Team Rage fighters bag unanimous wins at Boksburg tournament

Training without the outlet of competition resembles a loaded spring, coiled up and begging to be released.

Team Rage Kickboxing returned to the ring for a full-contact competition, August 27 and 28. The Andrew Street-based gym members travelled to the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre for the Great North Special Edition, a fight fest for junior and senior athletes from blue to black belt only. It was the first time since the global health crisis began that athletes could test their combat skills.

No rust was evident on Team Rage’s rigorously prepared athletes as Dyllan Opperman and Mina Lombaard where the shining lights on the East Rand. Both fighters won their full-contact fights by unanimous decision, impressing coach Darin Opperman. “Both of them were training hard throughout the lockdown and after almost two years of not competing it shows that hard work always pays off,” said Darin.

With the fresh taste of in-ring combat still lingering, Team Rage are now gearing up for another big event in Pretoria in mid-November. Dyllan and Mina will be competing in an International Sport Karate Association (IKSA) event that features several amateur fights as well as three professional kickboxing bouts. The event grants the Team Rage representatives an opportunity to fight for a global audience and catch the eyes of international promoters.

That pathway is always open for young athletes looking to fight their way to the top. “We are always looking for more fighters. We have an outstanding success record, we pride ourselves in our sporting mode, and we will always strive to be the best.”

Team Rage and kickboxing go beyond in-ring combat, as the skills learned translate to real-world self-defence scenarios; however, nothing beats the thrill of the chase to wrap a belt around one’s waist.