From fitness to World Champion: Rachelle Seyfferdt's journey to kickboxing gold

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa’s Rachelle 'Rambo' Seyfferdt has punched her way to the top of the kickboxing world and she’s only just getting started.

Seyfferdt, who began kickboxing in 2019 for fitness, is now a full-time instructor at Triple Threat Dojo and a world champion.

At the WKO Open World Championships in Barnsley, United Kingdom, she won four silver medals and one gold.

“I got into kickboxing in May 2019. Around that time, I had been out of school for two years. I was lifting weights and considering dance or fitness classes, something that could combine learning and exercise, the best of both worlds,” she said.

The South African team delivered strong performances at the competition, bringing home multiple gold and silver medals across various divisions.

“The African kickboxing scene is definitely growing. It's improving every day. Many organisations are working hard and dedicating hours to raising the standard of fighting in South Africa. While we don’t yet meet international standards, we’re getting closer. A few amateurs already hold their own overseas, showing what’s possible,” Seyfferdt added.

She told Eyewitness News that a friend introduced her to promotion classes at her dojo, where students earned points for progression, which encouraged her to join.

“I thought, this is really cool, exactly what I’ve been looking for. So, I went with her. Everyone was welcoming and understanding, and it was such a great space to start training. I ended up staying,” she said.

In 2022, Seyfferdt competed in her first national championships through the South African Kickboxing Association (SAKA), winning a silver medal in light continuous fighting and a gold in Kick Light. In 2023, she secured another silver in light continuous and a gold in Kick Light in the under-65kg category at Nationals.

“I’ve had incredible support from my family. They’ve helped me emotionally, financially, and in every way possible so I could pursue kickboxing as a career. But ultimately, I’ve been driving this journey myself - they do their thing and I do mine,” she said.