Tebbutt’s students off to Spain to represent SA
The competition offered different categories from point fighting, continuous fighting, full contact, and traditional fighting to traditional forms and weapons as well as creative forms.
Tebbutt’s Academy has announced that nine of its students have been selected to represent South Africa at the World Full Contact Martial Arts (FCMA) Championship in Spain from November 3 to 7.
The selection follows their performance at the FCMA national competition held in May, where they earned a spot on the South African national team.
The students selected for the prestigious event are Martin Reinhardt, Petra Spies, Anita Pienaar, Peter Baloi, Logan Pieters, Caleb Scholtz, Aiden Scholtz, Hailey Walker, Anrich Van Wyk, and Joao Amaral.
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“I’m very proud of all my students,” said hanshi Alex Tebbutt, founder of the academy.
“Their dedication and passion are evident, and I have no doubt they will excel. Tebbutt’s Academy has a legacy of producing world champions, and these students will uphold that tradition.”
Preparation for the competition has been extensive, with students training rigorously under Tebbutt’s supervision.
The national competition, which features various categories such as point fighting, continuous fighting, full contact, traditional fighting, and creative forms, was highly competitive.
“Despite the tough competition and the demands of the two-day event, our students’ hard work paid off, affirming Tebbutts Academy’s status as a top contender,” Tebbutt noted.
This selection comes on the heels of the academy’s recent black belt grading held on March 8 to 9.
The grading, postponed for nearly five years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is a significant milestone for students advancing to the black belt level.
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This year’s grading was particularly noteworthy as it was overseen by hanshi Eddie Cave, the first-ever black belt in South Africa and a pioneer in kickboxing in the country.
“The black belt grading is not only a test of skill but also a period of learning,” Tebbutt explained.
“Students are taught advanced techniques, including a special knife kata reserved for those with extensive experience. Hanshi Cave’s presence added a profound sense of significance to the event.”
