{"id":1528,"date":"2026-07-15T08:24:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-15T08:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/?p=1528"},"modified":"2026-10-30T09:59:48","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T09:59:48","slug":"kickboxing-techniques-for-beginners-the-basics-of-dutch-style-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/kickboxing-techniques-for-beginners-the-basics-of-dutch-style-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Kickboxing for Beginners: Dutch Style Kickboxing Techniques Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Dutch style kickboxing is a form of kickboxing known for flowing combinations of punches and kicks, a high pace and constant forward pressure.<\/strong> Combinations usually start with punches and finish with a hard low kick. Elbows are not allowed and the clinch is very limited. For beginners it starts with three basics: a solid stance, four punches and four kicks.<\/p>\n<p>About to start kickboxing but wondering what you actually need to learn? You are not alone. Many beginners think kickboxing is about hitting and kicking as hard as possible, but the opposite is true. Kickboxing is technique. Once you get the hang of it, every training session becomes more fun, safer and more effective. In this blog we explain the most important kickboxing techniques for beginners, with a focus on the famous Dutch style we grew up with here in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Dutch Style Kickboxing?<\/h2>\n<p>Dutch style kickboxing developed in the Netherlands from a mix of Kyokushin karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing. Dutch fighters took the hard kicks from Thailand and combined them with the punching technique of boxing. Where some styles focus on single techniques, Dutch style is all about rhythm: punches and kicks flow into each other, often finished with a low kick. Those combinations make it fun to train and build great conditioning. Want to know how it compares to other combat sports? Read our blog on <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/kickboxing-vs-boxing-vs-muay-thai-whats-the-difference\/\">Muay Thai vs kickboxing vs boxing<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Kickboxing for Beginners: Why Technique Matters More Than Strength<\/h2>\n<p>From the outside kickboxing might look rough, but it is a subtle sport. Good technique lets you generate more power with less effort, use your energy wisely and prevent injuries. A good punch or kick does not come from your arm or leg alone, but from your whole body: hips, core, feet and timing all work together.<\/p>\n<p>For beginners that is good news. You do not have to be strong to start kickboxing. Everyone starts with the basics, and those basics decide how fast you progress. Lay a good foundation and you will build on it for years.<\/p>\n<h2>The Dutch Kickboxing Stance: Your Foundation<\/h2>\n<p>Everything starts with your stance. Without a good stance you are literally standing weak.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Place your feet slightly wider than shoulder width, with your strong leg back.<\/li>\n<li>Bend your knees slightly and keep your weight on the balls of your feet.<\/li>\n<li>Hands up, elbows in, chin down.<\/li>\n<li>Stay relaxed and mobile, not stiff.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Dutch stance is a little more square than a boxing stance, so you can kick quickly and check incoming kicks with your shin. From this stance you attack, defend and move. You always return to it: it is your home base.<\/p>\n<h2>The Most Important Punching Techniques<\/h2>\n<p>Hand techniques are the core of every combination. The four basic punches you learn as a beginner are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The jab:<\/strong> a fast, straight punch with your lead hand. Ideal for measuring distance and keeping your opponent busy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The cross:<\/strong> a powerful straight punch with your rear hand, turning your hip into it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The hook:<\/strong> a curved punch to the side of the head or body.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The uppercut:<\/strong> a punch from below, perfect at close range.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As a beginner you first practise these punches separately, then in short combinations such as the classic one-two (jab, cross).<\/p>\n<h2>The Most Important Kicking Techniques<\/h2>\n<p>What sets kickboxing apart from boxing are the kicks. You learn them step by step:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The low kick:<\/strong> a kick to the thigh, and the hallmark of the Dutch style.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The mid kick:<\/strong> a kick to the ribs or body.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The teep (front kick):<\/strong> a straight push kick to create distance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>The knee:<\/strong> powerful at close range.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The high kick to the head usually comes later, once your flexibility and technique have grown. Do not force it: your body needs time to become supple and strong.<\/p>\n<h2>A Typical Dutch Style Combination<\/h2>\n<p>A combination every beginner learns early on is jab, cross, left hook, right low kick. You start at distance with the jab, close in with the cross and hook, and finish with a low kick while your opponent is still busy with your hands. That flow from hands to legs is what Dutch style is all about.<\/p>\n<h2>Common Beginner Mistakes<\/h2>\n<p>Recognise yourself in any of these? You are in good company. Almost everyone makes these mistakes at the start:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dropping your hands after a punch.<\/li>\n<li>Forgetting to breathe out with each technique.<\/li>\n<li>Putting in too much power and losing your balance.<\/li>\n<li>Holding your breath and moving too tensely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The solution? Practise calmly, repeat and trust your trainer. You refine technique with thousands of repetitions, not with brute force.<\/p>\n<h2>What Can Spallys Do for You?<\/h2>\n<p>At Spallys in Amsterdam East it is all about old school technique and new school energy. In our <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/group-lessons\/\">group classes<\/a>, technique classes and heavy bag training you learn authentic Dutch style step by step, in an accessible and motivating atmosphere. Our trainers look at your level and help you make every punch and kick a little sharper. Want to go deeper? Our <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/learn-the-dutchstyle\/\">Learn the Dutchstyle<\/a> programme focuses fully on technique.<\/p>\n<p>Want to progress faster or get personal attention? Then <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/personal-training\/\">personal training<\/a> is a good fit: one on one work on your technique, pace and goals.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Is Dutch style kickboxing good for beginners?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. You start with the basics: stance, punches, kicks and guard. The trainer builds it up step by step and you go at your own pace. You do not need any experience or conditioning to start.<\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between Dutch kickboxing and Muay Thai?<\/h3>\n<p>Dutch kickboxing focuses on fast combinations of punches and kicks. Muay Thai also allows elbows and the clinch, and fighters throw fewer but harder single strikes.<\/p>\n<h3>How long does it take to learn kickboxing?<\/h3>\n<p>The basics are in place after a few months of training two or three times a week. Mastering the technique takes years, and that is exactly what keeps it interesting.<\/p>\n<h3>When can I start sparring?<\/h3>\n<p>Not in your first class. You first learn the basics. Once your technique is solid, you build up to light, controlled sparring together with your trainer. Read more in <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/sparring-for-beginners-how-does-it-work-in-kickboxing\/\">sparring for beginners<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>What do I need to bring?<\/h3>\n<p>Sports clothes, a towel and water. For your trial class you can borrow gloves and shin guards. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/packing-for-kickboxing-the-ultimate-checklist-for-your-gym-bag\/\">kickboxing gym bag checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>You will not master kickboxing techniques in a single lesson, but the basics are accessible to everyone. With a good stance, a handful of punches and kicks and the typical Dutch style combinations, you build a foundation you will enjoy for years. Most important of all: just start. Technique comes with repetition, patience and good guidance.<\/p>\n<p>Curious? <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/rates\/\">Book a trial class<\/a> at <a href=\"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/kickboxing-amsterdam\/\">our kickboxing gym in Amsterdam East<\/a> and experience for yourself how much fun it is to learn your first kickboxing techniques.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dutch style kickboxing is a form of kickboxing known for flowing combinations of punches and kicks, a high&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":844,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ongecategoriseerd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1528","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1528"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1528\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1588,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1528\/revisions\/1588"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/844"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spallys.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}