Province of Overijssel invests in the quality of combat sports

As part of the project 'Vitale en open vechtsportclub' (Vital and open combat sports club), the Netherlands Institute for Combat Sports and Society (Nederlands Instituut voor Vechtsport en Maatschappij, NIVM) helped combat sports gyms in the province of Overijssel that offer kickboxing, Thai boxing and MMA to obtain the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (quality mark of the Netherlands Combat Sports Authority). With support from the NIVM, Fight Institute Peter Aerts and Makoto Gym, among others, secured VA recognition.

With support from the NIVM, the Overijssel project 'Vitale en open vechtsportclub' has enabled gyms to meet the criteria of the quality mark.

Edwin Korenberg, adviser at the NIVM, worked together with gym owners to review and improve the safety and quality of their clubs and businesses. "The combat sports gyms already placed a high priority on quality and safety. The owners and their staff are proud of their gym and show it. Together we tightened up a number of matters and added the finishing touches, so that they meet the requirements of the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit in all areas. This programme has already resulted in four VA quality marks, and the other two will hopefully follow soon."

Combat sports gyms could also opt for the Fight Right quality mark or the NIVM label Veilig en Verantwoord Vechtsporten (Safe and Responsible Combat Sports). Various courses and training programmes were offered within the project as well. Trainers took part in the NIVM course Docent Weerbaarheid & Agressieregulatie (Instructor in Resilience and Aggression Regulation). In addition, Fundamentals and Respons courses were given to make training sessions more enjoyable and better, and suitable for use in schools.

By investing in the quality of combat sports gyms, the province has not only supported these gyms, but has also underlined the value of a healthy combat sports sector.

Other government bodies interested in supporting gyms with their application for the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit can contact the VA or the NIVM. Combat sports gyms that wish to apply for the quality mark independently can do so via this page.

From 1 September 2022, the quality mark will be mandatory for participation in competitions.

Photo: Edwin Korenberg with K1 legend and quality mark holder Peter Aerts