Brakpan’s shihan Raymond ‘The Whip’ Phillips, International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) director for Africa, Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies (XKT) president and vice-president for Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) continues to help grow combat sports in the area, in the country and on the continent.
Students of the various XKT branches around the country (including his home base at the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre) have performed exceptionally well and are expected to do so for the rest of the year.
“XKT students have raked in medals and trophies, but it didn’t come without a price,” said the instructor.
Also read: Phillips proud of protégés
“It takes hard work, blood, sweat and tears to accomplish and to maintain the fitness levels required.
“Sensei Ryan Phillips and I are always proud of our students no matter if they win or lose.
“If you win that’s great, but you must maintain and do even better.
“If you lose then try again and again and again until your time comes for victory.
“Never stop before the finish line because if you do you will never learn how to become a winner.”
There are still big events to come this year including the Great North 3 Kickboxing Tournament happening on October 13, the Clash of the Tiny Titans on October 27 which is a youth event for u-16s held at the Brakpan Indoor Centre as well as a mixed martial arts (MMA) tetami and No Gi grappling tournament for beginners and advanced students, which is a senior and junior tournament also happening on October 27 at the Brakpan Indoor Sports Centre.
A self-defence seminar targeting schoolgirls and women will also be taking place at a date to be confirmed.
There are also the IMMAF World championships happening in Bahrain.
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