Kickboxers kick high in grading
Intense physical training prior to the grading session of the kickboxers
Twice a year students from the Combat Zone Kickboxing Club do their grading where their techniques are tested.
The event starts at 8am, with intense physical training until noon.
Sensei Ivan Marais says the actual test of techniques and discipline starts directly after the physical training.
“Participants with every colour belt are divided into a group and need to show their technique and if they can defend themselves if being attacked with a knife or from behind,” he adds.
During these gradings the students also have to prove they can manage the basic techniques of kickboxing as well as discipline.
Sincerity, integrity, self-control, discipline and effort are the keys to work with when you attend a kickboxing class.
Three blue belt students who excelled at the grading were Divan and his brother Pieter Groenewald as well as Uzair Karolia.
Ivan says although Uzair suffers with a back injury he still went all the way.
Ivan is a junior black belt second dan and teaches under the watchful eye of his father sensei Wessel Marais, who is a senior black belt third dan instructor.
Both Marais instructors always motivate their students by saying ‘a black belt is a white belt who didn’t give up’.
Nineteen students will compete at the SA Kickboxing Championships in Pretoria, from May 1 to 3.
