Meet… Dyantha Muller

From early October, the office of the VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch Martial Arts Authority) will be expanded with Dyantha Muller. She will support the organisation across all fronts for one year. She brings not only the necessary work experience, but also knowledge of martial arts in practice, both as a participant and as the daughter of a gym owner.

Dyantha, who are you?

‘I am 33 years old and was born and raised in South Limburg in a sporty family. My father, Fidi Muller, is the founder and owner of Dipanegara Gym, so I grew up in an environment where the enjoyment and the value of martial arts were self-evident. I still regularly put on the gloves myself.’

‘I studied Facility Management and afterwards worked a lot as a project manager, which suits me well because I have a very practical approach. When I saw that the VA was looking for a project officer, it added up logically for me. I am really looking forward to combining my hobby and my work.’

‘The VA also works closely with municipalities and other government bodies. That ties in nicely with the work experience I gained in earlier assignments, including at the municipality of Breda and the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (Vereniging van Nederlandse Gemeenten).’

What will you be doing exactly?
‘Among other things, organising meetings and shaping cooperation with other organisations. A Knowledge Day will be held for VA staff, a new information campaign on doping aimed at recreational participants is being prepared, and the VA is working with NOC*NSF (the Dutch Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation) on greater inclusiveness in sport. I will be involved in all of that. In addition, I will support the organisation across all fronts with the day-to-day work. For example around the Fightpassport, the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (the VA quality mark), the Audit Team and the Disciplinary Committee (Tuchtcommissie). That means I will be dealing with the martial arts sector in its full breadth, and I am very much looking forward to that.’