THE STORY of TEAM CENTRAL (Central Wellness Club 24 Nomi-dai Edition)

A story that began when they were five years old. The path taken by twins, one cautious and the other intuitive.

The two of them first visited the Nomi-dai store when they were in the middle year of kindergarten (age 5). The reason was that a friend from the same kindergarten was going there and seemed to enjoy it.
When Coach O decided intuitively, "I want to do it!", Coach Luna said"I'll decide after carefully observing the school's atmosphere once or twice."He showed a cautious side, apparently (lol).


"Even though they were twins, their personalities were completely different. But once they started, they both became completely engrossed in it."

When they joined the "Advanced Class" in their first year, the training became much more intense. Coach Aoyama described the two of them at that time as follows:

Coach Aoyama"The two of them are really close, but they also compete with each other. When one of them hits a slump, the other one gets anxious and freezes up... There was a delicate synchronization that is unique to twins, but more than that, the energy they had to 'get stronger together' was incredible."

The culmination of all that was the "Gymnast Cup (*)" when I was in the sixth grade of elementary school.
Rio and Luna ended up tied, and both stood on the top step of the podium to claim victory!

"That photo from back then is still one of my most treasured possessions."Coach Aoyama narrows his eyes as he says this.


Twins tie for first place! A nostalgic photo from that time (provided by Coach Aoyama)

*What is the "Gymnast Cup"?
This is an annual competition where students of Central Sports Kids Physical Education School can compete and showcase the results of their daily training.
Kids' physical education school students who can perform the prescribed routines will participate and compete for individual overall and individual event prizes.

"I want to be a coach here someday" - The baton passed from player to coach.

Now university students, the two are coaching children. Why did they return to the "Nomidai branch" instead of another location? There was a long-held dream of Coach Rio behind it.
"Actually, my dream when I was in elementary school was to become a gymnastics coach. I wanted to pass on the sense of accomplishment and joy I felt when I mastered a technique, which I experienced at Central. If I was going to do it, I wanted to work in this place that nurtured me, together with the coaches who took care of me."

Meanwhile, Coach Luna retired from playing due to injuries when she went to university.
"It was sad to leave gymnastics, which had been a part of my life... That's when I received a call from the club asking if I'd like to come back as a coach. I was so happy that I could give back to gymnastics, which I love, and to the Nomi-dai branch, in a different way."

Coach Aoyama talked about the day the two returned."I was so relieved that you finally made it! (laughs)"He recalls:
"It feels like my daughters, whom I've watched over for so long, have come back. It's incredibly rewarding as an instructor to have graduates return as coaches."

Rioruna: "Really?!" Aoyama: "I told you it's true!"

What I gained more than just mastering a skill: The "true treasure" I realized as an adult.

Now, as coaches interacting with children, the two realize that their experiences as students at the school are proving invaluable.

Coach Luna"In gymnastics, sometimes a move you could do yesterday suddenly becomes scary. When I was in fourth grade, there was a time when I was so scared of backflips that I wanted to quit. I even went to sleep one Saturday night with a note under my pillow that said, 'I hope I can do a backflip tomorrow' (laughs). The presence of my coach, who supported me during that time, is the foundation of my current coaching style."

Furthermore, an astonishing example of "master-apprentice synchronization" is occurring on set.

Coach Rio"While I was helping the kids, I suddenly realized I was saying to them, 'It's okay to step in when you feel ready, it's alright.' Those were the exact same words Coach Aoyama had said to me in the past."


Coach Aoyama was visibly moved by this.
"I was surprised to see how similar their teaching style and choice of words were to mine. The 'spirit' I've been passing on to them is now being conveyed to today's children through their own words. I believe this is the true value of the school continuing to exist."

A message to the "Central Kids"

Finally, we received a message for the children who are currently working hard at Central Sports' Kids School.



Coach Rio"Gymnastics has its share of frustrating and difficult moments. But beyond those challenges, a bright future awaits. I hope you'll set goals and continue while enjoying the process!"

Coach Luna"If you feel scared or uncomfortable, please tell your coach honestly. We don't want to force you to do something; we want to have a relationship where we can grow together while having fun. Please feel free to rely on us anytime!"

Having grown alongside the development of the Nomi-dai store, these two are now striving to become role models for others. The bonds forged at Central Sports are thus passed on to the next generation.

[Special Edition] What is passed down beyond technique - The most rewarding moment as a coach

"When former students, like these two, come back as coaches, it's an irreplaceable joy for us instructors."
Coach Aoyama's gaze as he speaks is filled with passion and kindness. We asked him about the "feelings" he has cherished throughout his many years as a coach.

A "slump" is actually an opportunity for personal growth.

Gymnastics is often accompanied by "slumps," where a technique that was possible yesterday suddenly becomes frightening. Coach Aoyama never forces the children when they freeze up and can't move.

"When a child is in a slump, how do we support them emotionally and help them regain their confidence? That's where our skills as coaches come into play. Even when they were still active players, because they were twins, when one of them got discouraged, the other would also become anxious. But when they overcame that, the children became stronger not only technically, but also as people. Being able to witness that moment of 'emotional growth' is the greatest reward of this job."

For the Nomi-dai store to be a "family"

Graduates return as adults, saying, "I want to work here." And their parents send them off with smiles, saying, "It's okay if they work for their teacher." Coach Aoyama says that this "chain of trust" is the pride of the Nomi-dai branch.

"I heard that the parents were very happy when the two returned as coaches. It's because of the family-like relationships that the school, families, and coaches have built over many years that the children can feel safe taking on challenges. We want this to be a place where they can not only learn skills, but also a place where they feel they belong."

The joy of hearing my words spoken by the next generation.

During the interview, Coach Aoyama seemed most moved by the anecdote about how the two coaches' styles had come to resemble his own.

"I was surprised to hear what Rio and Luna were saying to the children. It was the same timing and the same phrases I used to say to them. Not only their teaching techniques, but also the spirit of 'how to interact with children' that I have always cherished has been passed down to them. It felt like I was getting confirmation that what I had been doing was not wrong."

Determination as a leader

"It's truly a blessing to be able to teach alongside my students. But this isn't the finish line. Now it's their turn to pass the baton of 'Gymnastics is fun!' to the next generation of children. I want to keep that cycle going, and work together with them to make this Nomi-dai branch a success."

The passion of Coach Aoyama and the staff at the Nomi-dai store is blossoming one after another on the mats at the Nomi-dai store.
As proof of this, in addition to coaches Rio and Luna, many former students are working as staff members at the Nomi-dai store.


The day of the interview was also the day of the staff meeting at the Nomi-dai store. When I called out, "All you former Central employees, come on over!", a lot of people came (lol).

This is a sight that can be seen not only at the Nomi-dai store, but at Central Sports Group stores nationwide, and it is something that we at Central Sports Group are proud of.

To all our former students (Central kids), we hope you'll come back to Central Sports when you're older!
Let's spread the circle of "cheerfulness, friendship, and energy" together!!

Thank you for reading to the end! Please look forward to the next one!