ACKB expands with new branch in Alberton North

The Alberton Chinese Kickboxing Club (ACKB), founded by Sarah O’Donnell in 2014, has grown steadily over the last 10 years in Brackendowns.

The club recently opened another branch, called Alberton Chinese Kickboxing Fight Club, on 17 Gerrit Maritz Street in Alberton North.

Leading the charge at the new branch is Yvette Schlotfeldt, a seasoned martial fighter boasting three World Championship titles, three African Continental titles, her Protea colours, and a second-degree black belt fighter.

She is also number two on the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) ranking. With an impressive track record and a passion for the sport, Yvette is set to take the new branch to new heights.

The decision to establish a second branch stems from the growing demand for kickboxing training in the Alberton North community.

“I had the space available, and there were inquiries about it. People living in this area felt it was too far to drive to Brackendowns. I wanted to expand the reach of ACKB while staying true to the principles instilled by my instructor, Sarah,” said Yvette.

Getting the club ready

The process of preparing the new club was swift, with renovations completed in just two weeks.
“It took about two weeks for the renovating,” she said.

“I had great help from my husband, Robert Schlotfeldt, and also my one-liner, as I call her, Yolandi Pinkerton, and her family.”

The official opening on April 6 was met with enthusiasm, with about 60 supporters gathering to mark the occasion.

Open and ready

With the new branch open and ready to take in fighters, Yvette is excited about the future. She wants to develop fighters and make them the best fighters in SA.

She assures people it is safe to attend classes and that they have everything needed for the fighters and their families to feel safe.

Her plan is also to bring about change in the Alberton North community, where the aim is to get kids off the streets.

“We all see what is happening around us and if I could change just one life, I would feel as if I accomplished something,” she said.

The ACKB is affiliated with esteemed kickboxing associations, including the Ekurhuleni Kickboxing Association, the Gauteng Kickboxing Association, and the South Africa Kickboxing Association, underscoring its commitment to excellence and adherence to industry standards.

Her goal is to have the biggest group of fighters at the next championships and to pass what she learnt from her instructor to other fighters.

Benefits of the sport

There is a stigma that kickboxing is an aggressive sport, but martial arts is more about disciplined focus and the benefits are endless.

“It is a technique and art of fighting,” she said.

• It’s a full-body burn and can help with weight loss.

• You can make it your own workout and work at your own pace.

• Learn valuable self-defence moves.

• It’s endurance, speed, and power training in one.

• Boost energy.

• Very beneficial for rugby players because it helps with hand co-ordination.

• Relieves stress and anxiety and can help with mental health.

• Develop better co-ordination.

• Improve memory, focus and sharpness.

• Improves cardiovascular health.

“You do not need any experience or level of fitness to be part of the ACKB. They have students who train with them for various reasons – self-defence, fitness and weight loss – and those who compete at competitions,” said Yvette and Sarah.

To experience kickboxing’s transformative power first-hand, residents are encouraged to join the complimentary classes.

Contact them

For those interested in joining the Alberton Chinese Kickboxing Fight Club or seeking more information, call Yvette on 083 354 0779 or email her on Yvette@ackbfightclub.co.za.

Similarly, direct inquiries about the Brackendowns branch to Sarah on 081 870 2092 or albertonkickboxing@gmail.com