Kickboxing in Eindhoven

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Introduction

History of this sport

Peter Aerts and his first training sessions. Peter Aerts was born in Eindhoven in 1970 and started taekwondo in 1983. In 1984, he switched to kickboxing at Judoka-Kickboxing under Mikki Benazzouz, in nearby Best.

Champs and the first world title. In 1989, Aerts began training at Champs, the Eindhoven boxing school run by Frans Matheuwsen, Hennie Thoonen, and ‘Fast’ Eddy Smulders. In 1990, he won his first world title, the IKBF heavyweight title. Champs closed in 1992, when Smulders’s professional career demanded too much of Smulders and Thoonen’s time.

Eindhoven as a fight-night city. In 1993, Frank Lobman fought in Eindhoven at The Best of the Best. Later came Last Man Standing in 2004, It’s Showtime Eindhoven in 2008, and the A-1 World Combat Cup at the Indoor Sports Center in 2010 and 2011. Enfusion also repeatedly held fight nights in the city starting in 2013.

Local connections

Boxing and kickboxing at Champs. Peter Aerts trained at Champs boxing school under Eddy Smulders. Their collaboration connected his kickboxing career with Eindhoven’s professional boxing scene.

From gym to fight night. The Gunyar brothers combined their work at the gym with organizing kickboxing events. Eindhoven also provided a platform through Enfusion for fighters from the city and beyond.

Martial arts facts

Three-time K-1 champion: Peter Aerts
World title in their hometown: Ali Gunyar
Two brothers behind All Fit Gym: Suleyman and Ali Gunyar
A boxing trainer for a kickboxing champion: ‘Fast’ Eddy Smulders
It’s Showtime in Eindhoven: 2008
The Best of the Best in Eindhoven: 1993
A1 World Combat Cup in Eindhoven: 2010
Last Man Standing in Eindhoven: 2004

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Clubs and training locations

Training in this city

A technical foundation. In kickboxing, you work on punches, kicks, footwork, and defense. Ask how a martial arts gym in Eindhoven builds these skills and how the trainer takes your experience into account.

Muay Thai and kickboxing. All Fit Gym focuses on Muay Thai and kickboxing. When comparing classes, ask which rules and techniques are emphasized and how technical training differs from bag work or sparring.

A training path that suits you. Base your choice on what you want to learn, not just on the champions who trained at a gym. Discuss your goals, the desired intensity, and the guidance provided during contact training.

Choose a club

Start with your goal. Do you want to do recreational kickboxing, learn technique, or work towards competitions? Ask a gym in Eindhoven which classes would suit you and how beginners are supported.

Compare the training locations. All Fit Gym and Fidan Gym each have a place in the local kickboxing scene. Compare the current class options, accessibility, and class times before making a choice.

Experience the coaching. Ask about a trial class and pay attention to the explanations, how members interact, and the rules around contact training. Discuss whether sparren is part of the class and which protective equipment you need.

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Athletes with a connection to this city

Peter ‘The Dutch Lumberjack’ Aerts. The heavyweight, born in Eindhoven, won the K-1 World Grand Prix in 1994, 1995 and 1998. He reached the final again in 2006, 2008 and 2010. His low kicks and high kicks made him a recognizable fighter on the international stage. After getting his start in Eindhoven, his career continued in Twente, where he opened his own gym.

Ali ‘Mafia’ Gunyar. Gunyar was born in Eindhoven in 1979. He started kyokushin karate at the age of five with his older brother Suleyman, and thai boxing at the age of eight. On May 11, 2013, he defeated Grega Smole at Enfusion Live 5 in Eindhoven. This made him the first Enfusion Live world champion in the under-75-kilogram division, in his hometown.

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Trainers with a connection to this city

‘Fast’ Eddy Smulders. The Eindhoven professional boxer trained Peter Aerts from 1989 to 1991. Smulders won 37 of his 39 professional fights between 1989 and 2005. His work at Champs forms a link between Eindhoven’s boxing and kickboxing scenes.

Suleyman and Ali Gunyar. The brothers own All Fit Gym, which specializes in Thai boxing and kickboxing. Alongside their work at the gym, they organized events, including the A1 World Combat Cup.

Fidan Gym. At Fidan Gym on Willaertplein, Quint Otten was first introduced to kickboxing. He later moved on to the Gunyars. His development connects two training venues in Eindhoven.