This February we celebrate Martha (Nelé) Koedooder the fighter! Nelé is addicted to fight sports and has been doing the rounds at TND! She is currently training under Boxing Coach Mejdi Garzoun, and has also been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Judo. 

Nelé, 29, originally from South Africa has been training at Team Nogueira Dubai for about a year, and has become addicted to everything fighty. And that suits her just fine at TND, because there is no shortage of participation in this gym!

TND: Why did you join Team Nogueira? What disciplines do you take here?
Nelé: I started training in March/April 2016 , initially doing Judo, and from there I found my way to BJJ and Boxing.

TND: What are your aspirations as a fighter?
Nelé: I wish to reach my maximum potential, and I train at Team Nogueira Dubai because it is helping me towards my goals of reaching it. And that is to learn as much as possible, but most of all to enjoy the process along the way.

TND: Who/what motivates you to get up and come to class?
Nelé: For me, it all about setting goals, and then reaching them. Realising that one has made progress towards achieving goals motivates me to press on in the achievement of others.

“I train at Team Nogueira Dubai because it is helping me towards my goals of reaching. And that is to learn as much as possible, but most of all to enjoy the process along the way.”
– Martha Koedooder

TND: What advice would you give to someone looking to start practising a martial art at Team Nogueira Dubai?
Nelé: Everyone has to start somewhere. Give it a try! Who knows – you might unlock something great!

TND: What’s your favourite thing about being a Team Nogueira member?
Nelé: Mostly I enjoy being part of a place that encourages and holds a student to such high standards. This allows one to progress. Also, being surrounded by people here who are hard-working and motivated is a big encouragement.

TND: Who are your idols in the sport?
Nelé: I don’t have a specific idol. I find my inspiration from the people that I train with and meet along the way. As mentioned above, being around people who display passion and dedication to their chosen pursuits helps to focus me in mine.

TND: Choose three words to describe yourself.
Nelé: Driven. Persistent. Hard-working.

Congrats Martha Koedooder on being our February 2017 Member of the Month, you are an inspiration to your training partners and a most deserving recipient!