OUR STORY

Where Champions Are Built, One Skill at a Time

Every parent remembers that moment—when their child first conquers something they thought was impossible. Maybe it's a cartwheel that finally clicks, or a backflip that transforms from a dream into reality. At California Strong Athletics, we don't just teach gymnastics. We create those moments that change how kids see themselves.

Founded by Zachary Stevens in Concord, California, Cal Strong began with a simple but powerful belief: gymnastics isn't just a sport—it's the foundation for every sport, and more importantly, for life itself.

Why Gymnastics? Because Everything Starts Here.

Ask any coach, trainer, or athlete what separates good athletes from great ones, and they'll tell you: it's the fundamentals. Body awareness. Balance. Strength. Flexibility. The ability to think quickly, adapt, and recover. Gymnastics builds all of this faster and more completely than any other sport.

But here's what makes Cal Strong different: we know that pure athleticism is only half the equation. The other half? Character.

From our Kinder Gym program for ages 2.5–5.5, to recreational classes for ages 5.5–14, to our competitive teams for ages 5–18, every program is designed with one philosophy at the center: children first, sports second. We're not here to create carbon-copy gymnasts. We're here to help each child discover what they're truly capable of—in their own time, at their own pace, with coaches who genuinely care.

The Cal Strong Difference: Heart Before Hardware

Walk into our facility on Commerce Avenue in Concord, and you'll notice something immediately. Yes, we have professional equipment and Olympic-quality apparatus. But what really stands out? The energy.

That energy comes from our USAG-certified coaches—many of whom competed at collegiate and international levels—but who bring something more valuable than medals: they bring heart. They see your high-energy kid who can't sit still, and instead of frustration, they see potential. They work with your shy child who needs extra encouragement, and they help them find their voice. They take your competitive athlete and push them to reach heights they didn't know existed.

More Than Skills—A Community

Here's what we've learned after thousands of classes and hundreds of athletes: the kids who thrive aren't just the ones learning the skills. They're the ones who feel like they belong.

At Cal Strong, we're building a community, not a factory. Parents drive 30 minutes each way—not because we're the closest gym, but because they've found something irreplaceable.

Stronger Together, Community Forever

Our motto isn't just words on a wall—it's how we operate. We believe in:

• Athlete-First: Your child's development, safety, and joy come before trophies or Instagram posts
• Professionalism: USAG-trained coaches, proven progressions, structured classes that maximize learning
• Consistency: We show up. Every class. Every time. With the same dedication
• Ownership: We take responsibility for your child's experience and growth
• Growth Mindset: Every mistake is a learning opportunity. Every challenge is a chance to get stronger

This isn't a daycare with mats. This isn't "win at all costs" competitive pressure. This is long-term athlete development done right—where your 3-year-old learning to balance on a beam is just as valued as your 14-year-old competing at State.

The Path Forward

Whether your child dreams of collegiate gymnastics or just wants to learn how to do a handstand, whether they're bursting with energy or cautiously curious—there's a place for them at Cal Strong.

From first cartwheel to big dreams, this is where it starts. This is where kids don't just learn what gymnastics can do—they learn what they can do. And once they learn that? There's no limit to where they'll go.