Readying himself to roll with the kicks amongst masters at the upcoming Worlds in Portugal is South Africa’s reigning kickboxing champion, Herman Maene!
South Africa (13 November 2023) — Herman Maene’s mastery of mind and body have led him to become the current South African kickboxing champion (three-years-running) in his division. But, his sights are on the world after his selection to square up with the world’s masters at the upcoming Kickboxing Worlds.
For his mother, Lydia Maene, Herman’s achievement of qualifying for Worlds is a reflection of “exceptional skills, dedication and determination.” In fact, Lydia is of the mind that he could even bring the championship title home, something that is quite plausible considering this is not his first time making South Africa proud at global showcases.
Herman’s first love was karate, an art he began while still in primary school. Over the years, he would rise to excellence; obtaining his 3rd Dan by the time he was in high school and competing in two World Championships where he won silver and bronze victories.
But, after school he followed a new passion—karate’s relative, kickboxing. To no one’s surprise, he continued his legacy of kicking ass in this combat sport, positioning him as South Africa’s champion.
The opportunity to go to the upcoming Worlds in Portugal from 16 – 27 November, is major. It’ll see him fight 152 countries’ representatives, standing at the cusp of being a world champion (which would also make SA a champion of yet another sport) and it could also be a determiner for his Olympic debut.
But, it’s also an opportunity that might not come to be.
Herman is currently seeking sponsorship for the WAKO Seniors and Masters Kickboxing Worlds, as well as support from his fellow South Africans through support on social media.
Anyone wanting to kick the financial obstacles to the curb can contact the South African Kickboxing Association via sakasecretary@gmail.com.
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