GEORGE NEWS - Local policeman Ensliano Deyce will be representing South Africa at the Kickboxing World Championships in Orlando, USA next year June/July.
The George Herald found out more...
GH: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Pacaltsdorp 25 years ago. I lived in New Dawn Park until 2005 and attended Pacaltsdorp Primary. I started kickboxing at Sensei Carl Brink in 2003 and continued until 2004 when I started my high school career.
I got a bursary for athletics at Outeniqua High and stayed in the Outeniqua hostel from grade 9 until I finished matric.
I only focused on my athletics and did not do kickboxing anymore. I then got SWD and provincial colours for my athletics and cross country. I also played rugby part time for my school and I have also played rugby for Evergreens.
GH: Tell us about your police work.
At the age of 19 I joined the police where I did my basic police training and detective course at Graaf-Reinet SAPS Academy for two years.
In 2013 I started as a detective at the Gamaskop detectives in Mossel Bay until 2016 December where I got a transfer to Pacaltsdorp detectives in January 2017.
GH: When did you go back to kickboxing?
Early this year I started kickboxing again at Sensei Carl Brink kickboxing in Pacaltsdorp and took it more seriously.
I fought my first tournament in March at George Civic Hall as a green belt. I won two gold medals for division points and continuous. In September I attended the Police Martial Arts National Champs where I won a gold medal and two silver medals.
I was nominated for the Police National Team for Martial Arts - no belt or weight class, all the fighters in the division fight against each other.
Ensilano Deyce (centre) at the Police Martial Arts National Championship.
GH: What are your achievements as a kickboxer?
In 2017 I attended the National Champs (not Police) in Cape Town. I participated as a senior, under 70kg (my weight is 62kg) where I won a gold medal. I fought in the finals against a fighter who has a black belt.
I then made the national team that will take place at the world champs in Orlando USA and represent South Africa in June/July 2018.
The cost for the tour is estimated at about R57 000. Any sponsorship would be appreciated - any amount!
GH: What belt are you?
I am currently blue belt, but for me it is not about what belt you are, but how you believe in yourself and how much faith you have in God.
GH: What does it mean for you to be a fighter?
It means more than just getting in a ring and fight, but to prove to myself that I am able to do anything through Christ that strengthens me. Many people look at my height (short) and already think they won the fight.
But it's not about how you look physically, but how you feel in the inside and how much faith you have in yourself.
Many fighters in these recent tournaments misjudged me, but I proved them wrong by winning gold.
GH: Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration at this stage is Conor McGregor. He only started his martial arts career in 2008 and worked very hard to become a pro-fighter and today he is a multi-millionaire, but it's not just about the money but his dedication.
Ensliano Deyce at the SA Championships, where he won gold and qualified for the World Championships in Orlando, USA.
GH: What is your message for aspiring youngsters?
Kickboxing or any martial art/karate is a sport, which could help for self-defense as well as just practice for a healthy body.
GH: How do you want to be remembered?
At the end of my career as a kickboxer and police official, I want people to remember me as a person that took chances and tried to do his best in his working environment as well as fighting environment.
Anything is possible if you only put your trust in God and pray.
PSALM 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength and ever present help in trouble."
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