Amsterdam Airlines Takedown Academy
Not an airline nor hiphop label, but a playful homage to the high altitude throws that are regularly practiced in our classes. Nonetheless, our classes are taken very seriously: Amsterdam Airlines is dedicated to providing top-tier takedown instruction suitable for MMA, BJJ, and self-defense scenarios. This academy has a unique style that is based on the combination of judo, wrestling and jiu jitsu techniques that will allow you to take the fight to the ground and establish control.
​
The concept for Amsterdam Airlines was born from the observation that many MMA and BJJ teams in the region of Amsterdam are lacking in takedown classes. While judo and wrestling clubs offer techniques and strategies, these often don't seamlessly translate to MMA and BJJ, as they neglect considerations of back exposure, top control and submission vulnerabilities. Amsterdam Airlines is the pioneering academy in the Netherlands that specialises on judo techniques that can be performed without the gi. By fusing these throws with classic wrestling entries and BJJ control, Amsterdam Airlines offers a unique style that has been proven to be highly effective for BJJ and MMA competitions.
Classes & Schedule
​
Takedowns
Monday 13:30 - 15:00 - Gym Royale
Wednesday 18:00-19:30 - AAC Hercules
Friday 20:00 - 21:00 - Amsterdam Training Center
​
Although beginners are welcome and some basics will be covered in every class, the main focus of our classes is on experienced martial artists that are looking to improve their takedown skills. These classes are based on a variety of judo and wrestling techniques, adapted to be effective for MMA and BJJ/grappling competitions. The minimum requirement to participate is the ability of break-falling. If you are uncertain about your break-falling skills, please get in contact before the start of the class. Classes consist of a short warm-up, followed by explanation of techniques and drilling, concluded by some round of sparring (takedowns to ground control of three seconds, no striking). Feel free to come by for a free trial class
​
Grappling
Wednesday 19:30 - 21:00 - AAC Hercules
​
After taking an opponent down, the next step is being able to control them on the ground, by usage of pins, and ultimately make them surrender, by usage of strangles and join manipulations. In these classes, which will be mainly focused on ne-waza (grounded) techniques, you will learn both basic and advanced ways to control and submit your opponent. Classes are no-gi, meaning we dont wear the traditional kimono: A tight-fitting shirt (rash-guard) and shorts is the appropriate attire.
​
​
Strength & Conditioning
Monday 12:00 - 13:00 - Gym Royale
Thursday 15:00 - 16:00 - Amsterdam Training Center
​
Although some takedowns are mainly dependent on technical skill and timing, others require strength, power and/or speed. Elite wrestling and judo athletes are known for their exceptional athleticism and physical capacities. Amsterdam Airlines offers strength & conditioning guidance that will unlock your full potential to become a takedown master. Joris is an experienced S&C coach and sports scientist. In these roles, he works for the national Judo team. Strength & conditioning is only available within the business class membership and a training session must be booked online. You will undergo extensive testing, on which a training program will be designed that suits your needs.
​
Open Mat
Thursday 15:00 - 16:00 - Amsterdam Training Center
​
Free time to work on your skills or spar with your training partners, train as you like! Open mats are supervised by a coach who can help you with any question.
​
By joining Amsterdam Airlines classes, you agree to the house rules and terms of use.
​
Locations
​
Gym Royale
Klaprozenweg 42, 1032 KL Amsterdam
​
Amsterdam Training Center
H.J.E. Wenckebachweg 6-V5, 1096 AN Amsterdam
​
AAC Hercules
Dokter Meurerlaan 6, 1067 SM Amsterdam
Amsterdam Airlines is an academy by Joris Rookhuijzen
​
"My passion for sports started at the age of five when I started judo. More than 20 years later, this passion has branched out to other martial arts, weightlifting and sports science. I strive to guide combat athletes towards peak performance in the ring, octagon and on the mat."
​
- Judo Black Belt
- BJJ Purple Belt
- Bronze medal at UWW grappling world championships, Warsaw 2023
- Bronze medal at World Combat Games, Riyadh 2023
- MMA & Grappling Coach
- S&C trainer and sports scientist of the Dutch national Judo team
- 10 + Years of experience as a coach/trainer
- Working and training with elite level athletes in sports of MMA, BJJ & Judo
​
Tel: +31611866957
