The Dutch legend reveals the secret behind his success, the strength of the Dutch school, and why SENSHI treats fighters like stars.
Legendary Dutch kickboxer Albert Kraus gave a special interview to the team of Boec.bg, sharing fascinating insights into his career, his philosophy as both a fighter and a coach, and his impressions of the development of SENSHI.
In the conversation, Kraus spoke about how he started his journey in combat sports, what he thinks about football, and why he never pursued a career in it despite his interest. He also explained why Dutch kickboxers have consistently been among the best in the world, pointing to a unique combination of discipline, hard training, and fighting mentality.
Kraus also reflected on his experience in professional boxing, admitting that while boxing may offer greater financial rewards, he has no regrets about choosing kickboxing as his main path. According to him, kickboxing not only made him a great fighter but also helped shape him as a person.
The Dutch legend recalled one of the defining moments of his career — winning the first-ever K-1 World MAX Tournament in 2002, despite being the youngest and least experienced fighter in the competition. He emphasized that what carried him to victory was not experience, but heart and an unbreakable will to win.
In the interview, Kraus also shared his perspective on what it takes to transition from a good fighter to a great coach. In his view, it requires strong psychological understanding and an individual approach to each fighter, recognizing that every athlete is different.
He also spoke about how his partnership with SENSHI began and what makes the organization stand out. According to Kraus, SENSHI combines high-level fighters, excellent organization, and a unique opportunity for young athletes to learn directly from legends of the sport. He added that while other promotions may offer higher pay, SENSHI stands out with its special attitude toward fighters — treating them like true stars and placing them at the center of attention.
Of course, the interview also touched on the eternal rivalry between two Dutch icons — Andy Souwer and Albert Kraus. Who does Kraus believe is the better fighter, and is there a chance for a third fight to finally settle the score?
See the full interview below:
