Former combat sports champions, Dino Bagattin and Hekkie Budler, joined forces to establish Nice Guys Management. 

A key motivation behind their partnership was a shared desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In 2025, Dino and Hekkie introduced a self-defense programme across Alexandra’s six high schools, aimed at empowering young girls with practical skills to protect themselves.

Girls in Alexandra face heightened risks due to structural poverty, overcrowding, gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse, and limited access to healthcare and education. These challenges contribute to ongoing cycles of vulnerability, including high teenage pregnancy rates and increased exposure to crime. Through their programme, Dino and Hekkie visited schools in Alexandra to demonstrate and teach self-defense techniques, equipping participants with the confidence and ability to respond in dangerous situations.

By December 2025, the first phase of the programme had been successfully completed, with over 150 girls participating enthusiastically. The initiative will continue into 2026, where Dino and Hekkie will reach and train an additional 100 girls.

“Dino and I are determined to teach girls how to protect themselves, with Dino focusing on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and me incorporating boxing. The girls love it so much that several attend sessions at different schools, not just their own. Dino has also invited them to train at his gym free of charge.” – Hekkie Budler.

Overall, this initiative reflects Dino and Hekkie’s ongoing commitment to uplifting the Alexandra community by providing young girls with essential self-defense skills, confidence, and support. Through Nice Guys Management, they aim to continue expanding the programme and creating a lasting impact by empowering more girls to feel safer, stronger, and more capable in their everyday lives.

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