WATCH: Muay Thai coach marks one-year milestone
Katlego Ndhlovu reflects on his journey from fighter to coach at Box Office Gym, as young athletes, parents, and Muay Thai officials join in a spirited anniversary event in the south of Johannesburg.
Gator Muay Thai’s Katlego ‘El Cocodrilo’ Ndhlovu was pleased with the progress of his tenure when he celebrated one year in the sport as a coach at the Box Office Gym Southern Suburbs on July 5.
Young people came to enjoy the day, including head amateur coach Kieth Mpala and coach Anton Gillmore.
The day started with young boxers sparring, and Ndhlovu was excited to see his first student, Quintin d’Hotman de Villiers, get his first sparring partner, Martin Noyce.
@southern.courierKatlego Ndhlovu reflects on his journey from fighter to coach at Box Office Gym, as young athletes, parents, and Muay Thai officials join in a spirited anniversary event in the south of Johannesburg.♬ original sound – Southern Courier
“As we celebrate our first anniversary, I’m pleased with the exposure Quintin is getting. Today, boxing and muay thai came together, and we encourage young people to come in numbers to experience this collaboration. Quintin is supported by his parents, who are here, and that is a huge bonus for us. It shows trust in the sport and in us.
“This is the first of many, and we are growing, which means more opportunities. It also serves as a motivation for others. We need students who believe in themselves and who want to be the best,” he said.
There were also representatives from the World Muay Thai Federation (WMF), and Ndhlovu said another bonus was the relationship they had started with the WMF, which will help them attract more talent and grow in the game.
Gillmore congratulated Mpala for his brilliance in shaping young talent, “He is great and has trained former world champions. He also administers a specialised fighters’ kids class here from 16:00 to 18:00 on weekdays.
@southern.courierWhen I started Muay Thai, the sport wasn’t as it is today. I never wanted to leave the south of Johannesburg, but I took a chance on myself, and now I’m in a position to help grow the sport. Sports can’t only exist in one region. That’s not growth; that’s killing talent you’ve never seen. From this event, we hope all martial artists believe that even in the south of Johannesburg, you can still enjoy a full-on martial arts experience, even beyond retirement.
“Summer is coming, and it is time to get in shape. Hence, I invite people to join us for The Be That Guy programme, where we work on the mental side and harness the power of boxing. When people are stressed, they often lack motivation. We want to bring back the mojo in you. I know this because I also suffered from it. Besides training, members will receive a comprehensive diet assessment and access to a healthy meal plan, ensuring a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being,” he said.
While 23-year-old Mpala admitted that training youngsters is a way of life for him, he added, “This is what I need in life. I used to be a personal trainer. However, this fulfils my heart and makes me feel alive.
“I enjoy seeing youngsters grow in their craft. I train children from six to 25 years old, and this is my passion. Although I started as a fighter at 13, I have grown in this field to become a dedicated coach,” stated Mpala.
Quintin agreed that his first sparring wasn’t easy; however, he admitted it was good.
More from ‘El Cocodrilo’ on Muay Thai
“My first Muay Thai gym as a fighter was the Box Office Gym, Southern Suburbs. I only moved because my coach sadly left us, but he made me fall in love with the sport. Now, I’ve returned to the same gym but as a coach.
“I’ve travelled throughout the country to get any form of sparring or action against any type of martial art style I could find. That’s why this event is so beautiful. Many people have never really been to the south of Johannesburg, and many fighters have never challenged themselves outside their best martial art. Very few ever give muay thai a chance. But people gave me a chance. That means they give muay thai a chance, too.
“From this event, we hope to create an avenue where martial artists can compete in their hometowns and away. I’m not only trying to help develop more martial arts talent in the south of Johannesburg, but I’ll benefit too, because I can meet new people who can turn into my new sparring partners. You don’t need a camp to spar. It’s for the love of the game.
When I started Muay Thai, the sport wasn’t as it is today. I never wanted to leave the south of Johannesburg, but I took a chance on myself, and now I’m in a position to help grow the sport. Sports can’t only exist in one region.
That’s not growth; that’s killing talent you’ve never seen. From this event, we hope all martial artists believe that even in the south of Johannesburg, you can still enjoy a full-on martial arts experience, even beyond retirement.
It’s our anniversary celebration, but we want to build a legacy that lives on. Fighters come and go, but the sport continues. We’re excited for new beginnings.”
You can join Gator Muay Thai today. The first two lessons are free. WhatsApp 067 133 4093 for more information. Location: Box Office Gym Southern Suburbs.
