Alpine mom Kim Bryant said she knows firsthand the impact athletics had on her own life. A gymnast and diver, Bryant set out to create a space where all children had the opportunity to thrive.
Today, she is the owner of KidWonder, a competitive ninja warrior training gymnasium that also offers camps, schooling and more. With the original location in Linda Vista, Bryant opened the second location in Encinitas this year.
Aside from being an athlete herself, the mother of four children said she knows the benefits of being active.
“There are endless studies that show the impact movement has on the brain’s ability to absorb information and increase the synapses in the brain,” Bryant said. “I wanted to change the way children learn from an early age. They have so many years where they must sit in classrooms with just four walls throughout their school years, why not give them something different before they’re required to sit still at desks?”
The need for a second KidWonder location grew during COVID when families from far away began to travel to Linda Vista.
“We had people traveling for ninja classes and Kinetissori from North County and after COVID and looking for spaces — this space came up and both our business and residential neighbors have really been more welcoming than I could have ever dreamed of,” Bryant said.
Now, she is proud to be a part of the North County “village” of families.
“We hope parents receive the village they’ve been looking for,” Bryant said. “A place to let their kids ‘bounce off the walls’ safely, get energy out, and maybe even be able to have a conversation with other moms while their kids are having a blast.”
And, while providing support to families — Bryant and her team find joy in seeing their students and athletes grow.
“I think seeing the growth of children who have been with us since the beginning is the most special part of this,” Bryant said. “Seeing our Kinetissori learn big math problems and start to read, beside our ninja kids sweeping podiums at competitions is really cool to see. I hope our students get lifelong friendships, confidence, and a solid foundation for all aspects of life.”
Most importantly, Bryant wants families to know KidWonder is for everyone.
“I designed a space that would be the answer to a range of kiddos by skill, age, desires, and ability to focus,” Bryant said. “Having something for everyone largely ignites children’s passion and greatly increases their confidence. [KidWonder is] a family sanctuary where parents can entrust their children for hassle-free, kid-free moments to tackle errands or simply enjoy a few moments to themselves without being overstimulated by kids needing entertainment.”
For more information about KidWonder, go to kidwondersd.com.
____
San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.