KAPAA — Karla Villanueva-Bernal of Karla’s Gymnastics said she’s been teaching and coaching gymnastics to youth under the auspices of U.S.A. Gymnastics since 2011 in Kapaa. “I actually started coaching back when I was 16 years old,” Villanueva-Bernal said. “I’m
KAPAA — Karla Villanueva-Bernal of Karla’s Gymnastics said she’s been teaching and coaching gymnastics to youth under the auspices of U.S.A. Gymnastics since 2011 in Kapaa.
“I actually started coaching back when I was 16 years old,” Villanueva-Bernal said. “I’m still doing it, and I absolutely love it.”
Karla’s Gymnastics meets three days a week, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at the All Saints Gym in Kapaa, and her stable of between 40 and 50 gymnasts range in age from 18 months through teenagers.
Wednesday and Thursday hours at All Saints Gym from are 3:30 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The youth work through four areas of gymnastics following the guidelines of U.S.A. Gymnastics.
Alexa Thompson, a former Kapaa High School cheerleader, was helping Villanueva-Bernal Saturday, working with youngsters in the Hotshots group in developing their first routines on the floor and balance beams.
“Alexa joined the group when she was in high school,” Tracy Bauman, a volunteer with the All Saints Church, said. “She liked it so much, now she’s a helper.”
Villanueva-Bernal said people who are interested in getting their children involved in gymnastics are invited to stop by during any one of the classes, or call her at (213) 590-5984, or email karlasgymnastics@gmail.com.
“She’s great,” Bauman said. “It’s amazing to see all those little ones bouncing, tumbling and having a lot of fun.”
