Our trainers
Our trainers
Welcome to our trainers page!
We'd love to introduce you to the esteemed trainers of G.S.B.V. de Mattekloppers. They all have written a short story about their dedication to martial arts in their lives, and how they ended up at our association. Have fun reading, but to hear more of their amazing stories you'll have to come join us at our trainings! :)
Simon Leistra
Competitional Judo
My career as a judo coach began at the end of my education at the Academy for Physical Education in Groningen. The first step in my coaching career took place at judoschool Dijkmansport. After this valuable experience, I dedicated five years to coaching at Bushido Winsum. Here, I was able to further develop my skills and make a positive contribution to the development of young judokas.
My coaching career took a next step at BVHS in Hoogezand, a period during which I also provided Wednesday afternoon training sessions for judokas at Veendam Judo School.
Ultimately, I took on the role of head coach at G.S.B.V. de Mattekloppers, a position I have proudly held since 2006. Throughout my entire judo career, I have dedicated myself to not only enhancing the athletic performances of my judokas but also supporting them in finding balance between sports, academics, and their social lives. I strongly believe in the development of young adults, both within the realm of judo and beyond, and I find it fascinating to guide them on this journey.
Providing training to judo enthusiasts every Monday at the regional training sessions and on Wednesdays during competition trainings, along with guiding them during tournaments, preferably alongside my judo colleagues, brings me great satisfaction. It is this blend of training, development, and collaboration that makes my work as a judo coach so rewarding and challenging.
Best regards,
Simon
Robin Neef
Technical Judo (but spiced up)
Hi I’m Robin Neef and together with Mart Everts I am teaching the Thursday judo courses.
The Thursday trainings are open to everyone. We welcome recreative and competition-oriented judoka’s, as well as new and returning judoka’s. On Thursdays we focus on two things. We build and expand a broad technical foundation, and we enhance stamina and speed of action. As a judo teacher, I intend to build the skill of everyone on the mat in a fun and challenging way.
This philosophy encapsulates why I love judo. First, well executed techniques are beautiful to see and do. Second, judo is a physically challenging, full-body sport in which you can push your boundaries. Third, I love that the standards and values of judo extend beyond the tatami.
I started judo when I was 9, where my judo basis was shaped in Almere by Nick Bullens and Edgar Dumas. When I moved to Groningen for my studies in 2010, I joined the Mattekloppers, and have been training under guidance of Rene Dinjens, Harry Boersma, Matthijs Elema, and Simon Leistra. Additionally, I have been training under Marcel Joling, Mark Bette, Wietse Swart and Peter Baas. If work permits, I still enjoy doing judo most days of the week; this includes refereeing at various levels since 2010. My sensei have been incredible and inspiring; I aspire to also be a judo teacher who aids anyone who comes to train, and to help find their joy in our beautiful sport.
With best regards,
Robin
Arend Roozendal
Traditional Jiu-jitsu
In 1990, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to dance to rock ‘n roll with her. However, I was distracted by what I saw in the room next to us: Jiu-jitsu. After repeated insistence, I was allowed to follow the course there as well. From the first lesson onward, it has never lost its grip on me.
What fascinates and touches me about jiu-jitsu is that I never stop to learn. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the sport you can always keep challenging yourself. Additional to that is that it is pleasant to train with other jiu-jitsu practitioners. They often have an open attitude, are very caring, and as they think about themselves and the world around them, also interesting company, with whom you will still have nice contact years after.
In addition to giving training, I am also a so-called district-examiner. This means that I am allowed to prepare you for your black belt and that I can assess black-belt exams as well.
After a period in Amsterdam, I am back in the beautiful region of Groningen, and back with the warm nest which is called De Mattekloppers. It would be great to share my great love with you and challenge you to show your best self. Maybe you will even challenge me to take the bar even higher! Hardstikke mooi man!
Kind regards,
Arend
Matthijs Elema
Technical Judo
Coming soon
Mart Everts
Technical judo (but spiced up)
Coming soon
