From national champions to personal transformations, the athletes behind Forge MMA are showing how mixed martial arts can build confidence, discipline, and community.
Durban, South Africa (20 May 2026) – For many people walking into Forge MMA for the first time, the assumption is often the same: that mixed martial arts is only about fighting. Behind the gloves and national titles are stories of transformation, confidence, and community.
The academy recently enjoyed another strong showing at the South African MMA National Championships, producing medallists across youth, junior, senior, and women’s divisions. Yet for Head Coach William Oberholzer, the bigger picture goes beyond podium finishes.
“I don’t expect you to become a fighter. The majority of our members are recreational athletes. They come for fitness, confidence, community, or mental health.”
That environment has become especially important in the growth of women’s MMA at the gym, where more female athletes are finding both support and success in a sport often seen as intimidating from the outside.
“At first it was intimidating for women to walk into the gym. But now we have a really big ladies team, and they support each other. They’re superstars.”
Among those athletes is reigning 2026 MMA SA Flyweight Champion Meara-Quinn Candy, who represented South Africa at the 2025 IMMAF World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. Outside the cage, Candy is also a freediver involved in the Aliwal Shoal Ocean Leadership Programme, balancing combat sport with ocean conservation work.
Another standout story is Landie Henn, the 2025 MMA SA Bantamweight Champion and 2026 silver medallist. Her martial arts journey has included a remarkable transformation while balancing family life, homeschooling her children, and running a signage business with her husband.
Oberholzer believes stories like theirs reflect what the sport can offer beyond competition.
“We’ve given them a platform and an environment where they can grow. At the end of the day, you’re just an athlete. We treat everybody the same way.”
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Volker competed for the South African Protea team at the 2019 IMMAF World Championships in Bahrain and is now unbeaten as a professional fighter. Jula, another former Protea representative and multiple-time national gold medallist, has also transitioned successfully into the professional space.
According to Oberholzer, one of the most important aspects is creating a clear pathway for athletes, whether they want to compete professionally or simply train recreationally.
“There is a proper blueprint on how to go from day one to the highest level.”
While the medals continue to grow, strongest impact may lie in the community it has built.
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