Tekne Team

Our Coaches

 Des Aspill - Owner / Head Coach

An ex-gymnast himself, Des has continued to be passionately involved in the sport of gymnastics. For the past twenty years he has worked on developing skills as a coach. His coaching experience ranges from baby to adult pupils, at various levels. Always enthusiastic to improve, he gained qualifications in women’s artistic gymnastics,pre-school, fun 4 baby and general gymnastics. He has taught at many of the cross fit gyms in London and is now working on Tekne Fitness in Ibiza

The Tekne approach to teaching is dynamic and encouraging. Through praise and clear communication classes achieve a high level of discipline and respect for the safety rules of the gym.

We lead the younger children with play songs and games. Des's warm ups are fun and engaging story led stretches and legendary with the under fives

After many years of progressive coaching Des enjoys a reputation for motivating pupils to achieve there personal best, which is the foundation of Tekne Gymnastics Ltd. Working closely with Talacre Gym and Camden Council, Tekne Gymnastics Ltd is responsible for organising several annual events, displays and inter school competitions, along with providing courses for schools.

 Susi Burnham - Club Secretary / Welfare Officer / Level 1 coach

Susi joined Tekne Gymnastics in 2010 as the Club Secretary and is the club's Welfare Officer. Susi has also passed her Level 1 coaches since joining Tekne Gymnastics.

 Head Coach Keya Jafari

Enjoying the challenging and rewarding combination that initially allured him into competitive gymnastics, Keya first started coaching at the early age of 14. Being a young gymnast who’s experienced the challenges and frustrations that go hand in hand with the sport, he has found building rapport with gymnasts a seamless and essential process that is always incorporated into his coaching style, making the experience more enjoyable for all involved. Following his move to London to study Medicine at University College London (UCL), Keya has been coaching gymnasts of a range of abilities in London and competes for the University of London amongst his studies. His ultimate goal in coaching gymnastics, be it recreational or advanced, is to help gymnasts achieve their goal.

Coach Sally Miller

I previously trained and competed to a high/elite level in Womens Artistic Gymnastics, and in Sports Acrobatics and Tumbling.  I gained my first coaching qualification in 2001 and since then I have taught both recreational and competition level gymnasts.  I also have experience in judging at gymnastics competitions.

I believe in the three F’s during teaching – Fun, Fitness, Fundamentals.  I try to install these into my sessions and teach the gymnast to reach their full potential within gymnastics while they are having an enjoyable time.  I like to teach good solid basic skills to help the progression to more advanced skills.  I have gained experience at teaching various different levels of gymnastics from absolute beginner to development squad/pre-elite, and I have worked with a number of different club and senior club coaches, this has enabled me to learn a variety of effective coaching methods and techniques.

Gymnastics is a sport that I am passionate about both doing and teaching, and one that I am dedicated and committed to.  

   Coach Tia Reid

  Coach Michelle Fredua-Mensah

 Michelle started Women’s Artistic Gymnastics at the age of 8 and went on to compete regionally and nationally on numerous occasions. She also competed in Mixed Team Gym and went to the British Championships gaining a Silver Medal. At university, she began Cheerleading and went on to Compete in the World Championships in 2015. Her love and passion for Gymnastics has lead her to become a full time coach. Michelle is currently a Women’s Artistic Level 2 coach and a club judge.

  Coach Katie Garnett

 Katie is not just one of our great senior coaches but bring a Phd in child psychology to the table. She advises us on behavioural teaching concepts and keeps us all sane (well very nearly)

  Coach Alice Noakes 

 Alice is our very own home grown Tekne gymnast she has recently transitioned from star pupil to great coach. 

  Coach Dani Akala