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)
Panther fight night 3 July 2010
Once again Panther fight night was a great success, well done to all who entered, and to all the judges, referees and Panther students who helped on the night. Well done to all the panther fighters, who brought home 3 golds and 2 silvers. I would also like to thank all the supporters and fight fans.Military Boxing
Panther Fighting Arts, entered the Wynberg Military Boxing Fights held at Wynberg Military Base on Sat 12th June 2010. Bonheheur Swana, won gold, Dyllan Dutton won Silver, Anthony Mailer won silver, Gabby Drewery won silver. Well done guys, keep up the good work.Gass 1
Groundworx, hosted the GASS, submission grappling tournament on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at Monte Vista Primary School, in Monta Vista. What made this tournament unique, was that you could only win by submission, each fight was 10 min, and the finals had no time limit. Your points would depend on how fast you submitted your opponent, if there was no submission, you would both score 0, if you were submitted, you would get a negative point. Each fighter, had min 7 fights and then the semi final and final fight. So you could fight for 90-120 Min, hence the name GAS! Well done Hanno, a great tournament and unique idea. Reggie, from Panther won the Light Weight novice division, Alwyn from Panther got a bronze in the Middle Weight Division and Zavier from Panther won the Middle Weight Novice Division. Well done to Lyle and Tony who, who gave their best and did well in their first grappling event.EFC Africa 03
Benardo "The Black Panther" Mikixi, from Panther Fighting Arts and Fitness centre, won his fight in the Heavy Weight Division, in 47 seconds by TKO. His opponent Jake Els is the current ranked no 2 heavy weight boxer in South Africa and 2 x World Muay Thai Heavy Weight World Champion. This puts Benardo as the top contender to fight for the heavy weight MMA SA title against Norman "The Chef" Wessels, on 7 August 2010 at the Coca Cola Dome in JHB. The EFC, once again lived up to their name as the biggest promoters of Mixed Martial Arts in South Africa. The crowd boasted 7500 spectators, all hungry to watch their heroes go to battle in the cage. Next Panther Fightnight is at Panther Gym Parklands on 3 July 2010Panther Fight Night- The Best of the Best
Wow! The fights were awesome, well done to all the fighters, K-1, Muay Thai, Boxing and MMA, for putting on such a good show. The level has certainly stepped up, and all the fighters who entered were well conditioned and well schooled. It was great to have the “Big Names” back in the ring. The next Panther fight nigh will be on the 7th of August 2010. We are also hoping to have a Pro/Pro Am event on the 5th June 2010. For more up to date information, join our Panther FB.Takedown Tournament- Round 2
From Left Reggie Muyambo (JNR SASCA MMA Champ) Ricco Hutting (SA Heavy Weaght MMA Champ/PRO) AND Josh Light Takedown, Diepriver, hosted Round Two on the 7TH August 2010. This was a mixed Martial arts event, consisting of MMA, Grappling, Boxing, K-1 and Muay Thai. Panther would like to congratulate Reggie Muyambo, who received a gold (Grappling) and Anthony Mailer, who received a silver medal (Muay Thai). Panther is looking forward to competing in Round 3.Panther Fight Night 11 Sep 2010
Wow! We have had nothing but positive Feedback. The standard of MMA, K-1 and Muay Thai is definitely getting better, all the fighters were fit and well prepared. We had 12 Explosive MMA bouts, 3 Exciting K-1 bouts and one insane Muay Thai fight. All fighters were evenly matched which made the fights exciting and ensured that we had a number of the MMA fights go the distance. Well done to all fighters, all trainers, the Panther committee, judges and referees and Panther students who helped make this event a great success and a special thank you to those gyms that traveled from far. The next fight night is set for the 23rd October 2010, so start preparing your fighters.
Rock n Rumble 3
Panther Durbanville, hosed a spectacular Mixed Martial Arts event, with 8 action packed fights. Well done to Russell and his crew, for throwing a great event. Well done to all Panther fighters who entered, the standard is definitely getting better, and the fights are getting tougher. Keep up the good work. Thanks you to all the Judges and Referees who assisted with the event, we appreciate your valuable time.EFC 4 CocaCola Dome Jhb SA 5th August 2010
Jacques Joubert VS Gina IfukiThe opening exchanges delivered some great striking with Joubert throwing a right cross, Gina side stepped and executed a very unorthodox spinning, but not illegal, back heel kick which connected Joubert in the face, securing him 2 stitches under his eye. Joubert was dominant in the opening seconds but Ifuki came out incredibly aggressive and his striking was insane. Gina took the fight to the ground landing some massive ground and pound. Gina ended up in Jouberts guard where he got caught in a classic triangle choke. Well done Gina, an awesome 1st EFC fight.
Panther Fight Night 23 Oct 2010
6 Clubs 22 fighters, 11 awesome fights, a winning formula for an excellent tournament. Well done to the 8 panthers who brought home 7 gold’s and thank you to all coaches/trainers/instructors, judges, referees and fighters who contributed to making the Panther fight night a great success. Well done Panthers, It seems all the hard work is paying off.
Heavyweight title fight postponed due to injury
Bernardo "The Black Panther" Mikixi recovers with a broken hand The highly anticipated EFC AFRICA heavyweight title fight between Bernardo "The Black Panther" Mikixi and Norman "Chef" Wessels has been postponed due to injury. Mikixi injured his hand during his fight at EFC AFRICA ™ 03, where he defeated Jakes Els in the first round.Mikixi underwent hand surgery but after assessment from his medical team and trainer, it was concluded that he will not recover in time to train and prepare for the championship bout against Wessels on the 5th August. Both fighters have agreed to the title fight at EFC AFRICA ™ 05 in November at the Coca-Cola Dome.
"It is very unfortunate that this fight has to be postponed as it is the most anticipated fight to date. Both these guys have a massive following but the fans will just have to wait a little longer to see who will be champ" says EFC AFRICA ™ director Cairo Howarth. "But the fans will not be disappointed with the 04 fight card, it is a cracker!"
The fighters Fighter 2010
Annually all the fighters at Panther vote for the Fighters Fighter. They are asked to consider, dedication, fight record and value they add to the gym and other students. There were 44 fighters who took part in the event. Panther would like to congratulate Regis Muyambo, for been elected the Fighters, Fighter for 2010
Fight Girls SA 6 December 2010
Exciting fights, awesome entertainment, an efficient team of officials and a dynamic celebrity MC.. pair that with a great venue . Well done to all gyms who entered Rays, Bulldogs, Panther, Tiger Kai, Boland, and Digital Boxing and Well done to the panthers Gabby and Brittany for bringing home goldsRock n Rumble - Seasons Beatings 4th December 2010
Well done to the Durbanville Fighters, Tristan, Leigh-Ann, Adam and Paul on winning there fights and to Panther Parklands students, Khwezi, Matthew for winning gold and Caleb for winning silver, to all judges, referees and officials and all the clubs who entered. The event ran like clockwork, and offered 9 very exiting fights. Caleb, I think you displayed great courage, finishing your fight with a broken shin and foot.
Panther Fight Night 5 Feb
A new year brings new battles. Panthers first tournament in their new venue and new cage, promised to be a great success. Boasting a crowd of over 500 amped spectators, looking for their fix of MMA and K-1 bouts. There were 16 fights, in total, and most had the crowds on the edge of their seats. Thank you to all the judges, referees, Officials, coached, gym owners and most of all a special thank you to the fighters and all who came to support them. Panthers next MMA Tournament is on the 12th March 2011EFC AFRICA 07- 3 Feb 2011
EFC AFRICA 07 delivered sick submissions and devastating strikes for ten action packed bouts. The atmosphere was electric with chants around the Coca-Cola Dome. Panther´s Francois ´The Frenchman´ Kabulu defied the odds by defeating Ashley Calvert´s, in front of his home crowd, with a display of brutal ground and pound and pulling off two awesome arm bar escapes. The much anticipated clash between Nolan ´Real Deal´ Swanepoel and Mawande ´Mr Magnificent´ Vapi ended on the ground, where Vapi tapped out to an agonising rear naked choke. Both fighters displayed their class with heartfelt congratulations in a fitting end to a turbocharged fighting frenzy. Very few can go toe to toe with Vape, and he will be receiving the intensive ground training, he needs at Panther. Watch out for his next fight. We now look forward to EFC AFRICA 08 at Carnival City on 14 April. Panther has entered a nice big team for EFC AFRICA 08, we should have at least 4 guys on the bill. Xavier will be having his first EFC fight. To watch this event live, or to get a TV schedule go to www.efcafrica.com