Written by Leon Voskamp
Photo: ANP, Xinhua News Agency
Valence Bickel is a world-class athlete in Kyokushin karate, considered the toughest form of karate. The 27-year-old martial artist from De Heen first saw kickboxing as a new training stimulus, but within a few years, she had become a feared opponent there as well. After winning the European kickboxing title last year, Valence captured gold this Thursday at the World Games in China. “This gold medal is very special to me.”
Four-time world champion and six-time European champion, Bickel has collected title after title in Kyokushin karate. To push herself to become an even better version of herself, she also took up kickboxing. What began as a hobby soon got out of hand—by the end of 2024, she had already won the European title under the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).
“I found the game interesting and fought several matches with good results. I was getting a better feel for it and, above all, I really enjoyed it. It also added value to karate and vice versa; they complemented each other perfectly. When I was invited to the European Championships and won the title, it was perhaps a bit unexpected. I was seen as the surprise.”
NOC*NSF invited her to travel to China this month as a kickboxer for The World Games, a global sporting event featuring non-Olympic sports. “I wouldn’t have expected to receive this invitation a few years ago. I was only focused on getting the best out of myself. Once in China, I demanded, as always, that I give everything in the ring. If I do that, then I know I can beat my competitors.”
Her priority was always karate, but after competing in the World Championships in June, her focus shifted to kickboxing—and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future. “I’m not saying I’m quitting karate completely, but I’m mostly focused on kickboxing now. I know what it takes to take new steps in my development.”
“There is much more to come.”
Valence was a passionate gymnast until she was seventeen, when she was introduced to karate through her mother. Now, the Brabant native wants to reach the very top in kickboxing—all while working a 32-hour week as a lifestyle coach.
“I train every morning and evening. Time fills itself. I definitely have goals; I really want to become a world champion with a major professional association. Those opportunities are there, especially after this gold medal. There’s much more to come.”
