Brave Little Fighter

BEING short-sighted is no obstacle for Zidaan Jacobs, who is striving to excel at the National Kickboxing Championships this month.

Zidaan Jacobs, 9, began his martial arts journey at Go For Broke MMA at just 4 years old and has been training consistently every day.

His mother, Raabia, shared with the Daily Voice that he currently holds an orange belt and has been participating in boxing, kickboxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu since turning 8.

Now representing Western Province, the proud mother described her little fighter: “Zidaan was always running around the mat and observing the training sessions. He was one of the gym’s first students.

Zidaan is coached by his dad, Erefaan, but there’s no favoritism in the ring; discipline has been taught to him from a young age.

Even though he can’t see beyond his hands without his glasses, his mother notes that he considers fighting without them to be his biggest advantage.

Zidaan is among 65 students selected for the Ring Contact Fighting Arts National Championships, taking place from October 24 to 26 at the Emerald Casino and Resort in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.

She explains: “He entered a competition, and based on the point ranking system from fights over six months, he earned enough points to qualify for his colours, which is how he was chosen.

“I am incredibly proud of him; at only 9, he has accomplished so much, and it’s amazing to see his confidence grow.”

Anyone wishing to help the young fighter with travel and accommodation expenses can reach out to Raabia at 067 402 9805.