Jannie aims for black belt in Aikido
Jannie Calitz (25) says there is a saying in Aikido that makes this the perfect sport for him.
POLOKWANE – Jannie Calitz (25) says there is a saying in Aikido that makes this the perfect sport for him.
“Never fight to be better than somebody else, always fight to be better than what you were yesterday.”
Jannie has been training in Aikido and for the last five years.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art form that was developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs.
Akido is often translated as “the way of unifying with life and energy or as the way of harmonious spirit”.
Jannie explains that he used to own a fencing club from 2009, when he was only 19-years-old, to 2012, but due to unforeseen difficulties, he had to move on to other styles of fighting.
“I trained in Capoeira, a Brazilian martial arts, for six months, but realised that this fighting style was not suitable for me.
“Then I started competing in mixed martial arts (MMA) and found my niche.
I also trained in Kendo Japanese sword fighting,” he says.
Although he did very well in MMA, Jannie says he soon realised he needed to branch out.
“I won 95% of my cage fights while I trained in MMA, but there is only so much that this style of fighting can teach you,” he explains.
Jannie says during his training in MMA, he discovered Aikido and decided to concentrate on this style of martial arts.
“I have been training in Aikido for the past three years and I am a fouth kyu. A kyu is an Aikido grade.”
He trains under sensei Rudi Delport and also serves as an assistant to Rudi. “I fell in love with Aikido, because you are constantly learning something new in this martial art form. You can always push yourself to reach one step further.
Although Aikido is a non-aggressive, non-competitive style of martial arts, it can be applied when you have to protect yourself in dangerous situations,” says Jannie.
He says one of his heroes is the action movie star, Steven Seagal, who already has his seventh degree black belt in Aikido.
Jannie aims to earn his black belt next year and he wants to develop the Aikido dojo in Tzaneen that he opened recently.
