Tebbutt’s love for his sport and students

For many Germiston residents the name Tebbutt’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy is synonymous with excellence and stand-out performances.

The students of the Lambton-based academy often make the news having brought home medals from a number of national and international competitions.

But who is responsible for training these students?

This duty falls on kanchu Alex Tebbutt, who fulfills his duties with passion and pride.

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Tebbutt began teaching in 1980.

“I opened Tebbutt’s Mixed Martial Arts Academy, only it was based in Primrose at that stage,” he said.

However, his love of contact sport started long before 1980.

“Boxing and judo were my go-to sports as a child, while as a teenager I did kung fu,” he said.

“As an adult I moved to Rondebult in 1976 and there was only one karate club named Funakoshi.

“It was run by Des Whitehead and having always loved contact sports and wanting to continue with it I joined his club.”

As the years went by Tebbutt slowly moved away from karate and became more involved in mixed martial arts.

He said though his disciplines changed over the years his core passion for the sport never wavered, and his ambition kept him pushing forward.

“I still love doing and teaching the art today,” he said.

For 47 years Tebbutt has remained dedicated to the craft.

“I began my journey in 1976,” he explained.

“I moved through all my belts from white to black.

“Once I had achieved my black belt I moved on to my black belt duns then became sensei, shihan, hanchi and am now a kanchu.”

ALSO READ: Tebbutt’s makes history

Tebbutt said the highlights of his career have been watching his students earn their Springbok colours and representing South Africa at international competitions.

“I love to teach children and see their growth and make them champions,” he said.

“It is such a privilege to see children grow within themselves and believe in themselves.

“That truly is my biggest reward.”

Tebbutt plans to compete and train students for many years to come.

“I have no plans to stop or retire from my sport at all, it is my great passion,” he said.

“I will keep on competing and training until I can’t anymore.”

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za.

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