GEORGE NEWS - The Bear Fight Club students, based in George, recently competed at the South African National Championships, representing the SWD province in Grappling (Jiu Jitsu / Submission Wrestling) and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). After intensive training by the students and many dedicated hours from coaches Robert and Linda, the club brought back spectacular results.
The tournament, attended by over 1 100 competitors from across the country, is the largest and highest level competitive martial arts tournament in South Africa, serving as the official National Championship. It was held over two days, 29 and 30 September, at the Coetzenburg sport centre in Stellenbosch.
The South African national champion is selected at the tournament and the top six competitors are selected to represent the SA team at the world championships in the USA.
- Brooklyn-Rose McDonald: 2nd place in Grappling for girls ages 6 & 7 years.
- Tobi Hoepfner: 2nd place in Grappling for boys ages 6 & 7 years.
- William Whitehead: 2nd place for boys 10 & 11 years in MMA.
- Daniel Whitehead - 2nd place for boys 10 & 11 years in Grappling.
- Ben Ryan: 3rd place for boys ages 10 & 11 years in Grappling and 3rd place for boys 10 & 11 years in MMA.
- Tim Ryan: 5th place for boys ages 8 & 9 years in Grappling and 5th place for boys ages 8 & 9 years in MMA.
Back, from left: William Whitehead, Markus Visage, Daniel van der Merwe, Troy Schofield and Zac Nel. Middle: Ben Ryan, Jacques Campbell, Jessica Whitehead, Daniel Whitehead, Max Nel and Tim Ryan. Front: Ethan McDonald, Brooklyn-Rose McDonald, Toby Hoepfner and Mia Ryan.
Competitors who hold first place positions and who are South African National Champions of South Africa for 2018 are:
- Mia Ryan: 1st place in Grappling for girls 6 & 7 years.
- Ethan McDonald: 1st place for boys 7 & 8 years in Grappling and 1st place for boys 7 & 8years in MMA.
- Max Nel: 1st place for boys 8 & 9 years in Grappling and 1st place for boys 8 & 9 years in MMA.
- Jessica Whitehead: 1st place for girls 8 & 9 years in MMA and 3rd place for girls 8 & 9 years in Grappling.
- Zac Nel: 1st place for boys 10 & 11 years in Grappling.
- Jacques Campbell: 1st place for boys 10 & 11 years in MMA.
- Troy Schofield: 1st place for boys 12 & 13 years in Grappling.
- Daniel V D Merwe: 1st place for boys 12 & 13 years in Grappling and 1st place for boys 12 & 13 years in MMA.
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