My name is Ice Schaap, husband and father of 3 children.

I am a sports and outdoors addict passionate about overall well-being.

My journey in sports started (like most Dutch boys) on a soccer field and changed to martial arts when I became a teenager. I started with boxing, which was followed by karate, Muay Thai and MMA. I was interested how different styles could complement each other to become a complete as possible fighter. Next to my fighting career, I also trained young people in combat sports and coached the competitors for over 15 years.

I have an overall interest in exercise and outdoor activities and am certified facilitator in (mountain) bike riding, bushwalking and navigating, rock-climbing and water-sports, including swim teacher (Austswim). Furthermore, I am Duke of Edinburgh award leader. 

My Journey in mental health and well-being started later. I praised the day I could leave school at 16 years of age and I started to work in the Dutch flower business.

When I was around 23 my sister in law asked me if I could voluntarily swim with a boy who was 6 and about to be kicked out of a disability swimming group since he manifested challenging behaviour. She added that “none of the volunteers could handle him” which sounded more like a challenge than a request to me. I figured that, with my background in martial arts, I would have no issues with a 6 year old boy and said that I was happy to meet him. The first swim I was bitten, scratched and hit multiple times. I was intrigued by this boys behaviour and diagnoses and really wanted to learn more about what was happening inside this young man’s head. A study of nursing for Mental Disorders followed, later followed by a Bachelor of Community and Health, Bachelor in Psychology and a graduate diploma in Counselling.

My journey in this field led me in a range of different job positions, including Mental Health nurse, Socio Therapist, Youth Worker, Student Support Officer and Specialist Educator.

I arrived at a stage in my career that I want to combine the experience and passion I have for exercise and well-being and have started my own practice.

With kind regards,

Ice Schaap