Martial arts is gaining more and more ground in the Netherlands. More and more people are finding their way to gyms and dojos, and not without reason. Martial arts not only provides a powerful physical workout, but also has a positive impact on mental health. It is a sport that offers people lifelong benefits. In a new, unique collaboration, the Dutch Martial Arts Association (NVB), the Netherlands Institute for Martial Arts and Society (NIVM) and Warrior Code are joining forces to make the benefits of martial arts more accessible to all of the Netherlands.
With this collaboration, the three organizations are taking a big step toward their common goal: all of the Netherlands to martial arts. Martial arts can offer a solution to numerous social problems, such as physical and mental health, and it also helps to reach people from vulnerable neighborhoods.
Remy Bonjasky, former kickboxing champion, and Peter Kwint, chairman of the NVB, spoke together about the reason behind this powerful collaboration and what it can mean for the future of martial arts in the Netherlands.
According to Kwint, martial arts offers a unique opportunity to reach people who are often missed by other initiatives. "We not only get the Netherlands moving, but also reach neighborhoods where people often have an unhealthy lifestyle and are in less favorable economic circumstances. Martial arts has an important role to play there."
Remy Bonjasky adds, "As a gym owner, you often notice that the people who could benefit the most from martial arts are also the ones who can't afford it. Of course we do our best to help them, but that has its limits."
With this new collaboration, there is a solution to this problem. The NVB has a list of gyms that meet high quality standards and have their affairs in good order. These gyms will be added to Warrior Code's Gym Finder, where they will be easy to find. Additionally, a link will be made with the Youth Fund Sport & Culture and the Adult Fund, allowing people with limited budgets to access martial arts as well.
Kwint: "When you're looking for a gym, and you can't afford it, you are immediately referred to the right channels that can help. This way we make sure that people with lower incomes can also get introduced to the sport, without compromising on the quality of the gym."
Bonjasky adds, "Through our platform, we are going to put a lot of effort into reaching that target group that is hard to move. Through videos, interviews and stories, we will show the beautiful sides of martial arts and invite people to become part of our community. Become a Warrior, Become a Legend!"
The cooperation between NVB, NIVM and Warrior Code means that more people will have the opportunity to experience the benefits of martial arts, regardless of their financial situation. The parties involved are convinced that this step not only contributes to improving the physical and mental health of the Dutch, but also to strengthening social cohesion and social participation.
With this joint effort, they hope to take martial arts in the Netherlands to a higher level and make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people.
Want to learn more about this partnership or are you looking for a gym near you? Then visit our Gym Finder and discover how martial arts can change your life too!
