National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

- 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene, OR 97402

For parents in the Eugene and greater Oregon region seeking a strong, comprehensive start for their children’s physical and developmental journey, the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics (NAAG) stands as a long-standing, respected institution. Founded in 1973 by Olympian Linda Metheny Mulvihill and Richard Mulvihill, NAAG is known globally for training world-class, even Olympic-level, athletes. Crucially, however, it remains firmly rooted in the local community by offering exceptional recreational programs for all ages and abilities. While widely recognized as a premier gymnastics center, it also operates a highly effective and specialized program that functions similarly to a preschool, focusing intensely on early movement education that directly impacts a child's cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

The core philosophy at NAAG is that "fitness is fun" and that a solid foundation of physical literacy is a gift that lasts a lifetime. The dedicated preschool program, often referred to as 'Gyminicricket University,' caters specifically to the unique needs of young Oregonians from walking toddlers through age six. These aren't just drop-in play sessions; they are structured movement programs with weekly, engaging themes that teach essential motor skills in a progressive curriculum. The fundamental goals are to help children increase their body awareness, spatial understanding, strength, flexibility, and balance—all while capturing their imagination and ensuring a positive, stimulating experience. The integration of physical activity with structured learning builds vital neurological pathways, which academic studies consistently show can promote reading readiness, improve listening skills, and lengthen attention spans, successfully preparing children for elementary school.

Location and Accessibility

The National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics is perfectly positioned to serve families throughout Eugene and the wider Willamette Valley, making it a reliable and easy-to-reach destination for daily and weekly classes.

Address: 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene, OR 97402, USA

Accessibility for all Oregonians is a high priority at NAAG. The facility provides clear and necessary accommodations, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, a designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, and fully equipped wheelchair accessible restrooms. Beyond compliance, the center is spacious, bright, and clean, featuring modern, well-maintained equipment essential for both safety and skill development, such as trampolines, specialized beams, bars, and foam pits. This commitment to an inclusive and comfortable environment ensures a hassle-free experience for parents and guardians.

Services Offered

NAAG provides a remarkably diverse and comprehensive spectrum of programs, catering to everyone from the curious toddler to the serious adult competitor. The services are meticulously organized into specific, age-appropriate tracks to ensure maximum developmental benefit:

• Preschool Classes and Programs: Specialization in movement education for children walking through age 6, with classes like Wiggle Worms (Parent/Child), Gymbugs (age 3), and Gyminicrickets (age 4-5), focusing on basic gymnastics, motor skills, and social development.
• Artistic Gymnastics and Tumbling Classes: Classes for older children and youth, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced level classes in both recreational and competitive tracks for boys and girls.
• Competitive Programs: Intensive, high-level training for dedicated athletes, including Girls Team Programs and Boys Programs that follow the progressive rules and guidelines of the USA-Gymnastics program. The team staff is highly trained, often with decades of experience.
• After School and Homeschool Programs: Flexible class options designed to accommodate students with non-traditional school hours, blending physical education with structured learning.
• Seasonal Program Camps: Full-day and school-day options offered during major breaks, including Spring Break Camps and Winter Break Camps, which feature gymnastics, games, arts and crafts, and structured play.
• Recreational Open Gym: Opportunities for supervised, unstructured practice and fun, such as Friday Night Open Gym (for ages 5-18) and Lil' Mates Preschool Play (ages walking to 6).
• Specialized Training: Unique offerings including Cheer Class, Tumbling Circus, Private Lessons for personalized, focused coaching, and options for Special Education, reflecting the Academy's commitment to community service.
• Adult Classes: Programs extending the health and fitness benefits of movement training and gymnastics to older participants.
• Free Trial Class: A welcoming introductory offer allowing interested local families to experience the quality of the instruction and the positive, encouraging environment before making a full enrollment commitment.

Features / Highlights

What makes NAAG a trusted pillar of the Oregon community and an exceptional choice for early childhood development and athletic training:

• Olympic-Level Coaching Heritage: Co-founded by a three-time Olympian, the academy instills world-class standards of excellence, safety, and technical expertise in every program it offers, from beginner level up.
• Holistic Child Development: The coaches are praised for their unmatched professionalism and, importantly, their emotional intelligence. They create a supportive, encouraging environment where children thrive not only physically but also emotionally, growing with confidence and joy.
• Advanced Safety and Equipment: The facility is recognized for its high standards of cleanliness, brightness, and safety, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment designed for progressive skill building across all ages.
• Community-Focused Mission: The Academy actively promotes artistic gymnastics through training and events and offers scholarship programs aligned with school district discounted lunch programs, working to ensure that quality movement education is accessible to all demographics of youth in Oregon.
• Proven Track Record: With over 75 National Champions and multiple Olympians trained, the coaching staff's expertise is undeniable, providing high-quality, age-appropriate instruction that is organized and effective.

Contact Information

Connecting with the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics to enroll a child, schedule a free trial class, or inquire about open gym times is easy and highly encouraged:

Address: 1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene, OR 97402, USA

Phone: (541) 344-2002

For the most detailed and current information on class schedules, camp registrations, or team program specifics, families are advised to call the main number or visit the customer portal on the academy's official website.

What is Worth Choosing

For Oregon parents, choosing the National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics is more than enrolling in a class; it is making a valuable investment in your child's foundational development and future success. You are selecting an institution with a nearly fifty-year legacy of both athletic excellence and community service, led by coaches who are widely recognized as inspiring role models. The coaches, including those mentioned in reviews like KJ, JoJo, and Megan, create an atmosphere where children are challenged and supported in equal measure.

The value of NAAG lies in its comprehensive approach: the specialized preschool curriculum develops cognitive and social skills while simultaneously building a physical foundation (coordination, strength, balance) that will benefit your child in every sport and physical activity they encounter. The academy feels like a true cornerstone of the community, where children from every background are welcomed and taught the enduring traits of hard work, perseverance, courage, and respect. For families seeking a nurturing, professional, and confidence-building environment in Eugene, NAAG provides a truly unparalleled start.

National Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

1205 Oak Patch Rd, Eugene, OR 97402, USA