AJ Barnard (15) placed third in the top 10 of Mpumalanga, claiming three gold medals and one silver medal at the KFS Jock of the Bushveld Tournament, which was held on July 26 in Mbombela.

Training under Henrico Duvenage, Machado Fighting Systems is behind his growth and outstanding performance, Alet Barnard, AJ’s mother, humbly said.

According to Alet, AJ started kickboxing at the age of seven, but had to discontinue the sport at the age of eight after transport between Belfast and Machadodorp became a problem.

AJ, however, was able to pick up kickboxing again last year, but a lack of funding prevented him from competing in provincial trials and this year’s nationals.

The KFS Jock of the Bushveld Tournament was his first-ever tournament, where he placed third overall. Machado Fighting Systems also placed second in the club standings, reaping in a total of 13 gold, 11 silver, and three bronze medals.

Coach Duvenage explained that the Jock featured six modes, speed fighting, evolution fighting, submission fighting, stagro (stand-up and ground fighting), open hand forms, and weapon forms.

“As a club, Machado Fighting Systems is affiliated with Martial Arts South Africa, and we offer a variety of styles, such as Ring Contact Fighting, Korean Fighting Systems (KFS) and grappling. This means that there are many upcoming tournaments that AJ could potentially compete in.”

According to Duvenage, who is a former Springbok kickboxer, AJ shows promise and potential to excel in the sport.

“He will have to participate in the Mpumalanga trials, and depending on those results, AJ could qualify for nationals,” Duvenage concluded.

AJ, however, is in need of sponsorship to continue with his sport.

Expenses include everything from entry fees, clothing, fighting gear, transport, and accommodation for tournaments.

Anyone willing to sponsor the talented AJ can contact Alet on 064 192 9033.