Stepping into the expansive universe of martial arts can be a maze of terminology, especially for newcomers or those surveying from the fringes.
While the American martial arts community often spotlights disciplines like Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Wrestling as foundational for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) hopefuls, there’s a surge of interest in forms like Boxing, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and notably Dutch Kickboxing. With roots intertwined with K1 and Glory rulesets, Dutch Kickboxing is emerging as a crucial piece in the MMA puzzle.
This article will shed light on Dutch Kickboxing‘s distinctive essence and its contribution to reshaping the MMA landscape in America.
Dutch Kickboxing: A Melting Pot of Techniques
Originating from Europe, Dutch Kickboxing amalgamates elements from Karate, Boxing, and Muay Thai, creating a unique striking style. Renowned for its dynamic movements, precise boxing, and specialized low kicks, Dutch Kickboxing has carved its identity. What distinguishes a Dutch Kickboxer from counterparts in other martial arts is the combination of nimble head movement, impeccable boxing skill, and kicks predominantly aimed below the waist.
MMA in America: The Changing Dynamics
As MMA gains traction in America, fighters are continually exploring ways to diversify their skill set. In this evolving scenario, Dutch Kickboxing offers a strategic advantage. It brings a different tempo and range of techniques that can catch opponents off-guard, especially those primarily trained in traditional American combat sports.
Adapting to New Rulesets
The rise of different fighting platforms and promotions has led to a variety of rulesets, with fighters needing to adapt swiftly. Dutch Kickboxing, with its K1 and Glory rules, offers a fresh challenge. Unlike traditional kickboxing or Muay Thai, it imposes restrictions on clinching durations, prohibits certain takedowns, and limits strikes after catching a kick. This adaptation is a testament to Dutch Kickboxing’s influence on the MMA narrative in the US.
Scoring Evolution: Emphasizing Technique & Movement
American MMA promotions are increasingly recognizing the value of movement, technique, and overall fighter strategy in their scoring criteria. While traditional MMA favored takedowns and control, the inclusion of Dutch Kickboxing techniques has reshaped scoring paradigms. The emphasis on agile footwork, striking precision, and defensive capabilities, hallmarks of Dutch Kickboxing, is now more pronounced than ever.
Training Evolution: Integrating Dutch Techniques
The training regimens across American MMA gyms are undergoing a revolution. While traditional drills and sparring sessions remain integral, there’s a discernible tilt towards incorporating Dutch Kickboxing drills. These drills, involving partner-work with gloves and shin pads, focus on honing technical patterns and intensifying sparring. This integration helps to promote Dutch Kickboxing’s growing significance in American MMA.
Peter Aerts: Blending Movement into High-Kicks
Peter Aerts is one of the greatest kickboxers of all time, and his high kicks are legendary. In this video, we take a look at what makes his high kicks so devastating, and we see some of his most impressive knockouts.
Aerts’ high kicks are so dangerous because he can throw them from a variety of angles and distances. He is also very good at setting them up with his jab and other strikes. When he does land a high kick, it is often with devastating results.
In this video, we see Aerts knock out some of the biggest names in kickboxing, including Glaube Feitosa, Jerome Le Banner, and Ernesto Hoost. His high kicks are truly a sight to behold, and they are one of the reasons why he is known as the “Dutch Lumberjack.“
Bridging the Gap Between Disciplines
Though there’s a shared foundational layer, MMA and Dutch Kickboxing are distinct realms. However, the interplay between them is evident. Dutch Kickboxing techniques are enhancing the repertoire of American MMA fighters, offering them new dimensions of attack and defense. It’s clear: to thrive in modern MMA in the US, embracing Dutch Kickboxing is becoming imperative.
Broad Street Kickboxing: Pioneering the Fusion
Broad Street Kickboxing stands at this intersection, championing the fusion of diverse martial arts. By seamlessly weaving Boxing, Dutch Kickboxing, and Muay Thai, they’ve engineered a striking style optimized for the MMA circuit in America. Their prowess is further accentuated by their achievements, such as grooming champions for prestigious tournaments.
Dutch Kickboxing isn’t just another martial art; it’s pivotal in America’s MMA evolution narrative. Embrace its techniques, appreciate its strategy, and witness the future of MMA unfold.
