Titans kickboxing learn valuable lessons in Italy

Pretoria West’s Titans Kickboxing recently returned home from competing in the World Association of Kickboxing Organisation’s (WAKO) championships in Venice, Italy where over 40 fellow SA athletes battled for top honours.

Current instructor Louise van Staden founded the Titans in 2009 and registered the club as an NPO in 2014.

They have attended over 10 competitions this year and are showing no signs of slowing down.

Titans Kickboxing coach and father of one of the winners (Owen Botha), Joe says the experience was like no other and all coaches, athletes and instructors learnt valuable lessons.

“It was like nothing we have experienced before at home. Italy is a beautiful place where you can see they take pride in where they live. The tournament was well-run and very enjoyable,” said Joe.

The Titans’ kickboxing team consisted of 10 people, three of whom were athletes that were competing as part of 46 athletes in total representing Team South Africa. The athletes were accompanied by 57 others.

The Titans participated in the Italy Junior Championships in 2014, 2018, and 2022; the Turkish Cup in 2015, 2017, and 2019; and the Namibia Walvisbaai in 2016.

“These tournaments are there to showcase the sport with all its different styles and give the athletes a chance to put their skills against the best in the world.

“These young athletes get a chance to see what they are made of, represent their country and see a different side of the world.

“For the sport, it is a chance to make sure the rest of the world knows that SA athletes are on the same level and are definite contenders,” Joe continued.

Owen Botha received a bronze medal in the semi-contact category for boys u.33kg.

His fellow Titans, Colin Naude and Miché du Plessis both placed 9th in semi-contact and light-contact respectively. Collin also placed 17th in Kick Light for male older cadets u.63kg. While Miché placed 9th Kick Light for female older cadets u.65kg.

The Titans plan to participate in the Turkish World Cup in May and Senior World Championships in November, as well as the Junior World Championships in 2024.

“Athletes first need to qualify for their District/Provincial colours, then participate at the Gauteng Championship where they can qualify for their Gauteng colours, but they have to participate against other districts to get their colours.

“Students need to participate at the SA Championship to qualify for the National or President team, if you do get selected you then participate at the World Championship.

“In a year, if you work hard, you can receive your District (Gauteng) colours, Provincial (Northern-Gauteng) colours and your National or Provincial colours,” Joe explained.

Titans offers kickboxing classes for ages 5-50 and says they are open to collaborating with any interested potential partners.

“We still struggle to get commitments, sponsors and collaborators to make it possible for us to help less-fortunate youths to also participate in the sport and reach their full potential.”

The Titans have a colour-grading ceremony coming up in November and a prize-giving/end-of-year function. Titans also, as part of its annual Community Christmas Project, hands out 30 000 sweet packs to children around the area.

“Kickboxing is a test and developer of character where what you put in is what you will get out. Kickboxing is fighting for the whole family,” concluded Joe.

To get in contact with Titans Kickboxing visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TKick09 or their website at www.kickboxing.co.za

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