Martial arts expert to fight for SA title belt

FORTY-four-year-old Hillcrest lifestyle coach and martial arts instructor, David Verster, is gearing up to compete for the South African Title Belt with Maximum Fighting Championship (MFC).

Verster, who has been participating in competitions for most of his life, achieved national colours for boxing and Jiu Jitsu (grappling) and has been active in most martial arts disciplines since the age of three.

He recently competed at Greyville Racetrack with the biggest and longest-standing promoter in SA – MFC – in a mixed martial arts (MMA) event where he secured his spot for the South African Title shot to be held on 31 May.

“I won via a rear naked choke in one minute and 15 seconds into the first round after connecting my opponent with various strikes. I closed the distance and took my opponent to the ground, where I quickly submitted him.

“MMA is a sport where two fighters enter a cage and win either via knockout or submission (tap-out). There are rules to ensure safety for the fighters of this fastest-growing sport in the world, which requires essential skills on the ground and standing. It is an elimination over a few months or years until you achieve an opportunity to fight for the pole position,” said Verster, who coaches at Lion’s Den South Africa in Pinetown. When asked about his recipe for success, Verster said: “The secret to my success is simple. I have the best fighting system that I use to teach people how to defend themselves and finish their opponents as quickly as possible. This is to minimise the chance of injury or damage. I also utilise kettle bell training for conditioning and cardio exercise.”