Program Overview

Program Overview

The Grip Academy is an after school program utilizing the martial arts style of teaching to break down complex movements into deliberate progression. This initiative aims to enhance bike handling skill across diverse proficiency levels while also incorporating essential elements such as traffic safety, bike maintenance and technology, first-aid, stewardship, and fitness. These engaging activities are designed to be inclusive, transcending age, gender, and economic backgrounds.

Grip Academy will serve kids in 8th grade and under of all skill levels. The program will feature spring, summer, and fall sessions, with the first session launching in Fall of 2024. Classes will be held outdoors at a site in Folsom, California.

Curriculum Snapshot

Like the belt system in martial arts, students will earn a new color of handlebar grips as they progress through the program. For example:

• White Grips – Beginner riders on balance bikes or just learning how to pedal. Goals include learning how to properly fit a helmet, navigate a cone slalom and balancing on a painted line.
• Blue Grips – Intermediate riders who learn traffic hand signals, can remove and install a chain and brake pads, can ride a 2×12 board that’s one foot off the ground, and can front and rear wheel lift up a curb.
• Black Grips – Advanced riders who begin to lead rides and coach lower grip level classes, are competent in all aspects of bicycle maintenance, learn wilderness and navigation skills, competes and volunteers at special events, and knows his/her abilities and is comfortable riding black and some double black trails.

Community Benefits

• Physical Health: Empowering kids to engage in a lifelong, healthy activity and an alternative (or compliment) to traditional sports.
• Mental Health: Teaching problem solving and creating opportunities for achievement, leadership, and belonging. The program meets participants where’re they’re at in their ability, surrounding them with others at the same level where all can grow together in a positive environment.
• Personal Responsibility: Giving kids the tools to navigate their community with confidence,  situational awareness, bike repair skills, and knowledge of traffic safety
• Community: Providing a space that nurtures connection through activity, uplifting others, and promoting responsible utilization of community resources.

What’s next?

We’re targeting a Fall 2024 launch of Grip Academy with after-school classes offered twice a week for kids in 8th grade and under. Classes will be held in Folsom, CA.

How do we sign up?

Grip Academy class schedule and registration are still in the works! Click the button below to complete our interest form and be the first to receive registration info, program dates, and other announcements.

I’m Interested