Dynamite in tiny titans
Duncan Goodriche (14) and Hilton Clark (13) participated in the Tiny Titans Competition on April 23, which is a development gala aimed at nurturing and showcasing new and young kickboxing talent.
The competition was hosted at the Brakpan Indoor Centre.
“It is a competition that aims to showcase the new kids in the game,” said Rina Labuschagne (53), who is in charge of XKT Kickboxing club.
Strubenvale’s Duncan joined the club in November, and obtained gold and silver medals at the gala.
He says that he is very proud of his achievement, considering it was his first time being exposed to such a platform.
Hilton, who was initially there to support Duncan, found himself competing at the gala by a stroke of luck.
“They were short of one fighter in their category and needed someone to fill the vacancy, so Hilton ended up fighting in that spot,” says Rina.
This is what led Hilton to obtain a silver medal, shortly after he joined the club in January.
“It was so awesome and fun,” he says, “I would do it again, anytime.”
Rina expressed how proud she is of her fighters, explaining that, much like them, she was groomed by the club and has gone on to achieve her black belts in kickboxing and karate as well as a first dan in judo.
She has also obtained her Springbok colours twice.
“I have been fighting since the age of 19,” says Rina, “and the experience has been enriching, which is why I am happy to see our young fighters perform as well as they have.
“Much like me, they have to start somewhere and develop themselves, which is exactly what this club will allow them to do.”
Rina describes the club as family orientated and welcoming to people of all fitness levels.
“We have people who come here to participate in competitions and those who come for fitness purposes,” she says. “We welcome everyone with open arms.”
