Taiso Gymnastic Club

Core Counselling and Healing

Oct 9, 2024

I would not recommend this business for gymnastics. We enrolled our two daughters and found out upon attendance that our 12 year old daughter was in a class of 5 year olds whereby the class was instructed to do tasks suitable for that younger age group. Our daughters have been in gymnastics before at this specific gym. Our youngest daughter was only attending gymnastics because her older sister was and no longer wanted to attend. I spoke to the executive director DEBBIE BUCHAN. Our conversation was not a positive one. Debbie was escalated and disrespectful. We were content with a refund of $150, a prorated amount, for the circumstances that we faced due to lack of communication. In brief, Debbie stated they won’t give a refund, that’s their policy and that they can’t communicate with all of their customers. Debbie stated that she was the executive director, yet I had to kindly ask her three times for her full name. The $150 refund would have kept us as patrons, as our girls might have become interested in gymnastics again in the future with the group structure likely being different (being that hopefully they wouldn’t put a 16 year old in with a group of 5 year old children still because they are new to gymnastics) and we would have enrolled again. Had this situation been dealt with appropriately we would have also spread positive word of mouth about this business because of their understanding, flexibility and commitment to their customers. Unfortunately Debbie stated they cannot communicate with all of their customers. I did not feel appreciated or valued as their customer. I walked away from our conversation feeling incredibly disrespected in public and not heard over something that could have been solved in a much more positive manner. Edited to your response: I appreciate your response and apology; however, your response is not entirely accurate as to the situation or how you reacted to myself or to dad. Our girls did not attend the first class because they were sick. The entire second class they did attend was suited to 5 year olds that are new to gymnastics, not just the warm up. I received no email of the office being closed and because the gym was open and my daughters had class that day that they no longer wanted to attend, I did attend to the gym to advise of this. We did so before my daughter’s classes and kindly asked to speak to you (when you had a free moment). I was calmly trying to explain the situation and I felt you were not giving me a chance to speak and you were escalated and you continued to repeat the policy and state that you cannot communicate with everyone. You repeated that you were the Executive Director and made all decisions. I did change my business Google name as I was greatly concerned that you would retaliate using my business. I felt afraid of that due to how we were treated by you. All of my clients know my full name, that is not a worry of mine. I own and operate a counselling agency and I do so with respect, compassion and flexibility, always keeping an open line of communication with all of my clients. I do hope you look at how you group ages in your classes and revise your information with more clarity, or give the customer a call to notify them that there are no children near the older child’s age in that group. 5 year old children will not be at the same skill level as a 12 year old that has attended twice before and it is discouraging for those older children. I also hope that you will adjust how you communicate to some your customers when you are frustrated (I am going to believe that you were having an off day which us business owners are not openly allowed to have which can be tough). Lastly, I think that flexibility in decision making regarding each different situation is important to be able to weigh out giving prorated refunds and/or having full client losses. Just my thoughts from one business owner to another (and… from a frustrated mom). I don’t typically write negative reviews as can been seen on my profile.

Chelsey Bartlett

Oct 1, 2024

We love the gymnastics programs here. We're so thankful for the work the Director and her Coach, Debbie, puts into teaching the girls. The two years we've been in the gym have been so meaningful to our daughter and she's grown a lot. Would highly recommend Taiso in the recreation and pre-competitive programs.

Hadley

Sep 29, 2024

We absolutely love Taiso! All the coaches have been amazing and go above and beyond. They work these kids hard but also incorporate fun. The gym costs are reasonable as well. My big shout out here though goes to DEBBIE BUCHAN!!!! She is the heart of this club and the glue that keeps us all together. She works tirelessly to make that gym run smoothly. She is organized and helps all of us who sometimes have no idea what is going on. 🙋‍♀️ She is super prompt at getting back to people and always responds respectfully and kindly. EVEN when I could get the answers from the handbook or have been told it before. She is so sweet to all the kiddos who belong to Taiso and makes the environment so fun. Thank you to all of you for everything you do! Chrissy Sinclair

Cheryl McAvoy

May 13, 2024

Both my 8 year old and 4 year old joined gymnastics and it was such a positive environment. They had so much fun and the coaches were fantastic! Will be back in the future :)

Darcy P

Feb 16, 2019

Great facility for recreational teen classes! I went to Marion, hoping it would be a good fit as it's location is more convenient. Marion rec side looked absolutely pathetic and the office is hard to reach and unorganized. Taiso office staff are reachable and friendly. The facility is perfect for safety, for wide variety of equipment and I would easily recommend taiso for rec classes. We have no experience with the competitive classes. There is ample parking, viewing area for parents, clean washrooms, water fountain and lockers.