Level 10 North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids Athlete, Axel, Catches One of the Hardest Skills in the World, The Cassina
A Huge Moment at North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids
Yesterday at our Carlsbad location, Axel, a second-year Level 10 gymnast at North County Gymnastics, successfully completed a Cassina on high bar during practice. It's not perfect, but it was one of his first attempts at the skill in a laid-out position.
This isn't just another skill.
The Cassina is one of the hardest release moves in all of men's gymnastics.
And the reaction in the gym said everything: teammates cheering, energy through the roof, and a moment you don't forget.
What Is a Cassina?
The Cassina is a laid-out Kovacs with a full twist performed on high bar and is rated as a G skill (adds .07 to the difficulty value), one of the highest difficulty levels in gymnastics.
In simple terms, the athlete releases the bar, flips backward twice in a fully stretched position, adds a full twist mid-air, and regrabs the bar without being able to see it.
There is almost no margin for error.
How Rare Is This Skill?
Let's put this into real-world perspective.
Only a small number of elite gymnasts worldwide can perform a Cassina, and even fewer compete it consistently. It is estimated that fewer than 50 people worldwide can complete the Cassina.
Out of the hundreds of thousands of gymnasts training across the world, only a tiny fraction will ever reach this level. Even among Level 10 and Elite athletes, this is extremely uncommon.
Why This Matters
This moment represents more than just landing a skill.
It reflects years of discipline, consistency, and the ability to execute under pressure. It also represents trust between athlete and coach, and a training system that allows athletes at North County Gymnastics to progress at a high level safely.
At North County Gymnastics, we focus on doing our jobs at the highest level and letting the results follow.
The Bigger Picture for North County Gymnastics
Moments like this are built over time.
They come from experienced coaches, a structured progression system, and a culture that pushes athletes to improve every day.
Axel's Cassina is not just an individual achievement; it reflects the environment around him.
And it shows what is possible in the right environment, with high-level coaching and a strong optional program that starts with pre-team through level 10 and elite training, anything is possible.
What's Next for Axel
Axel is heading into his third year as a Level 10 next season, with big goals ahead, continuing to develop and push toward the next level. Axel has dreams of doing gymnastics in college and eventually becoming an elite gymnast.
Early next month, Axel and his brother Audio, along with thier level 9 NCG team mate, Brandon, will be competing at Nationals in Oklahoma, where the best of the best compete.
Final Thought
In gymnastics, there are difficult skills.
And then there are skills that set athletes apart.
The Cassina is one of those skills.
The momentum behind the North County Gymnastics & The Gyminny Kids boys team is undeniable. The program is quickly establishing itself as one of the top boys competitive teams in California, producing state champions across multiple levels, developing elite talent like Rocket Gundert, and sending multiple athletes to Nationals year after year. With three national qualifiers this season alone and one of the strongest, most experienced coaching staffs in the country, the trajectory is clear. NCG is not just a strong program; it is a rising powerhouse with a vision for developing high-level athletes.
Proudly Serving Families In:
• 4S Ranch
• Poway
• Carlsbad
• La Costa
Quick Links
• Register for a free trial class today→]
• Adaptive gymnastics classes at Gyminny Kids→]
• Learn more about GK's no registration or annual fees pricing model→]
• Competitive gymnastics training→]
• Gymnastics mindset training→]
• Why Families Choose Gyminny Kids→]
FAQs
What is a Cassina in gymnastics?
A Cassina is a high-bar release move in which the gymnast performs a laid-out double backflip with a full twist before regrasping the bar. It is one of the highest-level skills in men's gymnastics.
How hard is a Cassina?
The Cassina is rated a G skill, making it one of the most difficult skills in the entire sport. It requires elite coaching, strength, timing, and spatial awareness.
How many gymnasts can do a Cassina?
Only a small number of gymnasts worldwide can perform a Cassina, and even fewer compete it successfully at elite competitions.
What level do you need to be to train a Cassina?
Gymnasts typically begin working toward skills like the Cassina at the highest levels of the sport, usually Level 10, elite, or international competition levels.
Is gymnastics safe for kids?
Yes, when taught with proper progressions and coaching, gymnastics is one of the safest and most beneficial sports for children. It builds strength, coordination, discipline, and confidence.
Why is gymnastics important for child development?
Gymnastics is the foundation for all sports. It teaches balance, coordination, body control, discipline, and focus, skills that transfer into every other athletic activity.
