A warrior has risen! Reuben Venter from Somerset West has triumphantly returned as a Ring Contact Fighting Arts International (RCFAI) world champion.
Just seven years ago the teenager could barely throw a punch. Now he’s world champion after claiming gold in the under-16 73 to 76 kg division at the RCFAI championships in Vanderbijlpark, which were held from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April.
“Winning the world championships I felt literally every emotion except anger,” Reuben recalled.
“To see my coaches jump with joy made me proud of how far I’d come.”
The first thing he did walking through his front door was to give his mother the hug he’d promised her for months, telling her simply, “I did it.”
The Grade 10 Parel Vallei High School learner started practising Krav Maga at just eight years old at the State of Flow club, which transitioned to Ring Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA) in 2023.
The style blends boxing, judo, wrestling, karate and even ballet into what practitioners call “the ultimate supreme fighting art”.
Reuben’s journey started when coaches Sensei Angi Nunez and Sensei Joshua Conway suggested he focus on low kicks because he’s a shorter fighter.
“Sensei Angi and Sensei Joshua didn’t just teach me to fight; they taught me how to prepare for any challenge mentally. We are a family that supports one another.”
He proved his mettle through Western Province and South African championships, accumulating two gold, two silver and one bronze in 2024 and 2025, earning selection to represent the country.
Balancing academics, rugby and world-championship training proved challenging.
“It was a juggling act that left my parents with sleepless nights,” Reuben said.
Walking into the world championship venue with his headphones on, he was amazed by the hall draped in flags from different countries. Intimidated, his heart beat frantically with every step.
As the competition started Reuben entered a surreal state where his brain switched off. In the last minutes before his fight thoughts ran rampant: “Why am I doing this?”
Sensei Conway approached him, slid on his gloves and they said a prayer together.
When the referee’s whistle sounded his body became liquid, flowing like water until he was crowned world champion.
Reuben’s goals for the future is to achieve his black belt within two years and become a main-event fighter.
His advice for other fighters: “Start slow, be consistent, disciplined and never give up.”
