A young kickboxer with big dreams, fierce determination, and the heart of a true champion is set for greater heights.
South Africa (16 July 2025) – Meet 17-year-old Jago de Bruijn. Not your average teenager. He is a kickboxing machine, fueled by determination. Despite facing daily challenges, including juggling his training with a full-time job as an apprentice auto-electrician and navigating dyslexia, Jago continues to punch above his weight. Not only figuratively, but also quite literally.
He’s the current South African Kickboxing Champion (under 94kg) in Low Kick, Semi-Contact, Light Contact, and Team Event divisions. To top that off, he holds two African Continental Championship titles. Coached by Protea legend Sensei Chayse Norris, Jago is on the brink of something massive.
His passion started when he was just 8 years old, and the sport has helped him grow through every setback, every challenge, especially with his dyslexia.
“Kickboxing gave me purpose, taught me discipline, and helped me believe in myself,” he says. “Our gym motto is ‘Train hard, fight easy’ and that applies to every area of life.”
Jago has been selected to participate in several international tournaments, including the prestigious Flanders International Kickboxing Cup in Belgium this September and the WAKO Senior World Championships in Abu Dhabi later this year. There are no small gigs. This is where champions are made. Jago earned his place with hard work and determination.
South African athletes in smaller or lesser-known sports often have to self-fund their journeys, and kickboxing is no exception. That has not stopped Jago. He has already done the groundwork by selling boerierolls, hosting raffles, knocking on doors in his community, and advertising on social media. So far, he’s raised a third of what he needs.
With over 100 medals and 20 trophies under his belt, Jago has proven to be a true contender. Now, it’s time for the world to see what he is made of.
Jago wants to show the world the kind of grit, heart and hustle that comes from our corner of the globe.
You can be part of his journey via BackaBuddy, and help fuel a dream that’s already well in motion.
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