According to the statement, it is precisely this attitude that coaches use to invite the little ones to start this autumn’s club season at the family attraction center of the capital, “Vilnius Outlet,” or at the shopping and leisure center “Ogmios miestas.” For many years, “Krokodiliukas” has been teaching acrobatics here, waiting for everyone who comes to training with desire and leaves with a smile.
Coaches – former national team members
The story of “Krokodiliukas,” according to M. Ososova, began with a simple desire – to pass on the love of acrobatics to children. Over 13 years, a small school has grown into a community where people of all ages – from little ones to adults – practice sports.
“Over the years, our spaces have changed, the team has grown, the number of athletes has increased, but the main idea has remained the same – to create a place where acrobatics is accessible to everyone and sports bring joy,” she says.
M. Ososova herself is a master of acrobatic sports. This activity is an integral part of her life, so what she does now is just a continuation of choices or, as she says, “a passion for movement and testing human physical capabilities.”
“Our school’s training sessions take place both at ‘Vilnius Outlet’ and ‘Ogmios miestas’ spaces. Over time, their own communities have also formed here – some return to train for more than one season, and new children and adults join them every year,” shares the interviewee.
According to her, the “Krokodiliukas” team consists of masters of sports in acrobatic gymnastics who have represented the Lithuanian national team during their sports careers. Therefore, they bring not only professional knowledge to the training but also personal experience – an understanding of how to learn acrobatics correctly and safely.
“The school can boast more than one athlete who has achieved high results in competitions. However, today our goal is not only to raise champions. We pay the most attention to each athlete individually – regardless of their height, weight, body type, age, or initial physical fitness. For one, the goal may be to learn the basics of acrobatics; for another, to improve more complex exercises. Others learn combinations of acrobatic exercises or technically correct and safe parkour,” says the school director.
Therefore, adds M. Ososova, in “Krokodiliukas” training sessions, not only the final result is important but also the path to it. It is important for a child to see that what they could not do yesterday, they can do today.
Sports for everyone
Somersaults, handstands, complex acrobatic tricks – these are the images often associated with the word “acrobatics.” However, M. Ososova assures: you do not need to come to training already knowing these elements.
“Acrobatics is not an extreme sport, as it may sometimes seem from the outside. Learning starts with simpler, technically correct, and safe elements. It is from these that more complex and highly skilled exercises are later composed,” explains the interviewee.
In the first months, a child learns basic movements, body control, coordination, proper landing, and safe falling. The whole body is strengthened, and gradually, acrobatic elements are introduced.
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“This means that a child does not need to be especially flexible or physically strong in advance. And even more so – to know how to do a somersault. We do not require a child, for example, to already be able to stand on their hands. They come to learn that. The coach’s task is to select exercises of such difficulty that match the child’s abilities and gradually lead them forward,” notes the founder of “Krokodiliukas.”
This principle allows people of different ages and fitness levels to join the training. The school forms groups for children from 3 years old – the little ones can train together with their parents, and training sessions are also organized for preschoolers, school-age children, teenagers, and adults.
“Training sessions are organized taking into account age and fitness level. Therefore, a person coming to the acrobatics hall for the first time will definitely not feel out of place,” smiles M. Ososova.
Answered why it is worth joining
The benefits of acrobatics can be noticed not only when a child learns a new element. Training develops strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, speed, endurance, and body control.
However, according to M. Ososova, another side of this sport is no less important – what it gives to a child’s character. “The little ones learn patience with us – after all, not everything can be done on the first try. We cultivate an understanding of how to accept failure, try again, and notice even small progress. This greatly strengthens self-confidence,” she emphasizes.
Sports acrobatics also requires responsibility and discipline. When performing some exercises, athletes must trust each other, so the ability to work in a team, communicate, and care not only for themselves but also for their partner is naturally developed.
“Today, at the start of a new club season, ‘Krokodiliukas’ invites both those already familiar with acrobatics and those who want to try it for the first time to training. And it is not necessary to know in advance whether this sport will become the child’s favorite,” emphasizes the school director.
“Sometimes,” continues the interviewee, “one training session is enough for the little ones to realize that this is exactly what they were looking for. Acrobatics is a very versatile sport – it includes physical activity, challenges, play, and socializing.”
Those wishing to join “Krokodiliukas” training sessions can register on the school’s website by choosing the appropriate age group, location, day, and time for the child. And if there are doubts about which group is most suitable, coaches invite you to contact them for consultation.
Acrobatics school “Krokodiliukas” training sessions take place at “Vilnius Outlet,” Pociūno St. 8, and “Ogmios miestas,” Verkių St. 29, Vilnius.
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