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Arnhem

Arnhem is the capital of Gelderland and has a notable place in Dutch martial arts. Fred Royers, born in Arnhem in 1955, became the WKA world kickboxing champion and built a gym in his hometown. GLORY Collision 2 was held at the GelreDome, and Olympians such as boxer Enrico Lacruz and judoka Daniëlle Vriezema were born in Arnhem.

© Bart Ros / Pexels

At a glance

Country NETHERLANDS  Netherlands Region Gelderland
Gyms 24 Fighters 1 Trainers 0 Events - Venues 1 Organizations 0

Introduction

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About this city

Arnhem is a city with a strong kickboxing tradition. World champion Fred Royers put the city on the map, and at the GelreDome, Rico Verhoeven and Badr Hari faced each other in front of a record crowd.

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Overview

Arnhem as a martial arts city

Arnhem’s martial arts identity Arnhem is linked to kickboxing, particularly to Fred Royers, who continued teaching in his hometown after an international career.

In addition, Arnhem has an Olympic profile in boxing and judo, a long karate tradition and a stadium suitable for the country’s biggest martial arts events.

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Geography and character

City on the Rhine

Arnhem lies on both banks of the Lower Rhine and is the capital of Gelderland. As a regional hub, Arnhem attracts martial artists from the surrounding area, from the Veluwe to the Betuwe.

With the GelreDome the city has a venue that also hosts international martial arts events.

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History

History and heritage

Fred Royers, born in 1955 in Arnhem, became European karate champion in 1979 and 1985 WKA world kickboxing champion in the middleweight division. After his career, he became the driving force behind Kickboxing Arnhem.

On 21 December 2019 GLORY Collision 2 was held at the GelreDome, featuring Rico Verhoeven against Badr Hari as the main event and attracting more than 30,000 spectators. Olympians were also born in Arnhem: boxer Enrico Lacruz (2016 Olympics, 2015 European Championship bronze medalist) and judoka Daniëlle Vriezema (2000 Olympics). (Spelen van 2000).

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Martial arts landscape

Combat sports landscape

The martial arts landscape in Arnhem includes kickboxing, boxing, karate, judo and jiu-jitsu. Kickboxing Arnhem at Kazerneplein is the best-known kickboxing venue, and Karate-do Goshin has been teaching 1979 Shotokan karate since then.

In addition, there are boxing and kickboxing schools and a gym for jiu-jitsu, karate and judo.

Martial arts facts

Fred Royers
Kickboxer, born in Arnhem (1955)
WKA World Middleweight Champion 1985; European Karate Champion 1979 Fred Royers
Kickboxing Arnhem
Gym powered by Fred Royers
located at Kazerneplein in Arnhem Fred Royers Kickboxing Arnhem
GLORY Collision 2
21 December 2019, GelreDome
31,000 spectators; Rico Verhoeven versus Badr Hari 31,000 fans will pack the GelreDome soccer stadium this weekend for Collision 2
Enrico Lacruz
Boxer, born in Arnhem (1993)
2016 Olympic Games; 2015 European Championships bronze medal Enrico Lacruz Arnhem, Gelderland (NED)
Daniëlle Vriezema
Judoka, born in Arnhem (1977)
2000 Olympic Games Daniëlle Vriezema Arnhem, Gelderland (NED)
Karate-do Goshin
Shotokan karate since 1979
affiliated with the Karate-Do Bond Nederland Shotokan Karate-do Goshin

Data last checked on 8 October 2026

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