POLOKWANE – The junior kick-boxers from the Limpopo Province Sport Karate Kickboxing Academy (LPSKKA), have been given their own practice slot to make sure they make the best of their training. The plan is that the younger boxers are allowed to work at their own pace to make progress on a level suited for them.
Previously, the kickboxing juniors practiced with the more senior athletes, leaving them a bit behind in their training. Liesel Kotzé, one of the senior women at the club, was tasked with taking on the responsibility of working with the younger kick- boxers, something she says is close to her heart.
“I’ve been participating in this sport for many years and this opportunity gives me the chance to share my own experience with the children, even as young as five-years old, to help them develop their skills and make sure that the sport keeps on growing,” she told BONUS. She adds that they talk about juniors, but this also included beginners.
During training a foundation of techniques, like punching and kicking, is established from where development can then take place.
“For the younger athletes training itself is challenging, because they can only concentrate for a specified period and then you lose them. This is why I bring in hula hoops to make the learning process a play process, then I have their attention and keep them stimulated for training as well,” she added.
Liesel says she urges all parents of young children to get them involved in a sport like kickboxing, to help them be safe and if need be, defend themselves. “The sport is very safe and we as trainers make sure to put just as much care into helping the children defend themselves, as we do in making sure that they are safe, even in a competition and during full contact they are taught skills to help them stay safe,” she concluded.
