Unsanctioned event in South Africa draws criticism

Mixed martial arts is finally regulated everywhere in North America, but internationally it varies. In South Africa an image recently emerged of two amateur, under-18 competitors fighting under professional rules.

SA’s CageSide blog noted the reactions.

Allegations were leveled against the owner of the promotion where the picture was taken, Henri Eksteen. Allegations stated that all the amateur fighters at the promotions hosted by Eksteen are subjected to Pro MMA rules. It was also alleged that prize money is paid to the competing athletes, which is apparently not allowed in amateur MMA events. Further allegations stated that the events hosted by Eksteen are not sanctioned by any body.

The safety of the athletes was questioned by the MMA community based on that image. However, some people also questioned MMA SA and MASA, saying that the bodies knows about these events but are not doing anything about it.

The sanctioning body Martial Arts South Africa published a strong message.

This letter serves to confirm to all parties involved in this competition that this event took place outside of the authority of Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) and our member Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMA SA).

This in effect means that this event was not sanctioned by any national body with affiliations to SASCOC and the department of Sport and Recreation. That this event was allowed to take place is of serious concern to us and should be to all sports people and especially those in the martial arts fraternity. This means that this event did not have any sanctioning and should categorically not have been allowed to take place as the tournament organisers are operating without adhering to our (MASA) or MMA SA’s constitution, rules or regulations and did not have permission to host this event.

In addition to the violation of these requirements, a number of safety issues have been brought to our attention, which are in clear contravention of accepted martial arts practices, these contraventions have placed these athletes at much greater risk of injury and this is especially concerning as a large number are under the age of 18 and are therefore minor athletes. We have instructed our member MMA SA to open a case at the Polokwane police station with their local branch as they have more knowledge of the exact nature of the event and can furnish the police with accurate information.

We wish to state to all those involved in this event – competitors, parents, spectators, organisers, officials, venue, sponsors etc. that you have participated in an unsafe and unsanctioned event and are operating outside the bounds of ethical martial arts in South Africa.

Gregory Hart, Secretary General MASA

The promoter Henri Eksteen posted two long, irate, and not entirely coherent rebuttals on his Facebook page, that can be read here and her. It likely aids comprehension if you speak Loon.

“SAY AGAIN FOR THE RECORD WE ARE UNIQUE AND WE DO NOT DO THE NORMAL TYPE OF MMA,” explained Mr. Eksteen, REALLY LOUDLY. “OURS IS A STREET-WISE OLD SCHOOL TYPE OF MMA WITH A DIFFERENT FLAVOUR to it.”

It turns out that the bouts are sanctioned by Wimaao Lbg, described by Mr. Eksteen as his “international counterpart,” and that Mr. Eksteen is the SA representative. So the promoter was apparently sanctioning himself, via his position as the SA rep of Wimaao Lbg. That alone betrays a disqualifying lack of understanding about sanctioning.

Unfortunately, nowhere does Mr. Eksteen contradict that he is holding pro rules MMA fights with youth competitors. And nowhere in the world is that okay.

It was tried in Chechenya, by the president of the country, and even then it didn’t work out. It’s not okay in Polokwane, either.