BRANDON Smit (15) was only four years old when he started Taekwondo.
Five years ago he started kickboxing, and with his father Johann, started the Empangeni Paul Caves dojo three years ago.
Paul Caves is a national organisation with dojos all over the country.
Students are taught mixed martial arts, but can choose specific disciplines.
After making SA’s for Taekwondo three years running while in primary school, Brandon switched over to kickboxing.
The Empangeni High School pupil has earned gold and bronze medals at Destiny, which is held every year.
The event draws over 1 300 fighters from the Paul Caves dojos around the country and this year is expected to draw close to 2 000.
‘This year will be my fourth Destiny,’ said Brandon.
‘Last year I couldn’t compete due to an arm injury.’
Brandon is hoping to complete his grading for black belt this year.
‘It’s time,’ he laughed. ‘I would really like to step it up a notch.’
The event is ultra competitive, and it takes hard work all year round to stay fit enough to have a fighting chance.
Training for days
Mondays and Wednesdays he trains with his father at the club in Empangeni. Tuesdays and Thursdays he runs a minimum of 10km, and trains regularly in the gym at home.
‘My dad helps me so much. He is always pushing me and he is a big inspiration,’ said Brandon.
His training, together with a strict diet, has helped Brandon lose over 15kgs in the past few years.
‘I am very proud of him,’ said dad, Johann.
‘I always say it’s not about how hard you can hit, but how you take the punches. And Brandon has taken that philosophy to heart.’
When asked why he still enjoys fighting, Brandon answered he simply enjoyed being able to defend himself.
‘It give me a lot of self-confidence to know I can handle myself in any situation. And it’s a lot of fun.’
Brandon will be jetting off to Stellenbosch on 16-18 October to compete in Destiny 2015.
@kcowan23
