gymnastics is always one of the most popular sporting events at any Olympic Games. But it takes years of stretching and countless hours of practice for the gymnasts to perfect certain maneuvers. For young kids, getting their progress recognized is an achievement which inspires them to improve at their craft. And that’s what happened at the sixth Zhong Ling Cup, an international rhythmic gymnastics tournament held at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) on July 30.

More than 120 young gymnasts from 14 countries competed at the international tournament, and 350 medals were awarded for the best and most graceful in the single and team categories of rhythmic gymnastics events: rope, hoop, ball, clubs, ribbon, and freehand (no apparatus).

All of the young performers, who wore suits adorned with shimmering sequins, displayed heart-stopping flexibility and agility.

Following the award ceremony was a gala performance by Russian gymnasts, including Margarita Mamun who won gold at the All-Around competition at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. She captivated the audience with a three-minute presentation, showing some basic routines elegantly performed with a flowing piece of transparent fabric.

beijingkids got a chance to talk to the Rio Olympian, who revealed her inspirations: a gymnastics performance on television, and her mother, who was a gymnast herself.

When asked about how she trains for competitions, Mamun said she begins it with a choreography class from 9am to 1pm. “There’s a lot of training, especially before the (Rio) Olympic Games,” she said, “…and I make it sure that I do my moves perfectly when I practice, and also begin with warm ups.” Just like other young people, the 21-year-old gymnast told beijingkids that she likes to spend her free time going to parks or watching movies with her family.

“There are a lot of opportunities now for young Chinese gymnasts,” Mamun said about the popularity of the sport in China. “Students can use the internet to learn and practice gymnastic moves, and also join competitions,” she said, adding that she hopes her presence in the tournament will inspire young gymnasts to achieve more in the sport.

The tournament organizer, Zhong Ling, is an accomplished gymnast herself. She said she wanted to use her experience to bring more young people to sports and gymnastics, where young people can overcome difficulties and have a more positive attitude in life. Zhong added that the seventh tournament would be bigger, as they have already begun preparations and invited more domestic and international teams to participate. She said they are also planning to hold master training camps for local and foreign gymnasts.

Additional reporting and translation by Olesya Sedysheva.

Photos: Andy Penafuerte

More stories by this author here.
Email: andypenafuerte@beijing-kids.com
Instagram: @coolkidandy

Fredrik Yderström hails from Södertälje in Sweden (Stockholm area). He has lived in Beijing on and off for about 10 years.

What organization or company do you work for?
Flips & Kicks Plus. I also have a Swedish company called Wesing Sports Scandinavia AB. I’m running my own federation called Scandinavian Wushu & Chinese Culture Federation, which has several cooperation’s in both China and in Scandinavia.

What do you coach?
I coach Martial Arts and Gymnastics. I’m also a PE teacher by profession. We have classes at many of the major international schools here in Beijing; Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), International School of Beijing (ISB), and The British School of Beijing (BSB). We also run PE classes at some schools and have a great working relationship with Daystar Academy, Ganeinu International School, and AnRic Little Montessori Room.

Flips & Kicks Plus also runs sports camps where our focus is on multi-sports. We offer our students top coaches on an international level, for development within different sports.

How long have you been coaching?
I started coaching Martial Arts when I was 18 years old at Tallkrogens Karate Club in Stockholm. I’ve been working within the educational system since 1996 in schools both in Sweden and China. I am a fully licensed PE teacher and sports coach.

What made you become interested in coaching?
I think there’s a huge difference between teaching and coaching. I love coaching, but I kind of lost some of the joy of teaching. As a coach, the greatest joy you can get is having a positive influence on your students, helping them to develop within sports and as a person.

What coaching qualifications do you have?
BA Degree in Physical Education and I’m a licensed PE teacher and coach both in Sweden and in China. I’m the first laowai in the world, as far as I know, with a BA in Chinese traditional sports majoring in Sanda (Chinese full contact) from Beijing Sport University. I’ve got 2 Dan in Goju Ryu Karate, which I teach at BSB Shunyi. I am working towards my 3 Dan now.

What was your favorite sport to play when you were a student?
I never liked ice hockey, football or basketball so much, so I started gymnastics and martial arts as a kid. I tried loads of different sports but always came back to martial arts. Other than that I’m a big fan of sailing and fishing.

How would you describe your coaching style?
That is a good question. Down to earth and I try to see the person’s needs. Positive reinforcement is also something I/we work with a lot. We are all different and sports should be something positive. The competitive aspect of sport can sometimes have a negative effect on a person. You don’t have to be the best in the world to enjoy sports. However, we do offer our students the opportunity to push themselves on a competitive level if they want to.

Flips & Kicks Plus tries to mix good discipline with productive teaching methods, while at the same time having fun. A joy for sport, and to have fun while training, is at the heart of Flips & Kicks Plus.

What do you find most rewarding about coaching?
I go to work with a big smile each day, I get to meet so many nice people from all over the world, I have great co-workers, I have an amazing and creative business partner, and I have fantastic students that I hope I influence in a positive way and give them good memories for life.

So if you see an old guy in the future, with a big white beard teaching martial arts and gymnastics at the international schools it’ll likely be me! I love everything about my job.

And most challenging…?
Balance. To find a balance with all the different tasks I have to manage. You can do a lot with 24 hours a day, but to maintain a good balance is hard. But I made my own bed, so now I lay in it!

Contact Fredrik Yderström at 137 1846 2044, info@flipsandkicksplus.com. To see the latest Flips & Kicks Plus schedule, please click here.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Courtesy of Flips & Kicks Plus

This summer, we’ve looked at several Beijing summer camps specializing in a range of interests from academic and activity-based camps at Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB), action and creativity in the great outdoors with Imagine., to arts and science camps over at Ivy Academy and even theater camps with Beijing Playhouse. For our last installment of summer camp highlights for 2015, we take a look at Flips & Kicks Plus summer camp which took place this year at Daystar Academy.

In its own words, Flips & Kicks Plus specialize in providing gymnastics and martial arts sports coaching for the international community of Beijing. Flips & Kicks Plus offers children the chance to improve their physical condition, co-ordination, concentration, self esteem, and confidence in an environment that is stimulating, challenging, safe, and with an emphasis on having fun. Programs are taught in English by qualified international staff. Though Flips & Kicks’ primary focus is on gymnastics and martial arts, they also offer other activities. “We focus on the multi-sports because we think it’s nice that the kids get more perspective on sports they might not get in school programs, like archery for example,” says Fredrik Yderström, a Flips & Kicks Plus martial arts instructor.

Scroll down to see a few of Flips & Kicks Plus’ best summer camp photos.

Photos: Courtesy of Flips & Kicks Plus

If you found yourself crooning along to some favorite Christmas songs and carols, this winter holiday, why not channel that talent and put it to use in a choir. Shout! Rock Choir is starting a brand new season of singing, and they’re looking for more people to join in and have some fun. If you have a sweet tooth, and love to be creative, why not combine the two at a lollipop making workshop at Green T.House. As New Year’s celebrations are upon us, it’s time to start planning ahead for 2015. The schedules for some sports and coaching classes for kids are already available and registration now open. Don’t leave it too late to sign up that budding young gymnast or soccer player. Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) opened their new Shunyi campus earlier this year. They are hosting an open day in January, where parents can find out more about the school, curriculum, and facilities.

Rock Choir
Shout! Rock Choir starts a brand new season from January 12. If you haven’t tried this rock choir yet, now’s your chance. A fun singing activity for adults, it takes place each week at BSB Shunyi on Mondays, 6.30-8.30pm, and Beijing Riviera on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. It’s free to try out and no singing experience is necessary. You can register online at www.imagine-china.com/shout-rock-choir. Do you have an event coming up this spring, perhaps a Birthday party or a ball? Why not book the rock choir for a performance. To book contact choir@imagine-china.com

Lollipop Secrets
Learn how to make delicate, hand crafted candies, at a lollipop workshop. This coming Friday January 2 and Saturday January 3, Julia Chang will be at Green T. House, showing you how to craft and create lollipops. The sessions run from 2-3pm, and participants will be provided with all the materials you need, plus gift packaging. Winter bamboo jasmine tea and Spanish organic fruit champagne will also be served. RMB 180 per person, the sessions are open to all ages and lollipop making abilities. To reserve a place, call 136 0113 7132 or 6434 2519.

Gymnastics and Karate
The new class schedule, for Flips & Kicks Plus gymnastics and karate, is now up on their website. Please note that on some dates there will be no classes, due to scheduled holidays. For more information and to sign up, contact (177 1009 2884, info@flipsandkicksplus.com)

Monday Gymnastics BSB Shunyi January 12-March 23
3-4 years old 3.30-4.15pm RMB 1,080 (9 classes)
5-6 years 4.15-5pm RMB 1,080 (9 classes)
7+ years 5-6pm RMB 1,080 (9 classes)

Tuesday Karate & Martial Arts BSB Shunyi January 12-March 25
7-12 years old 5-6.30pm RMB 140 per class (RMB 1,540 per block)

Wednesday Karate & Martial Arts BSB Shunyi January 6-March 24
7-12 years old 5-6.30pm RMB 140 per class (RMB 1540 per block)

Friday Gymnastics WAB, January 9-June 5
Beginners: 4-4.55pm RMB 1,800 (15 classes)
Returners: 5-5.55pm RMB 1,800 (15 classes)
Intermediate and Advanced: 6-7.25pm RMB 2,100 (15 classes)

Sunday Gymnastics WAB, January 11-June 7
Beginners: 9-9.55am RMB 2,400 (20 classes)
Returners and Intermediate: 10-10.55am RMB 2,400 (20 classes)
Advanced: 11am-12.25pm RMB 2,800 (20 classes)

Winter Soccer Coaching
Spaces are still available on some of ClubFootball’s winter indoor soccer coaching courses. The weekend courses start in early January 2015, and course venues include ISB, DCB, and BSB Shunyi. All sessions are taught by ClubFootball’s team of 12 full-time professional coaches, from the UK. The program is overseen by Alex Arnold, ex-head coach at Liverpool Football Club’s international academy. Boys and girls of all levels are welcome, suitable for 4 years and over. Advanced teams, girls-only groups, and goalkeeper courses are also offered. For more information, and to reserve a place, contact (5130 6893, coaching@clubfootball.com.cn) www.clubfootball.com.cn

BIBS Open Day
On Friday January 30, Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) will be holding an all-day open day. Come along to find out why BIBS could be the right choice for your children. Visitors will listen to presentations from the school’s senior educational leadership teams, be given a guided tour of the Shunyi campus, visiting classrooms and different facilities, and be given the opportunity to speak to teaching staff. Refreshments will be available. To reserve a place, contact info@bibs.com.cn and for more information, contact (5130 7951, lili@bibs.com.cn) www.bibs.com.cn

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: courtesy of Imagine, Flips & Kicks Plus, BIBS