Dutch style kickboxing is an innovative combination of Muay Thai, Kyokushin, and western boxing techniques, characterized by nonstop forward pressure punctuated by punching combinations punctuated by low kicks.
Dutch kickboxers train intensively to increase physical endurance and power. This includes conditioning exercises, sparring sessions, and circuit training.
Focus is also placed on building a strong mental game, including staying calm under pressure and understanding that hard work pays off.
Ramon Dekkers
Ramon Dekkers was an icon in Dutch kickboxing history. Starting as early as twelve years old with disciplines like judo and boxing before eventually discovering Muay Thai under Cor Hemmers (famous Dutch trainer and champion).
Dekkers was known for his dynamic fighting style that combined speed and power. He often employed low kicks which caused serious injury to his opponents while using quick punches to open gaps in their defenses.
He had incredible skill, often knocking out opponents with ease. One of his most famous matches was against Orono Por Muang Ubon who became his bitter opponent.
Ramon Dekkers quickly rose through the ranks as an influential trainer at both Team Dekkers and Golden Glory after retiring from competition, serving as commentator at K-1 matches and also acting as trainer to several Dutch fighters such as Semmy Schilt and Remy Bonjasky. He is considered a mentor by fellow Dutch athletes such as Semmy Schilt and Remy Bonjasky.
Semmy Schilt
Schilt was one of the greatest heavyweight champions ever, dominating his opponents by employing both punching and kicking tactics against them. His long legs allowed him to create openings in their defense while his devastating low kicks often ended fights by knockout.
Schilt’s success stems from hard work and dedication to the sport. He trained extensively, using sparring as an avenue to increase power and combinations while honing his skills and perfect his combinations. Some may consider sparring too dangerous, but when done safely it can serve as an invaluable means of improving technique while building mental resilience.
Dutch style kickboxing differs from other combat sports in requiring high levels of physical fitness and endurance to perform successfully. Training includes partner drills and sparring sessions designed to develop timing, distancing, as well as an emphasis on high kicks for fighting purposes – Schilt’s last fight saw him defeat Badr Ghita with an early KO victory at K-1 World Grand Prix 2015.
Nieky Holzken
Nieky Holzken is one of the top Dutch kickboxers worldwide. His combination striking utilizes elements of Kyokushin Karate, Western Boxing and Muay Thai in order to penetrate opponents’ defenses and deliver explosive finishes – something for which he has won multiple MMA and K-1 championships, garnering him worldwide respect and accolades.
He employs an innovative stance that allows him to move with maximum mobility when attacking, as well as impeccable timing and precision. Drills were used to perfect combinations and footwork; additionally, sparring was done regularly to hone skills and prepare for real combat.
At ONE Super Series’ WARRIOR’S DREAM event, he made an unforgettable debut, stunning Cosmo Alexandre with an uncompromising knockout victory that featured big strikes, kicks, knees and fluid combinations of punches, kicks, knees and elbows. Regian Eersel will then face him once again at ONE Fight Night 11; the victor of which will earn an opportunity to challenge for the ONE Lightweight Kickboxing World Championship title.
Dutch kickboxing champions
Dutch kickboxing is an innovative style of kickboxing which has produced some of the world’s greatest fighters. These champions embrace its philosophy of taking personal responsibility for one’s own success and developing their own strategy, while emphasizing hard work and perseverance as key factors to their success.
Jan Plas, a Kyokushin karate instructor who trained the likes of Peter Aerts and Rob Kaman at Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam was one of the pioneers of Dutch kickboxing. His students would go on to dominate both K-1 and Glory world series under his instruction.
Semmy Schilt and Alistair Overeem are among the more well-known Dutch champions. Both are known for their precise footwork and devastating low kicks; as well as using clinch fighting to create openings in their opponent’s defense. Through their success, Dutch kickboxing has become one of the world’s premier martial arts disciplines and one of the most effective striking systems available today.
My passion for martial arts goes beyond practice; it is a philosophy that shapes my writing, bringing a distinctive edge to my narratives and advice. I hold black belts in two martial arts disciplines and have competed internationally, experiences that enrich my storytelling with authenticity and excitement.