Keeping Up With The Kickboxer –

JUSTISIA SHIPENA
Precious Nghitaunapo



James-Dean Goagoseb is a Namibian Kickboxer at Westside High School. He found interest in the Japanese originated sport.

Kickboxing is a Japanese hybrid martial art basically compromising of elements of punching and kicking. It is a mixture of Karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing.

“Kickboxing is a hobby i am very passionate about. It’s extraordinary and the fact that it’s extraordinary makes it an extraordinary hobby. I also love the individuality that surrounds it-it is just you and your opponent.”

James will be taking part in the Annual Martial Arts Competition, Battle of Atlanta, in 14 June 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Apart from Battle of Atlanta, James has participated in several major events. For him the Desert Storm has by far been the most memorable.

The Desert Storm competition was the determining factor for whether or not he qualifies for the for the Namibian National team. Having attend this major event twice, he made the national team and managed to bring home gold and silver medals.

James has progressed massively as a kickboxer he says, “My sensei jokes about this all the time. When I first started, I was a chubby boy who couldn’t even kick higher than my hipsl.” He adds that he has become way more confident entering the ring and is now a national Namibian kickboxer with several gold medals.

His biggest achievements were obtaining a brown belt as a result of hours of training and becoming a part of the national fighter.

“I am driven by ambition and determination. In life, everything you do needs to be done purposefully, then you know that your purpose is fulfilled”

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