Young fighters return from Blackpool with medals
Tebbutt’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy’s Cole Pretorius and Landie van Niekerk shone at the FCMA (Full Contact Martial Arts) World Championships, in Blackpool, in England.
Cole Pretorius and Landie van Niekerk, both members of Lambton-based Tebbutt’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy, recently returned from their trip to Blackpool in England.
The pair were among the South African team which competed in the FCMA (Full Contact Martial Arts) World Championships.
The competition saw competitors from a number of different countries coming together to compete for top honours.
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Pretorius brought home five medals, namely two gold, one silver and two bronze and placed in the top five for the tournament in his weight and age division (u-50kg/u-12).
He also brought home the most medals among the SA team.
Pretorius earned his medals in several different disciplines.
He earned both his gold medals in musical weapons (kamas), a silver medal in continuous fighting, a bronze medal in traditional weapons (kamas) and a bronze medal in points fighting.
When asked about his first overseas competition, Pretorius said, “It was an amazing learning experience.
“I hope to do even better when I compete again.
“I really enjoyed every minute of it, even when it was cold.”
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It was also van Niekerk’s first trip overseas and she returned home with a bronze medal.
She earned her bronze medal in points fighting in her weight and age division (65kg plus/13-17 years old).
Van Niekerk credits kanchu Alex Tebbutt with helping her reach her goals.
“I did traditional karate for seven years and never won a medal or trophy but in my nine months with kanchu Tebbutt I have learnt so much and have so much fun,” van Niekerk said.
“Going overseas was really fun and I hope to improve my skills so that I can compete overseas again.”
Tebbutt was thrilled with his students’ performances.
“I am always very proud of my students,” said Tebbutt.
“But I knew they’d do well.
“Next year I plan to take a whole team of Tebbutt’s students overseas to compete, myself included.”
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