Competition meets are offered out by MAT throughout the season.  Competition is NOT mandatory, but is encouraged.  We have found that the students who decide to compete are more eager to learn and seem to challenge themselves at a more progressive rate.  There are many advantages of competition, one being the new friends your child will meet, and often remain in touch with for years. Traveling to competitions also can create a family activity, and provide more quality time together.  All meets reward the student no matter what placing they receive.  They will always go home with a trophy/medal, just for getting out there and trying to complete their passes.  Each athlete is rewarded for his/her efforts. The self-esteem that is created and confidence that is built from attending meets is a great life building experience. The number of meets you choose to attend are optional, you have the opportunity to pick and choose the meets you want that best fits your schedule.

Getting your child started in competitions is easy and rewarding. If you are interested in having your child on team, please see a staff member for further information of the competition process. Our staff is always available for questions at the end of each class. If your child would like to compete in a meet, there are many to choose from throughout the year, and remember, you are NOT required to attend all meets. A schedule of the meets and entry forms will be available on the parents table. (Meets generally start in November and run through April.) We will assist you in filling out meet forms in the beginning. It will be, however, your responsibility to get the meet forms in to MAT on time.  Watch the boards for reminders throughout the year. (Meets generally run $20-$40 depending on how many events you choose to participate in.)  It will be the parents responsibility to read the monthly newsletter, to check the parents table, read the bulletin boards, and to return meet forms and tuition on time. 

Recreational Classes

MAT also focuses on recreational classes and students.  Our recreational classes are great for promoting fun physical activity, balance and coordination, strength building, large and small motor skill development and making great new friends. All students will utilize trampolines, double-mini trampolines, elevated rod floors, tumble trak, balance beam, uneven bars, rings, and numerous skill building shapes and wedges. Rewards will be offered when skills are accomplished to encourage and promote self esteem. MAT students are divided according to their age and ability level. Recreational classes are well rounded classes, introducing many safe ways to learn and develop tumbling and trampoline skills in a structured setting.  MAT also focuses on education and safety with backyard trampoline use. MAT offers a free spring performance to give the kids a chance to show off skills they have learned. This is not a rehearsed recital; it is an informal display of skills and technique that your child has learned throughout the year. Coaches will explain the progressions that have been taught.  NO special attire is required to participate.

Toddler Classes

MAT specializes and takes pride in its toddler classes. We begin accepting children at the age of 3 (toilet trained), to participate in the MAT toddler program. All toddler coaches are selected and trained to work with these young, energetic children. We have junior size equipment especially for them, and have many shapes and practice skills designed for their learning and small growing bodies. At the Marshalltown location for those toddlers who show a little more potential to progress forward, MAT offers an “advanced toddler” class. Your child must be PLACED into this class; it is not open to beginning toddlers. MAT (Marshalltown location) has a separate gym area for the toddlers, which consists of a 30 foot tumble trak, junior size balance beam, uneven bars, rings, vault boards and numerous junior size skill building shapes. Toddler class members may also participate in the free spring performance.

Parent & Tot Classes (at the Marshalltown location)

MAT Activities

MAT Tumbling/ Trampoline participates in several activities throughout the year for all MAT members. Just a few things to mention… we always participate in the Oktemberfest parade as a group and perform a large demonstration right after the parade.  Every year we have a year end awards/picnic/swim party. MAT reserves the pool and grills for all families attending. This is always a huge success. We also participate in the 4^th of July parade and demonstration in Newton. MAT also offers a free spring performance for our recreational and toddler students. MAT hosts a yearly lock-in with lots of fun, games and prizes.  As you can see, MAT does a lot of extra things involving our members and families.

MAT BIRTHDAY PARTIES (at the Marshalltown location)

Try something new for your child's birthday! MAT will provide the staff and gym for your child to have their friends come and experience a MAT Birthday party.  All areas of the gym will be utilized and supervised for your party.  There are several options available with each party.  For additional information brochures are available on the parents table or at www.mattumblers.com.  Please call the gym to reserve your party time.

Facility Equipment