Zululand’s karate jets off to USA

THE Grundlingh household ‘rolls with the punches’ differently on date night, where dad has no need to greet and lay down the law to a ‘potential boyfriend’ with a shotgun in hand.

Daughter Angelique can look after herself, boasting a first Dan black belt in karate and specialised in five different weapons.

Currently in matric at Empangeni High School and a student at the Combat Taekwondo International Club, Angelique has obtained provincial colours between 2008 and 2014 and national colours over the past three years.

She has qualified in the double touffu (police batton), sia (forks), double short stick, nunchako and the single short sticks.

But this lean, mean fighting machine is also a straight A student who is taking seven subjects this year.

‘The highlight of my martial arts career was when I won two gold and two bronze medals and was crowned the grand masters champion at the SA team trials in Cape Town last year,’ said Angelique.

‘Sports is important as it gives one balance in life, teaches one time management and releases happy hormones’.

Angelique took up the sport after being bullied as a child.

She now has self-confidence, self-control and discipline.

Her motto in life is ‘Winners never quit, as I am a winner’.

Angelique would like to study radiology next year and open up her own practice one day.

She will be graded in September for her second Dan.

The talented fighter will be jetting off to Orlando, Florida (USA) from 11-12 July to compete at an international martial arts competition.

Sponsorship is needed, so if anyone can help out, please contact Maritjie on 083 9800089.