Latest news with #MartialArtsSouthAfrica
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Belfast's AJ is the Jock of KFS
AJ Barnard (15) placed third in the top 10 of Mpumalanga, claiming three gold medals and one silver medal at the KFS Jock of the Bushveld Tournament, which was held on July 26 in Mbombela. Training under Henrico Duvenage, Machado Fighting Systems is behind his growth and outstanding performance, Alet Barnard, AJ's mother, humbly said. According to Alet, AJ started kickboxing at the age of seven, but had to discontinue the sport at the age of eight after transport between Belfast and Machadodorp became a problem. AJ, however, was able to pick up kickboxing again last year, but a lack of funding prevented him from competing in provincial trials and this year's nationals. The KFS Jock of the Bushveld Tournament was his first-ever tournament, where he placed third overall. Machado Fighting Systems also placed second in the club standings, reaping in a total of 13 gold, 11 silver, and three bronze medals. Coach Duvenage explained that the Jock featured six modes, speed fighting, evolution fighting, submission fighting, stagro (stand-up and ground fighting), open hand forms, and weapon forms. 'As a club, Machado Fighting Systems is affiliated with Martial Arts South Africa, and we offer a variety of styles, such as Ring Contact Fighting, Korean Fighting Systems (KFS) and grappling. This means that there are many upcoming tournaments that AJ could potentially compete in.' According to Duvenage, who is a former Springbok kickboxer, AJ shows promise and potential to excel in the sport. 'He will have to participate in the Mpumalanga trials, and depending on those results, AJ could qualify for nationals,' Duvenage concluded. AJ, however, is in need of sponsorship to continue with his sport. Expenses include everything from entry fees, clothing, fighting gear, transport, and accommodation for tournaments. Anyone willing to sponsor the talented AJ can contact Alet on 064 192 9033.
The Citizen
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Alberton martial artists strike gold at national championships
Eighteen students from Alberton Martial Arts and Fitness showcased their talent and determination at the Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) National Championships, held in Pretoria on June 14 and 15. In a display of skill and discipline, the Alberton team brought home an impressive medal haul: 10 gold, nine silver and 10 bronze medals, earned against strong competition from across the country. The event, described as a true martial arts extravaganza, featured a wide array of disciplines, including Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. Multiple federations under MASA participated, making the tournament a melting pot of martial arts styles and expertise. Competitors from all corners of South Africa gathered in Pretoria to represent their provinces, contributing to the dynamic and spirited atmosphere of the championships. MASA was praised for hosting a world-class tournament, providing a high-quality platform for martial artists to compete at national level. The achievements of the Alberton Martial Arts and Fitness students highlight the dedication of both the athletes and their instructors, as they continue to make their mark on the national stage. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Elsburg's Thunder MMA shines at national championships with eight medals
Elsburg's Thunder MMA shines at national championships with eight medals Thunder MMA from Elsburg celebrated a triumphant return after securing multiple medals at the Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) National Championships. Held from June 13 to 15 at the DLI Hall in Durban, the event showcased top martial arts talent. The championships saw impressive performances from various fighters, highlighting the growing talent in South African martial arts. ALSO READ: Local star claims MMA national title, targets Pro Boxing This talent includes nine fighters from Thunder MMA with eight out of the nine bringing home medals, contributing to the club's fifth-place overall finish. Standout performances came from: • Dinizia Monteiro (17), won gold in under 60kg. • Nathan Graff (13), won gold in under 52kg. • Zander du Preez (18) won gold. • Jordin Coxen (11), won silver, he made a memorable national championships debut. • Luvuyo Mnyenyevu (23), achieved a bronze in his first nationals despite only eight months of MMA training. • Etienne Greyvenstein (19), won bronze. • Walro Fourie (10), from Elspark Primary School, claimed a bronze medal. • Johandre Fourie (14), from Osterlig High School, won bronze. • Kayden Wassel (18), from Vryburger High School, represented the team with dedication but failed to win any medals. He previously went to the IMMAF Youth MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi worlds twice in a row. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Carletonville MMA fighters shine at National Championships in Durban
Fighters from the Fight St MMA Club in Carletonville made their hometown proud by securing multiple medals at the Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) National Championships, held from June 13 to 15 at the DLI Hall in Greyville, Durban. Carletonville fighters dominate at MMASA Nationals The event brought together over 150 amateur and youth MMA fighters, aged 10 to 35, from across South Africa. Despite fierce competition, the Carletonville-based club impressed by finishing among the top ten MMA clubs in the country. Medal winners from Fight St MMA Club Emma Golden won two gold medals while her sister, Megan, won a gold and a silver medal. Another junior fighter, Sumarie-May Eddy, won gold and silver medals, while Benoré Meyer also won gold and silver medals. Rohann van Jaarsveld, who did not lose any of his fights, won a silver medal. His brother, Christoff, also scooped a silver medal. The experienced fighters Alex Tuz and Patrick Steyn took fifth positions in their categories. MMA: A growing sport in South Africa Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic and full-contact sport that blends techniques from boxing, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, karate, and other global combat styles. As the sport grows in popularity in South Africa, clubs like Fight St MMA are helping to build future champions. Coach proud of fighters' performance 'I am happy with these achievements. These fighters have been working hard for their places,' said head coach Chimmy van Winkel, reflecting on the team's strong showing. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
