I have competed since 2005 five times in the IBJJF World championships. In 2007 I became European and world champion BJJ in the blue belt division and world champion No Gi in the blue/purple belt division. A special moment was to compete in Jordan where it was for the first time that women were allowed to do so! History had been made that day, athletes were getting paid and they really made it a true spectacle. In 2009 I won double bronze in the purple belt division in the Worlds. My last victory was achieved in 2013 in the black belt division where I became European Champion. Besides victories, BJJ has given me so much more. It introduced me to new cultures, great people and I happily taught at different academies such as Dutch Judoschool Kenamju, Special Sports and Team Agua. I’m proud to have organized since 2010 one of the leading female bjj camps BJJ Ladies Summercamps in Europe.
End of 2012 I received my black belt from Cadu & Mathieu. In 2015 I made the decision to move to Abu Dhabi to empower Emirati girls with BJJ. One year later I met my husband, got married and we became proud parents of our healthy baby girl. So now I am a BJJ mum!
Being a mom is like being fighter. We protect, defend, commit, have discipline and we are unlimited times challenged. We go beyond our limits. Being a mother and a BJJ fighter both nurture your mental capacities. We need to think a few steps ahead, we need to have an accurrate timing, we need to be sharp 24-7 period. You learn, you make mistakes, you adapt, you evolve. It is demanding but rewarding. And of course, lots of fun and hugging time between momma bear and her little warrior princess!