Axilia Tricking
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Category
Commitment to Youth EngagementTitle of initiative
Axilia TrickingTell us about the individual/initiative and their achievements over the last 12 months
Tricking is a new age sport that is a mixture of martial arts, gymnastics, capoeira and break-dancing. Practitioners of tricking combine movements from all the above disciplines and make aesthetically pleasing and intricate combos using only their bodies. Tricking is not confined to strict rules like gymnastics for how a certain move should be performed. Therefore, it is the ultimate form of expression that is limitless.Tricking has been introduced to Tokoroa by Misha Parkinson by starting up a guild (club) called Axilia in 2020. The first students of Axilia were Tremayne Eiao, Tan Jitrak, Din Jitrak and Dyvone Pilisi who were all at Tokoroa High School and are now helping to grow the sport alongside Misha. The guild is primarily based in Tokoroa High School and so that is where our biggest demographic is from. But we have classes that are available for Primary and Intermediate students. We want to have more classes running for the 8-13 year old demographic we but are limited as we currently use the High School gym which is often busy. Fridays after school are when we have our main class for Tokoroa High School students that is open to all skill levels, and we usually have around 30 kids rock up and trick. Sunday evenings are when we run the elite class for students (which we call ‘The Spartans’) with higher capabilities and there are now over 10 of them.
How has the individual/initiative demonstrated commitment to engaging youth in the last 12 months?
Over the last 12 months we have had many young people from ages 8-20 try out tricking and to this day we have around 50 consistent students that are absolutely in love with the sport and are trying to get better. There have been many other developments for the tricking guild in the last year. I will list the main ones below:1. Many students are highly dedicated to developing their tricking skills and have social media accounts that promote themselves and their progression.
2. The primary and intermediate tricking classes we have running are done by the older students from High School. We usually charge $5 per class but that money goes back to the student coaches for their time and effort.
3. The Tokoroa High School tricking sessions are also run by the older students from school as well. The students that are coaching have been developing their confidence, communication and overall leadership abilities by teaching tricking moves to their younger peers.
4. All students, younger and older, are always learning. Tricking is a very difficult but fun sport that teaches students important life lessons such as goal setting and persevering to reach that goal. It also teaches them that nothing is impossible if enough time and effort have been committed to reach a certain goal. In essence, the students are learning how to cope with failure (by not landing a trick) but keep pushing onward regardless until they land it one day. The pure joy on someone's face when they land a new trick is beyond pleasing to see.
5. But most importantly, I have witnessed that students feel like they have sense of belonging and have developed a strong bond within the community by regularly attending sessions. Tricking has always been a welcoming and wholesome sport, despite the fact it is individual orientated. By coming to tricking sessions the kids have helped define what a positive, respectful and uplifting sporting community looks like. As a result, students are more confident in their abilities which later filters into other areas of life.
What is unique about the approach to engaging youth in sport and active recreation?
Axilia’s approach to engaging youth in sport and active reaction is by making tricking more accessible – aka we try to make cool tricks less daunting and simpler to obtain should the right progression methods be taken. Also, we prioritise that students should not be comparing themselves to other people and their tricks, other than who they were yesterday. At its core, tricking is all about self-improvement and finding ways to reach the desired trick goal in the safest and most efficient way possible. In the process of trying to land a new trick, or fixing up an old one, students have learnt much about themselves and moreover, learned how to learn. Students learn at their own pace and are encouraged to watch other trickers or tutorials to gain inspiration. This process of self-reflection and ongoing support from the coaches has really facilitated a drive in the students to get better and enjoy the journey of getting there.Our training sessions are often a well-balanced mix of structure and free time. The structure helps students to improve upon their basics, and the free time lets students explore their own tricking pathways – with guidance. The ‘vibe’ of our trainings is usually energetic and vibrant. The kids can train comfortably in an environment that allows them to do so and, in a way, express themselves in an alternative sport. Tricking is currently a niche sport, but Axilia has provided many kids the opportunity to practice it with a high energy, creative and welcoming environment that can only be found in a few places around New Zealand. The cool flips that ninjas and Power Rangers do in movies and TV shows come to life in our tricking sessions.
We have tried to create a sporting community for the youth that is engaging, exciting and rewarding in a small town. Tricking has given the kids something to look forward to every week and something to be very passionate about. The kids will clap and get hype for anyone and everyone when they land a trick, whether it be a someone doing a cartwheel for the first time or a double corkscrew (difficult move). Axilia has tried to make tricking accommodating, feasible and engaging to all that are currently practicing it at our stomping ground at Tokoroa High School. But we don’t intend on stopping here, we wish to have a gym of our very own one day where we are not restricted by limited access or equipment storage.
Please watch the YouTube video provided in this submission. It is Episode 2 of the Axilia documentary series that we made last year which will show you most of the things we have accomplished. Feel free to check out our social media accounts as well. Most our footage from this year has been saved for Episode 3 and we are the most active on Instagram.
Facebook – Axilia
Instagram - @axiliatrickingguild
YouTube – Axilia
What are some of the results and/or impact observed in the last 12 months?
There have been some notable results in the last year and some upcoming ones that we are very excited about. These include:1. Some students have already entered national level competitions and had we had a Top 3 placing in 2021.
2. The making of the Axilia Documentary series that the kids are always super excited about. We have filmed and released two episodes so far, currently filming the third. Kids feel like they are genuine movie stars here.
3. We are planning to host our very own gathering (event in tricking) where we have invited some of New Zealand’s top trickers to come train with us down in Tokoroa from October 22-24. No doubt this will be exciting for the kids.
4. Tricking is still a very small sport in New Zealand. Tokoroa has been recognised as the hotspot/central area for growing and developing the next generation of trickers in the country. However, we are not planning to stop in Tokoroa. Axilia are planning to run workshops around the country to get more people into the sport. The ex-students of Tokoroa High School will be running those workshops.
5. On top of regular trainings, twice a week for the High School students, we try to do various other activities such as dress-up trainings, school talent show events and yearly 1v1 tricking battles (for the competitive students) who want a taste of competition. Tricking is for anyone and everyone. Whether it be a cool side hobby to learn amazing tricks, or a lifestyle choice. Either choice is respected in our guild.
6. A student driven initiative was made to create a logo for the guild and last year we decided on one which was later put on a t-shirt that many of the kids proudly wear.
7. We believe that we may have the only girls tricking class in New Zealand. We only started it up a month ago – where nine girls are already attending. We hope to push this area forward as tricking is a highly male dominated sport.
8. The High School Tricking Club is likely the only High School Tricking Club in the world. According to most of the online forums I have started discussions with anyway.
9. By far the biggest result is the overall joy, happiness and passion tricking has provided for the youth here in Tokoroa. As stated earlier, it has given the kids something to do and look forward to. I have no doubt that the kids will have made and will continue to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Comments
Community (Posted 2022-10-14 07:35:30)
It is so apparent as a teacher to see the genuine passion and sense of community that tricking has solidified in the members lives. As well as building an innate athleticism to be able to polish and perfect tricks, something which requires sharp co-ordination, agility and perseverance; this sport forges community, collaboration and tenacity for the individual and the guild. I wholeheartedly endorse Axilia to receive this award. It has brought an invaluable drive to the Tokoroa community and shown that no niche is off limits if you are dedicated.
Axillia is where it’s at!!! (Posted 2022-10-13 18:05:45)
I’ve had the up most pleasure watching Misha and former students of Tokoroa High build AXILLIA from the ground up. My eldest son started in year 10 and his younger brother joined him not long after. Axillia in my eyes is not only a guild but has become a community of encouragement, support, enthusiasm and positiveness for all that are involved. I have seen it start from 4 students to where they now have several classes available for all ages. I have spoken with a lot of parents and they couldn’t be happier that another opportunity, a new exciting opportunity has become available for there children in our little town. I have attended several competitions where a former student placed 3rd in NZ. He now has younger students messaging, asking for advice and striving for the same successes, why because a local boy is making it which drives and inspires them too. but I think the biggest success is seeing these kids and how much passion and love they have for tricking . For my eldest son it has opened him as a person and has opened many doors for him and his future. And my son wishes nothing but to give back and see others enjoy and succeed too and that comes from the passion, dedication and commitment Misha has shown with each and everyone of of his students. Misha has opened up a new world to our community and our kids. Please consider Axillia they really do deserve as much support as they can get. Misha has strived to build this and honestly it’s been amazing!! I Can’t wait to see the future of axillia, they will always have my support, so please get behind them ❤️
Always be ready for the future (Posted 2022-10-12 20:34:19)
When I started tricking this year it made me feel happy again it just brought back me and my best cruzs memories back from we were little and ever since then me and Cruz has just loved tricking I thank Misha and all the other coach's that pushed me to my limits I rlly recommend trying tricking
Growing confidence in children (Posted 2022-10-12 15:47:59)
I have enjoyed watching the development and growth in both our two boys who take part in the tricking. We have seen them become more confident in stepping out and trying new things and being excited about what they are achieving in tricking. Keep up the great work
Positive influence (Posted 2022-10-12 15:01:38)
My son (15) was introduced to tricking when he started at Tokoroa high school last year and started going along to training with Axilia. Since then my younger son (9) has become involved with training with the juniors. Being a part of Axilia has had a positive impact on both my sons, the guild is a positive and supportive community of young people who build each other up. I have watched them encourage and cheer each other on while learning, practicing and mastering new tricks, both when they succeed and fail. The physical side of the sport increases strength, fitness, flexibility and coordination- it’s been great for my older son in particular to find a sporting activity that he enjoys. Misha Parkinson is a great mentor to the kids and I really appreciate the positive influence he has had on my boys. They are always excited for training and for any opportunities to participate in tricking events. I love that the older students are the coaches and they have been a positive influence and show good leadership to the younger ones. Axilia has been and will hopefully continue to be a great asset to our community.
Axilia for the win! (Posted 2022-10-12 14:29:20)
Love all the effort and support that this team has! From the very beginning they've always been inclusive and supportive of anyone interesting in tricking. The student coaches are so skilled and encouraging. Their teamwork is unbeatable and it's always fun to watch their tricking performances and even just their trainings/practices! These guys are truly amazing! 🙏 Always rooting for them, support always!
Big thumbs up (Posted 2022-10-12 12:49:04)
My son Logan loves being part of Axilia. It has given him a safe place to be active while learning a new sport. He has become more confident in his own abilities and has forged great friendships with both the mentors and his peers. The continued growth of tricking in Tokoroa and the wider community will undoubtedly give many more youngsters an ideal outlet to use their energy.
Co-Host of the New Zealand Tricking Gathering (NZTG) (Posted 2022-09-29 21:06:41)
Tricking is a very unique sport where while it is entirely a solo experience where self growth and development are the key factor to getting better, yet the sense of community and 'togetherness' you feel when others of the same discipline come to celebrate everyone's victories make its feel like it is very much a team sport. Axilia does a fantastic job of appealing to any and all young individuals to supply them with a safe environment to begin their Tricking. Martial Arts Tricking is not a large sport globally, let alone in New Zealand, so for myself, to see this sport thrive in Tokoroa like it has is nothing short of a miracle brought about by hard work and youth that truly love the sport.