24-06-2025
Last week, I had the honor of giving a workshop at Taalschool Westland – a special and inspiring place where students from all over the world come together to learn Dutch and slowly rebuild their lives here.
I gave a taekwondo clinic to nearly 55 students, followed by a presentation about my own journey: about elite sport, discipline, setbacks, and resilience – but above all, about the importance of connection.
What made this day truly special was the audience: many of the students are young refugees, coming from countries where violence and conflict have been part of daily life. For them, the idea that people can fight each other – and still be friends afterwards was almost impossible to grasp. That’s why we focused on this topic during the presentation.
We spoke about the difference between aggression and control. About how martial arts – especially taekwondo – are rooted in respect, discipline, and self-control. You don’t train to hurt someone else. You train to develop yourself. To learn how to manage strength. To recognize boundaries – in yourself and in others.
For many of these young people, that was a new perspective. In their world, fighting is often linked to survival or danger. To see that it can also be a sport, a form of expression, and even a path to friendship was clearly eye-opening.
In the second part of the workshop, I shared my personal story in sport – from a young boy with a dream to an elite athlete who also faced injuries, setbacks, and doubt. But also someone who learned that mental resilience, focus, and community are just as important as physical strength.
I invited the students to reflect on their own stories – where they come from, where they are now, and most importantly: where they want to go. Whether you're on a taekwondo mat or in a classroom, you always have the choice to grow – consciously and with purpose.
What moved me most was the students’ openness, enthusiasm, and curiosity. And how a seemingly simple taekwondo exercise could spark so much joy. For a moment, sport wasn’t the goal – it became a bridge. Between cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
A big thank you to Taalschool Westland for the invitation, to SportheldenOpSchool for organizing, and to all the students for their energy, questions, and open hearts. I hope I didn’t just show them a sport, but also a new way of seeing themselves – and each other.
Until next time – on the mat or beyond.
Aymen
08-02-2026
After a long period of injuries, I was finally able to do what I love most again: compete. At the Austria Open 2026 in Innsbruck, I made my return to international competition — and in a new weight category: -63 kg.
The Austria Open is known as a highly competitive event on the European circuit, attracting strong athletes from across Europe and beyond. For me, however, this tournament was about more than ranking points or medals. It was about stepping back onto the mats.
Moving to -63 kg brought a different physical and tactical dynamic. Different timing, different distance management, different power exchanges. After months of rehabilitation and carefully rebuilding my training, this was my first real test under competitive pressure.
In the first round, I was immediately drawn against a strong Italian athlete who eventually reached the final of the tournament. Not the easiest comeback match — but precisely the kind of challenge that pushes you to grow. The pace was high, the intensity real, and every exchange demanded total focus.
Even if the official result doesn’t fully capture the day, I gained a lot.
I competed again at international level.
I felt the adrenaline of competition again.
I regained confidence in my body.
Coming back from injury is not just a physical process — it is a mental one. Trusting your preparation, trusting your body, and daring to compete again is a victory in itself.
I am incredibly grateful to be back on the mats. This is only the beginning.
Sponsored by:
NihonSport (JC_Alicu), United Consumers, CurrentWerkt, Toppodo, ELVOU
25-01-2026
Last week, I had the opportunity to take part in an exceptional training camp in Oslo, Norway. Together with a select group of international athletes from Denmark and Iceland, we were invited by the Norwegian national team for an intensive and inspiring week.
Under the guidance of Norwegian national coach Marco Scheiterbauer, we trained twice a day throughout the week. The sessions were demanding, high-level, and extremely valuable, thanks to the quality of both the training structure and the international training partners. Outside the dojo, we made time for recovery walks, enjoyed the snow, explored Oslo, and even managed to do some skiing—an experience that added a unique Scandinavian character to the camp.
If I were to summarize this training stage in one word, it would undoubtedly be memorable. Not only because of the physical and technical gains, but also because of the warm hospitality and openness of our Scandinavian hosts. The atmosphere was professional, yet relaxed, and it created an environment where learning and development came naturally.
One moment during the week stood out in a very different way. During a physical training session, I found myself training alongside Jens Stoltenberg. Known worldwide for his career in international relations—most notably as former Prime Minister of Norway and Secretary General of NATO—seeing him train with the same discipline and focus was unexpectedly inspiring.
As someone pursuing a path in international law, the encounter felt symbolic. Stoltenberg’s career reflects the importance of dialogue, resilience, and long-term vision in an international context. Experiencing that parallel—him in international relations and myself in international law—while both engaged in physical training, reinforced the idea that discipline, consistency, and global perspective transcend professions. Whether in diplomacy, law, or elite sport, progress is built through dedication and respect for the process.
This training camp offered far more than just sport-specific development. It was a week of cultural exchange, personal reflection, and renewed motivation. Norway left a lasting impression—both on and off the mat—and this is a training stage that will remain with me for a long time.
19-11-2025
This year, I once again had the opportunity to give an inspiring workshop to the students of VSO De Pyler. The theme of their project was "health and nutrition," and as an elite athlete, I was able to share my experiences and insights with them. In addition to the presentation, I also led two taekwondo clinics.
It was wonderful to inspire the students through sports, but the experience was even more valuable because I was able to contribute to raising awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Good nutrition and sufficient exercise together form the foundation for a healthy future. What a wonderful experience to share my passion for sports and health in this way!
Thank you, Oscar Smeets, for helping to make this possible!
A proud taekwondo athlete with Olympic ambitions who represents the Netherlands at international tournaments. Besides the passion for sports, Aymen is also a Master student of International Law & Global Governance at Tilburg University.
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