KFA Martial Arts Potchefstroom has grown in leaps and bounds in the past two years, under the tutelage and mentorship of Shihan Johan van der Schyff. Van der Schyff, who started kickboxing in 2000 and won six SA championships in different styles and three different weight categories, has translated personal success into the success of kickboxing in Potch as a whole.
“As an instructor, it is my honour to give my students the training and opportunities to help them grow into champions,” stated Van der Schyff.
Potchefstroom had a fantastic
2023. Back from left: Luan
Coetzee, Bardtlu Barnard,
Kaylinn Pretorius, Leoneze
Liebenberg, Mia Wernich, Rinus
van Tonder, Johan van der
Schyff. Front from left to right:
Wico Cato, Talbert Joubert, Ryno
van den Berg, Heinru Cato.
Carla de Wet, Jayden Snyman
were absent. Photo: Supplied.
His biggest achievements are taking his students to the World Championship stage, something he also experienced. He competed at two World Championships, where he won silver and bronze medals. Since 2009, KFA Martial Arts has produced at least three athletes selected for the SA Kickboxing Teams each year.
2022 and 2023 were especially productive for KFA, who had 12 athletes in the SA National and President teams at the African Championships, Inter Continental Championship, International World Cups and World Championships. Some of these athletes also claimed a top-10 ranking worldwide.
Gernandt and Shihan Johan van
der Schyff.
Liebenberg
Another feather in the cap for kickboxing in North West will be the upcoming 2024 SA Kickboxing Championships at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus in Potchefstroom from 25 to 28 April. Any businesses interested in teaming up and sponsoring the event or local athletes can contact Shihan Johan via email at kfapotch@gmail.com.
“I want to thank the Potchefstroom community for contributing to our success,” added Van der Schyff.
