There is no such thing as can’t for Kaitlyn

She is chosen to represent South Africa in three different countries for martial arts

There is much more behind Kaitlyn van Wyk, a talented upcoming martial arts fighter.

She started with martial arts at the young age of only eight years old and a few months into it, she entered her first tournament in 2015.

“Fully kitted I stepped on the mat nervous and a little afraid, I must admit, the judge started the match and I landed my first round kick. At that moment, I was hooked. I came home with gold that day, my first of many,” she told WITBANK NEWS.

As the years passed, she only became better and has a long list of achievements behind her name at such young age and was chosen to represent South Africa in various places this year, namely: MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi August 17 ‒ 20, Kickboxing World Championships in Italy September 30 ‒ October 9 and Kickboxing African Continental Championships August 26 ‒ 28.

WITBANK NEWS asked the young Kaitlyn what her biggest dream is and all of a sudden, she smiled and said: “Before I answer this question, I have to warn you that I like to dream big…”

“I want to be the best MMA fighter in the world, starting with the EFC. I want to design beautiful buildings, parks and statues, becoming an architect of note,” she added.

According to Kaitlyn, her biggest supporters are her family, as they are the people that stand behind her with her dreams.

“They are the people who are yelling the loudest rooting me on, my toughest opponents in training and most compassionate shoulder,” she said.

Apart from being a fantastic fighter, she is an artist when it comes to painting and just doing life in her free time.

“In my free time I am often painting, assisting other children with school projects, working on community projects, helping my mom with her art classes and enjoying family time,” she added.

WITBANK NEWS asked her a final question – What do you need to make your dreams come true for one of these championships, she said: “I would love to go to the MMA in Abu Dhabi in August and will do promotion work or anything to get the financial situation ready for the adventure.”

*If anyone wants to get in touch with Kaitlyn – feel free to follow her on her social media platform: kaitlynvanwyk, YouTube channel or contact Lesley-Anne on 074 625 5688 or lesleyannevanwyk8@gmail.com

The list of achievements of Kaitlyn

Gymnastics Mpumalanga colours in the years 2013,2014,2015.
Taekwondo Mpumalanga colours in the years 2016,2017,2018,2019.
Taekwondo presidential Protea colours in the year 2017.
Taekwondo Black belt first degree in the years 2020
Multiple South Africa national champions for my division.
Kickboxing 2022 South Africa national champion for my division.
Kickboxing Mpumalanga colours year 2022.
Kickboxing national colours year 2022.
MMA national colours year 2022.
MMA Mpumalanga colours year 2022.
Multiple arts festival awards in English and Afrikaans poetry, drawing and photography.