South Africa’s first para-kickboxing athlete, Jonathon Uys, has qualified to compete in the WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organisations) Youth World Kickboxing Championships in Italy this September.

His younger sister, Rolinda, has also qualified to compete.

It isn’t the fact that both their children are excelling in the sport that makes their parents’ eyes well up with tears when they speak of how proud they are… It’s the courage and resilience it took for them to overcome their unique challenges to be able to compete at all.

17-year-old Jonathon from Newcastle was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, as well as Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when he was in Grade 3.

With teachers who didn’t recognise or understand neurodivergence, and classmates who bullied him for being different, Jonathon’s early school days were a nightmare.

His mother, Malinda (who worked as a teacher’s assistant at Jonathon’s school), observed with concern that he wasn’t interacting with the other children. Soon thereafter, Malinda started getting complaints from Jonathon’s teachers, who said he was ‘being naughty’ in class.

“I couldn’t understand why. He is a very clever child,” recalled Malinda. “When he was diagnosed, we came to understand that he wasn’t naughty at all, once the therapist explained how he was different.”

When Jonathon was bullied at school, he often depended on Rolinda – who would readily come to her brother’s aid, even though she was younger and smaller in stature.

Despite the fact that Jonathon is an intelligent individual, teachers in mainstream schools lacked the knowledge, experience and skills to cope with his neurodivergence.

“We did hope to keep him in the mainstream schooling system because there’s nothing wrong with his intellect, but we were eventually forced to send him to Tugela Pre-Vocational School, where the teachers were better equipped to deal with Jonathon’s condition… and he is thriving there,” said Malinda.

Under the kind and insightful tutelage he receives at Tugela, Jonathon is well on his way to becoming a motor mechanic.

Kickboxing builds confidence and resilience

It was in kickboxing training, however, where Jonathon learned how to protect himself against his childhood bullies and where his self-confidence soared.

According to father Christopher Uys, just two years ago, an interview with Jonathon would not have been possible. “He could not look you in the eye, he would not speak to you, and he couldn’t stand being touched,” Christopher explained.

“Kickboxing is a sport that forces you to look your opponent in the eye and make physical contact with him. At first, Jonathon was very nervous, but Sensei Hendrik Booysen’s kickboxing club is like a family. Members are caring and encouraging of each other. In that supportive environment, Jonathon’s self-confidence began to grow.”

As Jonathon grew in the sport, social interactions that seemed impossible in the past slowly became more natural.

“Apsergers changes the way you think. You see the world differently. You can’t see or understand emotions from looking at a person’s face or body language and you take everything literally, even if it’s meant as a joke,” said Jonathon. “It is upsetting to me when people in the Aspergers community are treated childishly and people speak down to you. However, I am grateful to my friends and family who always treat me with respect.

“Kickboxing hasn’t just taught me how to protect myself from bullies. It has taught me self-control, discipline and when to back down. Knowing I can face my bullies has given me self-confidence, but I have learned that respect for others is also very important,” he continued.

For Jonathon, participating in the world kickboxing championships in Italy means more than an opportunity to compete. It’s about showing the people who have underestimated him his entire life that: ‘He can! He will! He won’t quit!’

“I really want to represent my country and show the world that people who make jokes online about us (people on the autism spectrum) and say we can’t, are liars,” he concluded.

Jonathon has secured gold for two consecutive years, competing at national level.

Rolinda, a Grade 8 learner at Ferrum High School and who was diagnosed with dyslexia, achieved double silver for two consecutive years in her category at the national kickboxing championships.

Being a protector of the vulnerable has become so entrenched in who she is that Rolinda answers readily when asked what career path she intends to pursue after school.

“Police officer,” she answers, without hesitation.

Parents Malinda and Christopher initially urged Rolinda to pursue kickboxing to build her confidence, learn self-control and moderate her temper. Rolinda agreed to go to classes when Jonathon committed to going with her. Through the challenges they have faced, Jonathon and Rolinda have always been each other’s support system.

Just like Jonathon, Rolinda exceeded her parents’ expectations in kickboxing class, progressing to blue belt in just two years and aspiring to earn her purple belt this year.

“It’s dedication and hard work that got us to where we are. I train every day to become better. I do a lot of fitness training, as well as mental preparation. I also spend time perfecting my technique and trying to learn from what I did wrong in the previous competitions. It’s important to show people who didn’t believe in me that I can do it. I am a hard-working and dedicated person who loves my sport… kickboxing,” says Rolinda.

“I’d be very glad for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in the world championships and I’m glad it’s something I will get to do with my brother.”

Family seeks support for world championship dream

Jonathon and Rolinda must overcome one more obstacle to make their dream come true. They need to raise R120,000 to pay for travel, flights, accommodation, competition fees, gear and preparation.

“As much as they have the talent and the drive, they cannot make this journey alone. They need the community to stand together and help our two champions carry the South African flag proudly on the world stage,” urged Malinda.

“Any kind of sponsorship, big or small, will make a meaningful difference, whether it’s financial assistance or assistance with travel or gear.

“By supporting Jonathon and Rolinda, you are not only investing in two athletes, but in South African excellence, perseverance and future champions.”

To make a contribution, contact Malinda on 084 054 7024 or search for UYS on backabuddy.co.za

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