This April, Potchefstroom is set to become the epicenter of South African kickboxing as it hosts the eagerly anticipated South African National Kickboxing Championships. The event, running from April 25th to 28th, promises not only a showcase of the country's best kickboxing talents but also a significant boost to the local economy, particularly for guesthouses, B&B's, and hotels expecting a surge of visitors.
The face of KFA Martial Arts
Johan van der Schyff, a seasoned kickboxer, owner of the KFA Martial Arts gyms, and a qualified Shihan, is at the forefront of this sporting extravaganza. With a career spanning over 24 years, including fifteen years in Potchefstroom where he joined and eventually took ownership of the campus club, van der Schyff's journey through kickboxing is a testament to his passion for the sport. This passion, he claims, makes his vocation feel less like work and more like a calling. "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life," he reflects with enthusiasm.
The Championships at a Glance
Scheduled to take place at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus, the championships are a logistical feat, meticulously planned to accommodate more than 600 participants across various different techniques. Competitors will battle through a series of knockout rounds until the finals, all vying for top honours in their respective divisions. The tournament will utilise both the indoor sports center and the amphitheater, locations chosen for their capacity to host large-scale events, echoing the success of the 2022 tournament, still celebrated for its exceptional organisation and vibrant atmosphere.
A Club of Champions
Under van der Schyff's leadership, the club has become a formidable force in the kickboxing community, consistently growing and nurturing talent that competes on both national and international stages. Last year, the club celebrated significant achievements, sending competitors to world championships where they returned with medals, a testament to the high level of training and dedication within the club. With 11 national team members hailing from his gym alone, van der Schyff's club is a beacon for anyone looking to excel in kickboxing, from beginners to seasoned fighters.
Community Involvement
The local community plays a crucial role in the success of the club and the upcoming championships. Facing financial constraints, the club has engaged in various fundraising activities, from selling hot dogs to participating in bazaars, demonstrating the communal spirit that supports these athletes' international ambitions.
Local Businesses
Furthermore, the event offers ample marketing opportunities for local businesses through sponsorships, billboards, and social media engagement, allowing companies to support the sport while gaining visibility.
Spectatorship for the tournament is free, encouraging a large turnout to witness the full-contact fights in the amphitheater. This arrangement, coupled with the preference of many provincial teams to lodge together, has led to some guesthouses being fully booked well in advance, highlighting the event's impact on local hospitality businesses.
A Call to Authenticity and Professionalism
Van der Schyff and his team emphasize the importance of authenticity and professionalism within the sport. They urge aspiring kickboxers and enthusiasts to ensure their training and affiliations are with accredited institutions, highlighting the club's adherence to standards set by the South African Kickboxing Association (SAKA) and its international affiliations with the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO).
As Potchefstroom gears up for what is promised to be a "world-class kickboxing" event, the anticipation within the town is palpable. The championships not only present an opportunity for local athletes to shine on a national platform but also underscore the unity and support of the community, businesses, and sporting enthusiasts in fostering talent and celebrating the art of kickboxing.
With the kickboxing club at its heart, Potchefstroom is ready to welcome the nation's best and showcase the spirit of excellence that defines South African kickboxing.
Johané van Dyk - Potchefstroom
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To book your accommodation for the tournament, visit The Go-To Guy's Accommodation section.