Kickboxers battle to prove they’re the best in the province
The old Scout Hall came alive with shouts of encouragement when kick-boxers from all over the province faced off for a chance to be included in the provincial team.
Around 70 participants from White River Kick-boxing Club, Nelspruit Kick-boxing Club, Wolves Martial Arts Academy, SKA Secunda, Middelburg XKT and Barberton Extreme Kick-boxing, had their turn on the mat. Selectors were Brandt Ehlers, Awie Davis, Drikkie van Staden and Pieter de Klerk.
Family members, friends and fellow club members filled the observation area and their loud, energetic support fuelled some great performances.
Kick-boxers were matched up according to weight classes in the junior girls and boys and senior men and women, and South African Kick-boxing Association rules were followed.
According to Van Staden, the team is chosen on merit. “To be in the team, you have to show good defence and attack techniques. Fitness also plays a big role, as well as being in the top three fighters in your group.” The safety of fighters is also very important and the competition is therefore judged very strictly.
Participants displayed great sportsmanship and Van Standen says standards are starting to improve.
The Mpumalanga Kick-boxing team for 2016 was chosen after a morning of adrenalin-packed trials. Ruan Jordaan, André Viljoen, Rymert Spreeth, Tiago Bello, Duardt du Toit, Antonie Hattingh, Reghardt Ungerer, George Viljoen, Jacobus Meyer, Dewald Bezuidenhout, JG Pansegrouw, Sebastiaan Boshof, Jaco Cornelius, Adeon Anderson, Tiaan Schwirzer, Marco Bello, Francois Botha, Bowen Kruger, Wesley Grobler, Jakkie Goosen, Jose Ehlers, Duwal Coetser, Gerhard van Tonder, Zander Geyer, Wimpie van der Merwe, Dyllan Whitfield, Christopher Wilken, Wikus Ludeke, August Hennsa, Hannes du Preez, Daniella Bello, Mia Vermeulen, Eagan Kruger, Nicole van Tonder, Charne Schwirzer, Charlise Ludeke, Leche Wright, Carmen Bronkhorst, Caren Kruger, Petro van Staden, Elmarie Cornelius, Linda van Staden, Tommy Eckly en Sanja Beneke wil be representing the province.
The next kick-boxing competition will take place in March next year, with the provincial team taking part in the SAKA nationals in Pretoria in May. This gives
kick-boxers a few months to sharpen their skills and prepare to face tough opponents from around the country.
Van Standen would like to thank every instructor, parent, friend and participant for their contribution to the success of the trials. “I’m looking forward to 2016, which will be a busy year. I am sure that our fighters will develop more and reach great achievements and that our friendship in sport will grow.”
View more photos here.
