Issue 036
April 2008
Thanks to an abundance of low-cost flights, the beautiful city of Amsterdam is now virtually on your doorstep. As the spiritual home of European kickboxing, professional fighters from all over the world have been making the trip to the City of Canals for many years and following the MMA explosion, many of these gyms now offer a more complete training experience.
Fights
As the home of Dutch kickboxing, Amsterdam is most widely known for its Muay Thai gyms and legendary K-1 fighters. However, the city also boasts one of the best European MMA pedigrees, having held ‘mix-fight’ events as far back as 1996, with Dutch promoters having more than a guiding influence in the formation of the classic World Vale Tudo Championships. More recently, the city has played host to the 2Hot2Handle promotion, which has seen some of Europe’s most memorable clashes. The k-1 events are huge affairs, with upwards of 14,000 people packing in to see the country’s second favourite sport.
Where to Train
Golden Glory
(Email: [email protected], Web: www.goldenglory.com)
The Golden Glory team is the absolute pinnacle of Dutch MMA. With a fight team consisting of Dutch legends such as Semmy Schilt, Alistair Overeem, Ramon Dekkers and Martin de Jong, the gym is hard to match in terms of quality training partners. The actual training centres are spread out and not in central Amsterdam, and training is by invitation only, so contact them before travelling.
Mike's Gym
(Oslofjordweg 32, 1033 Amsterdam, Tel: +31 0206853310, Email: [email protected])
One of the most well known gyms in Amsterdam, Mike’s gym is home to K-1 star Melvin Manhoef as well as a host of talented kickboxers and MMA fighters. Only a 10-minute ferry ride from Centraal Station, visitors are often impressed by the gym’s immense floor space. Primarily a striking gym, it also runs classes in grappling and MMA.
Kops Gym
(Weesperzijde 115, 1091 EN Amsterdam, Tel: +31 206658896, Email: [email protected]. Web: www.sportcentrumkops.nl)
A five minute stroll from the Amstel station, Kops gym is where you can find UFC veteran Jordan Radev and a group of up-and-coming MMA fighters. As one of the better wrestling gyms in the capital, this is the place to improve your clinch and takedown game.
Team Schreiber
(Eendrachtstraat 5, Wormer1531 DT, Tel: +31 653915145, Web: www.teamschreiber.nl)
With an international reputation as a tough kickboxer who can sometimes be known to stray outside the rules, ‘Dirty’ Bob Schreiber is a surprisingly good MMA trainer. Schreiber has almost 30 years of fight experience under his belt and after producing a large group of skilled fighters, he and his wife Irma clearly have a few tricks to teach.
Vos gym
(Email: [email protected], Web: www.vos-gym.nl)
Established in 1978 by Johan Vos, the gym has one of the strongest kickboxing pedigrees of any gym in Amsterdam. Primarily known as a striking gym, it has produced the likes of former K-1 champion Remy Bonjaskybut now also offers some Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes. Training is by invitation only, so contact them before you travel.
Where to stay
As one of Europe’s most visited cities, there is an endless variety of places to stay, ranging from friendly back-packer hostels all the way up to fancy 5-star hotels.
Bulldog Hotel
(Oudezijds Voorburgwal 220, 1012 GJ Amsterdam, Telephone: +31 206203822, Email: [email protected], Web: www.bulldoghotel.com)
The infamous Bulldog Hotel is smack-bang in the middle of the red light district and only a short walk from the central station. Clean, inexpensive and boasting an adjoining coffee shop, it is one of the most ‘relaxed’ places you could choose to stay, though perhaps one of the noisier locations.
Delta Hotel
(Damrak 42-43, 1012 LK Amsterdam, Telephone: +31 206202626, Email: [email protected], Web: www.delta-hotel.com)
A tad more expensive, but a definite step up in class, the Delta Hotel is known for its friendly staff and is also very close to Centraal Station. As a more historic building, rooms vary in size, so it’s a bit of potluck as to what you get; however, recent renovations ensure that each is a suitable resting place for a post-training kip.
Hilton Amsterdam
(Apollolaan 138, Amsterdam1077 BG, Tel: +31 207106000, Email: [email protected], Web: www.hilton.com)
Those with an interest in pop history may want to splash out that bit more and stay at the plush Hilton Amsterdam – previously the setting for John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous bed-in. Though the thought of what went on might well make you shudder, the place is beautiful, with each room fully equipped with wi-fi access and a flat screen TV. Definitely the place to stay if money is no object.
Where to eat
If you visit Amsterdam, you might well find yourself feeling a bit peckish on occasion. With over 1,000 restaurants serving up anything from local delicacies to Indian cuisine, there is something for everyone.
The Pantry
(Leidsekruisstraat 21, 1017 RE Amsterdam, Tel: +31 0206200922)
The Pantry offers a range of typically Dutch food, including an incredible 'Stamppotten', a mashed potato dish mixed with vegetables and sausages. As a popular place, it fills up rapidly, but the atmosphere is as genuine as the food – definitely worth a visit.
Hard Rock Café
(Max Euweplein 57-61, Tel: +31 0205237625)
If it’s all about the burgers for you – clearly avoid McDonalds and check out perhaps the juiciest burgers in town at the Hard Rock Café. Adding a twist of authenticity, the adventurous burger lover can also indulge in a traditionally prepared Dutch lunch of broodjes (mini-sandwiches) served with milk.
Restaurant Sampurna
(Singel 498, 1017 Amsterdam, Tel: +31 0206253264)
If you’re looking for something a little bit different the Sampurna may well be the place for you. The menu features an extensive list of Indonesian specialties to choose from, most of which are served with rice. It’s hard to choose a dish which isn’t delicious, all of which are served on an authentic heated tray.
Sights
Though renowned for its dubious hedonistic pleasures, the city is famous for its museums and art galleries – Anne Frank’s House or the Van Gogh museum may tempt cultured visitors. For everyone else, there is the popular bar and coffee shop scene, the main attraction for visiting tourists. Wandering around the red light district can provide an interesting (although sleazy) experience. The infamous coffee shops can provide a laugh, but if you are there to train, they are best avoided.
Shopping
Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s oldest shopping centres and also boasts numerous smaller shops and boutiques, stocking everything from tourist-orientated tat to fine local products. The main shopping area can be found in the centre of the city, though bargains can be found throughout the winding back streets.
How to get around
As Amsterdam is known for discouraging cars from its busy streets, there really is no need to consider hiring one. As a bicycle-friendly city, cycles can be inexpensively hired and provide a good chance to take in the sights as you make your way around. If you’re not so hot with local geography, trams and buses are equally cheap, taking you anywhere you might wish to go while adhering to strict timetables.
How to get there
As one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, numerous airlines offer flights to the ‘Venice of the North’. The airport, Schiphol, is one of the busiest in Europe as numerous transfers are directed through here. Around 15km from the city centre, there are buses, trains and taxis available to take you into the city centre.
When to go
The weather in Amsterdam is predictably inconsistent. However, a trip made during the summer is often a more pleasant option due to the beautiful long evenings.
Amsterdam tips
· Pickpockets are rife in Amsterdam, especially on public transport and around Centraal Station. Be vigilant, protect your luggage and valuables throughout your stay and be aware of the areas you are visiting. Muggers are less common but still a danger.
· Most locals opt to cycle around the city rather than take public transport. Be very careful not to walk on well-worn cycle paths, as it is the best possible way to infuriate passing locals.
· If you’re thinking about sampling the coffee shops when visiting Amsterdam, do so with care. The potency of the local herb almost always catches people out, and many a white-faced tourist can be found vomiting into the gutter.
· The ladies of the night plying their trade in the red light district are, by all accounts, open-minded and welcoming, but do not make the mistake of snapping photographs as you wander past lest you risk a visit from their minders.
· Friendly men hanging around on canal bridges may appear to be looking for a chat, but are simply looking to sell drugs. Be polite but firm in declining, and do not get drawn into discussion with them.
