Dylan Isaacs from Mount Pleasant recently returned from Italy where he represented South Africa at the Junior World Kickboxing Championship.
Although the 16-year-old didn’t bring home any trophies, he says he learnt valuable lessons that he hopes will help him excel in his field and become a role model for the youth in his community.
Dylan is a student at Legacy Martial Arts Academy and has six years experience in the arts of karate and kickboxing. He has attained blue belts in both disciplines.
His dedication and skills have paid off. Earlier this year Dylan competed at the African Continental Kickboxing Championship. Dylan has also competed in two SA National Kickboxing Championships – the first was just before the Covid-19 pandemic and the second earlier this year in May.
He achieved first place in the semi-contact division and third in continuous kickboxing. This led to him being included in the national team that competed at the Junior World Kickboxing Championship held in Jesolo, Italy between 30 September and 9 October.
The Abagold Abalone Farm, through its foundation, helped Dylan to realise his dream of competing internationally.
“It was wonderful,” exclaimed the Grade 10 learner from Gansbaai Academia. “I have never experienced anything like it!” Dylan says his first experience competing internationally has made him aware that there are differences in the way the sport is practised. “The fighting was great. You can see those kickboxers practise every day. I didn’t win any trophies, but have a better understanding of what to expect in future and where I need to improve.
“Competing at this level has been the highlight of my martial arts career and it is a remarkable example of what hard work and dedication can achieve even through difficult circumstances. I plan to use this journey to become a role model within my community.”
Dylan says his trip wasn’t all work, he even had the opportunity to explore parts of the country. A highlight was visiting the historic old Venice town.
Dylan’s trainer, Shihan Ruehan van Romburgh, said: “I have been training Dylan for six years. He is one of my best students and has shown dedication to the sport and the martial arts, becoming a role model for others inside and outside the dojo. With his work ethic, Dylan will continue to grow and achieve great things.”
Gareth Cupido from Abagold says it was important for him to reach out to business partners to support the teen due to the hard work and dedication he has shown.
“Dylan works really hard at his sport,” he said. “Although he was selected and provided with this opportunity, he would have not been able to realise this goal due to the finances required to travel and compete. Many talented athletes never get to fulfil their potential, not because of a lack of skill or dedication, but due to a lack of finance which is a shame. I did not want Dylan to fall into this situation so tried to assist him with fundraising.”
Glenryck SA and Pioneer Fishing also donated towards Dylan’s trip. He thanked everyone who assisted in making his dream a reality and contributed to a memorable trip.
For the young kickboxer the Junior World Kickboxing Championship was only the beginning of his international career. He has now set his sights on becoming the u-17 International Kickboxing champion.
