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Amersfoort

Amersfoort holds a prominent place in the MMA- kickboxing history: the Overeem brothers are connected to the city, and Amersfoort also produced an Olympic judo medalist.

© Nicolette Vos-Neal / Pexels

At a glance

Country NETHERLANDS  Netherlands Region Utrecht
Gyms - Fighters - Trainers - Events - Venues - Organizations -

Introduction

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About this city

Amersfoort is a city in Utrecht with strong ties to international martial arts. Valentijn Overeem was born there, and Alistair Overeem grew up there; Alistair won, among other titles, the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix. Amersfoort judoka Theo Meijer won Olympic bronze in 1992. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and boxing are among the disciplines practiced in the city.

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Overview

Amersfoort as a martial arts city

The martial arts name of Amersfoort is inextricably linked to Alistair and Valentijn Overeem, two brothers who rose to prominence in the 1990s and beyond as household names in MMA and kickboxing.

In addition, the city has a strong judo-tradition, with Olympic medalist Theo Meijer, and a contemporary offering ranging from Brazilian jiu-jitsu to taekwondo and boxing.

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Geography and character

City and martial arts culture

Amersfoort is centrally located in the Netherlands and serves as a hub between the Randstad and the east of the country. This location makes the city easily accessible to athletes from throughout the region.

The martial arts offerings are spread throughout the city, from business parks to sports complexes, and serve both recreational and competitive athletes.

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History

History and heritage

Valentijn Overeem was born 1976 in Amersfoort and competed as a professional from 1996 in organizations such as RINGS and PRIDE. His younger brother Alistair grew up in the city from the age of six. Both trained at the gym of Chris Dolman. Alistair later won the K-1 World Grand Prix 2010 and titles in Strikeforce and DREAM.

In judo, Theo Meijer put Amersfoort on the map: he became European champion in 1991 and won 1992 an Olympic bronze medal in Barcelona in the up-to-95 kg category.

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Martial arts landscape

Combat sports landscape

For Brazilian jiu-jitsu are active Amersfoort BJJ and the Fight & Power Academy . Taekwondo Amersfoort (Sportclub Janmaat) has members in regional and national squads, and Club Pellikaan offers boxing lessons.

This brings together grappling, traditional martial arts and boxing within a single city in Amersfoort.

Martial arts facts

Alistair Overeem
Grew up in Amersfoort; won the 2010 K-1 World Grand Prix
also champion in Strikeforce (2007) and DREAM (2010) Alistair Overeem
Valentijn Overeem
Born in Amersfoort, 17 August 1976
MMA fighter; professional since 1996, competed in RINGS and PRIDE Valentijn Overeem
Theo Meijer
Judoka, born in Amersfoort; 1992 Olympic bronze medalist
Barcelona, up to 95 kg; European champion 1991 Theo Meijer (judoka)
Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Amersfoort BJJ and Fight & Power Academy
Beeldschermweg 5 and Zwaaikom 37, Amersfoort Amersfoort BJJ Fight & Power Academy
Taekwondo
Taekwondo Amersfoort (Janmaat Sports Club)
Van Randwijcklaan 8E; members in regional and national selection Taekwondo - Janmaat Sports Club
Boxing
Boxing lessons at Club Pellikaan Amersfoort
De Brand 5, Amersfoort Boxing in Amersfoort

Data last checked on 8 October 2026

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