Legion Fitness Academy puts Athlone talent on the national MMA map
Legion Fitness Academy has 11 fighters on their way to the national cahmpionships. Pictured are some of the fighters from left to right, Iderees Galsoolker, coach Irfaan Gool, Xavier Cornelius and Haseen Gool. Kneeling is Taine Thorne.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
When asked who his hero is and the person he looks up to the most, Haseen Gool does not hesitate. The 14-year-old points straight to his father, the man who introduced him to martial arts and set him on his current path.
Gool says he not only wants to emulate his dad but hopes to take his own martial arts career even further and make a name for himself in the sport.
Despite having been involved in competitive martial arts for just three months, the young fighter is already on his way to the national championships, where he will proudly represent Western Province.
“The lessons I’ve learned through martial arts and competing have been the highlights for me,” said Haseen.
“I was excited when I made the WP team and didn’t really know what to feel. I’m looking forward to the experience I’m going to gain at the nationals, and my dream is to turn professional one day.”
Standing alongside him is 12-year-old Iderees Galsoolker, who, like Haseen, will be representing Western Province at the MMA national championships in Johannesburg in June. Galsoolker admits that the opportunity to compete on the national stage brings mixed emotions.
“There’s excitement and nerves,” he said, “but most of all I’m looking forward to showcasing my skills at the national level.”
Galsoolker has been competing for less than a year, but says fighting competitively makes sense because MMA is the sport he has truly fallen in love with.
Hard at work as Coach Gool puts Cornelius through some padwork.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
The two youngsters are among 11 competitors from Athlone-based Legion Fitness Academy who have qualified for the national championships. Their success is credited to the work of head instructor and founder Irfaan Gool, who started the gym with the goal of giving young people in the area a safe and accessible martial arts home.
“The plan was just to send them to the Western Province trials so they could gain experience and know what to expect next year,” said Gool. “Then suddenly, boom, they made the team. We weren’t expecting it, but it turns out our boys have real skill, even with the little time we’ve had to work.”
One of the biggest challenges facing smaller gyms like Legion Fitness Academy is the financial burden that comes with national competitions. Fighters are required to raise their own funds to attend, but that has not deterred Gool.
Father and son Irfaan and Haseen Gool will hope to return to Cape Town in June with gold.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Each competitor needs approximately R7 550 to cover flights, accommodation, WP kits and other expenses. To assist with this, the gym has launched a fundraising initiative.
“We’re hosting our first fundraiser on January 31,” said Gool. “We’re currently selling tickets for a braai day to help get our fighters to the nationals.”
Those wishing to support Legion Fitness Academy can contact the club on 067 268 4221 or email legionfitnessacademy@gmail.com
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