Mixed martial arts not a sport for brawlers
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is often seen as a sport where participants take part merely to fight and brawl in a cage, but according to Sensei Frik Willemse, there is more to MMA than meets the eye.
Sensei Frik is the head coach at Sansei Tiger/Crane MMA Club and says the club is anything but a school for backyard fighters. “We are currently trying to eliminate the image of MMA fighters as being brawlers.”
According to Sensei Frik, to run a MMA club there are certain procedures which need to be adhered to. “The rules governing MMA clubs in the country are strict.”
In order to run an MMA club, there has to be coaches with specific qualifications and a recognised history in grappling sports such as Jiu Jitsu and stand-up combat such as karate and kick-boxing.
In order to ensure that those in his club are able to follow basic guidelines, Sensei Frik explains the club is part of a national MMA group with its headquarters in Vanderbijlpark.
“As of next year, our students will be able to be graded on kick-boxing and judo as it will be part of the curriculum,” said Sensei Frik.
With MMA becoming more popular in the sports world, Sensei Frik added that he would love to see the sport recognised as a martial art.
As there is a trip planned for Thailand in next April, Sensei Frik says those in the club are finding structure and nine members’ names were put down for the African Fight League 18 (AFL18). “It isn’t certain yet which of them will fight, but we are looking forward to it and I hope that one day we can develop professionals who can take part in EFC.”
