Introduction

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) has been influenced by various striking styles over the years. One such style that has garnered significant attention is the Dutch kickboxing tradition, popularized by fighters like Ernesto Hoost and Ray Sefo. However, one individual who stands out as an exemplary embodiment of this striking art is Semmy Schilt’s pupil, Jerrel “El Tumbador” Postma, but more notably, a lesser-known fighter named Rene de Ridder. His innovative approach to kickboxing has led to the development of what can be termed as the “De Ridder Effect.” This phenomenon refers to the strategic application of kickboxing techniques in MMA, particularly in the areas of striking and footwork.

The De Ridder Effect: A Brief Background

Rene de Ridder is a Dutch kickboxer who has made a name for himself in both kickboxing and MMA. He is known for his unorthodox fighting style, which combines elements of kickboxing with Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) techniques. De Ridder’s innovative approach to striking has been praised by many in the MMA community, as he often uses kicks to keep opponents at bay while simultaneously setting up takedowns.

Footwork and Ring Generalship

One key aspect of de Ridder’s fighting style is his exceptional footwork. He is known for using a high guard to create distance between himself and his opponents, which allows him to use kicks with precision. This approach also enables him to control the pace of the fight by constantly moving forward or backward.

Example: De Ridder vs. Mousavi (2013)

In this bout, de Ridder employed an aggressive kicking game to keep his opponent at bay. He used high kicks to attack Mousavi’s head and body, while simultaneously using low kicks to target his legs. This forced Mousavi to constantly backpedal, which allowed de Ridder to dictate the pace of the fight.

Striking Variety

De Ridder is known for his diverse striking arsenal, which includes a variety of kicks, punches, and knee strikes. He often uses these techniques in combination with each other to create complex sequences that can be difficult for opponents to defend against.

Example: De Ridder vs. Smit (2015)

In this bout, de Ridder used a series of kicks to set up a devastating knee strike that knocked out his opponent. The sequence began with a high kick to the head, followed by a low kick to the body, and finally concluded with a powerful knee strike that caught Smit off guard.

Takedown Defense

De Ridder’s experience in BJJ has also contributed to his development of effective takedown defense techniques. He often uses kicks to disrupt an opponent’s balance, making it difficult for them to execute a successful takedown.

Example: De Ridder vs. Damm (2016)

In this bout, de Ridder used a combination of kicks and footwork to defend against several takedowns attempts by his opponent. By constantly moving forward or backward, he was able to create space between himself and Damm, making it difficult for him to execute a successful takedown.

Conclusion

The De Ridder Effect refers to the strategic application of kickboxing techniques in MMA, particularly in the areas of striking and footwork. Rene de Ridder’s innovative approach to fighting has been praised by many in the MMA community, as he often uses kicks to keep opponents at bay while simultaneously setting up takedowns. By incorporating elements of his striking style into their own training regimens, MMA fighters can improve their overall effectiveness in the Octagon.

Practical Applications

For MMA fighters looking to incorporate de Ridder’s techniques into their own training regimens, here are a few practical applications:

  • Focus on footwork: Develop a strong foundation in footwork by practicing different types of movements, such as shuffling, bobbing, and sliding.
  • Incorporate kicking drills: Incorporate kicking drills into your training regimen to improve your technique and accuracy.
  • Practice takedown defense: Practice defending against takedowns using kicks and footwork to disrupt an opponent’s balance.

Final Thoughts

The De Ridder Effect is a testament to the innovative approach that Rene de Ridder has taken in developing his fighting style. By combining elements of kickboxing with BJJ techniques, he has created a unique and effective striking style that can be applied to MMA.