SportStroom: Discipline, Defense & Dedication , Inside the World of Ring Contact Fighting Arts
- Karen Scheepers
- May 7
- 4 min read
In one of the most energetic episodes of SportStroom to date, Drikus sat down with the passionate team behind Ring Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA). Representing the Potchefstroom club were Sensei Veruschke, third-dan black belt and long-time martial artist; Matric student and Training instructor Jodi Wessels; and primary school prodigy Selmay Taylor. Together, they shed light on this proudly South African martial art, its discipline, its roots, and its impact on lives from childhood to adulthood.
Let’s take a closer look at the structured, skillful, and spirited world of RCFA.
What Is RCFA?
RCFA, or Ring Contact Fighting Arts, is a registered South African martial art. Developed with the country’s own sporting context in mind, it blends kickboxing, self-defense, competitive sparring, and traditional weapons training. Unlike global systems like karate or taekwondo, RCFA is homegrown and tailored for practical use, psychological growth, and personal discipline.
“It’s not just a sport,” says Sensei Veruschke. “It’s a complete lifestyle built on respect, control, and continuous improvement.”
Belt Progression and Growth
RCFA uses a structured belt system that signifies development in technique, responsibility, and leadership.
Progression moves through the following ranks:
White Belt
1st & 2nd Red Stripe
Red Belt
1st & 2nd Blue Stripe
1st & 2nd Yellow Stripe
1st & 2nd Green Stripe
Brown Belt
Black Belt
Each level introduces new techniques, weapon skills, and mental training. Jodi Wessels, a matriculant at Volkies and currently an Oshidoji (Sensei in training), wears a black-and-white checkered belt, symbolizing her role as both student and leader. Her training extends to instructing youth while continuing her own advancement.
Selmay Taylor, still in primary school, recently earned her Yellow 2 belt and has already earned North West provincial colours. She’s also excelled in fitness competitions, proudly clocking 258 points in a recent challenge.
Training with Purpose and Respect
RCFA is firmly grounded in self-discipline. Fighters are taught to gauge their power based on the opponent, ensuring that sparring remains a safe and respectful learning experience.
“We’re not here to hurt each other,” Jodi explains. “If you’re stronger or more experienced, you hold back. You help others grow.”
Selmay shared how this mindset has helped her handle bullying and school stress with calmness and confidence, proving that the sport develops both physical and emotional intelligence.
Self-Defense at Its Core
Beyond the ring, RCFA equips its students with streetwise self-defense techniques. This includes striking vital areas, de-escalation tactics, and maintaining composure under pressure. Training is practical and accessible to people of all fitness levels.
“It’s civilian-based,” Sensei Veruschke notes. “You don’t have to be a fighter to learn how to defend yourself.”
Weapons Training and Performance Art
Students work through a comprehensive arsenal of ten traditional and performance weapons:
Padded sticks (bo staff)
Nunchaku
Short batons
Sai (three-pronged dagger)
Knife (training blade)
Tonfa (baton with side handle)
Kama (sickle-shaped blade)
Baton and shield (for African Stick Fighting)
Stick and skull protector
Samurai sword (highest level)
These weapons are introduced progressively based on belt level and practiced in controlled, choreographed routines that emphasize precision and safety.
RCFA Competitive Divisions
RCFA offers multiple competition formats for students across all ages and skill levels:
Semi-Contact: Controlled sparring with limited force.
Full Contact: Allows high kicks and punches, with a minimum of eight kicks per round.
Low Kick: Focuses on kicks to the thighs and above the belt.
Close Combat: Incorporates grappling and wrestling.
Sport Boxing: Punches only, no kicks.
Supreme Fighting Artist: A four-round format:
Round 1: Boxing only
Round 2: Kicking only
Round 3: Low kick fighting
Round 4: Ground wrestling (gear removed except gumguards)
Each round lasts one minute, with a 30-second rest between rounds. This tests adaptability and skill across multiple combat styles.
National Competition and Honour
RCFA competitions are structured by age and weight to ensure fairness. Youngsters as young as four years old compete against others in their age group, and adults over 40 can participate in veteran divisions. Fighters aged 18–40 are matched by weight class.
South Africa is divided into nine provinces, each with its own RCFA clubs. At national championships, these provinces compete across all age groups. Outstanding athletes receive provincial colours.
The top black belt competitors can earn Springbok colours as part of the elite Presidential Team, representing South Africa internationally. This is the highest honour in RCFA and recognized nationally.
The Road to Sensei and Beyond
RCFA students don uniforms suited to their level:
Students: Standard uniform with belt.
Oshidoji (Sensei in training): Uniform with distinguishing belt (black and white).
Certified Sensei: Specially marked attire with their name and dan level.
Individuals can also train to become certified referees, ensuring matches are fair and safe. One does not need to compete to be involved in the sport.
Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and the Bigger Picture
Though they often face off in competition, the athletes share training sessions, tactics, and support. After matches, they reflect on their fights, analyze highlights, and try new strategies together, fostering camaraderie beyond the ring.“The ring is where we compete,” Jodi says. “Outside of it, we’re a family.”
The Next Big Fight: May 31
The next major RCFA tournament will be held on May 31 at the Madiba Banquet Hall. Fighters from across the province, from age 4 to adult black belts, will test their skills, grow their confidence, and possibly earn colours or move up the ranks.
Spectators are welcome to watch, support, and even sign up.
📍 Club Location: Suiderkruis Gemeente Church Hall, 108 Kamp Street, Miederpark
📞 Contact: Sensei Veruschke via WhatsApp at 079 186 2616
🔗 Facebook: Ring Contact Fighting Arts Potchefstroom
More Than a Martial Art
RCFA is a platform where discipline meets empowerment, where children and adults alike learn to defend, grow, and lead. It’s more than kicks and punches, it’s a way of life rooted in respect, strength, and community.
As proven by the stories of Jodi, Selmay, and Sensei Veruschke, the journey through RCFA is one of transformation. Whether you're 4 or 40, it’s never too early, or too late, to start.
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