Kickboxers affiliated with the South African Amateur Kickboxing Association (SAAKA) attacked the Danie Van Zyl Recreation Centre in Region B during the Great North Kickboxing Tournament, which promoted the sport and recruited athletes for national and international competitions.

The SAAKA promotes, manages, and presents local, regional, provincial, national, and international kickboxing events, as well as identifies competitors for continental, intercontinental, combat games, and world championships.

“Great North Three Kickboxing Tournament is one of the standout tournaments in the sport of kickboxing, and it attracts numerous clubs across the country,” said Shaun Moorcroft, Ring Sport Director at SAAKA.

There were 280 athletes, both male and female, ranging in age from 6 to 55, who came from across five provinces, such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the Free State, and the North-West.

Kickboxers put on their gloves, headgear, and shin guards as they took to the tatami to demonstrate their abilities.

Aslam Mahomed, President of the South Africa Amateur Kickboxing Association, and the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations — Africa (WAKO), said it is a privilege to host the event alongside the City of Johannesburg.

“It’s been tough since the pandemic, but we are pleased with the successful turnout as we witnessed the abundance of talent throughout the tournament,” Mahomed said.

The South Africa Amateur Kickboxing Association is committed and pleased to have hosted the event.

“We wanted to use the tournament to recruit athletes, and it has been a great opportunity to promote the sport as well as to offer involved parties an opportunity to learn new things about kickboxing as we also coached players to be honest, to play with passion, and to be the best they can be,” he added.

Kickboxing is a popular combat sport around the world. It is based on traditional boxing and incorporates punching and other striking techniques. Kickboxing styles include, to name a few, Dutch-style, Karate, Sanda, Kun Khmer, and Muay Thai. People of all ages, genders, and nationalities participate in it for competitive, fitness, and recreational reasons.

Kickboxing is also a common form of self-defense for many people. Kickboxing is one of the country’s fastest growing sporting codes, and it is extremely beneficial to people from all walks of life.

Written by Ntombifuthi Junerose Nkosi

01/11/2022