Sports Beijing’s biannual Festival of Sport returns this Saturday, February 11. The event runs from from 10am to 3pm, and takes place at the International School of Beijing (ISB). We asked Carlos Javier from Sports Beijing to give us the lowdown.

So what is the Festival of Sport?
Held indoors in the ISB Fusion Dome, this event allows kids of different ages to try out a variety of sports and activities, while parents can talk to the coaches and register their children for one of the 15+ activities provided by the youth amateur sports organization.

How is this year’s event different to previous years?
In addition to the sports activities during the event, we are focusing on connecting our members with our partners and our ‘friends of Sports Beijing’. There are a lot of companies and organizations doing great work in the community and it’s important that we get their products/information out there and help them gain exposure. Our members can benefit by being better informed about what’s going on in the Beijing community, meeting people, and getting the chance to see how they can get involved to make a positive difference. Some of the partners we have invited are Roundabout, A Voice for Animals, Smart Air, Koryo Tours, Penny Food Studio, and Dave’s Studio (who will be bringing a photobooth). Roundabout will be collecting donations, so bring along your books, clothes, equipment… Links Moving will also bring a bouncy castle, so that’s exciting!

What sports will be featured?
We will have a small football tournament running throughout the event, as well as our development U12, U14 and U16 Basketball teams practising throughout the morning. In addition we will have a field hockey scrimmage/training (hopefully we will have a local Chinese team come and play our members) from 9-10.30am, Rugby training/tryout from 12-1pm and Handball from 13.30-14.30. Our Kung Fu guys (XMA KungFu) will also be present and do a short performance, as well as Karate. Our Fencing coaches will be there to answer questions and to demonstrate the sport to our members.

What else is there for kids to do?
Besides having a kick about, shooting some hoops, trying out our Handball obstacle course, etc, we will have facepainting offered by Eva from ArtJamming. Kids can build their own air purifier (SmartAir) and take it home (they’ll need to register in advance, and the air purifier workshop costs RMB 200). Kids can engage with the Voice for Animals people, who will be looking to do an ‘adoption role play’, and Links Moving will bring the bouncy castle. There will be lots of opportunities for pictures by Dave’s Studio, and we are planning to do a raffle, so kids can win some prizes too.

Finally, tell us a little about Sports Beijing.
Sports Beijing is a not-for-profit multi-sports organization dedicated to providing high quality sports and activities. We offer a wide range of recreational and competitive youth sports programs, professionally coached and aimed at developing physical, technical and social skills for young athletes. Our activities are designed for participants of all backgrounds and abilities.

Photos: courtesy of Sports Beijing

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

Mini-Karate Camp
Flips & Kicks Plus is running a one week martial arts training camp at The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi, suitable for kids aged 6-12 years. Camp activities will include karate training (goju ryu), practice kata, bunkai, throwing, and pad work. Expert karate coaches and foreign group coaches will ensure the camp is both safe and a whole lot of fun. The camp will run from Monday July 20 to Friday July 24.

There are two camp options: half day 9am-12noon RMB 1,980, or full day 9am-2.30pm RMB 3,080. All current Flips & Kicks Plus members, BSB students, and this year’s summer campers from Daystar Academy, will get a 10 per cent discount. Water will be provided, but campers must bring their own water bottle. Lunch is available for an additional fee. To register, contact (Fredrik 151 2009 8062 / 137 1846 2044 or Kai 158 1068 6744, info@flipsandkicksplus.com) www.flipsandkicksplus.com

Not An Illusion Photography
There are some great savings to be made with the summer sale at Not An Illusion. Items in the sale include customized photo books, crystal prints, calendars, posters, and fridge magnets. All sales of items from the Portraits of Himalayans series, which includes amazing art prints and postcards, will go towards fundraising for Kathmandu Dhalko refugee camp. The images capture the beauty of the environment and the community, with themes including women of the Himalayas, kids, pilgrims, and the valley. Family portraits make great memories and wonderful gifts for friends and family. Take your family outside of the studio and into nature, with family portrait locations this summer including Beijing and Yunnan Dali. To reserve a time slot email notanillusion@me.com

Balmain Gourmet
Newly opened is Balmain Gourmet Meat & Grill on Yu Yang Road. The people behind some of Beijing’s best sausages have opened up a restaurant. Open daily from 10am-8pm, during July and August you can enjoy a free cappuccino or latte whilst picking up both fresh and frozen Balmain products. From September, the restaurant will be offering a menu to include gourmet hotdogs, house cured bacons, and much more.

Balmain Gourmet’s fresh pork sausages include Lincolnshire, Cumberland, wild garlic with cracked black pepper, and Mexican jalapeno flavors. They come in two sausage sizes: perfect for dinner or breakfast. Prices range from RMB 75-100 per 500g pack, RMB 150-200 per kilo. There’s also a beef bratwurst on the menu, plus gourmet beef and lamb burgers RMB 20 per 120g burger. The sausage rolls are made with Belgium butter, RMB 20 each. Gluten free sausages and burgers are available. All sausages and burgers are handmade from fresh cuts, and contain no preservatives, additives, or MSG. Free delivery service for orders over RMB 500.

In need a chest freezer, for your home, office, or school? Order RMB 2,000 worth of Balmain products and receive, at no cost and delivered direct to your door, a chest freezer valued at RMB 1,800. For more details on Balmain products and offers, contact (186 0003 9708, bjsozzies@gmail.com)

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, Not An Illusion Photography, Christopher Craig (Flickr)

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