Thom Harinck

Thom Harinck: The Founder of Dutch Kickboxing

Thom Harinck, born on December 22, 1943 in Amsterdam, is an iconic figure in the world of kickboxing and Muay Thai. He is considered one of the pioneers of Dutch kickboxing and played a crucial role in the development and popularization of the sport in the Netherlands and abroad. Harinck is best known as the founder of the famous Chakuriki Gym and the trainer of numerous champions who have achieved international success.

Start of his Career and Chakuriki Gym

Thom Harinck began his martial arts career practicing judo, karate and savate, but eventually became fascinated by kickboxing and Muay Thai. In 1972 he founded the Chakuriki Gym in Amsterdam, which quickly became one of the most influential martial arts schools in Europe. Chakuriki was a pioneer in combining different martial arts styles, including karate, boxing and Muay Thai, which introduced a new approach to training and fighting in the Netherlands. This earned Harinck international recognition as an innovative coach.

Training Champions

Thom Harinck's Chakuriki Gym became a breeding ground for world champions. Some of the biggest names in kickboxing trained under his guidance, including Peter Aerts, Branko Cikatić, Gilbert Yvel and Badr Hari. Harinck was known for his strict training methods and his emphasis on both physical and mental preparation. His fighters developed strong techniques and an invincible mentality, which made them particularly successful in the international ring. Peter Aerts, for example, became a three-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion and is considered one of the best heavyweight kickboxers of all time.

Influence on Martial Arts

Harinck's influence extends beyond simply training champions. He has had a lasting impact on the way combat sports are practiced and perceived in the Netherlands. He was one of the first trainers to introduce and popularize Muay Thai in the Netherlands, leading to a wave of new talent and a greater recognition of kickboxing and Muay Thai as serious combat disciplines. His innovative blend of fighting styles laid the foundation for what is known as the "Dutch Kickboxing System," which is admired worldwide for its combination of powerful kicks and punches with tactical precision.

Inheritance and Estate

Thom Harinck has over five decades of experience training and coaching fighters and has left an indelible mark on the combat sports community. His work at Chakuriki Gym has helped make the Netherlands one of the biggest forces in global kickboxing. In addition to his role as a trainer, he has also helped develop the rules and standards within the sport, and is a respected mentor to many fighters.

Harinck officially retired as a trainer in 2019, but his influence lives on through his fighters and the gyms that adopted his methods. His legacy is not only seen in the champions he trained, but also in the fighting style he helped develop that is recognized worldwide today.

Conclusion

Thom Harinck is rightly regarded as one of the founders of modern kickboxing in the Netherlands. His pioneering work, combined with his ability to train champions and influence the sport on an international level, makes him one of the most respected figures in the history of combat sports. Harinck's vision and dedication have paved the way for generations of fighters and have firmly put the Netherlands on the map as a world leader in kickboxing and Muay Thai.