Special Set: Dutch Kickboxing Legends - Silver-plated Medals

May 31^st 1976: a unique moment in Dutch sport history. The very first, official kickboxing fight in the Netherlands takes place. A few months before, karateka Jan Plas has made a trip to Japan, where he is introduced to this martial art. Inspired by what he sees here, he intends to make the sport popular in the Netherlands as well. And he succeeds, because almost 50 years later, kickboxing is more popular than ever. To honor four kickboxing legends in the Netherlands, in combination with the first major GLORY Grand Prix tournament in 10 years, the Royal Dutch Mint launches a very special set!
 
Back to the beginning: after that one evening in 1976, kickboxing is on the rise in the Netherlands. And in the years that follow, several household names emerge. There is, however, a grim atmosphere circling around kickboxing in the 80’s and 90’s, which ensures that the sport isn’t always linked to positivity. But at the same time, the sport also has a great period in the 90’s, where names like Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Remy Bonjasky and Semmy Schilt give the Netherlands a true impulse on international level.
 
Special set for Dutch kickboxing legends
Kickboxing in the Netherlands has grown enormously, mostly because of the men that gave the sport the impulse it needed. The Royal Dutch Mint feels that these men should get the credit they deserve. That is why a special set is launched to honor them.
 
Semmy Schilt – 4 time K-1 winner and one of the most successful heavyweight kickboxers of all time
Ernesto Hoost – 4 time K-1 winner, is known for his excellent technique
Peter Aerts – 3 time K-1 winner, was the only one who faught in all K-1 tournaments, from the first one in 1993 untill the last in 2010, hence his nickname Mister K-1
Remy Bonjasky – 3 time K-1 winner,  won during his debut in 2003 in the Tokyo final.
 
GLORY
GLORY is an international, prestigious kickboxing organization, founded in 2012. GLORY organizes world class kickboxing events and reaches millions of fans all over the world. Several household names are signed by GLORY or have had a contract in the past, among which the four legends that are honored in this special set. In March 2024, GLORY organizes a new tournament, the first in 10 years. This GLORY Grand Prix takes places in the Gelredome in Arnhem. Many great fighters and new kickboxing hero’s will appear and compete against each other.
 
Design
The special set consists of four medals: every legend gets his own medal. These are placed in a very fitting packaging, that has the shape of a kickboxing belt, usually given to the winner of a tournament. There is a total of 500 sets available. In addition, there will be 14 gold plated sets. This number is chosen because of the 14 victories that have been achieved in total by the four legends honored with this special set.