In the vibrant world of martial arts, few styles have made as significant an impact in recent decades as Dutch Kickboxing.
This dynamic and powerful fighting system, born from the fusion of Muay Thai and Western Boxing, has become a dominant force in the kickboxing world and beyond.
Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the origins, evolution, and unique characteristics of Dutch Kickboxing, exploring how this hybrid martial art came to be and why it’s gained such prominence in the global fighting scene.
The Historical Context
To understand the birth of Dutch Kickboxing, we need to set the stage by looking at the martial arts landscape of the Netherlands in the 1970s and 1980s.
The Martial Arts Scene in the Netherlands
In the post-World War II era, the Netherlands saw a growing interest in martial arts. Karate, Judo, and later Kung Fu gained popularity among Dutch practitioners. However, it was the introduction of Muay Thai in the 1970s that would set the stage for a revolution in Dutch martial arts.
The Introduction of Muay Thai
Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, made its way to the Netherlands through various channels:
- Dutch Soldiers: Some Dutch military personnel stationed in Southeast Asia brought back knowledge of Muay Thai.
- Thai Immigrants: A small but significant Thai community in the Netherlands introduced authentic Muay Thai techniques.
- Pioneering Dutch Fighters: Early adopters like Jan Plas and Thom Harinck traveled to Thailand to learn the art directly from its source.
The Boxing Tradition
Simultaneously, the Netherlands had a strong boxing tradition. The country had produced notable boxers and had a well-established infrastructure for training Western-style pugilists. This existing boxing culture would play a crucial role in shaping Dutch Kickboxing.
The Fusion Begins
The birth of Dutch Kickboxing wasn’t a single event but rather a process of evolution and adaptation. Several key factors contributed to this fusion:
1. Cultural Adaptation
While Dutch practitioners were impressed by the effectiveness of Muay Thai, they found some aspects of traditional Thai training methods and fighting style at odds with their cultural norms and physical attributes:
- Training Intensity: Dutch fighters adapted the grueling Thai training regimens to suit their lifestyles.
- Fighting Style: Taller on average than Thai fighters, Dutch practitioners modified techniques to leverage their height and reach advantages.
2. Incorporation of Boxing Techniques
Dutch trainers recognized the value of Western boxing’s hand techniques and footwork. They began integrating these elements into their kickboxing style:
- Punching Combinations: Complex punch combinations from boxing were added to the traditional Muay Thai strikes.
- Footwork: The more mobile footwork of boxing was incorporated, contrasting with the more stationary traditional Muay Thai stance.
3. Emphasis on Low Kicks
One of the most distinctive features of Dutch Kickboxing emerged during this period – the heavy emphasis on low kicks:
- Efficiency: Dutch fighters found that low kicks were highly effective in wearing down opponents.
- Set-ups: Low kicks were used to set up punch combinations, creating a unique rhythm to Dutch-style fights.
4. Pressure Fighting
Dutch Kickboxing developed a characteristic aggressive, pressure-based fighting style:
- Forward Movement: Constant forward pressure became a hallmark of the Dutch style.
- Combination Striking: Fighters would throw combinations mixing punches, kicks, and knees in rapid succession.
Key Figures in Dutch Kickboxing’s Development
Several individuals played crucial roles in shaping what would become known as Dutch Kickboxing:
Jan Plas
- Founded Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam in 1978
- Trained numerous champions, including Rob Kaman and Ivan Hippolyte
- Emphasized technical precision and combination striking
Thom Harinck
- Founded Chakuriki Gym in Amsterdam
- Developed the “Chakuriki” style, a precursor to modern Dutch Kickboxing
- Trained legends like Peter Aerts and Branko Cikatić
Ramon Dekkers
- Perhaps the most famous Dutch Kickboxer
- Known for his aggressive style and success fighting in Thailand
- Helped popularize Dutch Kickboxing on the international stage
Cor Hemmers
- Trainer at the famous Golden Glory gym
- Coached numerous champions, including Semmy Schilt and Alistair Overeem
- Known for his strategic approach to fighting
Characteristics of Dutch Kickboxing
As Dutch Kickboxing evolved, it developed several distinctive characteristics:
1. Combination Striking
- Emphasis on fluid combinations of punches, kicks, and knees
- Often following a pattern of hands-legs-hands or legs-hands-legs
2. Low Kicks
- Heavy use of low kicks to wear down opponents
- Often used to set up punch combinations
3. High Guard
- Distinctive high guard with hands close to the head
- Allows for quick counters and protection against head strikes
4. Aggressive Pressure
- Constant forward movement
- Aim to overwhelm opponents with volume and power
5. Clinch Work
- Adapted from Muay Thai, but with more emphasis on breaking the clinch to continue striking
6. Conditioning
- Strong emphasis on physical conditioning
- Ability to maintain high work rate throughout fights
The Global Impact of Dutch Kickboxing
As Dutch Kickboxing developed, it began to make waves on the international stage:
K-1 and Beyond
- Dutch fighters dominated the K-1 World Grand Prix, with icons like Peter Aerts, Ernesto Hoost, and Semmy Schilt becoming multiple-time champions
- Success in K-1 helped popularize Dutch Kickboxing globally
Influence on MMA
- Many MMA fighters have incorporated Dutch Kickboxing techniques into their striking game
- Notable examples include Alistair Overeem and Gegard Mousasi
Training Centers
- Dutch Kickboxing gyms in the Netherlands became pilgrimage sites for fighters worldwide
- Gyms like Mike’s Gym, Golden Glory, and Mejiro Gym attracted international students
Dutch Kickboxing Today
Today, Dutch Kickboxing continues to evolve and influence the martial arts world:
Evolution of Techniques
- Continued refinement of techniques to adapt to modern competition
- Integration of elements from other martial arts, creating an ever-evolving style
Global Spread
- Dutch Kickboxing techniques and training methods have been adopted by gyms worldwide
- The style has influenced kickboxing and MMA training globally
New Generation of Fighters
- A new generation of Dutch Kickboxers, like Rico Verhoeven and Nieky Holzken, continue to showcase the effectiveness of the style
Dutch Kickboxing in Austin
Here in Austin, we’re fortunate to have instructors trained in Dutch Kickboxing techniques. The influence of this powerful style can be seen in many local gyms:
- Combination Drills: Many Austin kickboxing classes incorporate the signature Dutch-style combinations.
- Low Kick Focus: The Dutch emphasis on devastating low kicks has been adopted in numerous local training programs.
- Pressure Sparring: Some Austin gyms incorporate the aggressive, pressure-based sparring characteristic of Dutch training.
Conclusion
Dutch Kickboxing stands as a testament to the evolving nature of martial arts. Born from the fusion of Muay Thai’s devastating strikes and Western Boxing’s fluid footwork and hand techniques, it has grown into a formidable fighting style in its own right. Its journey from the gyms of Amsterdam to the global stage illustrates the power of cultural exchange and adaptation in the martial arts world.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, understanding the history and characteristics of Dutch Kickboxing can deepen your appreciation for this dynamic art. And for those of us in Austin, we’re lucky to have access to training that incorporates elements of this powerful style, allowing us to experience firsthand the effectiveness of Dutch Kickboxing techniques.
As we continue to train and evolve in our own martial arts journeys, we carry forward the spirit of innovation that gave birth to Dutch Kickboxing – always learning, always adapting, and always striving to become more effective martial artists.
