Colombian Champion Elevates Athletic Hygiene Through Innovative Entrepreneurship

Nelson Duque’s journey from Pereira champion to Daymond John’s apprentice competition showcases athletic innovation

Nelson Duque, industrial designer and former taekwondo champion, has built Be The Undisputed into a leading athletic hygiene company while competing for Daymond John’s apprenticeship program. His plant-based soap products address critical health needs in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts communities, reflecting his dedication to athlete wellness and sustainable innovation.

New York, N.Y. – In the competitive landscape of athletic entrepreneurship, where innovation meets necessity, Nelson Duque has transformed his journey from Colombian martial arts champion to New York City entrepreneur, creating solutions that protect athletes while honoring his commitment to inspiring future generations.

From Pereira Champion to U.S. Innovator

Duque’s entrepreneurial success story began in Pereira, Colombia, where his athletic achievements in taekwondo earned him recognition as an “Outstanding Youth” from the mayor’s office. This early acknowledgment of excellence would prove prophetic, as Duque carried that same dedication across continents to build his American dream.

“I’m going to inspire my children and other people, I’m going to support athletes who, like me, didn’t have support,” Duque stated in his recent interview with Punto Final newspaper. This mission-driven approach has guided his transition from athlete to entrepreneur, culminating in his participation in “Entrepreneurs with Impact,” Daymond John‘s competitive apprenticeship program.

The journey to New York was not without challenges. After receiving that early recognition in Colombia, Duque made the difficult decision to emigrate to the United States, joining millions of Latino immigrants seeking opportunities in America. His path included eight years of rigorous study, working with metal artists to perfect his portfolio, and learning to write at university level before gaining admission to Pratt Institute.

Building Be The Undisputed: Athletic Innovation Meets Market Need

Duque’s company, Be The Undisputed, emerged from his dual expertise in industrial design and athletic performance.

As a former competitive athlete who understood the unique challenges facing martial artists, he recognized a critical gap in the market for specialized hygiene products.

“The strategy I presented in the competition focuses on Be The Undisputed as a brand that addresses the specific needs combat sports athletes face,” Duque explained.

His approach involves creating targeted soap formulations for different athletic challenges, with each product designed to address specific skin issues athletes encounter.

The company’s flagship products feature natural, plant-based ingredients including calendula, tea tree, and eucalyptus—plants celebrated for their antibacterial and antifungal properties.

These formulations specifically target common issues in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts communities, where close contact and shared equipment create heightened infection risks.

The Science Behind Athletic Hygiene

Hygiene in combat sports extends far beyond personal comfort, representing a fundamental aspect of athlete safety and community health. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where practitioners engage in intense physical contact on shared mats, infections can spread rapidly without proper preventive measures.

Common skin infections including staph, ringworm, and MRSA pose serious threats to the martial arts community. Duque’s products address these concerns through carefully formulated ingredients that fight bacteria and fungi while maintaining skin health. Each soap bar is handcrafted in small batches, ensuring quality control and potency.

“When you’re developing products for athletes, you must understand the psychology of the consumer,” Duque noted, drawing on his specialized studies in psychology. “The way a person perceives an object influences how they use it, whether it’s appealing or how the object generates a sensation.”

Competing for Daymond John’s Mentorship

Currently competing in Daymond John’s “Entrepreneurs with Impact” program, Duque faces the challenge of standing out among 21,000 entrepreneurs. The competition, which eliminates 77% of participants in each round, requires comprehensive business documentation and strategic marketing capabilities.

“They conduct studies and ask questions about development, market selection, and growth potential in their forms,” Duque explained. “When I started Be The Undisputed, I didn’t have much money—between $15,000 and $28,000 for infrastructure, formulation development, and equipment.”

The contrast between his initial resources and current market potential is striking. According to Duque, developing, producing, and marketing a sports product like his can cost between $50,000 and $100,000, highlighting the significant growth his company has achieved.

Sustainable Innovation and Global Impact

Sustainability remains central to Duque’s business philosophy. His products feature sustainably sourced oils extracted with consideration for farmers and wildlife, ensuring deforestation-free and fully traceable supply chains. This commitment reflects broader industry trends toward environmentally conscious manufacturing while meeting athlete performance demands.

The formulations are free from harsh chemicals, GMOs, parabens, and artificial fragrances, making them suitable for sensitive skin while maintaining antimicrobial effectiveness. This balance between natural ingredients and performance requirements demonstrates Duque’s industrial design expertise applied to consumer product development.

“I want to thank all the people from Pereira who have supported me, my former teammates who have promoted this through their social networks, and the students and professors from UTP who have also voted for me,” Duque said, acknowledging his Colombian support network.

Educational Mission and Community Building

Beyond product development, Be The Undisputed emphasizes education and advocacy within the athletic community. Duque’s approach encourages both beginners and advanced practitioners to model proper hygiene habits, creating cultures of cleanliness and respect in training facilities.

Essential habits promoted by the company include immediate post-training showers, wearing clean gear for every session, maintaining trimmed nails, and avoiding training when ill. These simple but powerful practices protect individual athletes while contributing to safer training environments.

“Good hygiene is everyone’s responsibility,” Duque emphasizes.
“It’s how we show respect for ourselves, our partners, and the art we practice.”

Jim Luce, president of the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, who has known Duque for over a decade, praised his integrity and entrepreneurial spirit: “The integrity of his company is an inspiration to the entrepreneurial community. It has been a pleasure watching Nelson flourish—now with wife and son. This BJJ champion rules.”

#Entrepreneurship #AthleteWellness #Innovation #MartialArts
#SustainableBusiness #DaymondJohn #NewYorkBusiness #Colombian

TAGS: athletic hygiene, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Nelson Duque, Be The Undisputed,
Daymond John, martial arts wellness, plant-based products, Colombian American,
entrepreneurship, sustainable innovation, combat sports, New York business