Vikings Boxing Academy reopens in Witpoortjie
Community members are encouraged to make use of the two free workout sessions with the gym to see if the training suits them before they join.
Punches started flying in the ring at the Witpoortjie Recreation Centre when Vikings Boxing Academy opened its doors again on Monday, September 26.
The academy was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but management promised to bring a different light and different energy into the gym.
Covid had a devastating impact on clubs and gyms, closing them down effectively for about two years.
The coaches are Phillip du Randt (Head Coach), Hendrik du Plooy (Head Coach), JP Meiring (Coach), Dian Meiring (Coach), Sammy-Jo Bester (Coach), Willem Nell (Coach) and Yolandi du Plooy who is the secretary.
The club was established in the 1950s and has been running ever since. When the Witpoortjie Recreation Centre was built in the 70s the boxing club moved in and has been there to date.
In October 2021 Vikings Boxing Academy opened another venue at the Key West Action Cricket Venue.
Du Randt confirmed to the Record that both venues are now running. They train at Witpoortjie on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at Key West on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 18:00 to 20:00.
“The benefits of training at a boxing facility first of all are the fitness aspect, along with that, the self-discipline and ability to defend yourself in case of an emergency.
“Our qualified coaches assist you with programmes to train at home as well. If you decide to compete in tournaments then we register you after a grading test and you receive your record book which accompanies you wherever you may move, even to another club,” said Du Randt.
Community members are encouraged to make use of the two free workout sessions with the gym to see if the training suits them before they join.
Joining is on a month-to-month basis with no contracts. The joining fee is R200 and the monthly fee is R250.
Members of the community who would like more information on the gym can contact Phillip du Randt on 081 212 9143 or email viking.pdr@gmail.com.
The gym can be followed on Facebook as Witpoortjie Boxing Home of Champions as well as on Google maps as Witpoortjie Boxing Academy.
