Valence Bickel is in the Kyokushin Karate, seen as the hardest shape within Karate, an absolute world topper. The 27-year-old martial artist from De Heen saw Kickboxing as a new training stimulus, but within a few years she will also be a feared opponent there. After the European kickboxing title last year, Valence took gold this Thursday at The World Games in China. “This gold medal is very special for me.”
Four times world champion and six times European champion: Valence Bickel won prize at the Kyokushin Karate prize. To become an even better version of herself, she also went kickboxing. A hobby that got out of hand, because at the end of 2024 she took the European title at the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).
“I found the game interesting and I fought a number of games with successful ending. I got more and more faith In and I especially enjoyed doing it. Moreover, it was an added value for karate and vice versa, it complemented each other perfectly. When I was allowed to go to the European Championship and took the title, that might be a bit unexpected. I was seen as the surprise. “
From NOC*NSF she was allowed to travel this month as a kick boxer to China for The World Games, a global sporting event with non-Olympic sports. “That I received this invitation, I did not expect a few years ago. I was only busy getting the best out of myself. Once in China I demanded that I gave everything in the ring. When I do that, then I am standing to beat my competitors.”
Her priority was always karate, but after her participation in the World Cup in June, her attention shifted to kickboxing. That will stay that way in the coming period. “I am not saying that I am completely stopping karate, but I am now most busy with kickboxing. I know what is needed to take new steps in my development.”
“There is much more ahead.”
Valence was a fanatic gymnast until she was seventeen and ended up at Karate through her mother. Now the Brabantse wants to storm the top in kickboxing. And all that in addition to a 32 -hour job as a lifestyle coach.
“I do training every morning and evening. Time fills itself. I certainly have goals, I really want to become a world champion at a nice professional union. Those opportunities are there and especially after this gold. There is much more on the horizon.”
Even more Brabant success
On Wednesday, Willem Bakker (24) took the first Brabant medal at The World Games. The archer from Waalre took a bronze slice. “Here was the top of the world, I am very proud to take a medal here.”
The medal feels like a crown on the hard work. “I had been hiking against it for a while, but just before the end of the season this is very nice.
Now the World Cup is waiting in Korea, which is very important to finish in the first eight. With that we have an A status, which is really necessary towards the Olympic Games of 2028. “
