Meet Our Team
Mohsen Haidary
Owner
Head Coach - Wrestling & MMA
"Life is like an echo—what you send out always comes back to you." — Mohsen H.
With over 32 years of experience in Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling, Coach Mohsen brings a remarkable depth of expertise to the mat. Wrestling runs in his blood, passed down through generations—from his father and grandfather, both seasoned wrestlers. He was learning moves before he could speak, beginning serious training at just 11 years old. He has competed around the world as a member of the Iranian National Junior and Army Senior Teams, earning an impressive collection of accolades: 8 gold, 6 silver, and 2 bronze medals on the international stage. For the past 12 years, he has been a prominent figure in Australian wrestling, respected not only for his technical mastery but also for his sportsmanship and unwavering passion for growing the sport.
His coaching style blends traditional wrestling fundamentals with innovative training methods and is rooted in the belief that the mat is a mirror—it reflects who you truly are. He fosters a team environment that is both competitive and supportive, while emphasising discipline, mental resilience, and integrity. Mohsen’s values-driven approach goes beyond technique: he teaches respect, confidence, and personal responsibility, encouraging his athletes to succeed not only in sport but also in academics and the broader community. He thoughtfully tailors his teaching to each individual, helping wrestlers sharpen their skills, build lasting confidence, and unlock their full potential.
Focused on nurturing the next generation of champions, Coach Mohsen is especially passionate about working with children and helping them build strong foundations both on and off the mat. He believes that wrestling offers young athletes powerful tools for growth—discipline, resilience, and self-confidence—and takes great pride in guiding them from their very first steps in the sport. Equally, Mohsen is passionate about empowering women in wrestling and all combat sports, championing inclusive training spaces and advocating for equal recognition, opportunity, and respect.
Coach Mohsen is a strong advocate for mental health, openly discussing its importance and ensuring his athletes feel supported both on and off the mat—believing that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.
In addition to his wrestling pedigree, Mohsen holds a brown belt in Judo and has trained in Sambo, Boxing, and since relocating to Australia, he began training in Jiu-Jitsu. He is currently developing his striking skills through Muay Thai. This diverse martial arts foundation—combined with his expertise in strength and conditioning, elite athlete development, and high-performance nutrition—naturally led him into MMA coaching. As an MMA coach, Mohsen integrates wrestling fundamentals with striking and submission techniques, tailoring programs to help fighters maximize their strengths, overcome weaknesses, and succeed at every level—from amateur debuts to international competition.
When he's not on the mat, you'll likely find him cooking, reading, or reconnecting with nature. Most importantly, his love for his little family is unmatched. They are his greatest priority, and every moment with them is priceless.
Ilina Petrovska
Owner/Director
Head Coach - Muay Thai
"Being authentic is the key to achieving inner happiness." — Ilina P.
At just nine years old, Coach Ilina was captivated by watching The Kickboxer. She immediately asked her father for a boxing bag, and he filled a hay sack with hay and rocks. She took her first punches without gloves or wraps—just newfound love and blood on her knuckles. After moving to Australia, her Muay Thai journey began in the heart of Melbourne. Since then, she has travelled to Thailand to learn from the masters and has accumulated over 16 years of Muay Thai experience, including two amateur fights. Her martial arts background also includes practicing Shotokan Karate as a teenager, earning an orange belt, two years of boxing in her early 30s, and currently training in Wrestling and MMA.
Her coaching style seamlessly blends traditional Thai techniques with modern functionality, incorporating her diverse martial arts experience.
Guided by the motto “Effort never lies,” she emphasizes consistent hard work, smart training, and unwavering commitment to help her students reach their goals. She champions physical strength, mental health, and emotional resilience, while teaching respect, discipline, integrity, and self-worth.
As a proud advocate for empowerment, Ilina is dedicated to breaking stereotypes and challenging the male dominance often associated with martial arts. Her goal is to create a gym where women feel safe, seen, and respected—where they can thrive, express themselves, and challenge societal expectations. She envisions a space that supports each woman’s unique journey on her own terms.
Coach Ilina is passionate about nurturing the next generation. She believes youth programs are vital in shaping confident, resilient, and kind children who excel academically and in all areas of life—most importantly, fostering happiness and love for what they do. She also involves parents, encouraging their support and participation to encourage a community where families are active partners, not just spectators.
Beyond teaching classes, she loves mentoring Muay Thai fighters—refining their techniques, guiding their mental resilience, and helping them unlock their full potential. She finds joy in witnessing their physical, mental, and emotional growth and always prioritizes safety in all aspects of fighting and preparation.
Ilina truly believes Muay Thai brings people together. Her leadership fosters community, growth, and empowerment, welcoming individuals of all ages, levels, and backgrounds. Whether for fitness, self-defence, or competition, she leads with passion, integrity, and a holistic approach.
When she isn’t on the mats, you'll find her writing poetry or fiction, reading a book, or listening to a podcast. More often, she’s playing games, reading, or watching Disney with her two children. To her, quality time with her family and partner represents true love and fulfilment.
Nattanya Waichanthuk
Coach - Muay Thai
"When you have a goal and a dream, you have drive and power." — Nat W.
Nattanya Waichanthuk, affectionately known as Nat, is a highly dedicated Muay Thai coach and referee, with a genuine passion for teaching both adults and children. With over 14 years of training and an impressive record of 59 fights, she has honed her skills in Thailand under renowned masters and competed on both local and global stages. Her wealth of experience brings a deep well of authentic Muay Thai knowledge to the gym, making her a valuable resource for students of all levels.
Nat began her professional journey in Muay Thai at the age of 28, quickly developing a profound appreciation for its discipline, techniques, and cultural significance. After competing internationally and refining her skills at such a high level, she transitioned into coaching and refereeing to share her expertise, inspire students, and mentor the next generation of fighters. Whether you're new to the sport or an experienced athlete, Coach Nat is dedicated to helping you reach your goals through personalized, high-intensity training programs tailored to your individual needs.
Renowned for her motivating coaching style and technical precision, Nat creates a respectful and supportive environment where students can thrive. She believes strongly in the transformative power of Muay Thai, emphasizing its ability to build confidence, enhance fitness, and promote respect. Her classes are designed to foster growth at every level—empowering adults to develop their skills, improve physical conditioning, and relieve stress, while engaging children in a fun, vibrant, and inclusive atmosphere.
With a focus on safety, discipline, and personal development, Coach Nat ensures that every student, from beginners to seasoned fighters, experiences the full spectrum of Muay Thai’s physical and mental benefits. Her approach not only enhances technique and fitness but also nurtures resilience and self-esteem, making each training session a meaningful step toward achieving individual objectives.
When she's not on the mats, you'll find Nat exploring the city she resides in at the time, enjoying music, and watching movies. When at home in Thailand, she cherishes spending time with her two sons, family, and friends.
Nadjellah Mendoza
Copywriter
Admin/Content Creator
"True failure is the inability to try." — Nadjellah M.
With a year and a half of experience as a communications lead, Nadjellah Mendoza breathes life into Poundforce MMA as admin and content creator.
A writer for most of her life, she honed her literary skills at RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing Associate Degree. In this industry lauded degree, she published a short story with Bowen Street Press and was able to play a vital role as communications coordinator – overseeing social media and external relations to ensure the smooth revival of RMIT’s Odyssey Festival. With that experience she was then accepted into Visible Ink – a historic student led publication that has birthed prominent authors and industry figureheads such as Melanie Cheng and Sophie Splatt. Her role in Visible Ink as communications lead expanded on the knowledge and skills she attained as a communications coordinator; task delegation, creation of social media copies and upholding brand image.
Now, as a member of Poundforce MMA’s incredible team, she is responsible for greeting gym members and creating content for Instagram and Facebook (@poundforcemma). You can often find her manning the front desk or running around the gym filming content.
When she’s not fiddling with a camera or striking up conversations with gym members, she’s almost always surrounded by a splatter of pink items and either reading, singing or working on her novel manuscript.
What she lacks in martial arts knowledge, she makes up for with creativity, dedication and a strong desire to learn.