That was the beauty and the tragedy of Fightingkids. It was supposed to be a simple directory for amateur youth combat sports—a place to organize inter-club tournaments. But somewhere along the line, the "Clubs" became gangs, the "Tournaments" became battlegrounds, and the "Rankings" became a currency more valuable than the Rand.
The reports highlighted that the children were paid to participate in these sessions. Fightingkids.com South Africa
Long before modern boxing rings or MMA cages, South African youth engaged in (known as Donga or Ulagala ). Historically, this was more than a sport; it was a rite of passage for young boys herding cattle. It taught them the essential skills of defense and precision using two sticks—one for striking and one for blocking. Today, this tradition is preserved as a cultural sport, emphasizing that "fighting" can be a disciplined art form that fosters respect for one’s opponent and heritage. The Rise of Modern Combat Sports That was the beauty and the tragedy of Fightingkids