GAR began in 1977 with 4,300 sq. ft of space. Five locations later, we are proud to continue serving the Rockford community with our 40,000 sq. ft. of fun!! Since we opened our doors, GAR has been family owned and operated.

Whether you are looking for recreational classes or a competitive program, GAR is the place for you. GAR coaching staff has produced over 500 Local and State Champions, 300 Regional Champions, 100 National Champions and 18 World Champions. We encourage and support all athletes to reach their own personal goals.

GAR is considered one of the finest, safest and most well respected throughout the gymnastic industry of professionals as well as their coaching successes. We are proud of this reputation and work hard to exceed it every day. Our coaches, directors and staff receive continuing education in all aspects of their careers. We encourage your participation in your child's education as well as the progressive improvement of our Academy.

Having fun, learning to learn, making friends, working with others, competing, developing our "hidden potential" and reaching our personal best...IT'S ALL POSSIBLE AT GAR!!  If you want your children to have strong minds - give them a chance to educate their bodies...

In February of 2007, two new areas were added to GAR; Backyard Adventures and Essentials...The Pro Shop.  Backyard Adventures Play Sets are custom designed to meet the needs of your family, yard space and budget and is located in the northeast corner of the complex. (Link to Backyard Adventures on GAR Home Page)   Families that have a child in a class at GAR will automatically receive the GAR Perferred Customer Discount of 35%. You are welcome to watch your athletes in the gym out of the second level viewing windows of Backyard Adventures and your children can play on the playsets!  In the lobby of Backyard Adventures is Essentials..The Pro Shop.  There are many items to choose from in the Pro Shop from leotards, grips, shorts, GAR wear, TaeKwonDo uniforms and gear, any many other items.  Backyard Adventures is also your local dealer for Goalsetter Systems "the best in basketball" and Springfree Trampolines "The World's Safest Trampoline".

In February, 2009, GAR included Club XRKade to it's long list of activities offered to families. Club XRKade will provide new and exciting activity options for local youth and teens. Club XRKade is a cutting edge environment and experience complete with the most advanced active gaming and entertainment systems where people become a "human joystick". Club XRKade includes equipment like Dance..Dance..Revolution, Treadwall, Flight Simulator, XRBoard and more! Participants get to engage in unique physical challenges while getting the added benefit of moving and being physically active.

GAR is now the new home of Excel Academy of Martial Arts.  Excel Academy has been open since 1992 and has earned a reputation for developing some of the areas most competitive martial artists in both Tae Kwon Do and Kick Boxing. Master Bennie Gonzalez has been the corner stone of the Academy since 1996. Master Gonzalez was inducted into the "World Wide Martial Arts Hall Of Fame" in 2003, and inthe "Universal Martial Arts Hall Of Fame" in 2008. He was recognized both for his ability to develop great martial arts competitors and his contributions made to the art over the last 20 years.  For more information, call Master Gonzalez at 815-520-4631 or visit Excel Academy's website at www.xcelacademy.com.

In July, 2009, Backyard Adventures added Daystar Gazebos to the list of outstanding product lines.  Stop in the showroom and let us help you design the perfect gazebo for your needs.  The Summer Breeze and Summer Classic Gazebos are displayed and there are several options that can be added to them.