MY EXPERIENCE TRAINING DUTCH KICKBOXING IN HOLLAND! 🥊😎

What's up, guys? I'm finally back! After traveling and moving into a new place, I'm excited to dive into a topic many of you have been asking about – my experience training Dutch kickboxing in Holland. If you enjoyed my video on training in Thailand, you'll find this one just as interesting.

Settling In and Getting Started

So, the year was 2014. I went to Holland and stayed for a full month to train kickboxing twice a day. It was an amazing experience. This post is all about the nitty-gritty details of my journey, the techniques I learned, and what you can expect if you ever decide to train kickboxing in the Netherlands.

First Impressions and Training Locations

I had the privilege of training at multiple gyms, but I spent most of my time at Fred Royers gym in Arnhem. Fred Royers is well-respected in the Dutch kickboxing community, known for his championship titles in Savate and Dutch Kickboxing. Despite stepping back from coaching, his legacy carries on through the new coaches running the gym.

Other Gyms I Trained At
 Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam: I visited this gym a few times. It’s a notable name in the kickboxing world.
Unnamed Gym: Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of one of the gyms I visited, but the experience was equally phenomenal.

The Training Regimen

Training was intense. I worked out six days a week, twice a day from Monday to Friday, and once on Saturdays. Here's a breakdown of what my weekly routine looked like:

Sparring: Three days a week.
Boxing: Two to three times a week.
Partner Drills, Bag Drills, and Shadow Boxing: Regularly incorporated into the training sessions.

Sparring Insights

Sparring in Holland is no joke. The intensity and dedication to technique are unlike anything else. They know how to control the power, ensuring safety while maintaining a high level of intensity. Bigger guys would go lighter on the head but would not hold back on body shots and leg kicks.

They would beat the shit out of your body, guys. They would kick your body and legs so hard.

Drills and Techniques

The drills were very structured and much like American boxing gyms, we used mirrors to observe and perfect our technique. Partner drills, bag drills, and shadow boxing ensured that every session was meticulously planned and executed.

Key Takeaways from the Drills:

Every combination ends with a low kick.
No pulling punches or kicks; go 100% even during drills.
Intense one-hour sessions felt like three hours of practice due to the rigorous pace.

Boxing Emphasis

A significant part of Dutch kickboxing is setting up kicks with hand combinations. We did boxing drills twice a week, sometimes even thrice. This structured approach ensured we learned to blend boxing and kickboxing seamlessly.

The Brutality and the Reward

Dutch kickboxing training is not for the faint-hearted. The sessions are brutal and target both physical and mental endurance. My body took a beating, but the reward was an in-depth understanding of world-class techniques from the best in the business.

Preparation Tips

If you're planning to train in Holland, here are a few tips:

Condition Your Legs: Practice a lot of low kicks and defenses before heading over.
Adapt to the Intense Drills: Be prepared for intense and structured drills.
Pick a Few Good Coaches: Find one or two promising coaches and stick with them for the duration of your training.

Comparing Holland and Thailand

One major difference between training in Holland and Thailand is the focus on partner drills versus pad and bag work. In Thailand, you get more pad sessions even in group classes, whereas, in Holland, pad work is mostly one-on-one. Dutch sessions also beat up your body more due to the harder sparring and intense partner drills.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Would I recommend training Dutch kickboxing in Holland? Absolutely! Whether you're an MMA fighter or a kickboxer, you'll gain invaluable experience. Just be prepared for the intensity and make sure to condition your body, especially your legs. Visiting multiple gyms but working with a few dedicated coaches will maximize your learning and retention.

Training in Holland was a transformative experience and, despite the physical toll, I came back with amazing techniques and a renewed appreciation for hard sparring.

Thank you for reading about my journey! If you're new to martial arts and looking to find a gym near you, check out my book: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Martial Arts School and Instructor. Got any other questions or topics you'd like me to cover? Let me know!