KAREN VENTER
When picturing those who participate in mixed martial arts (MMA) and cage fighting rough, tough, tattooed men come to mind.
But in Polokwane at Henri Eksteen’s Martial Arts Rainbow Nation this is definitely not the case as the Visser trio has proved. Sunet, 51, Angelique, 26, and Zuleike, 7 represent three generations of their family who are into MMA in a serious way.
The trio does not participate in MMA to fight but rather to keep fit and improve their self-defence skills. Both adults agree it has also improved their self-confidence.
Zuleike, who also does karate with Eksteen, is a Grade 1 learner at Laerskool Pietersburg-Oos and is also benefiting immensely, her mother says. "It has improved her gross motor skills and she can concentrate better at school."
She says the time she, her mother and daughter spend doing MMA is a time she considers special quality family time. Zuleike definitely has no problem with self-confidence and tells Polokwane Observer in no uncertain terms why she enjoys MMA. "I like it very much. It’s nice to run a lot and to kick and it makes me strong. If anyone tries to hurt my granny or mother, I will help them," she explains earnestly.
She says she is planning to take part in competitions and fight as much as she can.
At school Maths is her favourite subject and she loves poetry. She also plays netball.
Both women work for different legal firms. Sunet works with deeds while Angelique works with litigation.
Sunet says it is very important to her to be able to defend herself and react quickly in a danger situation. "My parents were attacked in their home recently and I do not want to feel helpless if something happens to me."
Eksteen says Zuleike and the other girls her age who attend his classes are an absolute inspiration. "As a coach I am extremely overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, effort and courage these little girls show and can only foresee a great future for these kids whatever the obstacles they may undergo whilst growing up in the troubled world we live in today," Eksteen says. He adds that seeing older women such as Sunet with the ongoing drive and passion for the art of MMA is simply an awesome privilege and honour.
The Vissers agree that MMA is the best thing that ever happened to them in many ways. "I would recommend MMA to anyone. The benefits are numerous and besides, it’s a lot of fun, too," Angelique says.
For more information on MMA go to www.karatextreme.com.