07-07-2025
Tebbutt's Academy shines nationally and prepares to host All Stars tournament
Tebbutt's Academy is gearing up to host its very own tournament, the Tebbutt Academy All Stars Karate and Kickboxing, set to take place from July 25 to 26.
The announcement comes on the heels of the academy's outstanding performance at the MASA National Championships and Festival, held on June 14 and 15. Competing against over 600 participants from across the country, 20 Tebbutt athletes brought home a remarkable 16 gold medals, 14 silver, and 13 bronze.
All medal winners were awarded MASA national colours in recognition of their achievements.
Founder Kancho Alex Tebbutt expressed his pride, saying, 'We're thrilled that 19 of our students received national colours, and some are now in line to represent South Africa in karate and kickboxing in the UK.
'The academy is back on top, and our performance at the nationals demonstrates the effectiveness of our training. We faced tough national competition, but our students shone.'
The upcoming All Stars tournament will feature karate, kickboxing, and weapons, promising a thrilling display of talent and skill.
Prior to the nationals, the academy also celebrated success at the K1 competitions in Lenasia, specifically at the Kickboxing Organisation of South Africa (KOSA) SA Open Championships on May 24. Rising star Logan Peters made a strong debut, showcasing dedication, strength, and spirit.
Among the academy's seasoned athletes is Sensei Madelyn Breedt, who continues to mentor and inspire younger karatekas. Breedt began karate at age nine, following her brother's involvement in both karate and wrestling. With over two decades of experience, she is now a certified A-class referee and a respected figure in the sport.
'Karate has taught me discipline and respect,' said Breedt, who now trains alongside her two children. 'I began in 1993, as women's wrestling wasn't available then. When I returned after becoming a mother, I brought my kids with me. Now they're training at the academy too.'
Breedt reflected on her early journey and the challenges she overcame. 'In my previous club, I excelled at kata but struggled in fighting.
'There was a girl from Tebbutt who used to beat me. My mother told me, 'Since you can't fight, join Tebbutt Academy.' That advice changed everything.'
Her achievements include earning junior Springbok colours in 1996 at age 10, senior colours in 2008, and representing South Africa in the USA, where she placed third in fighting and fifth in kata in 1996. She went on to win multiple trophies in 2008.
Breedt also praised the growth of female participation in the sport. 'In 1996, I often had to compete against boys due to a lack of girls in my division. It's heartening to see how far the sport has come, with more girls and diverse groups participating. Karate builds character, and as a sensei, I love mentoring the next generation.'
Having had a fulfilling competitive career, Breedt now focuses on teaching and passing on her knowledge with pride.
Meanwhile, KOSA President Shihan Sors Grobbelaar has announced the names of athletes selected for the KOSA A, B, and Development Teams.
These athletes will represent South Africa at the 2025 WKA World Championships in October, as well as the 2026 WKA African Championships, scheduled for April/May 2026.
A team
Schaun Diamond
Deklin Dougall
Khazimba Nyikila
Joao Amaral
B team
Logan Peters
Nita Steyn
Amani Essuf
Solakele Ndhlovu
Lizzy Steyn
Michael Dougall
Destiny Diamond
Zian de Lange
Hailey Walker
Tristan Walker
Johan Steyn
Arabella Concalves
Tanika Concalves
Tyron Stevens
Anke Breedt
Development Team
Adill Essuff
Peter Baloi
Nikita Breedt
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