Rising MMA stars: Cape Town youths make their mark in martial arts
Jiyaad Diedericks, right, in action
Image: Supplied
Two Cape Town youths are making waves across the country and internationally as they compete in MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
Ismaeel Booley,16, from Ottery, fought in the SA MMA champs held in Durban recently and has been selected to compete in Abu Dhabi next month.
Jiyaad Diedericks, 19, from Strandfontein, competed against Rais Hoosain for the VK1 57kg Pro-AM title two weeks ago and was named the champion.
The MMA champions are under the wing of Fidaah Edries, a Cape Town sensei, head coach, psychologist and founder of Fightertz MMA and Wellness Academy.
'Jiyaad Diedericks competed against Rais Hoosain for the VK1 57kg Pro-AM title. Jiyaad won in spectacular fashion, winning via technical knockout with a jumping knee, rendering him the champion.
"The competition was held on June 14, and Vibrant Sports Club hosted a Boxing and Kickboxing tournament in Grassy Park, where it gave martial arts gyms an opportunity to showcase their top athletes.
'Jiyaad completed matric last year and his goal is to become a World Champion.'
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Ismaeel Booley with his coach, Fidaah Edries.
Image: Supplied
Edries said they were also calling on support for Booley, who is set to compete at the World Championships.
"He is only 16 years old and he fought in South African official MMA Championships held in Durban this year between June 14 and 16," said Edries.
'He has also entered into the youth Strawweight division (52kgs), there was no one in his weight division.
'He then entered the under 57kg division, with guys 5kgs heavier than him.
'He won two guys in that division and become the official champion of the youth under 57kgs division (Flyweight).
'This makes him the the current official South African Champion in the Youth Strawweight (52kgs) and Flyweight (under 57kgs) champion.
'He was also invited to represent his country at the World MMA Championships this year in Abu Dhabi in July.
'His coaches for Striking and MMA is myself, Jiujitsu: Eddie Manhando, Wrestling: Hayden Abrahams.
Jiyaad Diedericks with his coach, Fidaah Edries.
Image: Supplied
Edries said a Backabuddy fundraiser has become to help raise funds for him.
Alia Booley, mother of Booley, said her son is resilient and the sport is shaping him into a strong and confident young man.
'I am very proud of Ismaeel, he has come a long way, I see the hard work that he has put in, day and night,' she said.
'What makes this special is that he is able to achieve his dream, this is his goal.
'We are doing everything possible to support him on this journey.
'We also are grateful to all of his coaches."
Diedericks said he started martials arts in order to protect himself and is working hard to compete internationally.
"I have been in a situation where I felt helpless, and I never wanted to feel that way again. The moment I started it, I fell in love with the sport, it sparked a passion in me that's only grown stronger ever since," he said. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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