MMA training for underprivileged youngsters

Much of the proceeds will go to the funding and refurbishment of the 46KSCA clubhouse, a facility where underprivileged youngsters get to experience the self-empowering effect of MMA training and apply it to their lives.

The initiative was begun by Pietro Cignoli, GM of Orpheo Jewellers, as an extension of his upliftment through martial arts work conducted for the last 15 years from his Macnoli All Sports Centre situated in Hillbrow.

"Mixed Martial Arts is a fantastic sport," said Cignoli. "Through giving these youngsters an experience of MMA training they learn a lot. They get a taste of what the martial arts lifestyle is; a life of fitness and health, discipline and the love of competition. The youngsters who train with us often take the techniques home with them, training themselves and their friends."

Help from 46 Brigade

Cignoli, a qualified Sports Science and Conditioning coach, developed what he calls The Fighting Fit Programme, a training system specifically developed for individuals who do not have access to gyms and equipment. "We use tyres and ropes, our own body weight, only easily available stuff," he said. "Our goal is for these youngsters to be able to continue on their own, to understand that nothing needs to stop them from developing themselves."

The clubhouse space, as well as field to train on, was acquired when Cignoli approached General Mahlobo from 46 Brigade for permission to use the sports field, after which the project was approved by General Shoke of the SANDF. The clubhouse is currently being refurbished with the ultimate goal of hosting leadership camps, fitness and MMA seminars, as well as a facility to house and feed invited youngsters for the duration.

Currently Cignoli hosts Sunday training sessions at the sports field, transporting the youngsters there from Hillbrow, Soweto and Vlakfontein, in addition to three weekly training sessions at the World of Warriors gym in Edenvale. EFC Africa athletes Wade Henderson, Gareth Mclellan, Demarte Pena and many others offer their time free of charge to the project.

"The purpose of the Fight Stars 2 event," said Cignoli, "is, of course, to provide a quality platform for amateur MMA athletes to compete, but for us it is also the place our youngsters can look up to, where they know that if they work hard they can one day compete, and from there, hopefully in EFC Africa."

All fights are sanctioned by SASCOC and Martial Arts South Africa. Many EFC Africa star athletes will be in attendance as fans. Tickets are R150 each and the action starts at 6pm. For further information contact az.oc.klatkcams@o.tnarG or Pietro on +27 (0)83 292 0700.