From Kickboxing to BJJ Black Belt: Solange van Doorn's Evolution
Solange van Doorn, a powerhouse from the Netherlands, has carved out an impressive career in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a black belt under the renowned Checkmat team, she excels in both gi and no-gi formats, competing at high levels across Europe and beyond. Her story is one of persistence and passion, blending striking arts with grappling mastery—a perfect inspiration for MMA fighters looking to sharpen their ground game.
Starting her combat sports journey with kickboxing as a teenager, Solange quickly fell in love with the adrenaline of fighting. But it was a pivotal moment during a judo session that redirected her focus toward grappling. 'Judo opened my eyes to throws and control,' she shares. From there, BJJ became her obsession. After years of grinding through white, blue, blue-black, purple, and brown belts, she earned her black belt—a testament to her dedication. For MMA enthusiasts, this transition highlights how foundational striking skills can seamlessly integrate with submission grappling, creating well-rounded athletes.
A Grueling Yet Strategic Training Schedule
Solange's weekly routine is the blueprint for aspiring competitors. She trains twice a day, six days a week, balancing technique work, live rolling, and conditioning. Mornings kick off with drilling specific positions—think guard passes, escapes, and submissions—to build muscle memory. Afternoons shift to sparring rounds, where she tests her skills against teammates of varying styles and sizes.
Strength and conditioning (S&C) rounds out her program, incorporating Olympic lifts, bodyweight circuits, and mobility drills. 'I focus on explosive power for takedowns and endurance for long matches,' she explains. On rest days, active recovery like yoga or light swims keeps her fresh. This structure is gold for MMA practitioners: it mirrors the demands of cage fights, where you need both technical precision and gas tank depth. Pro tip: Track your sessions in a journal to identify weaknesses, just like Solange does.
Breaking Down a Sample Day
- Morning (90-120 mins): Positional sparring and technique drills. Emphasis on her favorites like the berimbolo and leg locks.
- Afternoon (90 mins): Full rolls, starting positional and building to shark tank scenarios.
- Evening S&C (45 mins): Squats, deadlifts, kettlebell swings, plus core work for that unbreakable guard.
Fueling the Machine: Nutrition for Peak Performance
To sustain her rigorous schedule, Solange prioritizes clean, balanced eating. Breakfast is oats with fruit and protein powder for sustained energy. Lunches feature lean proteins like chicken or fish, paired with veggies and complex carbs such as sweet potatoes. Post-training snacks? Greek yogurt or nuts to kickstart recovery.
She supplements smartly: creatine for power, BCAAs for muscle repair, and omega-3s for joint health—crucial in grappling sports. Hydration is non-negotiable; she aims for 4+ liters daily. During competition camps, carbs ramp up for weight cuts. This approach translates perfectly to MMA camps, where cutting weight while maintaining power is key. Beginners: Start with meal prepping to avoid junk—Solange swears it keeps her consistent.
Gear That Gets the Job Done: Solange's Picks
As a sponsored athlete, Solange reps Hyperfly gear, known for its durability and fit in high-stakes rolls. Her go-to is the Hyperfly Competition Gi—lightweight pearl weave fabric that dries fast and moves fluidly, ideal for gi competitions. For no-gi, she layers Hyperfly rash guards and spats, praising their compression and moisture-wicking properties that prevent mat burns.
'My gi must withstand heavy grips without ripping,' she notes. She sizes up for competition to allow better movement during scrambles. Mouthguards and tape are essentials too—protecting teeth and fingers during ferocious exchanges. For MMA crossover, these pieces double as base layers under gloves and shorts.
When shopping at premium spots like Apollo MMA, look for reinforced stitching and IBJJF-approved specs. Rash guards in particular shine for no-gi wrestling or BJJ, reducing friction in clinches—a must for Muay Thai grapplers too.
Mastering Key Techniques: Solange's Arsenal
Solange's game revolves around modern no-gi innovations. She's lethal from the bottom with berimbolos, inverting to attack legs or backtakes. Top side, she chains arm drags into leg entanglements. In gi, collar chokes and wrist locks add variety.
Her advice? 'Drill until it's instinctive.' She breaks down leg locks meticulously—heel hooks, toe holds—emphasizing entries from 50/50 or ashi garami. For MMA fighters, these open new submission threats from guard, complementing striking transitions.
Words of Wisdom for Up-and-Comers
Solange keeps it real: 'BJJ humbles you daily—embrace the taps.' Consistency trumps talent; show up even on off days. Mental toughness? Visualization and breathing drills. Injuries? Listen to your body and prioritize rehab.
For women in combat sports, she encourages building a supportive network. Cross-training in wrestling or judo accelerates progress. Gear tip: Invest in quality from the start—cheap gis tear mid-roll, killing flow.
Looking Ahead: Goals and Legacy
Next up: Medals at major IBJJF Worlds and ADCC trials. Long-term, coaching and growing Checkmat Holland. Her journey inspires globally, proving grit beats genetics.
Whether you're a white belt or seasoned MMA pro, Solange's blueprint—structured training, smart nutrition, reliable gear—delivers results. Check out Apollo MMA's BJJ and MMA collections to gear up like the elites. Roll on!
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