The faces of Martial Arts

Martial arts in Amsterdam

Hundreds of millions of people in the world practise martial arts. Amsterdam alone has more than 100 martial arts schools. The museum visited 50 of them and collaborated with dozens of martial artists. They helped us with research, lent us weapons and other objects and gave us lessons. Some of these martial artists are featured in the exhibition and public campaign.

Sifu Henny Eleonora, owner Liu Hu Men kung fu school
Regian Eersel, Muay Thai world champion
Kensho Koster, cultural heritage student, brown belt karate
Cleo Tjitrodipo, masseur and museum educator, pencak silat
Djahan Manuela Mazhari Perez, dancer and choreographer, kalaripayattu
Aziany Poderosa and her mother Pimenta Bon, capoeira instrutora

Kickboxing

One of the highlights in the exhibition is a large display case with 12 shiny belts of Dutch world champions kickboxing.

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Bruce Lee

The final room of the exhibition features some of the finest scenes from the best kung fu and action films in history. The fight film shows the beauty, excitement and thrill of martial arts like no other medium.

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Training the mind

Martial Arts are about more than getting stronger and faster. In fact, an important part is also training your mental strength.

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WUSHU / KUNG FU

Kung fu is an umbrella term for many Chinese martial arts, each with its own technique, philosophy, history and mythology.

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About the exhibition Martial Arts

Worldwide, martial arts are practiced by hundreds of millions of people. This exhibition will show you well-known and lesser-known martial arts, and reveal what motivates people to fight.

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