EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Graaff-Reinet Raptors Mixed Martial Arts Club recently represented the Eastern Cape Province at the 2026 Martial Arts South Africa (Masa) National Championships & Festival that was hosted in Pretoria.
This event brought together about 900 competitors representing more than 30 clubs and affiliated organisations from all nine South African provinces.
Over three days, participating martial arts students showcased exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship in one of the country’s largest multi-style martial arts events.
The Graaff-Reinet Raptors students delivered an exceptional performance, collectively securing an impressive 67 medals.
29 gold: Combat League Points Fighting (10), Combat League Continuous Fighting (5), Combat League Low Kick (4), No-GI Grappling (4), and Traditional Combat Weapons (6).
24 silver: Combat League Points Fighting (6), Combat League Continuous Fighting (7), Combat League Low Kick (5), No-GI Grappling (3), and Traditional Combat Weapons (3).
14 bronze: Combat League Points Fighting (4), Combat League Continuous Fighting (4), Combat League Low Kick (1) No-GI Grappling (3), and Traditional Combat Weapons (2).
Sensei Aleta van den Bosch expressed immense pride in her students’ achievements.
“It was a highly competitive event, bringing together organisations and participants from across several provinces, but the Graaff-Reinet Raptors students rose to the challenge and performed exceptionally well,” she said.
The Graaff-Reinet Raptors’ participation in the 2026 Masa National Championships & Festival followed a highly successful showing at the 2026 Eastern Cape Masa Provincial
Championships in Despatch where participating students collectively secured 89 medals.
33 gold: Points Fighting (7), Continuous Fighting (7), No-GI Grappling (6), MMA Light (5) and Combat Weapons (8).
39 silver: Points Fighting (6), Continuous Fighting (6), No-GI Grappling (11), MMA Light (11) and Combat Weapons (5).
17 bronze: Points Fighting (5), No-GI Grappling (2), MMA Light (5) and Combat Weapons (5).
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