Our staff

Hello everyone!
My name is Komako Azuma, and I live in Mie Prefecture with my three wonderful daughters.
Let me jump right in—I absolutely love gymnastics! I started simply to build strength, but I quickly became hooked. Trying movements and skills I’d never experienced before was so refreshing, and the sense of accomplishment when I finally mastered a new technique was deeply moving. That cycle of challenge and achievement became irresistibly fun, and even now as a mother, I continue to train and even compete in the annual Masters Gymnastics Tournament.
At Tumble Kids, I want to help children experience that same joy of “I did it!” Gymnastics isn’t just about building physical strength—it also nurtures confidence and a thoughtful mindset, like asking “How can I do this better next time?” Trying a new skill is scary and difficult for anyone, but with steady practice, you’ll get there.
Never give up! You can do it!
Fun fact: My whole family loves gymnastics so much that we’ve built a mini gym at home—with a horizontal bar, vaulting box, trampoline, and more!
I also love English. In the past, I worked as a train conductor in Osaka, where I made English announcements and helped guide passengers at stations and on board. I’ve always been drawn to the sound and rhythm of the English language. Just like gymnastics, I’m still working to improve my English skills, and I’m excited to grow together with everyone at Tumble Kids. I’ll support you with passion and heart—thank you for having me!

Hi ! I’m Yuka and I was born in Singapore and I grew up here, in Kyoto.
When I was in college, I studied abroad in the U.S., as an exchange student.
I mainly studied about education and developmental psychology.

After graduating from college, I started working as an English teacher at junior high and high schools in Japan.
So I’m really good at understanding children’s feelings, and I would like to watch over them with warmth.

Around 6 years ago, I left my teaching job to focus on parenting, and now that my son has started elementary school, I’ve gone back to work.

Now that I’m a mom and I really feel just how tough parenting is, you know.
I would like to share the feelings with you, especially for moms from foreign countries, it’s not easy raising kids in a different culture.

As I’m working here, I’m making sure to put safety first.
Having fun is only realistic when it’s safe.

Hello! I’m Coach Rina.

From a young age, sports have been at the heart of my life. They’ve shaped not only my physical strength, but also my mindset, values, and the way I choose to live as a person.

Through years of training and competition, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, discipline, teamwork, and believing in myself. These are not just athletic skills—they are life skills. As a coach, passing them on to the next generation is my greatest passion.

Just like sports, I deeply value the power of language and communication. Learning English is not just about memorizing grammar and vocabulary—it’s about building confidence, nurturing curiosity, and gaining the ability to connect with the world.
By naturally incorporating English into our lessons, children can learn joyfully and without pressure. Moving their bodies while engaging in positive interactions helps them grow both interest and confidence in using English.

Through Tumble Kids lessons, I aim to create an environment where each child can challenge themselves, celebrate their growth, and discover their own potential.
Gymnastics is not just about mastering skills. It’s about the strength to get back up after falling, the courage to try again, and the journey of growing step by step. I want children to know that effort is something to be proud of, failure is part of growth, and they already carry great potential within themselves.

Ultimately, what I hope to share with children is this: Experience builds strength. Action grows confidence. And a positive heart can change the future.
I strive to be more than just a coach—I want to be someone who believes in each child’s growth, supports them wholeheartedly, and enjoys the journey of becoming stronger together, both in body and in spirit.

Hope to see you in class soon!

Hi all! This is coach Jerome, I am from Jamaica and have been coaching at Nishida’s Gymnastics in Jamaica over 10 years. My student under my instruction has accepted as scholarship student at US university. This is the first ever athlete from Jamaica to attain such an achievement. I have also coached at the Inaugural Jr. Pan American Games, in Cali – Colombia in 2021.

I would hope that through my lessons with the children I can teach them the value of working through obstacles using discipline and consistency as tools to reach their goals. Additionally, I hope to teach that pursuing difficult goals and working hard can be fun, too.

Whenever possible I try to create a fun and objective focused environment when working with kids. I’ve found it the most effective to create an engaged and productive class when coaching, particularly within the recreational programs.

I am so glad that I can help kids here at Tumble kids and hoping to experience many different cultural experiences while I am in Japan! 

Hello! My name is Jamin, and I’m excited to be here in Japan, coming to you from my home in Jamaica!

My life has always revolved around gymnastics. I spent 15 years as a competitive athlete and was honored to be part of the Jamaican National Team. Much of my early passion for the sport was fostered during my club days under my head coach, Coach Nishida. We had such positive experiences, especially with the fun gymnastics games and challenges—those are the kind of memorable moments I am eager to recreate with the children here!

I bring valuable coaching experience from both sides of the world. I spent time coaching at Nishida’s Gymnastics in Jamaica and later coached the boys’ program at GeForce Gymnastics in the U.S. After a period away, I realized how much I missed the gym and the satisfaction of seeing children progress. This feeling brought me back, and I’ve happily been working with Nishida’s Gymnastics again for the past year.

I’m truly excited about this opportunity to work with you, experience the wonderful culture of Japan, and form meaningful connections.

My main goal is simple: to make learning both English and gymnastics a positive and enjoyable experience. I want every child to feel comfortable, knowing that making mistakes is a natural and necessary part of how we learn and grow. I look forward to celebrating their progress and teaching them this important lesson: as long as you keep trying, you absolutely will improve.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome!

初めまして！I’m Coach Shelma from Indonesia. I have been a cheerleading athlete since 2008 and have competed in many international events such as the Thailand Open 2012, the Cheerleading World Championships 2019 in Takasaki, Japan, and the Japan Open 2025 in Yokohama.

In cheerleading, I trained in tumbling and also attended gymnastics classes to build my physique.

Because I love cheerleading, gymnastics, and teaching children, I have been working as a coach in Indonesia from 2014 to 2025. I have coached many students in Jakarta, Indonesia, and we regularly participated in both national and international competitions.

In 2019, I also came to Japan for three weeks to participate as a coach in a program organized by the Foundation of Japan Cheerleading Association, where I gained teaching experience in Tokyo, Kawasaki, and Fukuoka.

Now, I am living in Kyoto, Japan since May 2025 and I will continue pursuing my passion for teaching children with all my heart. I hope the kids will learn and have fun in my classes.
どうぞよろしくお願いします！

Hello! I’m Coach Jerik from the Philippines.

I am currently a student at Kyoto University, studying Energy Science, and I joined Tumble Kids in April 2025. Back in the Philippines, I gained many valuable experiences as a volunteer teacher for children, which helped me discover how rewarding it is to support kids in their learning and growth.

Outside of my studies, I enjoy sports such as volleyball, badminton, and table tennis, as well as hobbies like gaming and café hopping. I also love experiencing different cultures—I have participated in different international conferences abroad, which showed me the importance of global connection and learning from others.

I believe that in sports—and really in anything—experiencing the journey of turning “I can’t” into “I can” is incredibly important. When I first started coaching gymnastics, I wasn’t used to it at all. But thanks to the support of my fellow coaches and continued effort, I was able to grow little by little.

This experience helps me encourage children to believe in themselves and keep trying, no matter where they start. As a student myself who is also learning Japanese, I can relate to the kids’ journey in learning English and gymnastics—step by step, with patience and fun.

Through my classes, I want to help children grow not only physically but also mentally, building confidence, resilience, and teamwork along the way. I’m very excited to learn and grow together with the Tumble Kids family!

Hello!
Do you enjoy moving your body and talking with others?
The ability to control your body the way you want is something that develops through childhood experiences—and it’s said to be a wonderful form of cognitive stimulation as well. Among many sports, artistic gymnastics is closely connected to elementary school physical education, so becoming skilled at it can really boost a child’s confidence.

English, on the other hand, is a powerful tool for communicating with people from outside Japan. As the world becomes more globalized, today’s children will find English even more essential as they grow up.

At Tumble Kids, we support growth in both gymnastics and English—helping children build physical confidence and global communication skills.

I’ve been practicing artistic gymnastics for nearly 10 years, and it has given me a strong sense of confidence in my agility and movement. I also spent five years in Indiana, USA, where I studied early childhood education at a local community college and worked as an assistant teacher at a preschool.

Through that experience, I saw firsthand how powerful it is for children to feel the joy of “I did it!”—and how that feeling naturally leads to “I want to try even harder!” I truly believe that these small moments of growth help brighten their future.

With this belief in my heart, I’ve been proudly coaching at Tumble Kids in Kyoto. Now, as my family relocates to the Kanto region, I’m excited to support children in Tokyo—providing fun, meaningful experiences that help them grow strong and confident.

Let’s have fun together!

Can Kids Really Learn English and Gymnastics Together?

At first glance, it might seem impossible. English is something we learn with our head. Gymnastics is something we practice with our bodies. But what if they’re not so different after all?

I’ve spent years in both worlds—training as a student in gymnastics clubs, teaching children in gymnastics schools, and later, working as a Japanese language teacher in Australia. One day, while walking through my homestay neighborhood, I stumbled upon a gymnasium filled with energetic young gymnasts. It was just before the Sydney Olympics, and Australia was buzzing with gymnastics fever.

The club director told me they had lost their coach and were struggling to continue. I offered to help. She asked me to demonstrate spotting for a round-off → back handspring → back tuck. I had practiced this countless times in Japan, even using pillows to simulate flips and twists. One trial was all it took—she smiled and said, “You’re a miracle!”

That’s how I began teaching gymnastics in English to Australian children.
After returning to Japan, I became an English conversation instructor and have continued for over 20 years. Through this journey, I realized something important: pronunciation is physical. To speak clearly, we train the muscles of the mouth. In gymnastics, we train the muscles of the body. Both require awareness, repetition, and confidence.

At Tumble Kids, children learn gymnastics while communicating with their coaches in English. It’s not just about learning two skills—it’s about experiencing how movement and language support each other. Many kids have already discovered the joy of learning English and gymnastics together.

Come and join us!

Hello! I’m Coach Hina!
I teach a wide range of classes—from handstand training to body shaping, yoga, and mobility—for both adults and children. Until March 2024, I was teaching at Tumble Kids in Kyoto, and now, after relocating, I’m excited to be joining the team at our new Tokyo location!
Believe it or not, I used to hate physical education. It was my “worst subject” in school, and I really disliked exercise. But everything changed when I saw gymnastics on TV as a student and became fascinated by handstands. That moment sparked my journey into the world of gymnastics. Since then, my interest in movement and physical training has grown deeper and deeper. I even earned my certification from the NSCA (National Strength & Conditioning Association).
From 2022 to 2023, I traveled to countries like the UK, France, Taiwan, Australia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong, learning about different approaches to movement and physical activity in each place.
At Tumble Kids, I aim to create a safe and joyful environment where every child—whether they love sports or struggle with them—can grow at their own pace and work toward their personal goals. I also have personal experience with being unable to attend school for a period of time, which taught me the importance of both connecting with others and respecting one’s own pace and feelings. In my lessons, I focus on helping children feel secure in group settings while encouraging them to grow without comparing themselves too much to others. I want each child to feel confident, supported, and free to grow in their own unique way.
Thank you so much for having me!
And here’s a fun fact: outside of coaching, I also run a curry business! I serve curry at pop-up locations, teach curry cooking classes, and even host special events like “Handstands & Curry.” If you ever see me at an event, please come by and grab a bite!

My name is Coach Kareem Johnson, and I have been at Nishida’s
Gymnastics for 15 years as a coach since 2009. I teach both
recreational and competitive program for both genders. I also teach at several prep schools.

As it relates to my success in coaching in 2015, I received my
certification for Men’s Artistic Gymnastics (M.A.G) Level One by
The International Federation of Gymnastics (F.I.G). I took my boys team to many international meets and they have accomplished many great results.

Finally, my first international competition as a senior gymnast was at
Sand Dollar/Whitlow Invitational 2017, in which I gained a new skill
for Horizontal Bar called Back Layout Dismount. I now compete at the Tachikawa Tachihi Cup Japan Open 2024.

I am currently still pushing myself to be the best coach and athlete!