I began learning karate when I was 5 years old it wasn't really my thing but it was enjoyable since I had an older brother who was also doing karate. I focused entirely on Kickboxing around the age of 10. At that stage, I was starting to truly understand the basic defense and attack movements in Kickboxing. On top of that, ever since sparing was introduced to me I started to love this sport even more. It is exhilarating for me to be able to spar with different opponents, trying new combinations and defending attacks.
My teaching style
End of 2020, I began coaching Dutch Kickboxing. Personally, I like to approach teaching systematically, I believe that knowing inside out the basics of footwork and defence is the first thing someone should master in Kickboxing, without proper footwork and defence you're basically a punching bag.
It might be boring to try and grasp control of your footwork but once you've mastered that, you will feel more secure in your guard and finally be able to enjoy the sport. Just being able to trust yourself and not worry about your footwork will release a lot of anxiousness, whether it's during drill training, sparring or in a competition. Regular practice of evasion and defense will overtime improve overall counter reaction.
A Sneak Peek of my Mejiro Bali Team
Q&A
Questions-and-Answers with coach Daniel
In Bali, what other activities can I do to improve my performance outside the gym and enjoy Bali at the same time?
I would recommend Jimbaran beach for people who likes white sand beaches, great place for swimming with beautiful sunsets and view of the airplanes landing, the beachfront are also lined with plenty of delicious seafood restaurants!
Do you have a favourite food in Bali, to take before training or unwind after training?
After all day of sweating and training, some days I like to eat creamy foods like spaghetti or pizzas! When my blood sugar is low, I would order a tiramisu from a restaurant in Sanur called Forketta.
Can I specifically book a private session with you?
Yes you can request a private session with me, simply book a session and write in the details which coach you would like to train with, but keep in mind that the coach might not be available at the time / day that you requested and your booking will be rescheduled.
Having been raised into Kickboxing in a Boxing gym, do you still get nervous in the ring?
Well of course, I still get nervous when I'm in the ring, I think it's a very normal behaviour for everyone, my advice to calm down in the ring is to not think too much on the people watching or the ropes confining you and just focus on yourself, be aware of your defense and counter moves. Another thing, remember to breath, you'd be surprise how many people forget to control their breathing when they're nervous by holding in their breaths. Also, I personally like to listen to music during or before the fight, following the rythm of the music really helps.
Do you have a fighter that you admire and inspire the most?
Ramon 'the diamond' dekker he has a very intimidating style of fighting, for me he is an amazing fighter!
With all the regular sparring and extensive training, what was your worst accidents / injuries?
It would be the muscle tear on my right shoulder. It happened when I was training for a competition. Me and my opponents were fired up for hard sparring and I gave an overhand right and tore my right shoulder.
