What makes Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy (DDGNA) different is our unwavering focus on healthy, compassionate culture — extending far beyond the athletic skills our little ones can learn.
Gymnastics programs can promise and even deliver on physical prowess — only the best consciously focus on the whole child. Nailing a routine or conquering an obstacle course are great, of course! But there’s much more to learn at DDGNA: Things like resilience, self-esteem, teamwork and empathy.
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How We Center Compassion and Empathy
Watching kids jump, tumble and try their hardest is great fun! We cherish these little moments as parents. And as child fitness experts, we know there’s a lot more happening here than just the physical activity. True growth, especially when we’re young, blossoms in an environment that nurtures muscles, but also hearts and developing minds.
Effective child development begins with a healthy environment — and that’s woven into every aspect of our academy and culture. We see DDGNA as the place every child can explore their potential not just athletically, but as compassionate and confident individuals.
At DDGNA, we’re based in a multifaceted approach that puts physical and emotional well-being above all else. Children need a safe place to feel comfortable taking risks, making mistakes — and celebrating their own successes and those of their peers. It’s part of our philosophy, but it’s also a tangible commitment.
Safety Beyond the Physical
We design our facilities’ age-appropriate equipment and maintain them meticulously — there’s no substitute for safety, and that has to be the foundation. Our coaches are rigorously trained in safety protocols, spotting techniques and first aid, but it’s about more than simple prevention of injury: you need to offer emotional safety, too. Fundamentally, DDGNA is about helping children feel secure enough to try new things, get back up, and celebrate every win.
At DDGNA, asking questions is encouraged. We make sure every child feels heard and valued, regardless of skill level. Making sure our students feel this psychological “safety net” helps each child truly engage and learn without the fear of judgment.
Nurturing Confidence, Not Performance
Do you remember your own childhood or athletic coaches? Which do you remember better: the ones who instilled fear, or who inspired confidence and kept you safe? We believe in positive reinforcement — at DDGNA, you won’t hear harsh criticism or shaming. Our coaches celebrate their students and their efforts, acknowledging their victories with supportive, constructive feedback.
Science tells us that whenever perseverance is celebrated, we’re simply more likely to try again — and ultimately succeed. This focus on effort over outcome builds self-motivation and a positive mindset. One lesson we can learn in childhood is how the journey — its ups and downs — is as valuable as the destination. We help develop love of movement and fitness for their own sakes, rather than focusing on perfection.
Compassion on Every Level
Our coaches are instructors, of course, but we take seriously that they’re also mentors. When children are having a difficult day, or feeling frustrated, or shy, our coaches don’t push — they offer a comforting word, a gentle hand, or a quiet space to regroup.
Individual attention like this is absolutely crucial. Children learn to accept feeling different and sometimes big emotions, which is central for self-regulation, and learn that they’re supported even not at their best. It also models compassionate behavior, which children then internalize and use in their interactions with other children and adults. A coach demonstrating empathy leads directly to our children showing it to those who might be struggling.
At DDGNA, we believe every child deserves the joy of movement and benefits of physical activity: all abilities, backgrounds and temperaments are welcome. Our programs are adaptable in design, so that every child can participate and succeed. It’s just another example of clearing the runway so our students can take flight.
Resilience Through Challenge
Life — and certainly gymnastics and ninja training — will always present challenges. There will be days we struggle, fall, or get discouraged. But what we eventually learn growing up is that they aren’t failures — they’re opportunities for growth.
We guide our students through these natural challenges with understanding and grace. We teach that it’s okay to stumble — after all, resilience comes through perseverance and our willingness to try again, which comes from within. Children, initially tearful after a fall, rise again with renewed determination after as much as a kind word or a helpful tip from coach.
This resilience, or grit, is a crucial life skill for far beyond the gym. Children learn that setbacks are usually temporary — and how, with some support and effort, they can overcome any obstacle.
The DDGNA Difference | Where Compassion Meets Movement
While our focus is on fitness, movement, and encouraging athletic skills, the benefits of a healthy, compassionate culture extend far beyond physical ability.
Our goal at DDGNA isn’t creating the next Olympic gymnast or Ninja Warrior — it’s helping ignite a lifelong love of movement in every child who walks through our doors. We want our students to have confidence and skills, and for them to enjoy physical activity throughout their lives. Whether your child pursues competitive sports or just lives a healthy active lifestyle, they’ll appreciate any early support.
Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy creates a structured, supportive environment for your child to develop athletic skills, build confidence, and thrive. We offer expert age-appropriate coaching and activities, and keep the focus on fun and engagement — wrapped in a culture of health, compassion and teaching for the whole child.
Visit Dominique Dawes Gymnastics and Ninja Academy to unlock your child’s potential and foster their lifelong love of movement. We invite you to reach out and learn more today!
Contact Information
Have Questions or Concerns? Call Our Office at (240)-690-4138
Our Clarksburg Location
22530 Gateway Center Drive
Clarksburg, MD 20871
Recreational Gym – Suite 500
Preschool and Ninja Gyms – Suite 700
Our Rockville Location
5626 Randolph Road
Rockville, MD 20852
