At Dadojo.co, our coaches aren’t just instructors—they’re mentors, motivators, and life-changers. Nigel, one of our outstanding coaches, exemplifies this perfectly. With a deep passion for his craft and an unwavering commitment to growth, Nigel inspires students to unlock their potential both inside and outside of Da Dojo. Today, we’re spotlighting Nigel to share his journey, philosophy, and the incredible impact he’s making.
What inspired Nigel to step into the world of coaching? It all started with his personal transformation. “The inspiration came from learning what my coach did to enhance my experience,” Nigel shares. “Those lessons translated to my everyday life, and I wanted to help others in the same way. "Initially joining classes for fun and fitness, the practice quickly evolved into something much deeper. “It became an art form I wanted to master,” he explains. Through consistency and dedication, Nigel honed his skills and eventually stepped into the role of coach.
“Watching others grow is the most rewarding experience,” Nigel says with pride. Over the years, he’s witnessed incredible transformations. “I’ve seen moments where individuals were lost and going down the wrong path. They came into the dojo, learned, and completely changed the direction of their lives.”
At the heart of Nigel’s approach is a simple but powerful philosophy: “Get better every day and practice what you preach.” This commitment to personal growth and integrity sets the tone for every class. To ensure that every student—from beginner to advanced—feels supported, Nigel tailors his teaching. “I prepare a schedule and teach to all levels,” he explains. And when challenges arise, his advice is always the same: “Keep pushing, even when it gets hard.”
Even as a coach, growth never stops. One of the biggest challenges Nigel has faced is coaching higher belts. “I overcame it by learning more so I could level up,” he shares. This mindset of continuous improvement is what keeps Nigel—and his students—moving forward.
One story that stands out to Nigel is about a student named Ryan. “He came in looking for belonging. It was challenging at first, but he pushed himself. Now, he’s working on his second fight and has grown tremendously. He’s always willing to take a step back and work to get better.” Stories like Ryan’s are a testament to the transformative power of dedication and guidance.
When he’s not in Da Dojo, Nigel loves spending time in the mountains and is known for his uncanny ability to recite movie lines after watching a film just once. His dream coaching session? “Chuck Norris. He’s a badass,” Nigel says with a grin.
“The people I get to meet are what excite me most about coaching at Dadojo.co,” Nigel shares. Looking ahead, his goal is to grow Da Dojo and inspire even more students. “I hope to leave an impact on others. I want students to think of me as the coach who helped them in Da Dojo and in life.”
At Dadojo.co, Coach Nigel brings his passion, dedication, and unique personality to every class. He’s here to help you grow, push past challenges, and achieve more than you ever thought possible. Ready to join Coach Nigel on your journey? Let’s grow together. OSU Ninjas!
