Santana Bester from the mid-South Coast participated in the SAKA National Kickboxing Championship held in Oudtshoorn in late April.

SAKA is affiliated with WAKO, the biggest kickboxing organisation in the world.

Twenty-year-old Bester participated in the over 70kg division of the full contact competition and won gold. A tremendous achievement for a fighter who only took up the sport around 18 months ago.

“It feels absolutely amazing to have won my first national title.”

“I felt well-prepared going into the fight, and I was able to execute my game plan across all three rounds and remain focused.”

Bester weighed 122kg when she joined Practical Combat Sports and together with her achievement in the ring, has also lost 30kg.

Unfortunately, she was the only competitor at nationals due to the cost of getting to the event, but she is now the club’s 8th gold medallist at the four championships they have attended together with many silver and bronze medals.

Also, another woman fighter, Bianca Arthur won a gold medal at Africa champs in 2024.

Bester also added that this has all been an unforgettable experience for her, for which she is incredibly grateful.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without my coach, my gym and my family – they have supported me and helped me grow every step of the way!”