Maarten studied Japanese Language and Culture, majoring in Buddhism at the University of Leiden, The Netherlands (1990-1995). He continues his personal Shingon Buddhist practice ever since his visit to Japan in 1994 where he conducted the traditional Buddhist pilgrimage of Kobodaishi Kukai on foot along the 88 temple circuit on the island of Shikoku. His personal practice has come to include various shamanic tools and rituals as well.

He has qualifications in: Neuro Emotional Integration, Integrated Natural Therapies and Energetic Geo Reflex Analysis, Breathwork/Rebirthing, Reiki and Medical Qigong. Furthermore he is certified as an Advanced SUNDOOR Firewalk Instructor since 1999 and SUNDOOR Master since 2000.

Maarten apprenticed 10 years with practical mystic Peggy Dylan and during this decade spent three and a half years (2005-2009) working as a driving force within SUNDOOR, The international Firewalking School, traveling to all worldwide workshops and events as SUNDOOR Trainer and Peggy's personal assistant. 

His career spans from General Manager in the hospitality business to Workshop Facilitator in personal growth and spiritual development.