Looking at the difference between Dutch Kickboxing and other types of Kickboxing

These days, a lot of people think about the Dutch when it comes to Kickboxing. This is where the term ‘Dutch Kickboxing’ comes from. So, what is Dutch Kickboxing and how does it compare to other forms of Kickboxing. Unsurprisingly, Kickboxing originated in Japan which has birthed loads of different martial arts. It’s also spread to the west and is big in the USA too. However, arguably it’s Dutch Kickboxing that is the most popular of the lot.

Here, we shall delve into the reasons as to why Dutch Kickboxing is popular compared to its counterparts, and why it’s unique compared to the others. If you’ve ever wondered why it’s so influential, read on.

Difference between Dutch Kickboxing and Japanese Kickboxing

Originally, Japanese Kickboxing was fairly close to Karate in terms of its style. Due to its geographic location, it was also influenced by Muay Thai too. When Dutch fighters went to Japan in the early 70s, they returned to Holland and had their own twist on the discipline. Obviously, conventional Boxing has been big in the west for hundreds of years which is what the Dutchmen added. Thus, Dutch Kickboxing combined the original elements of Japanese Kickboxing with traditional boxing.

Now, instead of it being more focused on kicks, it was also more rounded with punches being more common too. Remember, Japanese Kickboxing did use punches – so it’s not like they weren’t involved. However, after the Dutch influence emerged, there was now a greater emphasis on punches and the upper body too. In some ways, Japanese Kickboxing was like Karate which also uses punches but mostly prioritizes kicks. Dutch Kickboxing merely added a greater emphasis on punches to this martial art and made it their own.

Difference between Dutch Kickboxing and Western Kickboxing

In Western Kickboxing, it’s technically illegal to kick below the hips. However, due to Dutch Kickboxing’s origins, this is not the case. For instance, Kyokushin Karate and Muay Thai both allow and emphasize kicks to the calf and lower body. As a result, Dutch Kickboxing took these rules and continued with them. This differs from Western Kickboxing where it’s not allowed and you can only kick from the waist upwards.

With this in mind, there really isn’t much difference between the two, other than the rules. Obviously, if you’re doing a competition though – kicking below the waist or not will chance the outcome of the fight massively. As ever, this is once again an example of rules shaping the design of similar martial arts.

Dutch Kickboxing doesn’t allow elbow strikes

It’s worth noting that Dutch Kickboxing doesn’t allow elbow strikes. Even though it was influenced by Muay Thai, this is one thing that wasn’t added and is technically illegal when fighting under Dutch rules. Interestingly, knee strikes are perfectly legal, which is one of the Muay Thai elements that remained. The reason for the ban on elbow strikes isn’t quite clear. Regardless, this is something worth noting if you plan on competing. Similarly, if you want to spar with elbows then Muay Thai may be a better option for you.

Does Dutch Kickboxing use head gear?

Typically, Dutch Kickboxing uses head gear in amateur bouts or during training. However, in professional fights this isn’t the case. The reason for this is due to protecting beginners of people training casually. Usually, professional fighters will have signed some kind of waiver or fight ensured in the name of brain damage and injuries. As this isn’t financially viable for amateurs, they are usually required to wear head gear. Of course, you can also wear this whilst training if you’re worried about head injuries.

Is Dutch Kickboxing the best form of Kickboxing?

If something is massively popular, then it probably means that it’s loved by the masses. Put another way, Dutch Kickboxing’s popularity could be attributed due to it being the best form of Kickboxing. Unlike the other variations aforementioned, Dutch Kickboxing has three elements to it; Karate, Muay Thai, and Boxing. Conventional Boxing was missing from Japanese Kickboxing, whilst low kicks were banned in Western Kickboxing.

Therefore, it’s fair to say that Dutch Kickboxing is the most free form of Kickboxing. Generally, when something is more open-minded like this, it attracts more fans. This isn’t to say that the Dutch variant is the best but merely suggests towards this. Of course, it’s all about personal opinions but if we’re going on the masses, then Dutch Kickboxing is the king.

Aside from rules, Dutch Kickboxing is also different in terms of culture

As previously established, Dutch Kickboxing has different rules and influences compared to its contemporaries. However, there’s also a cultural difference too. Dutch Kickboxing is perhaps known for its brutal nature and hard sparring sessions. Typically, the Japanese version was more traditional and formal. Obviously, using Muay Thai and Kyokushin Karate, it was still pretty tough. However, the introduction of more punches only added to its rough nature.

This means that if you were to train Western Kickboxing, your body may hold up a bit better compared to Dutch Kickboxing. As a result, it’s fair to say that Dutch Kickboxing has a hard reputation that is well earned. Because of this, Dutch Kickboxing is used in MMA which makes sense due to its ruleset. In some ways, Dutch Kickboxing is like MMA without grappling. In short, it’s fair to say that Dutch Kickboxing has its own culture which has a no-nonsense approach. Whilst other forms of Kickboxing are tough, Dutch Kickboxing is the hardest.

Conclusion

Over the years, we’ve seen countless Dutch Kickboxing champions such as Ramon Dekkers, Bas Rutten, Alistair Overeem, and many more. This isn’t a coincidence either and hints towards its dominance as a martial art. Even countless MMA champions over the years have come from a Dutch Kickboxing background. Based on these findings, it’s fair to say that Dutch Kickboxing is a very effective martial art.

So, if you’re thinking of starting then will improve your fighting skills massively. Even from an observer’s point of view, it’s pretty clear that it’s highly effective when it comes to combat. Lastly, we hope that this article has shined a light on not only the dominance of Dutch Kickboxing but also its cultural and style differences when compared to similar disciplines.

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