Dmitry Demianenko, the head coach of Masters Gymnasts Club in Brakpan, is a former high-performance gymnast and internationally brevet ranked judge and coach.
Demianenko is a coach in the acrobatic and trampoline gymnast disciplines and has coached and judged since 1998. He prepared national champions in both disciplines and gymnasts who represented SA in the international arena.
Demianenko and his family have had the club for over 25 years and have clubs in Brakpan and Edenvale.
Dr Yuri Demianenko, who coached medalists for international events and finalists for world events in acrobatic gymnastics, started the club.
“Many people think gymnastics is just one thing, but in reality, there are eight internationally recognised gymnastics disciplines, and they are all unique,” Demianenko explained.
Artistic gymnastics for men and women are two separate disciplines because of the different apparatus used.
The other six gymnastics disciplines are rhythmic, trampoline, acrobatic, aerobic, parkour, and gym for all. The latter is for larger groups and is family-oriented. The Federation Internationale De Gymnastique (FIG), or International Gymnastics Federation, recognises all the disciplines.
“Every discipline has its own character, beauty, direction and judging system. Even visually, they look different,” Demianenko said.
Gymnastics, like all sports, has an impact on the physical and mental development of the athlete.
“Any sport plays a big role in human life, especially children. Some join a sport to have fun, while others join it to reach goals nationally and internationally,” he said.
The physical preparation of gymnasts is specific to the sport.
“Our development of the body and physical conditioning is unique because our sport demands specific ways of preparing the body for skills.
“Training is, however, transferrable to other sports, and many gymnasts became successful at world events in other sports such as powerlifting, wrestling, judo and more. But it doesn’t stop there. We know successful world champions in dancing disciplines as well,” Demianenko said.
“The high-level sport, whether gymnastics or any other, demands routine work, commitment to training hours, and commitment to the lifestyle from the gymnast and family.
“In a high-level sport, when you represent your country internationally, you are taught how to be dedicated to the time you have, work towards your goals through the good and bad days, and manage your time wisely.
“It’s hard work, but a high-level sport teaches you life skills, and you apply them in adulthood,” he said.
Many parents believe gymnastics is dangerous, but it is no more than any other sport.
“Knowledgeable coaches will prioritise the safety of the gymnast on any level, whether beginner or high performance. Equipment should be in good working condition, and training done in steps without overloading the athlete physically or psychologically.
“Children attempt skills they are unprepared for on their home trampolines or the grass without supervision. Often these attempts lead to injuries.
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“As parents, we always want what is best for our kids, and we should do our best to figure out which discipline is best for our kids.
“See what kind of environment the coaches have created at their club, and look at their national and international achievements,” Demianenko suggested.
“Masters Gymnasts Club is affiliated with Gymnastics SA, a member of Sascoc and FIG. It is important to know if a club and its coaches are affiliated with Gymnastics SA.
“Just because a gym has top-line equipment does not mean the coaches are qualified to produce the results you want to see in your child or keep them safe from injury. Gymnastics is a beautiful sport. Try it. You will not be disappointed.”
