Boxing in Amsterdam | History and boxing schools

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Introduction

History of this sport

From pioneers to clubs. At the end of the nineteenth century, boxing gained a foothold in Amsterdam. Henry Placké is named as one of the sport’s early advocates. The founding of the Dutch Boxing Federation in 1911 gave boxing a national organizational framework.

Boxing around Waterlooplein. In the first half of the twentieth century, boxing schools were an important part of life in Amsterdam’s Jewish neighborhoods. Boxing School Olympia and De Jonge Bokser are part of that story. Ben Bril emerged from this boxing culture to become one of the best-known Dutch boxers and competed at the 1928 Olympic Games in his home city.

War and loss. The German occupation hit Amsterdam’s Jewish boxing community hard. Stories about the boxing schools of this period are therefore not just about matches and champions, but also about persecution, resistance, and the people who never returned. Ben Bril survived the war and remained involved in the sport afterward as a referee.

A sport passed down. After the war, boxing remained a visible part of Amsterdam’s club culture. The history of Boksteam Albert Cuyp and ABOV shows how clubs trained athletes and provided a place to train together. These schools connect the history of the ring with the boxing of later generations.

Local connections

More than a competitive sport. The history of Olympia, Albert Cuyp and ABOV shows that a boxing gym can also be a social place. People learn together, pass on their experience and build bonds outside the ring.

From boxing to other combat sports. Amsterdam later also developed an influential kickboxing culture. Its history is connected to that of boxing, but they remain different disciplines. That’s why this page focuses on Amsterdam’s boxing gyms and boxers.

Martial arts facts

Historic boxing gym: Olympia
Olympic boxer: Ben Bril
Amsterdam boxing school: VBSK Albert Cuyp
Amsterdam boxing club: ABOV

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Clubs and training locations

Training in this city

Learn boxing in the city. Boxing training is about more than punches. Footwork, defense, timing, and coaching are the fundamentals. Ask a boxing club in Amsterdam which classes are designed for beginners and how they guide you toward contact training or competitions.

A school that suits you. Amsterdam has clubs with a long history and different approaches to training. Compare the atmosphere, accessibility, and structure of the classes, and see if you can try a session first.

Choose a club

Start with your goal. Do you want to learn boxing technique, get some recreational exercise, or eventually compete in boxing? Ask a club which classes are intended for beginners, when sparring takes place, and whether you can train without sparren.

Choose a convenient location. Regular training is easier if the club fits into your daily routine. So compare not only the atmosphere, but also the location and current class schedule. A club and a studio can feel very different, even when they both offer boxing.

Try a training session yourself. Ask if you can try a class. Pay attention to the trainer’s instructions, how members treat one another, the supervision during contact training, and the condition of the equipment. Choose an environment where you can learn safely and will enjoy coming back.

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Athletes with a connection to this city

Ben Bril. His name is closely tied to Amsterdam boxing before the war. As a young boxer, he competed in the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. His life story also shows the devastating impact of persecution during the Second World War on the Jewish sporting community.

The ring as a meeting place. The city's story is not just about one champion. Boxing schools and clubs gave successive generations of Amsterdammers a place to learn the sport, compete in boxing matches and meet one another.

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Trainers with a connection to this city

The trainers behind Olympia. Joop Cosman is connected to the history of Olympia Boxing School. His school was part of Amsterdam’s boxing culture, where young people learned technique, discipline, and resilience.

Albert Cuyp and ABOV. Boksteam Albert Cuyp and ABOV each have their own history of trainers and volunteers passing on their knowledge. Their significance lies not only in the achievements of competitive boxers, but also in the day-to-day guidance of new boxers.