The Arena Gym offers an extensive list of martial arts, including the legendary art of Dutch Style Kickboxing. Many of our members who are interested in learning comprehensive striking are curious about what Dutch Kickboxing is and how it is different from other striking arts like Muay Thai.
So what is Dutch Kickboxing?
Dutch Kickboxing’s roots can be traced back to the 1970s. Dutchmen traveling to Japan learned Japanese kickboxing, which blended elements from Kyokushin Karate and Muay Thai. Over the next 50 years, the Dutch then developed this art to include additional components from Western Boxing and Muay Thai. The resulting style was referred to as Dutch Kickboxing.
Dutch kickboxing incorporates Kyokushin Karate and Muay Thai style kicks to the legs, body, and head. This differs from western kickboxing, which forbids kicks to the legs. Dutch fighters are also renowned for their elite western boxing style combinations that are used to break down their opponents and open them up for kicks or finishes. Furthermore, the Dutch are known for their use of front kicks and knees, both of which are techniques adopted from Muay Thai.
So how is Dutch different from Muay Thai?
While Muay Thai allows for clinching, elbows, catching kicks, and sweeps, Dutch style generally forbids the use of these techniques. As a result of these rule changes, the action continues at an incredibly high pace throughout the entirety of the fight.
Some of the most feared strikers on the planet owe their success to the teachings of Dutch Kickboxing. For those interested in watching some legendary kickboxers in action, check out the following list of names:
Rico Verhoeven
Nieky Holzken
Giorgio Petrosyan
Rob Kaman
Ramon Dekkers
Ernesto Hoost
