Dutch kickboxing

Dutch kickboxing

Focus	Striking
Country of origin	Netherlands
Creator	Thom Harinck, Jan Plas
Famous practitioners	Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, Ramon Dekkers, Badr Hari, Joerie Mes, Ernesto Hoost, Rob Kaman, Albert Kraus, Frank Lobman, Alistair Overeem, Gökhan Saki, Semmy Schilt, Andy Souwer, Fred Royers, Jan Plas, Leo de Snoo, Ivan Sprang, Andre Brilleman, Tommy van de Berg, Patrick Brizon, Ronnie Green
Parenthood	Japanese kickboxing, Kyokushinkai, Muay Thai
Olympic sport	No

Dutch kickboxing, or Dutch Muay Thai, is a style of kickboxing originating from the Netherlands which has its foundations in Japanese kickboxing and Muay Thai.

History

Kickboxing was first introduced to the Netherlands in the 1970s when Dutch martial artists Thom Harinck and Jan Plas opened gyms such as the Chakuriki Gym and Mejiro Gym, teaching Japanese kickboxing and Muay Thai which they had learned in Asia, while also using techniques from their Kyokushin karate backgrounds. Harinck and Plas also founded the NKBB (Dutch Kickboxing Association) in 1976.^[1]

In contrast to traditional Muay Thai, Dutch-style has more focus on boxing and low kicks, and less use of the thip. Dutch kickboxing is also known for its aggressive punch/kick combinations.

Ever since its inception in 1993, Dutch kickboxers have dominated the K-1 scene, causing "Wimbledon effects", with two record holding title champions Ernesto Hoost and Semmy Schilt, other world champions and contenders include Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky, Andy Souwer, Badr Hari, Albert Kraus, Alistair Overeem and Melvin Manhoef.

References

1. ^ "Kickboxing Origins", Martial Arts Database