Should You Choose Kindergym, Ninja or Tumbling First? Here’s What I Recommend Based on 10+ Years of Coaching

If your child is bouncing off the walls at home, tumbling down the hallway, or swinging off the furniture like it’s a jungle gym, first of all, welcome to the club. You’re not alone.

One of the most common questions I get from parents who walk into our gym is this: “Where should we start? Kindergym, Ninja, or Tumbling?”

It’s a great question, and after more than 10 years of coaching kids across all three of these programs, I’ve seen it all. The cautious kiddos, the fearless climbers, the ones who want to copy their big siblings, and the ones who need a little extra encouragement to come out of their shell.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a right starting point for every child. So let’s unpack what each program offers, who it suits, and what I personally recommend to give your little mover the best experience possible.

What’s the Difference Between Kindergym, Ninja and Tumbling?

Before you choose a class, it helps to understand what each one actually looks like in action.

Kindergym (Ages 1.5 to 5)

Kindergym is where it all begins. It’s a fun, exploratory program designed for toddlers and preschoolers. Think colourful equipment, soft mats, balance beams at ankle height, tunnels, swings, and music. Classes focus on early motor skill development, coordination, confidence-building, and social skills such as sharing, turn-taking, and following instructions.

For our youngest participants (ages 1.5 to 3), Kindergym is usually parent-assisted. It’s all about play with purpose. For kids closer to 4 or 5, the classes become more independent as they start to build structure into their play. But make no mistake, it’s still loads of fun.

Ninja Classes (Ages 3 to 10)

Ninja classes are the high-energy sibling of gymnastics. Inspired by obstacle courses like those on Ninja Warrior, our ninja classes feature climbing walls, monkey bars, warped walls, vaults, jumps, and creative challenges that build agility, balance, strength, and coordination.

Ninja suits kids who love movement and variety. There’s less emphasis on perfecting form and more focus on completing challenges, building resilience, and using the whole body in creative ways. It’s ideal for kids who can’t sit still, love adventure, and need to burn energy positively.

Tumbling (Usually Ages 5+)

Tumbling focuses solely on floor skills. Forward rolls, cartwheels, handstands, bridges, round-offs, and, eventually, backflips and aerials for more advanced students. Unlike full gymnastics, there are no bars, beam, or vault. Tumbling is ideal for kids who want to learn cool tricks, boost their strength and flexibility, or support other activities like dance or cheer.

Because it’s more technical, Tumbling requires more focus and discipline. Kids need to be able to listen, follow instructions, and safely practice drills that build up to harder skills.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Program

Every child is different, so choosing the right class depends on a mix of their age, personality, interests, and how ready they are for structure. Here are the three main things I suggest looking at when deciding.

1. Age and Developmental Stage

Let’s start simple. Age plays a big role in determining which class is most appropriate.

• Ages 1.5 to 3: Kindergym is your go-to. This is the ideal age to explore movement in a safe, supported way, especially with a parent by their side. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they pick up new skills like climbing steps, walking on beams, and even doing forward rolls.
• Ages 3 to 5: Still a great age for Kindergym, especially for kids who are a little more cautious or love creative play. But this is also where Ninja becomes an option for the more adventurous ones. If your child is climbing the couch and swinging from the dining table, Ninja might be a better fit.
• Ages 5+: This is the window where many kids start gravitating toward more specific interests. Ninja is a great option for kids who love high-energy, action-packed classes. Tumbling is ideal for those who are ready to learn tricks and enjoy repetition and structured progressions.

2. Your Child’s Personality

Personality is huge. One of the biggest mistakes I see is when a parent picks a class based on what they think their child should enjoy, but it doesn’t align with their child’s temperament.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how different personalities tend to respond:

• Cautious or shy kids often thrive in Kindergym. The calm, playful environment helps them build confidence at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed.
• High-energy kids often love Ninja. These kids need to move. They don’t want to sit and listen for long periods. They want to climb, run, jump, and explore. Ninja offers the structure to keep them safe, but enough freedom to let them be themselves.
• Focused, fearless kids often do really well in Tumbling. These are the kids who can watch a coach demonstrate a skill and immediately want to try it again and again until they get it right.

3. How Comfortable Are They in a Class Setting?

Some kids are totally fine being independent in a class from day one. Others need more time to get used to group settings, transitions, and listening to instructions from someone other than mum or dad.

If your child is new to group activities or hasn’t done much outside of home or daycare, Kindergym offers a gentler introduction. The pace is slower, the environment is softer, and the expectations are suited to little learners.

If your child is already used to being in structured settings (like daycare, preschool, or other classes), they may take to Ninja or Tumbling more quickly.

What I Recommend Based on 10+ Years of Coaching

After working with thousands of kids over the years, I’ve made a clear recommendation for each age group. Of course, every child is unique, but these general guidelines have worked well for most families I’ve coached.

Ages 1.5 to 3: Kindergym Only

This one’s a no-brainer. At this stage, kids need to explore movement with plenty of support. It’s more about building trust, providing sensory input, fostering coordination, and strengthening parent-child connections. The best part? You’ll see their confidence skyrocket within just a few weeks.

Ages 3 to 5: Kindergym or Ninja (Based on Personality)

This is the crossover age group. If your child still prefers parallel play or needs encouragement to join in, stick with Kindergym. If they’re already running, jumping, climbing, and love a bit of chaos, Ninja is a brilliant upgrade.

It’s also totally okay to try both and see what sticks. Many gyms offer trial classes or short-term blocks for this reason.

Ages 5 to 7: Ninja or Beginner Tumbling

By now, most kids are ready for more structure and skill progression. Ninja remains popular among kids who like variety and action. Tumbling works well for those with a clear interest in flips and cartwheels, or for those already involved in dance or cheer.

If they’re unsure, Ninja is often a great stepping stone into more technical training later.

Ages 7 and Up: Follow Their Interests

Kids over seven usually have a clearer idea of what they enjoy. If they’re constantly flipping on the trampoline, get them into Tumbling. If they love climbing trees and racing through obstacle courses, Ninja is the ticket. And yes, some kids still enjoy Kindergym-style movement play, especially if they’re new to gymnastics.

At this stage, sit down with your child and ask what excites them most.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a class doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few pitfalls I see all too often:

• Starting too advanced too soon: Putting a young child into tumbling before they’re ready for structured drills can lead to frustration or even fear. Foundation first is always better.
• Choosing based on what you think is best: I get it. You might think Ninja looks fun or Tumbling will “look good” on a dance résumé. But it really needs to match your child’s current interests and comfort level.
• Switching classes too quickly: Give your child time to settle into a new environment. The first couple of weeks can be rocky, especially for shy kids. Don’t jump ship too early.
• Overlooking Kindergym as “just play”: Honestly, Kindergym is where the magic happens. I’ve seen kids build incredible strength, independence, and coordination from this seemingly simple program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my child do more than one program at the same time?

Yes, many kids thrive doing both Ninja and Tumbling or combining Kindergym with a weekend Ninja session. It keeps things fun and gives them a chance to build different skills in each class.

2. What if my child has never done a class before and is nervous?

It’s completely normal, and our coaches are trained to ease kids into the environment at their own pace gently. We always allow time for observation, warm-up play, and parent support if needed.

3. Do these programs lead to competitive gymnastics later on?

They absolutely can, especially Tumbling and Ninja, which build strength, coordination, and body awareness. But even if your child doesn’t go the competitive route, they’ll still gain lifelong movement skills and confidence.

Final Thoughts From Coach to Parent

The best class is the one your child enjoys and feels confident in. Whether they start with Kindergym, Ninja, or Tumbling, what matters most is that they’re moving, learning, and having fun.

You can always change paths later. Some of our strongest tumblers started in Kindergym. Some of our most fearless Ninjas started scared to jump. And some kids switch between all three before they find their sweet spot.

If you’re still unsure, come in for a trial or have a chat with a coach. We can tell within five minutes which class is the best fit. Trust your gut, and remember: it’s not about where they start, it’s about where they grow.