Mixed martial arts pioneer trains the next generation of champions at Apex South
Former EFC heavyweight star Daniel Wilhelm Strauss has traded the cage for coaching at Apex South Gym. Now, he's seeking sponsors to fuel a new generation of fighters and community programmes in Johannesburg.
Few stories hit home in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) like that of Daniel Wilhelm Strauss.
A pioneer in South Africa’s early MMA scene, Strauss fought during the sport’s early days, much like the UFC’s humble beginnings. His epic clash with Lance Ceronio is still regarded as the best heavyweight bout in SA history, and ranks in the EFC’s top five fights ever.
Retiring in 2018 at age 38 after a decade of coaching alongside his fighting career, Strauss felt his body slowing down, but his passion burned brighter. In 2019, he and his wife opened Apex South Gym in Johannesburg, not just a training facility, but a vibrant community hub. “We’re a family. We share wins and losses, and we’re always there for each other.”
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At Apex South, Strauss draws on lessons from his fighting days, as well as 33 years in combat sports (starting from age five), to craft a unique training system. It evolves with the times, blending styles under top coaches to create what he refers to as a ball of awesome. “Fighters here embody heart and resilience. They don’t quit.”
The gym’s impact extends beyond pros. A development programme eliminates fees for young, upcoming talents who can’t afford them, nurturing raw potential. Free open mats every Saturday welcome anyone eager to learn. Strauss has also launched Tiny Titans, teaching boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling to kids, building confidence from the ground up. His Bully Busters initiative delivers school seminars on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, empowering youth against real-world threats.
On the competitive front, Apex South boasts some rising stars. Shadrack Yemba, with a 5–1 record, is ranked highly in SA, gearing up for another PFL bout while dominating the EFC. Ayanda Zwane, a powerhouse at 5–5, aims to capture EFC gold this year and become an international brand, while heavyweight Terrance Born fights for the number one contender spot at EFC’s Legacy Series in Cape Town this February.
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To elevate these athletes, Strauss seeks sponsors, but this isn’t one-off support. With amateurs, white-collar boxers, and his Titan Bare Knuckle organisation, backers gain broad exposure. Monthly contributions (signed for 12 months) pool into a fund, equally shared among fighters. This allows full focus on training, potentially unearthing the next Dricus du Plessis.
Sponsors benefit from monthly visibility across Apex South’s YouTube channel, social media, and fight events. “You’re not just sponsoring; you’re investing in marketing.”
Strauss’s journey from cage warrior to community leader inspires, and with sponsor backing, the gym could propel SA fighters globally.
Interested parties can contact Strauss on 076 336 0226.
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