Visiting the local Mile High Kickboxing Club, established in 1999 and running classes twice a week at the Kings Beach Surf Lifesaving Club facilities, offers a glimpse into the world of combat sports.
With over 30 years of kickboxing experience under his 6th dan black belt, Springbok kickboxer, Shihan Shaun Römer, runs the club where members, in Römer’s own words, “kick a mile high”.
Currently, the club has 38 members of various ages and approximately 16 students train at a time.
Even though the club went through many changes, Römer ensured that it is still going strong.
Similarly, his own life has also had its fair share of punches but giving up has never been on the cards for Römer. His journey reflects the principles underlying this martial art form: resilience, focus and persistence.
“I started martial arts when I was 30 and began kickboxing in 1993.”
His love for combat sports started in the army when he was part of a special task team with the Marines.
“I enjoyed ‘Krav-Maga’ military type armed and unarmed fighting. It stuck with me. Self-defence is what I love.”
It becomes clear that self-defence strategies have proven useful throughout the trials that life has thrown at him.
“I had a motorbike accident when I was 26 years old, and the doctor said I’d never walk again. With nine breaks in my hip and a deformed foot, I was in traction for two months and had to walk with crutches for two years.”
But Römer refused to throw in the towel and stayed focused.
“My son started kickboxing when he was six years old. The instructor told me to also get on the mat and just start working, start playing.”
Rolling with the punches, Römer followed through, and slowly but surely his brain and body started co-operating. His healing was a combination of determination, ceaselessly continuing with physical training and belief.
After a friend prayed for him, his leg was miraculously healed.
“I could tell my leg to lift, kick and I have walked ever since.”
Römer pulls no punches when talking about kickboxing as a discipline.
“Kickboxing is not for the faint-hearted. It’s a mind thing. I’ve had a few broken ribs before but never a bleeding nose. I keep my head out of the way.”
Although his head is kept out of harm’s way, it is apparent that it is exactly where it should be when he speaks about his passion. Römer enjoys imparting his knowledge and skills and helping others to master techniques in overcoming all kinds of obstacles, be they physical or mental barriers
“I love teaching disciplines. My game, while I’m still here, is to teach somebody something.”
Römer’s hands-on approach is evident throughout the high-intensity warm-up kick-off, followed by working on self-defence techniques, and after, a sparring session. All the while demonstrating and facilitating, Römer’s easy and confident way inspires, encourages and motivates his students.
The transformative impact and life-changing effects that kickboxing has had on so many people’s lives that he’s trained makes it worthwhile.
“I’ve had people who started classes quite late in life. Even though they are too old to grade, kickboxing has helped them to find a new avenue. Kickboxing gave many of my students the strength to carry on, make new friends, overcome shyness and gave them back their self-confidence.”
Ensuring his students are well-prepared for grading is very important to him.
“Grading is not easy. It’s as much a mental as a technical test.”
On asking Römer what his favourite move is, he laughs and answers, “The powerful back kick.”
He has no plans, however, to kick back and relax any time soon.
“The fighting is hard but once you’ve started and you’re hooked, you can’t but continue.”
As the fast-paced action unfolds in front of me, I get drawn into the almost hypnotic rhythm of strikes and footwork. Like a synchronised dance of defensive moves and strategy, every individual is acutely aware and fully present as Römer continues to shape and mentor his students.
When the class is finished, the students roll up the floor mat in no time with military precision and a strong sense of unspoken trust, mutual respect and camaraderie between them.
Outside, darkness has set in, reminding me of something I’ve read: receiving a black belt signifies stepping out into the darkness beyond the sun to gain an ever deeper understanding of a discipline and passing on knowledge to help others shine.
