Taiso is located at 1521 Quebec Avenue in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. We are approximately half way between Circle Drive and 33rd Street.
What is the best age to start gymnastics?
Any age - it is never too late to start. We have recreation programs starting at 24 months through adults. Future Flippers (pre-competitive) usually starts around 5 years old. Competitive usually starts at around 7 - 8 years old.
** Please note that we are currently working on our programming to better suit our participants. There may be changes to the names and ages of the programs coming soon.
When are classes offered?
We have classes running year round: Fall: September through mid November Winter: end of November - mid February Spring: End of February - April Mini: May - June Summer: July - August
Most of the year, we have classes eveyday of the week. Many of the programs are offered multiple times per day. Click here for the Fall 2024 schedule - please note this is subject to change.
** Please note that we are currently working on our programming to better suit our participants. There may be changes to the names and ages of the programs coming soon.
When does registration open up?
The fall and winter sessions are approximately 10 classes, the spring and mini are approximately 7/8 classes, the summer is approximately 6 classes. The next session registration opens up 1 - 1.5 months before the session start date. The following are the general times registration opens: Fall - August 1 Winter - November 1 Spring - February 3 Mini - April 1 Summer - Mid May
** Please note, while these are planned dates to open registration each year, they are subject to change.
What do I do if the class is full?
We would encourage you to go on the waitlist. While we never know if and when a spot will open up, it does happen. If a spot does become available, the system will send a notification email to all of those that are on the waitlist. It will be first come, first served, so it is best to act on the notification as soon as you can.
Do I need to purchase the Gym Sask Membership?
Yes, all athletes, big and small have to purchase the Gym Sask membership each year. Our year runs from September 1 through August 31 each year. Each participant needs a membership, it is not per family.
Which class do I register my child in?
You can see the class descriptions here. First you want to start with their age, then you will look at their level. Sometimes you will have to look at maturity and independence when there are overlaps in age categories. Examples: 6 years old with no experience would join the beginner class for 5 - 7 year olds Independent 3 year old would start in the Taiso Tykes 3
Beginner is a co-ed program for athletes working on the burgundy and red levels. Once they receive their red, they will move in to intermediate. There are two age categories: 5 - 7 years old and 8 years and older. Intermedieate is is a co-ed program for athetes working on the tan and bronze levels. Once they receive their bronze, they will move in to advanced. Not all of the intermediate classes are able to be age specific. Unless otherwise listed, the class could be any combintaion of ages 5 years and older. Advanced is divided into gender specific events for athletes working on the purple, blue, turquoise, silver, orange, yellow green or gold levels. The advanced classes are not divided into age specific classes. Unless otherwise listed, the class could be any combintaion of ages 5 years and older.
** Please note that we are currently working on our programming to better suit our participants. There may be changes to the names and ages of the programs coming soon.
What do the levels mean?
Our recreation program uses a Canada wide coaching program called CanGym. There are 12 levels within the program. Throughout the session, the athletes are working on skills and drills to help them progress to the next level. Sometimes, when an athlete first comes to class as a beginner, they may progress through a couple levels in one session. As the levels get higher, the harder they become. This sometimes means it may take 2 - 3 sessions to achieve what they need to successfully move to the next level. The coaches assess the kids throughout the session. General rule of thumb, is in order to master a skill or progression, the coach will need to see three successful attempts. The levels are: burgundy, red, tan, bronze, purple, blue, turquoise, silver, orange, yellow, green and gold.
What do the classes entail?
Preschool classes, including Parent and Tyke, Taiso Tykes 3 and 4 are 45 minute classes once per week. The goal of the program is to teach the kids to listen to instructions, follow small circuits, and learning to stay with the group. They will learn basic body positions, beginner skill development and through it all have fun! They will spend time on various equipment including bars, beams, fast track and in the pit.
Beginner and Intermediate programs are 1 hour, once per week. The Advanced is 1.5 hours once per week. As mentioned in the section above, they work through a progressive program to help them learn and grow in their confidence and gymnastics development. The class starts with a large group warm up game, then they are split into smaller class groups to stretch and follow the coach through a rotation on all of the events in the gym. These classes will get time on all of the equipment throughout the session. The coach will help the athletes learn through positive reinforcement, repetition and fun. The coaches do not do a lot of hands on spotting, but with constantly be providing feedback, corrections, tips and tools to help the athletes be successful.
Please note** The first day of classes will always be simplified. Some athletes find the first day of class "too easy". It is intended to be this way. The coaches don't always know the athletes in the group. They have to go through landings and safety things before anything else. They have to do the easy stuff in order to assess what the kids can do for future class planning.
When will my athlete get to start competing?
Only certain programs will be given the opportunity to compete, which means not all athletes will. Because there is limited space on our competitive programs, there is a selection process. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Debbie at [email protected]
I have a credit on my account, how do I use it?
When you are going throught he registration process, the last step is to select your method of payment. Right before you enter this information, it will ask you if you would like to use your credit. Select yes, and continue on.
Do you accept outside funding?
Yes! We accept payments from KidSport, JumpStart and Social Services to name a few. When you are going through the registration process, it is going to ask you if you would like to pay in full, or with installments. You must choose to pay in full. As you continue through the registration, the last step is to select your method of payment. When you get to this point, you will select to make an offline payment to compete the registration. We must receive confirmation of your funding application seven (7) days before the progroam start date confirming that you are waiting for funding to come in. We may require the Gym Sask fee to be paid while we wait for the funding to come through.