Dutch Kickboxing: The Art of Controlled Aggression
Dutch kickboxing may not be as well-known as many other forms of martial arts, but it is a formidable system that combines the hands of Western boxing, conditioning of Kyokushin karate, low kicks of Muay Thai, and relentless forward pressure. This post will cover the history of Dutch kickboxing, as well as the core elements of its offensive and defensive strategies, training methods, and flaws.
History of Dutch Kickboxing
As noted in the above video by Pro Striking, Dutch kickboxing can trace its history back to the 1970s and four Dutch fighters: Jan Plas, Peter van den Hemel, Jan van Looijen, and Jon Bluming. Bluming is considered to be one of the godfathers of MMA and was the first person to open a Kyokushin karate dojo in Holland, Kyokushin Budokai. Bluming’s style was one of the first attempts to blend multiple disciplines into one, and included elements of full contact karate, judo, and ground fighting. Bluming was already an established teacher in the 1970s, while the other three—Jan Plas, Peter van den Hemel, and Jan van Looijen—were still students, and all of them were greatly influenced by Bluming.
In 1975, the three students left Holland for Japan to train under a master of Japanese martial arts, Kenichi Sawai. Sawai’s martial arts system was known as Tai Ki-Ken. Unfortunately, the three were not allowed to train with Sawai and they were also expelled from another dojo in Tokyo when they interrupted a hazing incident.
Left to explore Tokyo on their own, they saw posters for a kickboxing event and decided to go. There they met Toshio Fujiwara, the Muay Thai champion of Japan and first foreigner to win the Lumpinee Stadium title. Fujiwara was a student of Kenji Kurosaki, the man who first fused full-contact karate with Muay Thai and was one of the most pioneers of Japanese kickboxing.
Fujiwara asked the Dutchman to come train with him. Every morning at 5 am, they’d run 10 km through Tokyo, and then do hours of kickboxing drills and sparring. They learned the techniques of Japanese kickboxing that included clinches, throws, and low kicks, which are exceptionally powerful shin attacks to the opponent’s thighs.
When they returned to Holland, Jan Plas opened what became the legendary Mejiro gym in Amsterdam. Pieter van der Hamel taught at Johann Voss’ gym. Jan van Loojen went to Bluming’s gym and later trained Dutch marines and police. Many of their students would go on to compete in Muay Thai competitions in Thailand.
While the Dutch-trained fighters initially struggled in Thailand, they adapted steadily throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. By the 1990s they were a formidable class of fighters who were respected throughout Thailand and the world of Muay Thai. One of the most notable fighters was Ramon Dekkers, who emerged in late 1980s and early 1990s as Holland’s premier kickboxer by combining Dutch kickboxing techniques with traditional Muay Thai.
The Dutch Style
The Dutch style is known for its explosiveness and relentlessness. Dutch fighters typically have a low wide stance that assures a wide base for balance and stability. It also gives fighters the ability to maximize power through their hips for strikes with the arms or legs. Additionally, Dutch fighters are known for their multilevel combinations. These include strikes to the head, body, and leg that may be delivered with a jab to the head, a punch to the liver, and a chopping low kick.
The liver shot is another Dutch specialty. While body blows can sap an opponent’s energy and bring down their defenses, a powerful strike to the liver can immediately send a person to the mat. High knees are another common strike that comes when the opponent’s defense remains high and tight. The knee penetrates the defense and can very quickly end the fight.
Defensively, the Dutch style uses high guard similar to Western boxing, but the forearms are also used to defend against kicks. This position is especially dangerous because it allows fighters to counter very easily. Meanwhile, fighters can maintain pressure continuously and force opponents to move backwards. Marat Grigorian really exemplifies this kind of defensive strategy.
While head movements are crucial when defending in Western style boxing, the addition of knees and kicks makes too much head movement incredibly dangerous in kickboxing. Evasive maneuvers that move too much when avoiding punches or elbows can bring you into closer contact with a leg strike. If you’re totally undefended, the result can be a knockout. Consequently, there is minimal head movement. Dutch fighters may also opt to absorb kicks to the thigh, as the fighter can keep both feet on the floor. As a result, they maintain power and can counterstrike with a punch or elbow.
Strategically, Dutch kickboxers are aiming to maintain pressure so that they never lose control over the fight. A successful Dutch kickboxer is always pushing the opponent and dictating the pace of the fight.
Dutch Training
Dutch kickboxers have some of the best conditioning on the planet because their training sessions are so intense. Similar to other boxing styles, there is bag work with heavy bags to build strength and toughness, while speed bags build rhythm and dexterity. Unlike other boxing styles, there is less pad work with a dedicated coach or trainer and more give and take drills. In addition to building stamina, these drills simulate the pressure of a real fight.
Sparring also simulates the pressure of a real fight because fighters are expected to go hard. While some disciplines within the world of martial arts recommend taking a more playful approach, the Dutch method of training cranks up the intensity to ten.
Pros and Cons of the Dutch System
There are two notable flaws with Dutch kickboxing. The first is that it can be somewhat predictable. A Dutch kickboxer is trained to be extremely aggressive, even if they take on a lot of damage. Someone who can effectively control distance can frustrate this kind of strategy. Secondly, the relentless nature of the training can shorten careers and may be associated with CTE. These are legitimate concerns for anyone who hopes to train for an extended period of time.
For these reasons, Dutch kickboxing may not be for everyone. However, borrowing from the Dutch can teach fighters how to maximize their endurance and how to overwhelm an opponent.