LITTLE WARRIOR

BEING short-sighted is no setback for Zidaan Jacobs, who’s fighting his way to the top at the National Kickboxing Championships this month.

Zidaan Jacobs, 9, started his martial arts training at Go For Broke MMA at the tender age of 4 and has been consistently training daily.

His mother, Raabia told the Daily Voice that he is currently on an orange belt and has been competing in boxing, kickboxing and Brazilian jujitsu since the age of 8.

Now representing Western Province, the proud mom said of her little warrior: “Zidaan was always running around the mat and watching everybody train. He was also one of the first students at the gym.

Zidaan is coached by dad Erefaan, but there is no favouritism in the ring and discipline has ben instilled into his student from a young age.

Despite not being able to see further than his hands without his glasses, his mom adds he considers fighting without them his biggest flex.

Zidaan is one of 65 students who have been selected for the Ring Contact Fighting Arts National Championships from 24 to 26 October at the Emerald Casino and Resort in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng.

She says: “There was a competition that he did and based on the point ranking system of fights done over a period of six months he accumulated enough points to qualify for his colours and that is how he was chosen.

“I am beyond proud of him, he is only 9 and has achieved so much, just seeing the confidence he has.”

Anyone who can assist the young kicker with travel and accommodation fees can contact Raabia on 067 402 9805.