In the years from 1962 up to and including 1972 he participated in the national Dutch selection, became 8 times Dutch champion, won 3 x silver and 2 x bronze medals in the European championships and became 1 x fourth and 2 x fifth in the World Championships.
Jan Snijders as well as his twin brother Peter was known, or indeed notorious, for his technical perfection (Tai Otoshi).