'Lowkick Challenge is undesirable'

The Dutch Martial Arts Federation (Nederlandse Vechtsportbond, NVB) and the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit (VA, the Dutch martial arts regulator) consider the announced 'Lowkick Challenge' in the Netherlands undesirable. Martial arts pioneer Thom Harinck sees nothing in it either: "Do not get involved in this."

The Lowkick Challenge is a 'game' in which participants take turns kicking each other on the leg. Defending against the kick is not allowed. Whoever holds out the longest wins.

NVB director Raimond Honig: "This does not fall under any of our recognised disciplines, namely kickboxing, muaythai or MMA. It does not align with the values, standards and quality requirements we apply within organised martial arts. The NVB will therefore not lend its auspices to this event and will offer no support whatsoever."

The Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit will not cooperate either. VA director Farid Gamei: "This concept does not contribute to the promotion and acceptance of martial arts. We strongly advise gyms, promoters, athletes, officials and others involved in the sector not to take part in this."

Martial arts pioneer Thom Harinck, who is also an adviser to the NVB, rejects the initiative as well. "This has nothing to do with our sport. Deliberately harming one another without being able to defend yourself has no place within organised martial arts. A wrecked knee is not something you simply recover from. So do not get involved in this, but opt for a real bout under expert supervision instead of this nonsense."

The NVB and the VA remain jointly committed to safe, responsible and future-proof martial arts in the Netherlands, with respect, sportsmanship, quality and safety at the core.