Anthony, who many may know as sifu Anthony (well-known Muay Thai boxer), was injured in an accident on August 28 at a friend’s braai.
The RECORD wrote about Anthony’s accident, where his clothes caught alight at a friends braai while starting the fire.
There was flammable dust on the braaier that caused an explosion and Anthony burnt from his legs to his face.
He suffered third-degree burns and was immediately taken to the Union Hospital, where he stayed for four days before being transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital’s burn unit.
He died in hospital on September 9 at around 06:35.
Remembering a legend
“The world lost a great man on September 9, a true warrior who is now sitting next to God’s throne. Anthony’s life ended and left us with heavy and sore hearts,” said the family spokesperson, Susan Kruger.
“How do you put what he meant to us in words? How can I find the right words strong and good enough to describe him?”
The family is heartbroken and mourning the loss of a hero.
Susan wrote the following on behalf of the family:
“Anthony, our warrior. You were a bright light that shone in a dark world. Like a bright star in a dark night, you have always helped others with positive and informative advice in their time of need and grief.
“Your inspiring nature touched many hearts, and it was so easy to love you. Your love for Abba Father, Jesus and your fellow men were unsurpassed. Your love for your wife, your children, grandchildren and young children was inviolable and irrevocable. All your family members you have loved infinitely. Your dedication to the Lord was unparalleled.
“We will never know why God decided to fetch you now, but He knew what was best for you, and we believe the saints and angels in heaven celebrated when you arrived there on Thursday morning.
“You are leaving a big void in all of our lives, friends, family and just about everyone who has crossed paths with you.
“We will miss you infinitely, but until we meet our warrior again, rest softly in your beloved Jesus Christ’s arms. “You will for all eternity be the beautiful warrior inside and out for us. We are all going to miss you. Rest in peace.”
Susan would also like to thank everyone on behalf of the family for their support, phone calls and messages in this very sad time.
Well-known martial artist
Anthony was also one of the representatives of EBMAS South Africa, through which he taught martial arts and gave private classes at his studio, trained 100s of people over the years.
His interest in, and study of, martial arts began in 1985 with an introduction to kung fu and taekwondo. Having a thirst for knowledge, he also studied karate in 1987 up to brown belt and competed in various karate tournaments at a black belt level
Anthony studied Koga Ryu Ninjutsu in the first Ninjtsu organisation in SA in 1987, continuing with this organisation until shidoshi Brin Morgan came to South Africa and introduced Togakure Ryu Ninjutsu (Bujinkan Ninpo Taijutsu).
Anthony attended Morgan’s seminars whenever he came over to South Africa.
However, his greatest interest was always Wing Chun Kung Fu, having met his first Wing Chun sifu in 1988, with whom he studied until called to military service.
After completing his military service, Anthony started teaching and sharing Wing Chun with a small group of students.
He went on to compete in Wu Shu Trials in 1992 and was chosen to represent South Africa in China. He later met grandmaster Leung Ting in Hong Kong, and in 1996 went to Hong Kong to study privately with him. During these trips, he and also visited grandmaster Ip Chun and master Wong Shun Leung.
Anthony went on to study Muay Thai in Bangkok in 1996 and has been teaching Muay Thai since 1997. He went on to be chosen as team coach for the South African team that competed in China in 1999.
Furthermore, he became South Africa’s first MMA Heavyweight Champion in 2000 at UFSA Wembley Stadium.
As a martial arts athlete, Anthony competed at the first K1 event in Africa in 2001. He was also the South African Heavyweight Sport Jiu Jujitsu Champion in 2002. He also holds first degree black belts in WTF Taekwondo and Yoshinkan Jiu Jutsu.
“My father was a role model to many and a father figure to a lot of his fighters. He was a very passionate man, and he had a big fighting spirit,” said his daughter, Natanya Barnard.
Help is still needed
Susan said the Jardim family is still in need of any financial donations to help pay for Anthony’s medical bills.
“They are now dealing with the death of their rock in life and sitting with all of these medical debts,” she said.
People who would like to donate can make it via their BackaBuddy page.
