About Sensei Bas

Hi, I’m Bas van Laarhoven—better known as Sensei Bas.

I’m an efficiency philosopher, martial arts teacher, and father of three. Over the past decade, I’ve guided over 900 individuals—from students in college classrooms to executives in $10M+ companies—helping them lead with clarity, build resilience, and find their purpose.

My Philosophy

I believe in doing less to achieve more—or put more simply, using your mind and body in ways that feel natural and holistic. This approach can unlock massive gains in productivity, clarity, and resilience, while reducing unnecessary friction in your life.

By simplifying your life and focusing on what truly matters, you can unlock levels of personal growth and fulfillment that feel almost effortless. This philosophy comes from my own experiences: balancing a high-paying engineering job, teaching martial arts, and raising three kids—all while living with an anxiety disorder and recovering from severe burnout.

Through these challenges, I’ve learned how to turn struggles into strength. Whether you’re looking to build mental toughness, share your story authentically, or make your message resonate, I’m here to guide you.

Why “Sensei”?

To be fair, “Sensei” is a title my students gave me. There’s a longer story behind it, but let’s just say it stuck—and I’ve carried the name proudly ever since.

Martial arts has been my lifelong teacher. It’s where I’ve learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of building character. As a martial arts instructor, I’ve had the privilege not only to study techniques but also to master the art of guiding others toward their own inner strength.

This same philosophy shapes my work today: helping purpose-driven, highly sensitive individuals like you thrive, even in the face of criticism, manipulation, and mental resistance.

What I Do

My work focuses on three core areas:

  1. Expressing Yourself – I teach practical strategies to help you share your story in ways that build connection, visibility, and even income—without sacrificing the authenticity or meaning behind your message.
  2. Resilience – You’ll learn how to set boundaries, handle criticism, and build mental toughness. Together, we’ll clarify your vision and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.
  3. Character Development – True success isn’t just about what you achieve; it’s about who you become along the way. I’ll help you build a strong, authentic character that aligns with both your values and your goals.

While these pillars may seem distinct, they’re deeply interconnected. For example:

Let’s say you’re learning to build habits in ways that match how your brain naturally works. By overcoming inner resistance and creating sustainable routines, you’ll stop falling back into survival mode and start thriving. Here’s how this ties into the three pillars:

  • Storytelling: Creating the right habits frees up mental energy, giving you the space to tell your story—or express yourself in any way you choose.
  • Resilience: You’ll learn to overcome internal resistance and recover from setbacks.
  • Character Development: Our habits shape who we are and how we show up in the world.

Do you see how this single skill ties all three pillars together?

My Mission

I’m here to help highly intelligent, sensitive, purpose-driven individuals like you share your message with the world. Whether you’re looking to gain clarity, build an online presence, or simply feel more confident in your own voice, I’ll help you bridge the gap between your ideas and your audience. Together, we’ll create meaningful visibility that amplifies your impact.

If this resonates with you, let’s connect. Whether you’re here to improve your storytelling, build resilience, or strengthen your character, I’m honored to guide you along the way.

Let’s simplify, thrive, and make it count.

—Sensei Bas