POLOKWANE – At 17 years old, Chantelle Broekman is already making waves in the world of kickboxing.

A student at the Limpopo Province Kickboxing Academy, Chantelle began her journey in 2021 at the age of 13 and has since shown remarkable growth in the sport.

She competes in point fighting, light contact and creative open-hand and weapon forms, recently earning her brown belt after an intense grading process that lasted 14 hours over four weeks. “It was incredibly tough, but also very rewarding,” she said.

For Chantelle, kickboxing is about more than just combat. “There’s so much variety, from cardio workouts to technical drills that resemble traditional karate. The classes are never boring, and they’ve improved my confidence, fitness, and self-discipline,” she said.

She shared that the sport has taught her respect for herself, her opponents, and her coaches.

“Whether it’s mastering a new combo or preparing for a fight, kickboxing helps you set goals and achieve them step by step.” Chantelle has competed in several South African Kickboxing Championships, consistently finishing on the podium.

Her proudest moment came when she won gold at the African National Championships, one of her biggest goals to date.

She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her coach, shihan Nico Myburgh (Sr) and the academy’s trainers.

“They constantly push me beyond my limits. Every session challenges me physically and mentally, helping me grow on and off the mat,” she said.

“Shihan Nico always reminds me, ‘Mind over matter, it’s all in the mind.’ That belief has shaped who I am today.”