Springs MMA youngster named SA champion at just 10 years old
Representing his local club, House of Tinkerbell, the young athlete proudly took home the gold medal. His father, Juan de Beer, recalled the thrilling moment when Danté clinched victory.
'I was incredibly nervous during one of his final fights. My hands were shaking. I knew every single move in that ring could determine the outcome. Just seconds after the fight began, his opponent made a small mistake, and Danté immediately saw the opening,' Juan said.
A rush of excitement surged through Juan as he watched his son execute a rear naked choke. At that moment, he knew Danté was going to win.
'My hands were shaking so much that when his opponent finally tapped out, I forgot I was recording a video and didn't capture the moment. That memory will stay with me forever. The moment my son showed true skill, focus, and heart in the ring,' he added.
Danté's victory earned him a spot to represent the national team in Dubai. Unfortunately, he was unable to travel with the SA team to the UAE World Championships due to not having a passport yet.
'After winning his nationals fight, I asked him if he knew what happened next. He simply said, 'I won the tournament and got gold.' I looked at him and said, 'No, my boy, you're the SA Champion in your category.'
'That's when the reality hit him. His eyes welled up with tears as he realised the full meaning of what he had accomplished that day,' Juan shared.
Danté first joined House of Tinkerbell after his parents saw an advertisement promoting anti-bullying classes. They wanted him to learn self-defence. His coaches, JP Kruger and Gift 'The Day' Walker, encouraged him to try a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) tournament, where he won his first gold medal at the age of eight.
'That moment changed everything. His mindset completely shifted. He became more focused, more competitive, and truly fell in love with the sport,' said Juan.
Despite his early success, Danté remains humble and grounded, described by his father as a busybody by nature. Danté cites rugby star Cheslin Kolbe and his coaches as role models who continue to teach him valuable life lessons.
JP Kruger expressed pride in Danté's achievements: 'We are so proud of him. Jesus gets all the glory for everything great that happens from our gym.'
Looking ahead, Danté's goal is to compete at the nationals again next year for another chance to represent South Africa.
'With his dedication, heart, and discipline, we have no doubt he will make his parents, coaches, and country incredibly proud,' Juan concluded.
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