Local Fighter Crowned Light Heavy Weight SA Champ
Gina Ifuki, a local Parklands resident and student/trainer at Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness Centre, competed for the WAKO Pro K-1 belt, against a very strong and well respected Mawandie Vapi from East London, on the 4th October, at the Sibaya Casino in Durban. Gina won the 5 rounds, 3 minutes bout, by a points decision, in a display of sheer excellence, that had the crowd, of 4000+ spectators at the edge of their seats. Gina is now the Official K-1 WAKO Professional Light Heavy Weight Champion of South Africa. Gina will be defending his title at a Panther event early next year, and has his sights set on the International fight scene. K-1 is a Martial arts competition in which competitors utilize standing techniques from sports such as Karate, Kick-Boxing, Kung Fu, Muay Thai and Tae Kwon Do to determine the strongest martial artist.
WP Amateur Boxing
Bonheur and Gabby entered a WP Boxing tournament, hosted at Wynberg Military Base on Saturday 14th November 09. Bonheur marginally lost to the current champ, and Gabby outclassed her much heavier opponent.From Left: Bonheur(Silver) and Gabby (Gold)
Panther Enters Paarl Challenge
Five Panther fighters entered the K-1 Elimination Challenge in Paarl on Sat the 7th November 09, well done to the fighters, who brought home four gold and one bronze.Scott (Absent, Bronze)- From Left:Marguerite(Gold), Anthony(Gold), Lee(Gold), Keith(Gold)
Grand Finale - Mixed Martial
Arts Tournament
Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness Centre, hosted its final showdown for
2009 on Saturday the 5th December, with an impressive 20 fights on the bill which consisted of a mixture of Boxing, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA. The crowd enjoyed action which had them on the edge of their seats all night.
The crowd included legendary South African heavy weight champion Gerrie Coetzee, who thoroughly enjoyed the action. Well done to all Panther Fighters, Lee Drewery (K-1), Gaby Drewery (Muay Thai), Keith Drewery(Muay Thai), Troy Kruger (Boxing), Nory Almeida(K-1), Leo Maramba(K-1), Juan-Ray Botha(MMA), Regis Muyambo (MMA), Jaryd Richmond(MMA), Bonhey Makuka (K-1), Marguerite Voges de Allende (K-1), Anthony Mailer (K-1) and Caprice Masinga(K-1). A big thank you goes out to all involved in arranging and running the tournament and to the many fighters, fans, and opposition clubs, who supported the Panther tournaments in 2009. We look forward to a KNOCK OUT 2010
Not Present: Keith Drewery; Juan-Ray Botha; Leo Maramba From Left: Caprice Masinga (Gold); Bonhey Makuka (Silver), Regis Muyambo (Gold); Anthony Mailer (Gold); Nory Almeida (Silver); Marguerite Voges de Allende (Silver); Jaryd Richmond (Gold), Lee Drewery (Silver); Troy Kruger (Gold); Gaby Drewery (Gold)
Panther Junior Tournament
Panther hosted their first Junior Tournament of the year on Saturday, March 6, 2010. The tournament was aimed at students 13yrs and younger. Panther entered 16 students into the K-1, Muay Thai and Grappling Divisions. Well done to all who entered, and well done to all the Panther Cubs, I am very happy with your performance, results and advancement.Our next Junior Tournament will be held on the 11th September 2010 at the Panther Parklands Gym
Rock and Rumble
Panther Durbanville, hosted a very successful, Rock and Rumble showdown on the 6th of March 2010 at Panther Durbanville. Competing from Panther Fighting arts in Table View, Andrew McPherson (K1), Justin Torode (K1) and Sven Unger (MMA)It was Andrew's first fight and he did well, to not only, fight the anxiety but his opponent too, unfortunately Andrew lost his fight on points but won admiration from his club and his family, well done Andrew. Justin won by TKO, we have a little tornado in the making here. Sven took on a strong opponent, and won by his opponent being disqualified in the 2nd round. Well done Sven you remained calm under some serious pressure.
We look forward to attending Rock and Rumble 3
Panther Fight Night- Mixed Martial Arts Extravaganza
Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness Academy hosted its first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Tournament for 2010 on Saturday 6th February. The tournament was a great success and a hurricane of action, with over 20 top class Boxing, Muay Thai, K-1, MMA and Grappling fights on the night. The attendance was overwhelming and Panther regrets having to turn guests away. Panther would like to take this opportunity to thank the local community for their continued ongoing support, as well as the officials from SASKA and SAAKA, without whom this type of tournament, would not be possible. Students chosen from the Mixed Martial Arts Talent Search, held on 23rd January 2010, will be competing in their first MMA event on 6 March, in the Panther Durbanville event, Rock and Rumble, these athletes are sponsored by Panther, as part of our community development program. Our Next Tournament will be on 1 May 2010.
Back From Left: Sven Unger (Silver MMA), Dyllan Dutton (Gold Muay Thai), Zukile Ntewtema (Gold Boxing), Stuart Mailer (Gold K-1), Andrew Mailer (Silver Muay Thai), Dean Lots (Gold K-1)
Middle from Left: Khwezi Mlinda (Silver K-1), Keith Drewery’ (Gold K-1), Gabby Drewery’ (Gold Muay Thai)
Front: Troy Kruger (Silver Boxing)
Absent from Pic: Regis Muyambo (Gold MMA), Boney Makuka (Silver K-1)
Training Camp at Ouskip
Resort in Melkbos
Panther Fighting Arts & Fitness Academy hosted its first, Training Camp at the Ouskip Resort in Melkbos Strand from Friday the 29th January to Sunday the 31st. A combination of pleasure,pain,plenty sun and lots of laughs was had by all who attended. The whole family was involved and some camped and some stayed in chalettes.The weekend started off with a 5 km run on Friday evening whilst moms and dads where setting up, getting the braai's lit, and having a refreshing swim in the Olympic size pool. The evening air was filled with the smell of braaivleis and relaxed sighs from moms and dads.
Saturday was tough as the students started the day with a 5km run, and 1.5 hour MMA Class presented by Hentie, after a well deserved breakfast the students then had a 1.5 hour, Boxing Class presented by Gino. Lunch time was welcomed by all and most took to the pool to cool off and regain some strength. Some stayed in the pool and some enjoyed 40 winks.
But the day was not over yet and a tough 2 hour Muay Thai Class presented by Anthony, had all sweating and heaving. The day finally came to and end with some very hungry people with a whole lot of braaing and relaxation time. Sunday the trainers, students and fighters awoke with agues and pains that always accompany a really good workout. It was time for a morning run, and after much pleading and threatening the students, trainers and fighters took to the beach for a sprint session. The weekend ended off with a exhausting session of K1 by Alan in the sun, only the very tough students finished this class. The weekend training had come to an end, and people could swim, rest and have lunch.
The camp was as a whole a great success, good tough training, fun, and a chance for everyone to spend some quality time with their families and fellow students.
Our next training camp is on the 16th of April and if there's one thing you should not miss this year, its the 2nd Panther training camp, it should be bigger and better.
ALL STYLES COMBAT FIGHTING S.A - PRO LICENCING
Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness Academy hosted the Cape Town annual pro licensing on Saturday 3 April 2010. Well done to all trainers, managers and professional fighters who took part and especially to the fighters, who officially passed the fitness assesments and are now officially registered professionals.ALL STYLES COMBAT FIGHTING S.A - Judges & refree course
Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness Academy hosted the Cape Town annual pro Judges and referee training, presented by Henk Pelser. Well done to all who participated. Referees and judges determine the outcome of fights, and therefore need to be trained adequately, a poor decision can cost a fighter not only his fight, but often has a big financial implication. Judges and referees should know the rules and regulations of the modes they are officiating, and for that reason Panther, trains and develops their Professional and Amateur Judges And Referees.Takedown Tournament - ROUND 1
Takedown MMA hosted their first Tournament (Round 1) on the 27th March 2010. There were 17 fights on the bill (Boxing, K-1, Muay Thai and Grappling). Panther Fighting Arts and Fitneness Centre entered x2 members, both from Parklans. Well done to Andrew Wang, who won a gold medal, in his first k-1 fight, and Regis Muyambo who won his grappling fight, with a spectacular armbar. Regis has won his last 3 MMA fights. Well done to Takedown, for throwing a great tournament, we are looking forward to your next one.
EFC Africa Extreme Fighting
Championship
Benardo Mikixi, of Panther Parklands entered the EFC Extreme Cage Fighting Challenge on the 10th March 2010, held at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate, Johannesburg. Benardo was the only competitor from Cape Town. The EFC is a high budget Cage Fighting event, that showcases South Africa´s Elite MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Athletes.Benardo won his fight by KO in the first round in 1 min 30 seconds, with a thunderous right hook, against the crowd favorite, a local fighter from JHB, JP Joubert.
All the fights were evenly matched, which meant a great show. Benardo prepared for this event both mentally and physically for months.
MMA is no longer a niche sport supported only by an underground fighting movement, but rather a sport supported by millions of fight fans locally, nationally and internationally.
The event was sold out through computicket day before the event was held, and there are plans to accommodate a crowd of 10 000 + spectators at their vent. This was the biggest event ever held on the African Continent.
Well done Benardo, you held Cape Town’s Head high.
Paarl Challenge
Paarl K-1 Challenge was held on the 13th March 2010 at the Vodacom Sports Centre in Paarl. The Paarl Challenge was an elimination type tournament, with fighters, fighting as many as 3 to 4 fights to win the event. Well done to all who entered, and welcome back to the ring KerryGabby Drewery’ (Gold), Keith Drewery’ (Gold), Kyle van der Schyff (Gold), Brittany Kettle (Silver), Tdombolo (Bronze), Anthony Mailer (Gold), Sibosiso, Aaron Zive (Bronze)
SA VS Maritius
Four Members of Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness Centre, were selected to represent South Africa in a International bout between Maritius and South Africa. Maritiuns, are known for their excellent fighters and are well known as tough compeditors internationally. Gabby Drewery, won the fighter of the tournament award, bringing home gold for her country, her brother Keith Drewery, also brought home a gold medal and Dyllan Dutton, won silver. Lee Drewry represented South Africa as an official. Gabby and Keith will be representing .
Kickboxing Against Drugs
White Tiger Muay Thai hosted their annual Kickboxing Against Drugs tournament, at Ronderbosch Boys Highschool on the 17th April 2010 and managed to raise a considerable sum for a good cause. Well done White Tigers. Four Panther members enterd this event, bringing home 3 Gold and 1 Silver Medal. Well done guys, the compotition standard was high and you all did exceptionally wellFrom Left: Gabby Drewrey (Gold);Bonheheur Swana (Silver);Khwezi Mlinda (Gold);Sibusi Mdoko (Gold)