Andy Souwer, Albert Kraus, Semmy Schilt and Ernesto Hoost at a joint seminar in Utrecht
On April 12, 2026, De Bilt (Province of Utrecht) will host “The Best4 Seminar — K-1 Legacy,” featuring Andy Souwer, Albert Kraus, Semmy Schilt and Ernesto Hoost.
The organisers have announced an event that can hardly be called ordinary: for the first time, four Dutch champions whose names are forever written into the history of the K-1 World Grand Prix will gather on one floor. On April 12, 2026, Sporthal H.F. Witte (Henri Dunantplein 4, De Bilt, Utrecht) will host “The Best4 Seminar — K-1 Legacy” from 11:30 to 15:30, supported by the organisation Senshi.
Who Are the Participants?
Andy Souwer (born November 9, 1982) is a Dutch kickboxer, two-time K-1 World MAX Champion (2005, 2007), four-time Shootboxing World Tournament Champion, and former It’s Showtime 70MAX World Champion. Souwer has won two K-1 World MAX titles, five S-Cup victories, and numerous other championship titles over the course of his more than twenty-year career.
Albert Kraus (born August 3, 1980) is a Dutch kickboxer nicknamed “The Hurricane.” He became the first-ever K-1 World MAX Champion in 2002 and the first SUPERKOMBAT Middleweight World Champion. Over his career, Kraus competed in more than 120 professional bouts across kickboxing, Muay Thai and boxing, scoring 79 knockouts and claiming nine world championship titles.
Semmy Schilt (born October 27, 1973, Rotterdam) is a Dutch fighter, four-time K-1 World Grand Prix Champion (2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009) and Glory Heavyweight Grand Slam winner (2012). He stands 2.12 metres tall. Schilt is the only fighter in K-1 history to win the world title three consecutive times, and shares the record for the most Grand Prix victories with Ernesto Hoost — four titles each. Beyond kickboxing, he also competed in MMA: in Pride FC, UFC and Pancrase.
Ernesto Hoost (born July 11, 1965, Heemskerk) is a former professional kickboxer from the Netherlands, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in the history of the sport. He won the K-1 World Grand Prix four times: in 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2002. His career record stands at 97 wins and 21 losses, 62 of them by knockout. Hoost is known by the nickname “Mr. Perfect” — for his trademark low kicks and explosive striking style.
The Era They Created
The K-1 World Grand Prix, founded in Japan in 1993, grew into one of the largest combat sports organisations in the world. The Netherlands held a special place within it: the Dutch kickboxing school consistently produced world-class champions. All four participants of the upcoming seminar are its finest representatives. Schilt and Hoost share the tournament’s all-time record with four Grand Prix victories each.
How to Attend
The seminar will be held in a live training format: each of the four champions will lead his own individual session. The event is open to professionals and to anyone who wants to experience this era first-hand.
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 11:30 — 15:30
Address: Sporthal H.F. Witte, Henri Dunantplein 4, 3771 CL De Bilt, Utrecht, Netherlands
Tickets: eventim-light.com