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At first glance, it\u2019s hard to imagine a school student balancing the demands of academics with the intense training schedule of an international kickboxer. But for Caylin Majiedt, a rising star in the world of kickboxing, these two worlds are not only compatible \u2013 they\u2019re the driving forces behind her remarkable achievements.<\/p>\n
Caylin\u2019s kickboxing journey is one that blends passion, perseverance and a little bit of serendipity. Initially, she wanted to pursue boxing, but a conversation with her father\u2019s friend steered her towards kickboxing instead. With the full support of her father, Donovan, Caylin joined Lengau Martial Arts Academy under the guidance of Sensei Brendan Davis. What started as a new challenge quickly turned into a defining passion. \u201cI initially wanted to do only boxing, but my dad and Uncle Pieter encouraged me to try kickboxing. My father supported me, and the rest is history.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of Caylin\u2019s defining moments came when she represented the Free State at the national championships and claimed the SA under 70kg full contact title. \u201cIt was both unbelievable and unreal,\u201d she says. \u201cIt felt like a dream, but it also made me realise that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and give your best.\u201d This victory set the stage for her most significant achievement to date \u2013 the World Junior Kickboxing Championships.<\/p>\n
Representing South Africa at the World Championships was a milestone that Caylin will never forget. \u201cIt was an honour representing my country,\u201d she recalls. \u201cWearing the national colours on the international stage was an unforgettable experience. Knowing that I wasn\u2019t just competing for myself, but for the whole nation, was humbling.\u201d<\/p>\n
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In the end, her hard work paid off when she won a bronze medal, ranking third in the world in her weight division. It was a proud moment for Caylin, not just for the medal but for the realisation that her dedication had brought her to the pinnacle of her sport. \u201cThe most challenging part of the competition is the pressure to perform,\u201d she admits. \u201cThere\u2019s a high expectation from supporters, especially my local club and coach. It\u2019s intense, but it\u2019s also what pushes me to keep going.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kickboxing is as much a mental challenge as it is a physical one, and Caylin understands this better than most. Training five times a week, for at least 2 hours per session, she\u2019s constantly pushing her body to its limits while also maintaining a sharp mental focus. \u201cKickboxing is one of the toughest sports, both mentally and physically,\u201d she says. \u201cThe preparation is intense, and the mental part is equally as important as the physical training. I visualise my fight, imagine my opponent, and mentally prepare for every possible scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Despite the intense physical demands, Caylin has learned to embrace the challenges. Injuries, including a broken nose and various bruises, are part of the sport, but she views them as learning experiences. \u201cInjuries are unavoidable, but they teach you resilience,\u201d she says. \u201cYou always learn something from them, whether it\u2019s about technique, conditioning, or perseverance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Support plays a crucial role in Caylin\u2019s success. Her father, who shares her passion for combat sports, has been her constant companion and strongest supporter. \u201cHe\u2019s been there for every training session, every tournament, and every fight,\u201d she says. \u201cHe\u2019s always in my corner, literally and figuratively. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d be where I am without his help and encouragement.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Caylin\u2019s success in the ring is remarkable, it\u2019s her ability to balance her kickboxing career with her schoolwork that truly sets her apart. \u201cBalancing school and kickboxing is challenging, but I\u2019ve learned to manage my time effectively,\u201d she says. \u201cKickboxing has taught me discipline, and I make sure I finish all my school assignments and study before I go to training.\u201d<\/p>\n
But balancing academics with training comes with its sacrifices. \u201cI\u2019ve had to cancel plans with friends and family countless times,\u201d she admits. \u201cMost weekends are spent training or doing schoolwork, but I make time for my few close friends. It\u2019s about prioritising what\u2019s important.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sacrifices extend to times when big competitions coincide with school exams. When the Junior World Championships overlapped with her Matric Prelim exams, Caylin\u2019s school made special arrangements, allowing her to focus fully on the competition. \u201cI\u2019m grateful for the support from my school,\u201d she says. \u201cThey allowed me to write the exams after I returned, which gave me the chance to perform at my best in the competition.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Despite her success, Caylin remains focused on her education and future career. Next year, she plans to study either Occupational Therapy or Veterinary Science, fields that are both time-consuming and challenging. However, she\u2019s not ready to leave kickboxing behind. \u201cA professional career in kickboxing may not be possible right now due to my studies, but I\u2019ll continue to compete at the level I am now,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019ve learned how to balance both, and I\u2019ll keep doing that for as long as I can.\u201d<\/p>\n
While Caylin is focused on her academic goals, she\u2019s also looking to the future of her kickboxing career. \u201cOne day, I want to become a professional kickboxing champion,\u201d she says. \u201cI\u2019d also like to try MMA, although my dad is not too keen on the idea. He thinks it\u2019s too risky, especially for my face! But I\u2019d love to give it a try,\u201d she laughed.<\/p>\n
Even when her competitive days come to an end, Caylin hopes to stay involved in kickboxing, whether as a coach or mentor to upcoming fighters. \u201cKickboxing has given me so much,\u201d she reflects. \u201cI want to give back to the sport, whether it\u2019s through coaching or mentorship. I want to help the next generation achieve what I\u2019ve been able to achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n
For young athletes hoping to follow in Caylin\u2019s footsteps, she has some practical advice. \u201cTime management is key,\u201d she says. \u201cYou need to prioritise what\u2019s important for your future. Find a routine that allows you to balance school and training without letting one take over the other. It\u2019s all about creating a fixed schedule and sticking to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caylin Majiedt\u2019s journey is a testament to what can be achieved with dedication, hard work, and a clear sense of purpose. From the intense training sessions to the pressure-filled moments on the world stage, she has proven that success isn\u2019t just about talent \u2013 it\u2019s about resilience, discipline, and the willingness to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenge. Whether in the classroom or the ring, Caylin is a true champion, and her story is only just beginning.<\/p>\n
Right now, she is preparing for the African Kickboxing Championships taking place in Johannesburg from 9 to 12 December.<\/p>\n
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Text: Warren Hawkins, Photos: Gino Harmse<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Caylin Majiedt is an aspiring kickboxer who represented her country at the World Kickboxing Championships, she is also a full-time matric learner who has managed to juggle her responsibilities to each discipline perfectly. At first glance, it\u2019s hard to imagine a school student balancing the demands of academics with the intense training schedule of an […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":103,"featured_media":18398,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[40,31],"tags":[7412,7411,7413],"class_list":{"0":"post-18397","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-people","8":"category-sponsored","9":"tag-caylin-majiedt","10":"tag-caylin-majiedt-a-champion-both-in-the-classroom-and-the-ring","11":"tag-world-kickboxing-championships"},"yoast_head":"\n