{"id":67098,"date":"2025-05-09T10:10:32","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T08:10:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/?p=67098"},"modified":"2025-05-09T10:10:35","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T08:10:35","slug":"local-kickboxing-champions-triumph-at-nationals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/local-kickboxing-champions-triumph-at-nationals\/","title":{"rendered":"Local kickboxing champions \r\ntriumph at nationals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 2025 National Kickboxing Championships, hosted by the KwaZulu-Natal Kickboxing Association, saw over 800 competitors from across South Africa gather at the Newcastle Farmers Hall for an intense display of skill and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leading the Eastern Cape contingent was Shihan Louwrens Botha, a resolute mentor and force behind the region’s rising stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under his leadership, EC kickboxers delivered outstanding performances, proving their strength in the national arena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Botha’s Kickboxing Club proudly saw three medallists, each demonstrating the power of hard work and perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the senior men’s +94kg Semi-Contact division, Sensei Philip van Zyl secured a bronze medal, showing off impressive technique and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, Ruan Jordaan battled fiercely in the senior men’s -84kg Semi-Contact division, earning a silver medal after a gripping final against a world champion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ultimate highlight belonged to Senpai Taylor Urquhart, whose remarkable achievement stole the spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She became the first female fighter from Botha’s club to secure three gold medals in a single championship, dominating the Senior Women’s -55kg category in Semi-Contact, Light Continuous, and Kick Light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her journey was one of perseverance \u2014 she had earned a spot on the national team before the pandemic but was unable to compete due to COVID-19 restrictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite this setback, she kept pushing forward, moving from the North West to the Eastern Cape and training harder than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today, she stands at the top of South African kickboxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urquhart’s dedication extends beyond competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She actively coaches at Botha’s Kickboxing Club, inspiring others to embrace the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rika van Jaarsveld, club manager, said that kickboxing is more than just fighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Kickboxing builds discipline, confidence, and resilience. A lot of fighters have used their skills to carve successful careers, from professional athletes to influential trainers and mentors,” said Van Jaarsveld.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information or to join Botha’s Kickboxing Club, contact Shihan Louwrens Botha at 072 357 5090.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
The Eastern Cape kickboxing team. Credit: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
From left are, Senpai Ruan Jordaan, Senpai Taylor Uquardt and Sensei Philip van Zyl. Credit: Supplied<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The 2025 National Kickboxing Championships in Newcastle, hosted by KwaZulu-Natal, drew 800+ competitors showcasing remarkable skill and 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","article_media_icon":"1","article_template":"news","author_byline":"","background_color":"","block_editor":"1","byline":"","cmplz_hide_cookiebanner":"","competition_end_date":"","contact_advertise_email":"","contact_advertise_phone":"","contact_editorial_email":"","contact_general_email":"","contact_general_phone":"","contact_office_hours":"","contact_physical_address":"","enabled":"","featured_image_custom_caption":"","featured_video_url":"","fields":"","font_body":"","font_header":"","frequency":"","headline":"Local kickboxing champions \r\ntriumph at 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