Jan Plas

Jan Plas: The Founder of Dutch Kickboxing and Founder of Mejiro Gym

Jan Plas, born in the Netherlands, is one of the most influential figures in the history of Dutch kickboxing. As the founder of the legendary Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam, Plas played a crucial role in developing and popularizing kickboxing in the Netherlands, a country that later became world-famous for its dominant fighters in the sport. Plas was not only a trainer and coach but also a pioneer who laid the foundations for generations of successful Dutch fighters.

Early Career and Influence on Kickboxing

Jan Plas began his career as a martial artist in judo and karate before transitioning to kickboxing. In the 1970s, he traveled to Japan to train and was introduced to kickboxing there, which was then mainly known as Kyokushin karate with strikes to the head. Plas was strongly influenced by the Japanese martial arts culture and brought the techniques and philosophies back to the Netherlands.

Upon his return to the Netherlands, he founded Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam, named after the famous Mejiro Gym in Japan where he had trained. This gym would later become a breeding ground for some of the greatest Dutch kickboxers.

Mejiro Gym and Pioneering Work

Under Jan Plas’s leadership, Mejiro Gym became one of the most renowned kickboxing schools in the world. Plas was the mentor of many future champions, including legendary fighters such as Rob Kaman, André Mannaart, and Lucien Carbin. His training methods and philosophies laid the foundation for the characteristic Dutch kickboxing style, known for strong combinations of punches and kicks, hard low kicks, and an aggressive yet technical approach.

Plas was known for his strict discipline and his ability to bring out the best in his students. His work at Mejiro Gym not only influenced Dutch kickboxers but also contributed to the global development of the sport. His students won titles worldwide and helped raise the international profile of Dutch kickboxing.

Legacy and Impact

Jan Plas is considered one of the founders of Dutch kickboxing and set the standard for many generations of fighters and trainers through his work at Mejiro Gym. His contributions to the sport extend far beyond the ring, with a lasting influence on how kickboxing is trained and practiced, not only in the Netherlands but worldwide.

His legacy lives on through the many champions he trained and the gyms he inspired. Although Plas faced legal issues later in life, his influence on martial arts remains undeniable. The successes of Dutch fighters on the international kickboxing scene are largely thanks to the foundation Jan Plas established.

Conclusion

Jan Plas was a visionary and pioneer in the world of Dutch kickboxing. As the founder of Mejiro Gym, he not only trained countless champions but also left an indelible mark on the sport itself. His dedication, knowledge, and passion for martial arts have earned him a lasting place in the history of kickboxing, and his legacy continues through the many generations of fighters he influenced.