Konrad Erasmus championing Mixed Martial Arts
MMA fighters are often viewed with caution and considered to be combative and often aggressive nature of the sport but not for Konrad Erasmus.
When it comes to extreme sports, only the brave dare to tread in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
MMA fighters are often viewed with caution and considered to be combative, because of the fast and often aggressive nature of the sport. Yet, for Konrad Erasmus, MMA has offered him an opportunity to deal with life issues in a healthy environment.
“I have been involved with MMA for seven years, doing Taikwando, Brazilian Jujitsu and Kickboxing.”
Konrad was introduced to the world of MMA when he was studying in Johannesburg.
“I was doing my apprenticeship and my instructor was into Jujitsu. We spoke about it and I eventually became involved.”
When he moved to Newcastle, Konrad was determined to not let his new found lease on life vanish.
“I continued training and travelled to Vryheid on a regular basis to train at a school there. I experienced a lot in my life and MMA has helped me through it,” he said.
Since taking up the sport, he has participated in two fights, the first one was two years ago at Klerksdorp Fight Night 3 and the second was the Klerksdorp Fight Night 5 on Saturday, June 24 this year. He will be competing in the Bloemfontein Fight League on July 15.
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While he is still to secure a win, Konrad said MMA fighting was more than simply throwing a punch.
“It is a lot of work. I train up to three hours a day, six days a week, but I want to compete as much as possible and eventually get the relevant licence to not only teach others, but to turn professional as well.”
With his experience of martial arts training, Konrad has taken up wrestling with the Newcastle Cougars Wrestling Club to aid him with floor work.
In MMA, fighters are often required to fight standing up but be able to conquer their opponents on the floor if need be. “I have been wrestling for just over six months and I intend to compete in the South African Wrestling Championships next year.”
As he prepares for his upcoming fight on July 15 and hones his wrestling skills, Konrad explained he had learned valuable life lessons from the martial arts world.
“You learn not to pick fights and rather avoid physical confrontation.”
He encouraged Newcastillians to take up sports such as wrestling and MMA, as it encouraged a healthy lifestyle and taught people the importance of discipline and respect for others.
