{"id":45248,"date":"2024-03-14T10:35:41","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T08:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/mma-event-hosted-in-remembrance-of-inspirational-teen-20240313\/"},"modified":"2025-03-13T15:27:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T13:27:36","slug":"mma-event-hosted-in-remembrance-of-inspirational-teen-20240313","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/mma-event-hosted-in-remembrance-of-inspirational-teen-20240313\/","title":{"rendered":"MMA event hosted in remembrance of inspirational teen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Known for her love of God, Mari van Kampen, a 14-year-old learner from Nico Malan High School in Humansdorp, sadly passed away in January after an eight-month battle with leukemia. <\/p>\n

To honour the inspirational teenager who loved Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Gqeberha-based club, The Pride Academy, hosted an MMA event on February 24.<\/p>\n

Van Kampen\u2019s stepfather, sensei Gerhard Coetzee of Jeffreys Bay-based Raptors Mixed Martial Arts, said that despite the hardships his stepdaughter had faced, the two pillars that gave her strength were her tight-knit family and her faith in God.<\/p>\n

He said that even though chemotherapy treatments left her feeling exhausted, she continued to persevere.<\/p>\n

A true inspiration, Coetzee said that she had enjoyed attending MMA classes even while in a wheelchair, and even though she experienced a difficult eight months before she passed on, she motivated many of the MMA students.<\/p>\n

\n
\"\"<\/p>\n
Back from left are Zade Haasbroek, Johan Ferreira, Clifford du Plessis, Danika Liebenberg, and Brandon Badenhorst. In front are Jayzio Louis, M\u00e9niQue Haasbroek, Leandre Coetzee, and Johnric Korff. Photos: SUPPLIED<\/div>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cMari attended some of the MMA classes when she was not in the hospital, and with a smile on her face always, she motivated thousands of people at our classes,\u201d said Coetzee.<\/p>\n

In addition to her love of God and her family, he said that Mari also enjoyed colouring and found peace in each creative piece. <\/p>\n

Coetzee said that Van Kampen found an escape in children\u2019s movies, gospel music, and maintaining a positive mindset.<\/p>\n

With many students from JBay\u2019s Raptors participating in events hosted by The Pride Academy, and the good relationship they have with Coetzee, the Gqeberha-based MMA club wanted to host a special event to honour Mari.<\/p>\n

Coetzee said that the event, titled Genesis 4, had two divisions, which included white collar boxing and no gi-grappling.<\/p>\n

He further said that many of the JBay Raptors students signed up for the event, but only seven received fighter tickets.<\/p>\n

\u201cSix students took part in no gi-grappling, and one in white collar boxing. Five won, one lost, while one student had a draw,\u201d said Coetzee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Knoen for her love of God, Mari van Kampen, a 14-year-old learner from Nico Malan High School in Humansdorp, sadly passed away in January after an eight-month battle with 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