Kiwi Gym Fun
Kiwi Gymfun is a gymnastic based programme of developmental activities. These form the basic and fundamental movement skills and body management present in all active sports and games.
The programme is based on Dominant Movement Patterns (DMP's). All gymnastic and whole body movements are made up of a combination of the following six movement patterns:
- Landings - on feet, hands, all parts of body - a basic safety skill. Landings practiced correctly and often increase safety in the gym and also in the playground, etc.
- Statics - a state of rest, or equilibrium during movement - hangs, supports and balances. Body management and body tension in all kinds of positions need constant development.
- Spring - an explosive rebounding movement, from feet or hands, requiring power and rapid use of strength. Many activities help to develop spring, while circuits and spring series help children to learn correct body posture for power movements in vaulting and tumbling.
- Rotation - turning around an axis which passes through the body. Includes rolls, turns, spins and twists. Rotations promote body management, coordination as well as developing the vestibular system of balance and sense of relocation.
- Swing - Rhythmic turning of the body around an external axis. Grip, arm strength and coordination must be developed to support body weight.
- Locomotion - traveling, using hands, feet and other body surfaces on the ground, in the air, or over, under, along, through and around all kinds of equipment.
Kiwi Gymfun also incorporates manipulative skills using small hand apparatus with the above DMP's. These activities aid spatial development and eye-hand and eye-foot coordination.
There are six levels in the Kiwi Gymfun programme, with gradual progression of activities using simple lead-ups.
To complete a level, children should be competent in a minimum of six key activities within the level. (This is confirmed by the head coach of the session.) A certificate and badge are available on completion of each level.