Who is behind Gymjam?
LIANDRI VAN NIEKERK (Founder of Gymjam)
I am proud to introduce myself as the founder of Gymjam. Reflecting on my journey, I never anticipated that my childhood experiences of performing back walkovers on a balance beam and somersaults on the floor would lead me to such an adventurous and fulfilling career.
While working as a part-time gymnastics coach, I recognized a significant need for a mobile movement program that introduces children to gymnastics at an early age. My interactions with children revealed a pressing demand for the development of emotional skills, such as self-confidence, self-awareness, and discipline, alongside physical attributes like strength, flexibility, and coordination. Motivated by the desire to make a positive impact, I founded Gymjam in 2017, and the journey has been remarkable ever since.
Educational background
Former provincial artistic gymnast
GSA Level 3 women’s artistic coach
GSA level 3 women’s artistic judge
HFPA certificate in Kids Development
B.com degree (Economics)
Honours degree (Business Management)
What makes
us different:
At Gymjam, it’s not so much what we do that makes us different — it’s why we do it.
Gymnastics has always been close to our hearts because we’ve seen how it builds more than just physical skills. It grows confidence, courage, and character. We believe that every child deserves the chance to experience these benefits from an early age — during the years when they’re curious, eager, and ready to explore. That’s why we bring foundation gymnastics straight into preschools, making movement fun, accessible, and full of joy. Our purpose is simple: to help children discover what their amazing bodies can do and, in the process, build confidence that lasts a lifetime.
Our
curriculum:
Our lesson plans are carefully designed using Liandri’s extensive gymnastics experience, combined with expert input from biokineticists. This ensures a balanced program where children can safely develop all the fundamental movement skills — all while having fun and building confidence.
The Gymjam curriculum includes two programs, one for preschool-aged kids (3 – 6 years) as well as a program for school-aged children (7 – 9 years). Lessons are presented once per week and are 30 – 45 minutes long.
Preschool (3-6 years):
Our preschool program is designed to give the children a comprehensive learning experience in a fun and safe environment. Our theme-based lessons include interactive games with individual and team activities. The focus is to develop balance, coordination, flexibility and strength through foundation gymnastics.
School-age (7-9 years):
Participating in gymnastics activities develops the same neural pathways needed for mathematics and reading. Our school-aged program introduces children to gymnastics as a sport and includes rope skipping, foundation gymnastics, and some Parkour (better known as street gymnastics). Basic skill progressions are used which in time lead to the mastering of certain skills such as cartwheels, handstands and eventually more advanced skills. Besides the physical development, it encourages focus and a sense of achievement. It provides a strong foundation for success in all sports.
The Dizzy Dice
The Dizzy Dice is a gross motor game designed specifically by Gymjam to encourage active play in class and at home. Its fun and interactive features allow families with children 3 – 9 years to laugh and play together while learning.
The game can be played by the entire family or children can play in groups of two or more. Children under 4 years should be supervised by a parent/adult. The Dizzy Dice can be purchased as part of the registration package and is also available to purchase separately to non Gymjam members.
