Our Team - Nomad Wellness Niseko

Who is Nomad Wellness Niseko?

Nomad Wellness Niseko is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals, coaches, and instructors brought together by a shared passion for adventure, wellness, and helping people achieve their best. Our practice is rooted in the latest research in physiotherapy, fitness, and wellness. From injury prevention and recovery to improving performance and overall well-being, we are committed to providing top-tier care tailored to your unique needs.

Our internationally trained team comes from all corners of the globe, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to support both winter and summer sports. Whether you’re cycling, mountain biking, running, or perfecting your golf swing, we’ve got you covered.

Cardeux Nel

Physiotherapist

Cardeux is a highly experienced physiotherapist, entrepreneur, and former national-level athlete with over 11 years of global experience in South Africa, Hong Kong, and Japan. As the founder of Nomad Wellness Niseko, she combines her passion for sports and holistic health expertise to help clients recover from injuries, optimize performance, and achieve their personal goals.

Specializing in sports injuries, running gait analysis, and performance optimization, Cardeux takes a personalized approach that integrates manual therapy, functional movement, and strength training. Her experience managing multidisciplinary clinics, including in Hong Kong where she continues to work part of the year, has shaped her inclusive, client-centered philosophy.

An avid trail runner, road runner, field hockey player, and snowboarder, she understands the demands of an active lifestyle and is deeply committed to empowering others to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. A proud advocate for women in sports and leadership, she is passionate about creating a welcoming space where every client feels supported and inspired to thrive.

Francisco Iocca

Physiotherapist

Francisco is an experienced physiotherapist from Argentina with over seven years of expertise in rehabilitation and injury recovery. He takes a patient-centered and holistic approach, focusing on restoring movement, preventing future injuries, and helping people live active, fulfilling lives. With a passion for working with athletes across various disciplines, Francisco combines expert care with a deep understanding of what it takes to get back to doing what you love.

Francisco used to be a professional basketball referee before falling in love with the mountains, which inspired him to dedicate his life to learning from nature. He’s a certified ski instructor and an outdoor enthusiast who loves ski touring, snowboarding, climbing, biking, scuba and free diving.

He also completed a transformative 6 month meditation retreat, becoming a certified Isha Judd meditation instructor, which deepened his understanding of the mind-body connection.

Whether guiding recovery or inspiring a love for movement and nature, Francisco’s goal is always to help you live a balanced, strong, and joyful life.

Aki Irikawa

Physiotherapist

Aki is a passionate and dedicated physiotherapist from Japan with over 10 years of experience in orthopedics, rehabilitation, and movement therapy. She takes a personal and compassionate approach to every client’s care, always striving to help people feel their best. Aki’s kindness and genuine desire to support others make her not just a physiotherapist but a trusted partner in your wellness journey.

Outside of the clinic, Aki is a true enthusiast for movement and adventure. She’s a sponsored snowboarding ambassador, so if she’s not helping clients, you’ll likely find her carving up the slopes. In addition, she’s an accomplished runner with a marathon time of 3h30 min and is also a certified RYT-200 yoga instructor, reflecting her passion for movement and wellness.

Aki’s passion for health and her love for the outdoors are deeply connected. Whether she’s guiding you through recovery or sharing her enthusiasm for staying active,Aki’s goal is always the same: to help you move better, feel stronger, and live a life you love.

Oscar Dohnalek

Strength and conditioning Coach / Nutrition

Oscar is a graduate of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from The University of Queensland and a Level 2 CrossFit Coach with extensive experience coaching at CrossFit facilities in Brisbane. He specializes in Olympic weightlifting, strength training, and functional fitness, with a focus on technique and performance.

As a semi-professional football player and former strength and conditioning intern with UQ’s Division 1 Women’s Hockey team, Oscar brings firsthand knowledge of elite sports and periodized training. He designs tailored strength programs, performance-focused nutritional plans, and progressive routines for athletes of all ages, emphasizing safe and effective technique.

With experience as a Nutrition Coach at Ultra CrossFit and a support worker, Oscar creates inclusive training environments that cater to diverse needs. Having worked two winter seasons in Niseko and with basic Japanese skills, he connects easily with local and international clients alike.

An avid CrossFit athlete, Olympic weightlifting enthusiast, and snowboarder, Oscar is passionate about helping others optimize their fitness and thrive in mountain sports.

Sakka Hiranuma

Trainer

Get ready to meet one of the most vibrant trainers in Niseko! As one of Japan’s first certified Aqua Bag instructors, she brings a fresh, dynamic energy to every session. Her workouts blend the fun of aqua-based training with the intensity of kickboxing, bootcamps, and cardio, offering something for everyone—no matter your fitness level.

Known for her bright smile, infectious energy, and encouraging voice (you’ll always know where she is!), she creates an atmosphere that motivates and empowers. Whether it’s a personal training session or an outdoor workout set against Niseko’s stunning backdrop, her clear guidance and enthusiasm will push you to achieve your goals.

In the summer, you’ll find Sakka trail running, surfing, cycling, or hiking through the mountains she loves. In winter, she’s chasing powder on skis, making the most of Niseko’s legendary snow.