Why So Much Sparring?

Dutch kickboxing is legendary. Known for its aggressive, relentless style, it has produced some of the toughest and most dominant fighters in the world. But what truly sets it apart? The answer lies in its training methods—particularly, the intense sparring culture. Unlike many other striking disciplines, Dutch kickboxing places an extreme emphasis on frequent, hard sparring. Fighters spar almost every day, sometimes at near-fight intensity. This approach is not for the faint-hearted, but it forges warriors who can endure the chaos of a real fight.

Dutch gyms believe in replicating fight conditions as closely as possible. If you’re used to going hard in the gym, stepping into the ring will feel like just another day. Errors in training can be corrected. Mistakes in a real fight can be costly. The philosophy is simple: take risks and learn in the gym, so you don’t make costly errors under the bright lights. Despite the intensity, Dutch fighters maintain a code of respect. The goal isn’t to injure training partners but to sharpen skills in a high-pressure environment.

Dutch kickboxing didn’t emerge out of nowhere. It was shaped by visionaries who blended different martial arts styles to create something entirely unique. Jan Plas, Ramon Dekkers, and Cor Hemmers, these pioneers learned from traditional Muay Thai, Japanese kickboxing, and Western boxing, refining the art into what we now recognize as the Dutch style.

Holland isn’t a massive country, but its fighters are world-class. The secret? A competitive culture where only the best rise to the top. Fighters constantly push each other to improve, knowing that standing out in such a talent-rich pool requires relentless effort. The Netherlands is home to a diverse mix of cultures—Dutch, Moroccan, Surinamese, and more. This melting pot has contributed to the mental and physical toughness of its fighters. Many bring different styles and perspectives, making Dutch kickboxing a constantly evolving discipline.

One of the most famous institutions in Dutch kickboxing is Hemmers Gym (formerly Golden Glory). This gym has produced icons like Gokhan Saki and Errol Zimmermann, maintaining a reputation for excellence over 35 years.

At these gyms, fighters progress through a structured system:

• Beginner fights
• C-Class (Amateur)
• B-Class (Semi-Pro)
• A-Class (Professional)

The B-Class is particularly crucial—it’s where fighters learn high-level tactics before making the jump to professional ranks.

Dutch kickboxing has produced some of the sport’s greatest fighters. But what separates a good fighter from a great one? Discipline, Confidence and sharpness, The love and the champion mindset of the sport, The best fighters aren’t just chasing fame or money—they genuinely love the grind composed, and showing up to train every day, regardless of how you feel, is non-negotiable.

Kickboxing is constantly evolving, and Dutch fighters are at the forefront. While past legends like Ramon Dekkers and Rob Kaman would still be competitive today, the sport now demands an even higher level of technical and strategic mastery.

With the rise of media exposure and organizations like Glory Kickboxing and ONE Championship, the sport is gaining more mainstream recognition. Young Dutch fighters are already stepping up, training daily with the dream of becoming the next big superstar.

Dutch kickboxing isn’t just a fighting style—it’s a mindset. It’s about embracing the grind, pushing through adversity, and stepping into the ring with absolute confidence.

For those looking to train in this unforgiving yet effective system, be ready. You’ll be sparring often, you’ll be tested daily, and you’ll be pushed harder than ever before. But if you survive the process, you’ll come out tougher and sharper than most practioners in the sport.

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