Coaches
High-level coaching is possible with multiple professionals with high-level experience and knowledge on focused areas.
Ms. Namie “Nancy” Shinohara is a passionate rhythmic gymnastics coach (former USA National Team Member coach, Lebanon National Team Member coach, Philippines National Team Foreign Coach), choreographer, and judge with successful experiences of > 25 years. Ms. Nancy coached rhythmic gymnastics in Japan, Boulder (CO), and Atlanta (GA) before she started Rhythmic Brains. She also worked for the Neuromuscular Physiology Lab at the Georgia Institute of Technology as a research assistant. She holds a bachelor degree and teacher license in Physical Education. She is a certified International Brevet Judge, National/JO judge, and professional member. See her Certificates for U101: Safety & Risk Management, U110: USOC SafeSport, and USA Gymnastics University: Instructor.
Ms. Nancy was coached by the current vice president of FIG Technical Committee (Ms. Shihoko Sekita) as well as the former head coach of the Japanese National Olympic Team (Ms. Misako Gomei). Her competition accomplishments in Japan include:
- Silver medal, National Middle School Championships
- Silver medal, National High School Championships
- Gold medal, National Collegiate Championships
- Gold medal, National Championships (Group)
- Gold medal, National Masters Championships
Elena Shinohara is a young but high-level coach who also judges, choreographs, and demonstrates skills. Elena has been coached by Ms. Nancy and Dr. Shino and competes as an Elite Level 10 gymnast. She is a Senior National Team member, 2019 & 2021 Sportsperson of the Year, certified National/JO judge, and professional member. See her Certificates for U101: Safety & Risk Management and USA Gymnastics University: Instructor
Dr. Shino has been involved in educating instructors/coaches in various sports including rhythmic gymnastics for 30 years. He is a professional member of USA Gymnastics and a Fellow member of the American College of Sports Medicine. He has lectured on “Neuromuscular Sciences for Efficient (Rhythmic) Gymnastics” at USAG National Congress as well as USAG Rhythmic Gymnastics Webinar. See his Certificates for U101: Safety & Risk Management, U110: USOC SafeSport, and USA Gymnastics University: Instructor
Dr. Shino holds a Ph.D. in Multidisciplinary Science in the field of Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Physical Education, all from the University of Tokyo – the most prestigious university in Japan. His scientific expertise is neuromuscular control of skilled movement. Dr. Shino directs the Human Neuromuscular Physiology Lab and is an Associate Professor in Biological Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.
Dr. Shino serves as an Associate Editor of Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise (academic journal for the American College of Sports Science), an editorial board member of Journal of Applied Physiology (academic journal for the American Physiological Society) and Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology (academic journal for the International Society of Electromyography and Kinesiology).