Meadowlands Gymnastics Academy & Ninja — Attraction in Hasbrouck Heights

My daughter started at MGA in the summer of 2021 at 4.5 yrs old. Considering Covid when we joined, I was concerned with protocols, space, cleanliness, class structure and responsiveness of the staff. This location excelled in these areas.

My kid is reserved and slow-to-warm-up. I had concerns about her success in a big location and whether she would feel a bit lost in it. She didn't. All the staff involved in your child's experience make sure they get to know every child by face, name and personality.

It never occurred to me that we would walk into this gym not knowing anyone and walk out of every practice feeling like we were just having a great time with family. My daughter has blossomed, to say the least.

We've experienced recreational girls gymnastics, summer camp, the Developmental Team and the XCEL team. I can say with full confidence that all coach and staff members are excellent.

Aside from quality gymnastics, here are a few examples of how I feel they are genuinely caring people:

Coach Ali was respectful of my daughter’s fear on the beam but encouraged her and challenged her appropriately every step of the way. Coach Dave is fabulous. He’s also really funny and makes them work really hard while having a laugh. Coach Priscilla gives the best Pep Talks and makes sure the kids are focused on their personal progress and take account of their wins and where they have control. We are vegan and gluten free. During Summer Camp the kids were having an ice cream party. Terry called me and said that she would not have Tara feeling left out and asked permission for her to have an Italian ice. When my girl was feeling burnt out during summer camp (she was in several activities), Jackie (the owner) called me and had a mom-to-mom conversation with me on how sometimes kids just need some downtime and showed genuine concern for my kid. When running late, I called in and Terry said not to worry, she will be safe whenever I reached. I found Tara having a blast getting French braids from Terry when I got there. They have their boundaries and expectations set clearly. When I first inquired about how the kids got into team Terry was quick to tell me that it was by invitation only and up to the coaches as they observe them in class. There is no negotiating in this area; they are quick to gently but firmly put their foot down. I appreciated and respected this because they really do take their team seriously. Just recently they were featured on the Kelly Clarkson show with a few of the USA Olympic Team Members. One of the MGA boy’s teams members was selected to be a part of Team USA for men’s gymnastics in Colombia and compete in the Pan American Championships, along with Coach Roger (owner) who was selected as 1 of the 2 head coaches to lead the men’s junior gymnastics team at the Pan American Championships. When we had our first parent meeting when being considered for team Coach Chelsea said, “We put the gymnast ahead of gymnastics” and made it very clear that the health, safety, well-being and consistency of each gymnast was of upmost importance. Coach Taylor is awesome and he sings. The kids have a great time in a challenging environment that still recognizes the importance of kids being kids. Terry, head of the front desk, has handled and supported all kinds of situations. I’ve seen her calmly and respectfully tell parents that there is no more room for placement and not be met with the same calm and respect (all while not stepping out of line herself). She has an eagle eye for kids wandering (particularly little ones who are waiting while their older sibling is in class and their parent is on a call) and she has met other parents who are running late on a rare occasion with kindness, reaches out to the child ahead of time and keeps them in her sight while they wait. I especially appreciate how she does not make them feel like a bother but helps them take it with stride. It’s such a busy location with a high demand for enrollment. I couldn’t imagine the place...

Rude and unprofessional! My family showed up to check the facility and inquire about signing up my 4yo daughter. According to operating hours on Google search, the gym was opening at 3p. When we got there we notice people inside and got out the car. I barely got a chance to open the door when the lady, which I assume works the front desk, headed to the door and rudely responded "we are closed!" I mentioned to her that online it said differently and we there to inquire. I barely had a chance to finish my sentence before she was pointing to the sign and said it says we're closed. My husband pointed out how she was standoffish. Of course, she quickly change her tone denying any wrong doing. At that point I told her nevermind, we don’t need to bring our business here. She wanted to get a word in, but to no avail I told her ...first impressions are everything and she made us feel unwelcome before even stepping foot in the door...To please save what she had to say and use this as a learning. She definitely needs to work on her self awareness! I wish I had read the reviews first because clearly this is not...

My sons were former students when they were located on Madison Avenue in East Rutherford. Always friendly owners & staff.

Years went by & I overheard they have a new Ninja Program, similar to American Ninja Warrior, not the incognito group dressed in black. You still learn stealth & agility though, lol.

I really didn't want my son doing any kind of parkour or any extreme sports, however, I know the nut is going to do it anyway so might as well have him learn how to do it right to lessen possible future hospital visits.

Anyway, MGA moved to a bigger & better facility with a nicer waiting room for parents to see their kids hard at work. They even incorporated a foam pit & have a new separate ninja room.

So nice to see Terry still behind the counter. Was nice reminiscing, though years have passed, she still made me feel like family.

Staff might have changed slightly but you can tell they all love their job & work well with all the children.

So happy for your continued success Jackie & Miguel. Thanks for doing this for...