Latest news with #MMASANationals


The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Delville Primary student becomes double martial arts champion
Nathan Graaff (13) from Delville Primary School is over the moon after claiming gold in his debut Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) National Championships. After a triumphant weekend in Durban, Graaff has cemented his status as a double champion. In addition to his recent gold medal win at the MMASA Nationals, he also holds the Junior U55kg Titan Boxing title. Notably, he competed in the U55kg category at the MMASA championships. ALSO READ: Vryburg High learner fights in Abu Dhabi for Mixed Martial Arts Graaff's martial arts journey began when he joined the Thunder MMA gym, where he trained in both MMA and boxing. As a junior, he is subject to rules that prohibit face shots, which has led him to enjoy boxing slightly more. With five years of martial arts experience under his belt, Graaff has already racked up nine boxing fights, including the title-winning match. Reflecting on his progress, Graaff noted that while last year's competition was tougher, he is thrilled to have won again this year at the national championships. 'Having ranked 8th globally in the All-Africa MMA rankings last year and secured first and second place finishes at the nationals, I am back in training, putting in four days a week to further hone my skills with hopes of going to the 2025 IMMAF Youth Championships,' said Graaff. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
19-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Carletonville MMA fighters shine at National Championships in Durban
Fighters from the Fight St MMA Club in Carletonville made their hometown proud by securing multiple medals at the Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) National Championships, held from June 13 to 15 at the DLI Hall in Greyville, Durban. Carletonville fighters dominate at MMASA Nationals The event brought together over 150 amateur and youth MMA fighters, aged 10 to 35, from across South Africa. Despite fierce competition, the Carletonville-based club impressed by finishing among the top ten MMA clubs in the country. Medal winners from Fight St MMA Club Emma Golden won two gold medals while her sister, Megan, won a gold and a silver medal. Another junior fighter, Sumarie-May Eddy, won gold and silver medals, while Benoré Meyer also won gold and silver medals. Rohann van Jaarsveld, who did not lose any of his fights, won a silver medal. His brother, Christoff, also scooped a silver medal. The experienced fighters Alex Tuz and Patrick Steyn took fifth positions in their categories. MMA: A growing sport in South Africa Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a dynamic and full-contact sport that blends techniques from boxing, wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, karate, and other global combat styles. As the sport grows in popularity in South Africa, clubs like Fight St MMA are helping to build future champions. Coach proud of fighters' performance 'I am happy with these achievements. These fighters have been working hard for their places,' said head coach Chimmy van Winkel, reflecting on the team's strong showing. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!