The Ring Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA) Bhubezi fight club hosted their grading at their Welkom club dojo on Monday, 4 December.
The grading was conducted by the club’s head instructor, Sensei Joe Gladstone Ralejoe (2nd degree black belt).
Brandon Kelly successfully graded to his second belt, white belt to red belt.
“Brandon’s commitment, hard work, and discipline earned him the opportunity to be tested, and he performed with excellence beyond expectations, being the latest additional member at the club,” says Ralejoe.
Students get the opportunity to grade twice a year, per semester, in order to advance to the next belt and they get tested on their knowledge of the RCFA syllabus among other things, including their fitness levels, endurance, and flexibility.
“The training we offer also teaches our students self-defence skills. The confidence they gain enables them the ability to apply their minds in dangerous situations and also how to avoid or resolve conflict, especially at school and other social settings. We advocate strongly against bullying, and the club will be launching a new anti-bullying programme in 2024,” he says.
On 4 November members of the club travelled to Windhoek, Namibia, to compete at the Namib War 2023 Championships.
The Welkom fighters joined other clubs from all over South Africa and Zimbabwe for this prestigious event.
“Our warriors performed extremely well and collected a total of nine medals,” says Ralejoe.
Gofaone Sebati ranked first in the Top 10 individuals of the tournament, and Siyabonga Gina also impressed with his performance by winning all four of his fights in the quarterfinal, semifinal and final of his semi-contact fight.
He got a technical knockout (TKO) in the fifth round of his Millenium Fight. The club ranked fourth overall, and first amongst clubs from South Africa.
- The achievements are: Gofaone Sebati – semi-contact fight (novice), gold; semi-contact fight (novice), gold (TKO), weapon (bo staff), gold; weapon (baton), gold; Millennium Fight, silver; 1st Series, bronze; and) Siyabonga Gina – semi-contact fight (novice), gold; Millennium Fight (open), gold; 1st Series, bronze.
“We honour the RCFA Windhoek club under Sensei Ingo Oosthuizen for the invite and great tournament experience. The Namib War 2023 Championships was one for the books,” says Ralejoe.
For more information about the club, call 078-714-2104 or send an email to bhubezifightclub@gmail.com.
