For Wits student Madiala Leputu, earning his first-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do represents far more than reaching a new rank. It is the result of years of perseverance, personal growth and determination to keep going despite setbacks.

Originally from Ga-Rampheri, a village in Ga-Molepo outside Polokwane in Limpopo, Leputu is pursuing a Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours degree in Medical Cell Biology, specialising in neuroscience.

His interest in martial arts began when he was about nine years old, after watching a character practice karate in the television series Soul Buddzy. However, growing up in an area without nearby training centres meant he could not immediately pursue the sport.

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That changed when he attended Pax High School, where karate was available. In 2019, he took his first steps into martial arts, later training in judo before discovering Tang Soo Do through a friend, Gregory Matlala, at Wits. He joined the Wits Tang Soo Do Club at the beginning of the 2022 academic year, drawn by its competitive opportunities and the strong sense of community among its members.

Over time, training became an important part of his university experience and personal development. It also opened opportunities to compete at provincial, national and international levels. One of the biggest milestones in his journey was representing South Africa at the seventh World Tang Soo Do Championships in Inverness, Scotland, in 2025. He returned with two gold medals and one silver medal.

He also earned his First Dan black belt, an achievement he describes as a reflection of the commitment and sacrifices that shaped his journey. The road was not without challenges. Balancing university studies with training and competitions required careful time management, while financial difficulties sometimes limited his participation. Problems with his left arm also affected his training and made him question whether he could continue.

Despite these setbacks, he remained committed to his goals. When he learned that he had achieved First Dan, he experienced happiness, relief, gratitude and pride. He first thanked God before sharing the news with his family.

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Having his instructor, Master Gregory Hart, place the black belt around his waist made the moment especially meaningful. For Leputu, the achievement marks the beginning of another chapter rather than the end of his martial arts journey. He hopes to continue improving his skills, deepen his knowledge of self-defence and work towards his second-degree black belt.

He believes the lessons he has learned extend beyond the dojang, helping him approach academic and personal challenges with greater discipline, patience and perseverance.

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