New Aikido training in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam – Traditional martial arts with a modern mindset

We are proud to introduce a new Aikido training program in the Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam, designed for anyone interested in authentic Japanese martial arts, effective movement, and personal development. Located in one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant neighborhoods, our martial arts gym now offers structured Aikido trainings for adults of all experience levels.

What makes this Aikido training unique?

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art rooted in classical samurai combat systems. Unlike competitive martial arts, Aikido focuses on harmony, efficiency, and control. Techniques consist of joint locks, throws, posture control, and balance breaking, all performed with precision rather than brute force.

In our new training program, we emphasize:

• Correct posture and natural movement
• Balance, distance, and timing
• Breathing and relaxation under pressure
• Safe and effective technical application

This approach makes Aikido suitable for beginners while remaining challenging and valuable for experienced martial artists.

Aikido training without competition

One of the defining characteristics of Aikido is the absence of competition. Training is not about winning or losing, but about understanding movement, intent, and one’s own physical and mental limitations. This creates a focused and respectful learning environment, ideal for long-term development.

At higher levels, controlled pressure testing can be introduced, but safety always comes first. Beginners are guided carefully to prevent injuries, especially since many Aikido techniques involve joint control.

Individual growth through martial arts

There is no single “correct” body type or way to perform Aikido. Each student develops techniques according to their own physical abilities. Training often becomes a mirror: you learn how you move, react, tense, or hesitate.

Through consistent practice, students often notice:

• Improved balance and coordination
• Better posture and breathing
• Increased mental focus and calmness
• Greater confidence in movement and daily life

This makes Aikido not just a martial art, but a method for overall physical and mental refinement.

Weapons training: Katana and Jo

As part of traditional Aikido practice, our lessons also include training with Katana (Japanese sword) and Jo (wooden staff). Weapons training enhances understanding of distance, timing, and body alignment, and deepens insight into empty-hand techniques. All weapon practice is conducted safely and progressively.

Ideal for beginners and experienced martial artists

Aikido is an excellent choice if you are new to martial arts, but it is also a powerful supplement for practitioners of kickboxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or other combat sports. Our training focuses on the “grammar of Budo”: Universal martial principles such as balance breaking, footwork, positioning, relaxation, and intent, which apply across all disciplines.

Martial arts in the Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam

Our martial arts gym is easily accessible for those in the Haarlemmerbuurt, Spaardammerbuurt and surrounding areas such as Westerpark and the city center. Classes are taught by an experienced instructor, sensei Michaël Veerman, who value tradition, effectiveness, and open-minded practice.

If you are looking for Aikido in Amsterdam and want to train in a focused, respectful, and technically grounded environment, this new program offers exactly that.

Try Aikido for YOURSELF

The best way to understand Aikido is to experience it on the mat. Whether your goal is martial effectiveness, physical improvement, or personal development, you are welcome to join us.

• Book a trial Aikido training session
• Train traditional Japanese martial arts in Amsterdam
• Contact us today and start your Aikido journey

Discover how calm, structure, and effectiveness come together in Aikido training, right here in Amsterdam.

If you train in martial arts, you already know that strength, speed, and stamina are crucial.
But what about mobility and control?
What if you could move more fluidly, strike more powerfully, and recover faster. All without picking up a single weight? That’s where ZUU Fitness comes in.

ZUU fitness is not just another fitness trend.

It’s a revolutionary training method that combines mobility training and bodyweight exercises into one high-intensity workout. The JYM Movement specifically incorporate this fitness method to enhance your performance as a martial artist. Whether you’re into boxing, kickboxing, BJJ, MMA, or traditional martial arts, ZUU Fitness can unlock new levels of movement, power, and resilience.

In this article, we’ll break down what ZUU Fitness is, why it’s perfect for martial artists, and how you can start incorporating it into your training today.

What is ZUU Fitness?

ZUU Fitness was developed in Australia by Nathan Helberg, initially used by elite military units and professional athletes. It’s a form of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) that emphasizes mobility, flexibility, and raw bodyweight strength. All in one session.

What sets ZUU Fitness apart from conventional workouts?

• No Equipment: You use your own body weight as resistance.
• Joint-Friendly: Movements open up the joints and tendons, improving overall mobility.
• Functional Patterns: Exercises mimic primal movements like crawling, squatting, and lunging.
• Mental Toughness: The sessions are intense, challenging both your body and your willpower.

Think of ZUU Fitness as the missing link between strength and fluidity. Two essential qualities in martial arts.

Why martial artists need mobility training

Mobility is your ability to move freely through your full range of motion, not just flexibility, but active control over your movements. It’s one thing to kick high; it’s another to do it with balance, speed, and no risk of injury.Most martial artists spend hours perfecting technique, sparring, and conditioning. But neglect mobility. That’s a problem.Without proper mobility:

• Your punches and kicks lose range and power.
• Your joints become stiff and prone to injury.
• Recovery takes longer, and fatigue sets in faster.
• You’re more likely to plateau in performance.

ZUU fitness fixes that by prioritizing dynamic mobility exercises from the very first minute. You’ll be moving through low stances, crawling patterns, and rotational sequences that open up the hips, shoulders, spine, and ankles. All the major problem areas for martial artists.

Bodyweight training that transfers to the mat

Traditional strength training is great for raw power, but it often lacks transferability to the mat or ring. ZUU Fitness’s approach is different: it builds functional strength with natural movement patterns.

• Bear crawls (for core stability and shoulder endurance)
• Gorillas (for hip opening and dynamic coordination)
• Frogs (for explosive leg strength)
• Push-up variations (for upper body strength and joint control)

These movements are done in high repetition and often flow into each other. Mimicking the unpredictable, full-body demands of martial arts sparring or competition. The result? You get stronger where it counts.ZUU doesn’t just work your muscles. It rewires your movement.

Benefits of ZUU Fitness martial artists

Let’s look at the direct benefits ZUU Fitness provides for martial artists of all disciplines:

1. Injury prevention

By improving joint mobility and tendon resilience, ZUU Fitness reduces your risk of common martial arts injuries like:

• Tweaked knees
• Tight hips
• Shoulder impingements
• Lower back strain

2. Improved recovery

ZUU Fitness enhances blood flow, oxygenation, and flexibility. Helping you bounce back faster between training sessions.

3. Increased functional strength

You’ll build strength that translates into stronger clinches, takedowns, and strikes. Without bulking up unnecessarily.

4. Explosive conditioning

Because ZUU Fitness is structured as a HIIT workout, it trains your anaerobic and aerobic systems simultaneously. Think: short bursts of animal-style movement followed by brief recovery periods. Exactly like a real fight.

5. Mental toughness

The workouts are deliberately intense. You’ll be challenged physically and mentally, simulating the grit and focus required during a sparring match or a tough belt test.

How ZUU Fitness complements your martial arts practice

If you already train 2–3 times a week in martial arts, you don’t need to replace your routine. Instead, ZUU Fitness can be added as:

• A warm-up or cool-down to improve joint prep and recovery
• A standalone session for strength and mobility on off-days
• A group class to build team conditioning and camaraderie

A 30–45 minute ZUU Fitness session 1–2 times per week is enough to see massive improvements in how you move, feel, and perform. Both in training and in life.

Ready to train smarter? Join Our ZUU Fitness trainings

If you want to move better, fight better, and feel better — ZUU Fitness is the missing link in your training. We offer weekly ZUU Fitness trainimgs at our martial arts gym, specially tailored to support fighters, beginners, and movement enthusiasts alike.

👉 Whether you’re looking to prevent injuries, improve mobility, or gain real-world strength without the gym machines. This is your next step.

✅ No experience needed

✅ All fitness levels welcome

✅ Taught by certified ZUU Fitness instructors

Final thoughts

Your body is your greatest weapon. And it deserves training that supports every joint, every muscle, and every movement. With ZUU Fitness, you’re not just working out. You’re developing mobility, power, and control. All with nothing but your bodyweight. So whether you’re a striker, grappler, or just someone who wants to move like an athlete, now’s the time to step up your game.

Train smart. Move better. Fight stronger.

The unique blend of standing martial arts

Introduction: a new form of stand-up mixed martial arts

Martial arts have evolved over centuries, with different styles emphasizing power, speed, technique, or discipline. But what if someone integrated the different styles and found a way to let you experience it from your own level? Learning new techniques and skills by integrating your unique way of moving. By using your own background of sports, or other movement background.

Welcome to the world of ART Boxing—a unique blend of traditional martial arts techniques, movement, rhythm, and self-expression.

If you’re in Amsterdam and looking for a dynamic, creative, and effective martial arts experience, ART Boxing could be your perfect fit. In this article, we’ll explore what makes ART Boxing different, its benefits, and why it’s gaining popularity among students of all skill levels.

What Is ART Boxing?

ART Boxing is a modern evolution of practising different standing martial arts , incorporating elements of savate, Kyokushin karate, Muay Thai, traditional boxing and Dutch kickboxing. This martial art form focuses on your personal stance and movement and integrating the different fight styles in your way of moving, hence making you an unique fighter. 

At its core, ART Boxing is about:

• Mastering technique while allowing space for improvisation
• Enhancing movement with dynamic footwork and fluidity
• Building mental resilience through discipline and adaptability and to relax under pressure
• Expressing oneself in a way that feels natural and personal

This approach makes it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists looking for a fresh challenge.

The difference between ART Boxing and traditional martials arts.

While ART Boxing is very keen on fundamentals, it’s uniqueness is, when you gain understanding by practicing fundamental fighting mechanics, you’ll find out as an unique individual you move in a certain way. Your way. So it showing you how to learn martials arts techniques in your way of moving.  ART Boxing is not just about fighting—it’s about movement and flow, making it an ideal workout for those who love creativity as much as physical challenge.

Why Choose ART Boxing?

If you’re searching for a full-body workout that also engages the mind, ART Boxing offers a unique experience. Here’s why more people in Amsterdam are turning to this exciting martial art:

1. A full-body workout

ART Boxing improves strength, agility, endurance, and coordination. Unlike traditional gym workouts, which can feel repetitive, ART Boxing keeps training engaging and dynamic—you’re always learning new techniques.

2. Boosts mental focus and confidence

Boxing is as much a mental sport as it is physical. ART Boxing, with its emphasis on strategy and adaptability, helps you develop quick thinking, confidence, and stress management skills.

3. Suitable for all fitness levels

You don’t have to be an athlete to start. The structured training at our Amsterdam ART Boxing gym ensures that everyone—whether a complete beginner or an advanced martial artist—can progress at their own pace.

4. A supportive community

Our school fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where students support each other in learning and growing.

What to expect in an ART Boxing training session?

A typical ART Boxing session includes:

1. Warm-up & Mobility Drills – Preparing your body with dynamic stretches and movement exercises.
2. Fundamental Techniques – Learning proper punching form, footwork, and defensive maneuvers.
3. Flow Drills – Practicing combinations with rhythm and fluidity.
4. Partner Work – Light sparring or guided exercises with a partner (optional).
5. Cool-down & Reflection – Stretching and reviewing key takeaways from the session.

Conclusion: why you should try ART Boxing

ART Boxing offers an exciting, engaging, and empowering way to train. Whether you’re looking to get fit, develop self-discipline, or just try something new, this unique martial art provides a well-rounded experience that benefits both body and mind.

If you’re in Amsterdam and interested in ART Boxing, sign up for a free trial training session today and experience the difference for yourself!