WE’RE HERE TO MAKE MOVEMENT A PART OF YOUR RHYTHM IN TOKYO
ABOUT URBAN HEROES TOKYO
OUR STORY
OUR STORY
WHO WE ARE
Founded by a member of Tokyo’s international community, Urban Heroes was created as an alternative to intense gyms and solo workouts. We believe movement should feel sustainable, social, and rooted in real life.
Our classes take place in local parks and studios, led in English by qualified, passionate coaches. We train hard, but never alone.
Some come to sweat. Some come to reset. Most come back for the strength they find in the community.
OUR GOAL
We want to bring people together through movement, consistency, and connection. Indoors and outdoors, across all stages of life, our goal is simple:
Help you feel strong in your body, supported in your journey, and welcomed exactly as you are.
OUR MISSION
Movement. Connection. Consistency.
Urban Heroes supports steady routines, uplifting community, and healthy rhythms—in every season, for every person.
OUR TEAM
-
Alessia is a Yoga Alliance–certified teacher whose practice blends the breath-focused flow of Ashtanga with the precision and alignment of the Iyengar tradition. Her classes offer a thoughtful balance of movement and stillness, suitable for all levels. Alessia encourages students to honour their uniqueness with compassion in every class.
Qualifications:
[certifications coming soon]
-
Born in Poland and raised across cultures, Beata brings a global perspective and a gentle presence to her yoga teaching. A meditation enthusiast and energy healer, she blends movement and mindfulness to help students restore energy and release tension. Her classes offer space to breathe, soften, and reconnect with your inner calm.
Qualifications:
200-Hour Yoga Teacher
Reiki Therapist (Level 3)
Teacher of Presence (certified by Eckhart Tolle Foundation)
-
[coming soon]
-
Daizo is a master-level certified HIIT the Beat instructor with a passion for high-energy, music-driven workouts. He brings enthusiasm, rhythm, and serious sweat to every class. A certified TRX instructor as well, Daizo creates fun and challenging sessions that get people moving with joy, no matter their fitness level.
Qualifications:
Master-Level HIIT the Beat Instructor
TRX Certified Instructor
-
Originally from Germany, Dani has a strong academic background in sports science, with studies in Germany, France, and the UK. A lifelong athlete and passionate runner, she brings both structure and spirit to her coaching. Her group classes combine science-backed training with uplifting energy, helping everyone push a little further while having fun along the way.
Qualifications:
B.Sc. Sport and Performance
Certified Tennis & Athletics Coach
Half marathon runner in NL, SE, DE
-
Originally from New York, Emily has lived in Tokyo since 2020 and took over leadership of Urban Heroes in 2025. She brings a clear mission to her role: to provide high-quality fitness and foster a genuine sense of belonging for Tokyo’s international community.
With a background as a competitive dancer, she brings strong body awareness, control, and creativity to every class. Certified in Pilates and personal training, Emily’s approach is strength-based, accessible, and focused on helping people feel good in their bodies, at every stage of life.
She’s especially passionate about supporting pre- and postnatal fitness, emphasizing inner strength, alignment, and thoughtful guidance grounded in functional movement. Her classes are known for their calm, focused energy and thoughtful progressions, making space for both challenge and care.
Qualifications:
Balanced Body Pilates Certified
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
-
A lifelong combat sports athlete with experience competing at both the amateur and professional level. Andy has served as an assistant trainer in multiple strength and conditioning fight camps. Beyond combat sports, he enjoys all things fitness related and wants to help people strive for life long health and wellness that matches their current stage of life.
-
Paula is a certified yoga teacher with a background in science and research. Formerly, she worked as a veterinarian and biologist. What began as a physical yoga practice evolved into a deeply transformative journey. Her classes combine structure and spirit while balancing anatomical awareness with inner reflection.
She invites students to challenge themselves with care, reminding them: “Embrace discomfort, but never pain.” Outside of yoga, Paula explores art and is passionate about educating women on menopause and self-care through life transitions.
Qualifications:
200-Hour Yoga Teacher (Alignment-Based)
Background in science and women’s health advocacy
-
Saori is a passionate Zumba instructor who loves staying active and healthy through all kinds of movement, including running and yoga. Her classes are filled with rhythm, joy, and a sense of community connection.
With an upbeat style and welcoming energy, every class feels like a celebration. Whether you’re moving for fun, fitness, or stress relief, Saori makes sure you leave class smiling and sweaty.
Qualifications:
Licensed Zumba Instructor
Strong Nation HIIT Instructor
Yoga RYT200
Mindfulness Meditation RYT500
-
Shelly is a dedicated yoga teacher and lifelong student of movement. Originally from the U.S., she brings a deep understanding of classical asana with a modern approach to alignment and body awareness. Her classes are designed to cultivate a dynamic connection throughout the entire body, allowing the mind to settle, both on and off the mat.
Qualifications:
500-Hour RYT
FRC®️ Movement Specialist
-
Originally from Argentina and now raising her family in Tokyo, Sofia brings over a decade of teaching experience in both group and private Pilates settings. Sofia loves how Pilates strengthens the deep intrinsic muscles of the core, improves body balance, and builds up muscles without bulking up. As walking proof of the power of Pilates, she now wants to share this method of exercise with everyone and to transform others' lives the way it has transformed hers.
Qualifications:
Stott Merrithew Pilates IMP, IR, ICCB
Pure Barre Instructor (P1/2)
-
Originally from the country of Georgia, Nita brings energy, empathy, and authenticity to every part of our fitness community. She has a deep passion for movement and a heart for multicultural connection.
Whether she’s flowing through a yoga session, powering through a HIIT workout, hiking new trails, or horseback riding into the weekend, she’s driven by a love for helping others discover joy through active living. Above all, Nita is passionate about inspiring people to grow, evolve, and become the best version of themselves both physically and mentally.
Nita supports the member experience, community events, and behind-the-scenes coordination that keeps Urban Heroes moving smoothly.
INCLUSIVITY & ACCESSIBILITY
We welcome all life stages, fitness levels, and language backgrounds.
Classes are led in English, but no fluency is required. Our coaching is visual, inclusive, and easy to follow.
No matter where you’re from or what your goal is - you belong here.