Preserving the Bruges Fighter – Part II:

Bruges Fighter Bloodlines in Africa

Group 1: The Colonial Strain (2012–2024)

The Colonial Strain traces its roots to breeders active between the 1950s and 1990s, providing the genetic foundation for the Bruges Fighter population in Africa.

Blend 1 – The Founding Blend: Cocquet, De Beerst, Loosveldt & Staes (1955–1970)

Blend 2 – The Heritage Blend: T’Jaekens, Van Caeneghem & Van Damme (1960–1980)

Blend 3 – The Missionary Blend: Hollanders, Swanepoel & Verstraete (1975–1991)
Codes: G1B1 – G1B2 – G1B3

Group 2: The Belgian Strain (2024 - ...)

A modern selection of leading Belgian bloodlines, imported for their strength, breed purity, and performance.

Blend 1: Joost De Meyer, Jan Martens, Antoon Krekelbergh, Glen Vandamme, Erwin Engels & Paul Vandenbussche

Blend 2: Danny Van Eynde (Linter)
Codes: G2B1 – G2B2

Group 3: The European Improved - Colonial Line (2025– ...)

An improved European colonial line, selectively bred under the guidance of Joost De Meyer.

In January 2025, the first batch of 50 hatching eggs was incubated in Europe. After careful selection — and some losses due to fox and marten visits — three cocks and five hens were retained by August 2025. These birds will form the foundation for the 2026 breeding season, which will continue under the supervision of Joost De Meyer.

Code: G3B1 (Refined mix of G1B1, G1B2 & G1B3)

Future Phases

Group 4: The Synthesis Line (2026– ...)

The Synthesis Line represents the integration of colonial and Belgian genetics — a balanced, stabilized line emphasizing strength, vitality, and adherence to the Bruges Fighter standard.

Codes:

G4B1 (G1B1 x Joost De Meyer × Antoon Krekelbergh)

G4B2 (G1B2 x Joost De Meyer × Antoon Krekelbergh)

G4B3 (G1B3 x Joost De Meyer × Antoon Krekelbergh)

G4B4 (G3B1 x Joost De Meyer × Antoon Krekelbergh)

Group 5: Elite Genetics (2027–…)

Codes:

G5B1 – The Legacy Line (G1B1 × Joost De Meyer)

Derived from the rare G1B1 colonial line crossed with Belgian top breeder Joost De Meyer. This line emphasizes heritage and the careful transmission of elite genetics. It combines historical significance with exceptional quality.

G5B2 – The Heritage Elite (G3B1 × Joost De Meyer)

Derived from G3B1—a refined blend of G1B1, G1B2, and G1B3—crossed with Joost De Meyer. This line emphasizes heritage, enhanced European colonial traits, and Belgian excellence; it focuses on preserving and further enhancing the best qualities for future generations.

I wish to state explicitly that neither I nor AOBA consider ourselves “experts” in the Bruges Fighter. We simply had the good fortune of inheriting what we have. All credit belongs to the breeders who came before us.

Special thanks
I would like to thank Joost De Meyer, a true master breeder of Brugse Vechter, for his guidance and valuable advice. His knowledge and passion are a great inspiration to me as a starting breeder.

Jean Kiala-Inkisi
President – African Ornamental Breeders Association (AOBA)