Save the date: Congress 50 Years of Martial Arts & Municipalities
On Wednesday 27 May 2026, the Vechtsportautoriteit is organising a themed congress in Amsterdam bringing the martial arts sector and municipalities together.
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Instructive conference on transgressive behaviour
The Vechtsportautoriteit attended the Over de Grens conference of Centrum Veilige Sport Nederland on preventing and addressing transgressive behaviour in sport.
First meeting of the new VA Advisory Committee
The Vechtsportautoriteit has appointed a new Advisory Committee of eight experienced people from the combat sports sector to advise the organisation.
State Secretary briefed on 'no head contact' in youth bouts
The Vechtsportautoriteit briefed State Secretary Tielen (Sport) on the measures taken in combat sports to prevent brain injury in young athletes.
VA shares interim assessment of NVB with NOC*NSF
The Dutch Martial Arts Authority has shared an interim assessment with NOC*NSF about the Dutch Martial Arts Federation (NVB) and identifies a worrying situation.
50 years of Mejiro Gym, 50 years of kickboxing in the Netherlands
Mejiro Gym in Amsterdam, the first kickboxing gym in the Netherlands and the first holder of the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary.
Meet… Amina Driouichi
Amina Driouichi joined the VA office this month and combines her law studies with her passion for kickboxing during her graduation internship.
Netherlands Sports Council (Nederlandse Sportraad): 'Protect the brains of young athletes'
The Netherlands Sports Council is calling on the sports sector and the government to protect (young) athletes against brain injury.
‘For me, sport has always been about more than just getting some exercise’
Hanieh Kamran of Tabonon explains how core values and psychomotor therapy make her martial arts gym accessible to a wider group of people.
Unregulated fights can have serious consequences
The VA warns that taking part in, organising or promoting unregulated fights such as 'hoodfights' is punishable by law and can lead to sanctions.
'It has made me the richest trainer in the world'
Dennis Gebbink of Only Friends offers kickboxing to athletes with a disability and explains what that requires of a trainer.
VA and NVB: this is the current division of roles
An explanation of the division of tasks between the Nederlandse Vechtsportbond (the Dutch martial arts federation) and the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit as regulator.
Visitor conditions for combat sports events support promoters
At the request of promoters, the Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit has drawn up conduct conditions for visitors to combat sports events.
New: Advisory Committee for the Vechtsportautoriteit
The Vechtsportautoriteit has appointed a new group of volunteer advisers who will advise its board across all themes.
Ringside physician in martial arts: is it something for you?
Bouts in kickboxing, muaythai and MMA take place under the supervision of a ringside physician, and Dutch martial arts needs more of them.
Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (Martial Arts Authority Quality Mark) transferred to NVB as of 1 July
As of 1 July 2025, the VA transfers the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit for martial arts gyms to the Nederlandse Vechtsportbond (NVB).
Exchange visit by Flemish delegation: the aim is to strengthen each other
A delegation from the Flemish martial arts sector visited the Netherlands to exchange knowledge and strengthen existing ties with the Vechtsportautoriteit and the sports federations.
Certification withdrawn after failure to meet requirements
The VA has withdrawn the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit from a gym that gave incorrect information about deploying an unauthorised trainer.
VAT increase for the sports sector is definitively off the table
The government's plan to raise VAT on gym memberships and tickets for sports events will not go ahead after widespread protest from the sports sector.
Disciplinary committee members reflect on cases handled
The disciplinary committee for combat sports, active since late 2022, has found its footing, members concluded during their annual evaluation.
Municipalities, promoters, the Bibob Act and the VA
The VA is working to improve relations between promoters and municipalities and asks organisers who face disproportionate requirements to report this.
'Girls Only is not a hype. It is a necessity'
NOBY Sports in Amsterdam explains why Girls Only classes give young women a safe place to train, grow and gain confidence.
Pilot ‘Stand-Up MMA’ at the request of promoters
The VA has approved a pilot with ‘Stand-Up MMA’, a variant of mixed martial arts in which the fight is in principle kept standing.
Samen Sterk meeting on the theme of inclusivity
At a NOC*NSF evening on diversity and inclusion, VA director Farid Gamei said martial arts gyms can still take steps towards greater inclusivity.
