Fireworks, popping turnout numbers and a shouting crowd: the kickboxing gala Embrace in Tilburg loved everything from a professional tournament. Yet there were no seasoned fighters in the ring, but thirty inexperienced kickboxers. Joris de Kruijf (28) and Brian Jochems (23), both from Tilburg, got into the ring for their first fight ever.
The room explodes when Joris gets into the ring. Fireworks fountains are rising and the audience welcomes as if he is an experienced professional. But nothing could be further from the truth. “The turnout was hectic, but super fat,” laughs Joris. “The moment you step between those ropes, you know: this is no longer a game.”
For three months he worked in sweat to prepare himself for the moment. “I really trained every day, even twice a day the last few weeks.”
Kickboxing like therapy
Joris first came into contact with the sport five years ago. “I had a burnout and therefore even got into a depression. Going boxing was then part of my reintegration and that made me stronger and mentally stronger.” From the gym in Tilburg where he trains, the gala was organized. “They asked if I wanted to participate. At first I doubted, but at some point I thought: you know what, I’m just going to do it.”
Brian was also trained as a kick boxer in three months, although he already had some experience. “I used to have boxing training. I stopped eight years ago. I was just busy again for two weeks when I was asked for this.” He wanted to participate: “Then I am ready for the summer,” he chuckles.
Although he was still confident in the dressing room, the nerves increased just before his party. “A lot went through me, but in the end it was a button converting and going,” Brian looks back. “I seriously considered climbing the ring when that bell rang, but I couldn’t go back,” he laughs.
Once the competition is busy, everything falls into place. In three rounds of a minute he hand out most blows and kicks and so he is the winner. “I am very proud of myself,” he shines with the cup in his hand.
For Joris, the competition went heavier: “In the beginning I really thought: wow, what happens here?” He says. In the beginning he gets a lot of hits, but recovers during the game. In the end he narrowly loses, but that doesn’t bother him too much. “With where I come from mentally, this is a huge victory for me.”
