Emile finds his Zen in MMA

In a world of fighting, Emile Janse van Rensburg has found his Zen.

Emile became involved in kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) two years ago in an attempt to lose weight. “I thought it would be fun way to lose weight and get fit. I came to one class and I stayed,” he said.

The reason he chose to do kickboxing and MMA, was because he felt they complemented each other in cage matches. “Kickboxing helps with my stand-up fighting skills in the cage and MMA helps me maintain an optimal fitness level and keep stress down.”

Since taking up the combative sports, Emile has noticed a drastic change in his life.

“My health has improved drastically. I am much fitter and things like playing with children, changing tyres or even taking the stairs do not tire me out,” he claimed.

However, this has not been only change in his life.

“I am a lot calmer and think things through now, as you cannot lose your temper in kickboxing or MMA and you tend to carry this lesson outside the ring,” he explained.

Emile said he would definitely encourage others to take up either of the two sports.

“I would urge people to take up kickboxing and MMA, but people need to know it is not all about fighting. People take up these sports for different reasons. Some take it up for the social aspect, others because it improves one’s fitness levels and some take part because it boosts one’s confidence. Irrespective of the reason you take up kickboxing or MMA, you will get something out of it.”

While MMA and kickboxing were excellent tools in a cage fight, people should know that one could not always rely on it for self defence.

“In a cage match, each round takes about three minutes and is usually controlled. Outside the cage, fights don’t last three minutes and anything can happen. The best self defence is not to get into a bad situation, however, knowing kickboxing and MMA can help you in case of an emergency,” Emile concluded.