Great moment for Shihan Eddie Theron

SHIHAN Eddie Theron realised a dream of 23 years standing when he was chosen to represent Ring Contact Fighting Art at a NASKA (North America Sport Karate Association) in Atlanta, Georgia.

He was part of a three-man team that was selected to introduce kickboxing to this association. South Africa produced the best fighters and Shihan Eddie and another team mate were victorious.

Also read:

• What kickboxing is all about

• Kempton’s kickboxing team represent Gauteng

• Fighter to represent SA in Prague

Ring contact fighting art is a kickboxing style with light and full contact modes. Light contact is full contact to the body and controlled contact to the head, for the fighters’ safety.

Theron started his ring contact fighting art career in 1987, as a school pupil in Potchefstroom. He has won various SA championships and had the opportunity to represent South Africa at the Battle of Atlanta in 1992, but, due to financial constraints, was not able to attend.

In 2003 he joined Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies and has held the SA title for the past 10 years, in either full contact, K1 or light contact, in his respective weight divisions.

He also attended the WAKO (World Amateur Kickboxing Organisation) World Championships.

Over the years he has fought in Portugal (2006), Greece (2007), Mauritius (intercontinental championships in 2011), Ireland (2011), Madagascar (African Games in 2012) and Turkey (2013).

He will also compete in Ireland, in November, this year.

In 2011 he fought for the Pro Am K1 Title belt and became the K1 Pro Am title-holder. Nobody challenged him for 18 months and, therefore, the belt became his property.

In 2013 he was nominated for the Ekurhuleni Sports Awards and was recognised for being a finalist in the Outstanding Official/Administrator category.

Shihan Eddie was awarded his fifth degree black belt in February, this year, by Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies.

His dojo has gone from strength to strength over the past 10 years.